The young advocate's heart beat high; he felt himself inspired by the
occasion; and although Jacques Rollet persisted in asserting his
innocence, founding his defence chiefly on circumstances which were
strongly corroborated by the information that had reached De Chaulieu
the preceding evening, he was nevertheless convicted.
In spite of the very strong doubts he privately entertained respecting
the justice of the verdict, even De Chaulieu himself, in the first flush
of success, amidst a crowd of congratulating friends and the approving
smiles of his mistress, felt gratified and happy; his speech had, for
the time being, not only convinced others but himself; warmed with his
own eloquence, he believed what he said. But when the glow was over,
and he found himself alone, he did not feel so comfortable. A latent
doubt of Rollet's guilt now pressed strongly on his mind, and he felt
that the blood of the innocent would be on his head. It was true there
was yet time to save the life of the prisoner; but to admit Jacques
innocent, was to take the glory out of his own speech, and turn the
sting of his argument against himself.
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