"And I should never cease to regret my lack of ability to make you feel those sentiments and convictions which bid me declare in a loud voice, with my hand upon my heart—this woman is not guilty!"
[CHAPTER XXII]
MADAME X SPEAKS
The speech was over. For a moment there was an awed hush. Then Raymond dropped heavily into his chair—exhausted and limp. His body lay half-way across the table, his face buried in his arms. He did not know until it was all over what the effort had cost in nervous force. A listless indifference and the feeling that he had failed came as a reaction to the exaltation of a moment before.
A quivering sigh swept through the room, followed by sounds of snuffling and the violent blowing of noses! And the spell was broken. The President drew a long breath and was turning to address the jury when there was an unexpected interruption. Victor Chouquet, who probably alone of those in the courtroom had been unmoved—for the reason that he couldn't understand—had had time to look around him with boorish curiosity. He had seen two men who, while they were dry-eyed, were listening with the appreciation of experts.
"Excuse me, M. the President!" he cried, in his high drawl. The President started.
"Who is speaking?"
"I, M. the President!" And Victor rose. The judge glanced at him impatiently.
"Have you anything else to say?"