human
Courage, courage, my good fellow! said Maitre Voigt, patting Obenreizer on the knee, in a fatherly and comforting way.
gpt
You will begin a new life to-morrow morning in my office here.
human
The gratitude is here, he said.
gpt
But the words to express it are not here.
human
Ta-ta-ta! Don't talk to me about gratitude! said Maitre Voigt.
gpt
I hate to see a man oppressed. I see you oppressed, and I hold out my hand to you by instinct. Besides, I am not too old yet, to remember my young days. Your father sent me my first client. (It was on a question of half an acre of vineyard that seldom bore any grapes.) Do I owe nothing to your father's son? I owe him a debt of friendly obligation, and I pay it to you. That's rather neatly expressed, I think, added Maitre Voigt, in high good humour with himself.
human
Permit me to reward my own merit with a pinch of snuff!
gpt
Do me one last favour, sir, he said, when he raised his eyes.
human
Do not act on impulse. Thus far, you have only a general knowledge of my position. Hear the case for and against me, in its details, before you take me into your office. Let my claim on your benevolence be recognised by your sound reason as well as by your excellent heart. In _that_ case, I may hold up my head against the bitterest of my enemies, and build myself a new reputation on the ruins of the character I have lost.
gpt
As you will, said Maitre Voigt.
human
You speak well, my son. You will be a fine lawyer one of these days.
gpt
The details are not many, pursued Obenreizer.
human
My troubles begin with the accidental death of my late travelling companion, my lost dear friend Mr. Vendale.
gpt
Mr. Vendale, repeated the notary.
human
Just so. I have heard and read of the name, several times within these two months. The name of the unfortunate English gentleman who was killed on the Simplon. When you got that scar upon your cheek and neck.
gpt
From your own knife, assented the notary,
human
But the world, sir, returned Obenreizer,
gpt
As I was saying, sir, the death of that dear travelling comrade begins my troubles. What follows? I save myself. I go down to Milan. I am received with coldness by Defresnier and Company. Shortly afterwards, I am discharged by Defresnier and Company. Why? They give no reason why. I ask, do they assail my honour? No answer. I ask, what is the imputation against me? No answer. I ask, where are their proofs against me? No answer. I ask, what am I to think? The reply is, 'M. Obenreizer is free to think what he will. What M. Obenreizer thinks, is of no importance to Defresnier and Company.' And that is all.
human
Perfectly. That is all,
gpt
But is that enough, sir?
human
That is not enough, said Maitre Voigt.
gpt
The House of Defresnier are my fellow townsmen--much respected, much esteemed--but the House of Defresnier must not silently destroy a man's character. You can rebut assertion. But how can you rebut silence?
human
Your sense of justice, my dear patron, answered Obenreizer,
gpt
True, my poor boy, said the notary, with a comforting nod or two;
human
Rebels is too soft a word, retorted Obenreizer.
gpt
My ward revolts from me with horror. My ward defies me. My ward withdraws herself from my authority, and takes shelter (Madame Dor with her) in the house of that English lawyer, Mr. Bintrey, who replies to your summons to her to submit herself to my authority, that she will not do so.
human
said the notary, moving his large snuff- box to look among the papers underneath it for the letter,
gpt
Indeed? replied Obenreizer, rather checked.
human
Well, sir. Have I no legal rights?
gpt
Assuredly, my poor boy, returned the notary.
human
All but felons have their legal rights.
gpt
And who calls me felon?
human
No one. Be calm under your wrongs. If the House of Defresnier would call you felon, indeed, we should know how to deal with them.
gpt
In saying, observed Obenreizer, with recovered composure,
human
You think so?
gpt
I am sure of it. I know him. He is obstinate and contentious. You will tell me, my dear sir, whether my authority is unassailable, until my ward is of age?
human
Absolutely unassailable.
gpt
I will enforce it. I will make her submit herself to it. For, said Obenreizer, changing his angry tone to one of grateful submission,
human
I owe it to you, sir; to you, who have so confidingly taken an injured man under your protection, and into your employment.
gpt
Make your mind easy, said Maitre Voigt.
human
No more of this now, and no thanks! Be here to-morrow morning, before the other clerk comes--between seven and eight. You will find me in this room; and I will myself initiate you in your work. Go away! go away! I have letters to write. I won't hear a word more.