human
Master Servet, she said with decision,
gpt
I know you both by name and reputation. Throughout the bloody years that have just elapsed you have remained a partisan, if not a defender of the good cause. Therefore I come directly to you.
human
You do me honor, madame,
gpt
I shall therefore abandon all circumlocution or evasion, to which I might resort with a man whose opinions were less well-known to me, or who was suspected by me. I am a royalist. That gives you a right to my confidence. I know no one here, not even the president of the tribunal, for whom I have a letter from his brother-in-law at Avignon; it is therefore perfectly natural that I should address myself to you.
human
I am waiting, madame, said René Servet,
gpt
Have you heard, sir, that a young man named Lucien de Fargas was brought to the prison at Nantua a few days ago?
human
Alas! yes, madame; it seems that he is to be tried here, or rather at Bourg. He is a member, so I am told, of the secret society called the Companions of Jehu.
gpt
Do you know the purpose of that society, sir?
human
I believe that they are to seize the government money and to forward it to our friends in the Vendée and Brittany.
gpt
Exactly, sir; and the government treats these men like ordinary thieves!
human
I believe, madame, said René Servet, in a voice full of confidence,
gpt
But to come to the point. It was thought that my brother ran some risk in the prison at Avignon, and it was to protect him that he was removed to the other end of France. I wish to see him. To whom ought I to apply to obtain this favor?
human
Why, madame, to the very president to whom you have that letter.
gpt
What sort of a man is he?
human
A prudent man, but well-meaning, I hope. I will have you taken to his house whenever you wish.
gpt
But I cannot present myself at such an hour, she said.
human
Shall I go to bed? I am not sleepy. Then, after thinking for a moment, she asked:
gpt
On what side of the town is the prison?
human
If madame would like to take a turn that way, replied Master Servet,
gpt
I would beg the honor of accompanying her.
human
Very well, sir. Send me a glass of milk, coffee, tea, whatever you please, and finish your toilet. While I am waiting for leave to enter, I should like to see the walls behind which my brother is confined.