The father of the present juge d’instruction died, after the Restoration, attorney-general of the provinces.
M. de la Varade spoke with extreme difficulty. Naturally mild and indolent, the magistracy had few charms for him. His profession caused him many torments and vexations; but he would have thought himself wanting in self-respect and regard for the memory of his ancestors had he not continued to exercise the functions of the office.
“A la Varade,” said he to his son, “must be a magistrate: his nobility demands it.”
When the magistrate was alone, he bitterly regretted that he was not able to pursue a more congenial career, and expend in the gratification of his tastes his income of sixty thousand livres. He often asked himself if a citizen was not justified in withdrawing from such severe duties, when the State possessed many thousands of persons quite competent to fill the vacancy. His wife said “yes,” but his conscience said “no.”
Madame de la Varade, who ardently desired to reside in Paris, sometimes said to her lord,—
“Please to explain, mon ami, what society gains by substituting a la Varade for a Rabauel—for example—to instruct the big thieves how to draw the little ones to Versailles. Do you imagine that with your name and fortune you could not render service to your country in any other way? A pleasant duty, truly, that which you have chosen. You will exercise your functions for about twenty-five years, and then, as a reward, you will be made President of the Court in some out-of-the-way province.”
“As my fathers have done,” replied the husband, “I will do; and, God willing, I hope my sons will imitate my example.”
The wife shrugged her shoulders; the mother sighed.
Eusebe entered the cabinet of this magistrate, bowed, and waited the examination.