human
A fool of fools, said Pierre Lamont, looking after Fritz.
gpt
If he and the pretty Dionetta wed--it will be a suitable match for beauty to mate with folly--he will be father to a family of fools who may, in their way, be wiser in their generation than you and I. Your decision is irrevocable?
human
It is irrevocable.
gpt
If you do not find your wife you will endeavour to return to us?
human
I shall find her.
gpt
And then?
human
And then? echoed the Advocate absently, and added:
gpt
Who can tell what may happen from one hour to another?
human
How much does he know? thought Pierre Lamont;
gpt
Then he spoke aloud.
human
You said just now there are worse things than death.
gpt
Aye.
human
Disgrace?
gpt
In a certain form that may be borne, and life yet be worth the having.
human
Good. Dishonour?
gpt
It matters little, said the Advocate;
human
The argument would be too long, said Pierre Lamont with earnestness,
gpt
They have. You can read the signs in my face.
human
But if you have a secret, the revealing of which would be hurtful to you, cannot the mischief be averted? As far as I can expect you have been frank with me. Frankness for frankness. Say that the secret refers to Gautran and to your defence of him?
gpt
I have been living in a fool's paradise, said the Advocate with a scornful smile.
human
To whom is this known?
gpt
To Fritz the Fool, and to me, through him. He saw Gautran in your study after the trial----
human
Have I been watched?
gpt
The discovery was accidental. He was moved by some love-verses I read to him, and becoming sentimental, he dallied outside Dionetta's window, after the manner of foolish lovers. Then the lights of your study window attracted him, and he peeped through. When Gautran left the villa, Fritz followed him, and heard him in his terrified soliloquies proclaim his guilt. Were this to go out to the world, it would, according to its fashion, construe it in a manner which might be fatal to you. But Gautran is dead, and I can be silent, and can put a lock on Fritz's tongue--for in my soul I believe you were not aware the wretch was guilty when you defended him.
human
I thank you. I believed him to be innocent.
gpt
Why, then, my mind is easy. Friend, shake hands. He held the Advocate's hand in his thin fingers, and with something of wistfulness, said:
human
I would give a year of my life if I could prevail upon you to remain with us.
gpt
You cannot prevail upon me. So much being said between us, more is necessary. The avowal of my ignorance of Gautran's guilt at the time I defended him--I learnt it after the trial, mind you--will not avail me. A written confession,--sworn upon his dying oath, exists, which accuses me of that which the world will be ready to believe. Strange to say, this is my lightest trouble. There are others of graver moment which more vitally concern me--unknown to you, unless, indeed, you possess a wizard's art of divination.
human
Comrade, said Pierre Lamont, slowly and with emphasis,
gpt
Stop!