“And made him lie like a charlatan,” returned Canalis.
“A worthy victory,” said the honest Giraud. “In his place what would you have done?”
“I should have lied.”
“It isn’t called lying,” said Maxime de Trailles; “it is called protecting the crown.”
So saying, he led Canalis away to a little distance.
“That’s a great orator,” said Leon to Giraud, pointing to Canalis.
“Yes and no,” replied the councillor of state. “A fine bass voice, and sonorous, but more of an artist in words than an orator. In short, he’s a fine instrument but he isn’t music, consequently he has not, and he never will have, the ear of the Chamber; in no case will he ever be master of the situation.”
Canalis and Maxime were returning toward the little group as Giraud, deputy of the Left Centre, pronounced this verdict. Maxime took Giraud by the arm and led him off, probably to make the same confidence he had just made Canalis.
“What an honest, upright fellow that is,” said Leon to Canalis, nodding towards Giraud.
“One of those upright fellows who kill administrators,” replied Canalis.