"I accept the responsibility for all that I have done."
"But you withdraw from the case?"
"In so far as I am concerned, yes."
"Then I must cancel your evidence and rely upon the unshaken testimony of M. Morestal: is that it?"
Philippe was silent.
"Eh, what?" cried Morestal. "You don't answer?"
There was a sort of entreaty in the old man's voice, a desperate appeal to Philippe's better feelings. His anger almost fell, so great was his unhappiness at seeing his son, his boy, a prey to this madness.
"You mean that, don't you?" he resumed, gently. "You mean that monsieur le ministre can and must abide by my declarations?"
"No," said Philippe, stubbornly.
Morestal started: