Before the session, Henferester, Flachsinfingen, and Sphex exchanged some cool civilities, at the same time scrutinizing each other with some anxiety; once the doctor thought of interesting Flachsinfingen in Létorière's favor; but he was afraid of compromising his _protégé_'s cause instead of helping it. The others, feeling a similar fear, concealed their intentions, and chattered about matters remote from the lawsuit. "This fine young man is surely going to lose his lawsuit; he will be the victim of the unjust partiality of my associates, but my voice at least shall be raised in his favor." Such was the private reflection of each judge. When the merits of the case had been set forth anew by the lawyers, after a long session occupied in listening to, not in discussing the facts, the three councillors arose and solemnly deposited their votes in the urn. The Baron of Henferester, who on that day presided over the court, ordered the recorder to examine the ballot. Each councillor had written on a slip of paper the name of the party who, in his opinion, had the right of the cause. The recorder plunged his hand into the urn, drew out a ballot, and read: _The Marquis of Létorière._ "That is my vote," said each councillor to himself. At the second ballot the recorder read again: _The Marquis of Létorière._ The councillors began to look at each other uneasily. On the third ballot the recorder again read: _The Marquis of Létorière._ The stupefaction of the three magistrates was complete. The recorder registered the judgment. All the judicial formalities having been fulfilled, the councillors returned to the council-room. Notwithstanding their joy at the Marquis's triumph, they were greatly astonished by this strange coincidence of opinion; so they were eager for an explanation. "How the devil did you ever come to vote for the Marquis?" impetuously cried the baron, addressing Flachsinfingen and Sphex. "I was going to ask you the same question," replied Sphex. "How is it that you decided to give him your vote? And you, too, Flachsinfingen?" "Oh, with me it is very different," said the baron. "Between ourselves we can speak frankly. You must admit that one founds his preferences on similarity of pursuits; is it not so? Well, it is because my dogs and those of the Marquis hunt together, as the saying is, that I have given my vote to him. In a word, he is a man whose character, manners, and habits please me. I promised him my vote, feeling that his cause was hopeless, knowing well that both of you would be hostile to him. I am delighted that he has gained it; but, may the devil strangle me if I can understand how and why you voted for him!" "The character and the habits of the Marquis please you?" cried Sphex and Flachsinfingen, with one voice, both astounded.