Dupre Don't talk in that way to a lawyer who for twenty years has practiced in the courts; who has studied men and affairs well enough to know that the finest motives are only assumed as a disguise for trumpery passions, and has never yet met a man whose heart was free from the calculations of self-interest. De Verby Do you ever take up a case without charging anything? Dupre I often do so; but I never act contrary to my convictions. De Verby I understand that you are rich? Dupre I have some fortune. Without it, in the world as at present constituted, I should be on the straight road for the poor-house. De Verby It is then from conviction, I suppose, that you have undertaken the defence of young Rousseau? Dupre Certainly. I believe him to be the dupe of others in a higher station, and I like those who allow themselves to be duped from generous motives and not from self-interest; for in these times the dupe is often as greedy after gain as the man who exploits him. De Verby You belong, I perceive, to the sect of misanthropes. Dupre I do not care enough for mankind to hate them, for I have never yet met any one I could love. I am contented with studying my fellow-men; for I see that they are all engaged in playing each, with more or less success, his own little comedy. I have no illusion about anything, it is true, but I smile at it all like a spectator who sits in a theatre to be amused. One thing I never do; I hiss at nothing; for I have not sufficient feeling about things for that. De Verby (aside) How is it possible to influence such a man? (Aloud) Nevertheless, monsieur, you must sometimes need the services of others? Dupre Never! De Verby But you are sometimes sick? Dupre Then I like to be alone. Moreover, at Paris, anything can be bought, even attendance on the sick; believe me I live because it is my duty to do so. I have tested everything--charity, friendship, unselfish devotion. Those who have received benefits have disgusted me with the doing of kindnesses. Certain philanthropists have made me feel a loathing for charity. And of all humbugs that of sentiment is the most hateful. De Verby And what of patriotism, monsieur? Dupre That is a very trifling matter, since the cry of humanity has been raised. De Verby (somewhat discouraged) And so you take Jules Rousseau for a young enthusiast? Dupre No, sir, nothing of the sort. He presents a problem which I have to solve, and with your assistance I shall reach the solution. (De Verby changes countenance.) Come, let us speak candidly. I believe that you know something about all this. De Verby What do you mean, sir? Dupre You can save the young man. De Verby I? What can I do? Dupre You can give testimony which Antoine will corroborate-- De Verby I have reasons for not appearing as a witness.