pected in a judge, and under circumstances where
straightforwardness would have answered your purpose," she went on, "I
will tell you without subterfuge that my position in the world, and the
efforts I have to make to keep up my connection, are not in the least
to my taste. I began my life by a long period of solitude; but my
children's interest appealed to me; I felt that I must fill their
father's place. By receiving my friends, by keeping up all this
connection, by contracting these debts, I have secured their future
welfare; I have prepared for them a brilliant career where they will
find help and favor; and to have what has thus been acquired, many a man
of business, lawyer or banker, would gladly pay all it has cost me."

"I appreciate your devoted conduct, madame," replied Popinot. "It does
you honor, and I blame you for nothing. A judge belongs to all: he must
know and weigh every fact."

Madame d'Espard's tact and practice in estimating men made
her understand that M. Popinot was not to be influenced by any
consideration. She had counted on an ambitious lawyer, she had found
a man of conscience. She at once thought of finding other means for
securing the success of her side.

The servants brought in tea.

"Have you any further explanations to give me, madame?" said Popinot,
seeing these preparations.

"Monsieur," she replied haughtily, "do your business your own way;
question M. d'Espard, and you will pity me, I am sure." She raised her
head, looking Popinot in the face with pride, mingled with impertinence;
the worthy man bowed himself out respectfully.

"A nice man is your uncle," said Rastignac to Bianchon. "Is he really
so dense? Does not he know what the Marquise d'Espard is, what her
influence means, her unavowed power over people? The Keeper of the Seals
will be with her to-morrow----"

"My dear fellow, how can I help it?" said Bianchon. "Did not I warn you?
He is not a man you can get over."

"No," said Rastignac; "he is a man you must run over."

The doctor was obliged to make his bow to the Marquise and her mute
Chevalier to catch up Popinot, who, not being the man to endure an
embarrassing position, was pacing through the rooms.

"That woman owes a hundred thousand crowns," said the judge, as he
stepped into his nephew's cab.

"And what do you think of the case?"

"I," said the judge. "I never have an opinion till I have gone into
everything. To-morrow early I will send to Madame Jeanr