“Mr. Gaunt, the best thing you can do is to make terms with the Baron de Croiseuil,” Mr. Stanley said when the story was finished.
“You may dismiss that idea from your mind. I intend to fight him,” Gaunt answered sternly.
“I see,” the solicitor remarked reflectively. “Of course you are in no great danger, for it is unlikely that they will convict you after the long delay; but you will certainly have to put up with a great deal of inconvenience. I must get away at once, for I should like Sir Richard Tester to have his brief to-night.”
“You think that he is the best man?”
“Undoubtedly, for he is so ultra-respectable. Mark my words, the other side will have Lester Ruggles. Good-bye, Mr. Gaunt, and don’t worry too much. You are quite sure you won’t make terms with the Baron?”
“Quite. Good-bye,” Gaunt answered laconically.
The cell was not entirely without comfort, and he settled himself down to wait for the morning. Try as he would he could not prevent himself from thinking of Lady Mildred, and he wondered how this wretched business would affect their relations. However, he told himself that her love would rise above worldly considerations and that, when he was free, she would receive him with open arms.
At last he fell asleep, and it was late when he awakened. Mr. Stanley arrived soon after ten o’clock and proceeded to question him closely. He then hurried away to embody the information he had received in the brief.
It was not until twelve o’clock that a policeman came and announced that the magistrate, Sir William Chandler, had arrived and that his attendance was required.
Gaunt’s face was rather pale, but his expression was calm when he entered the crowded court. All eyes were turned upon him, and the pencils of the press men became busy as he stood in the dock and bowed to the magistrate.