THE PRESIDENT. One from Paris! Are you sure? LA BOUZOLE. He was standing near the prisoner's bench. THE PRESIDENT. He was left to stand! A journalist from Paris and he was left to stand! [_Catching sight of the recorder_] You knew that, Monsieur the recorder, and you didn't warn me? Is that how you perform your duties? Go at once and express my regret and find him a good seat; do you hear? RECORDER. Yes, your honor. [_He turns to go_] THE PRESIDENT [_running after him_] Here! [_Aside to the recorder_] Find out if he's annoyed. RECORDER. Yes, your honor. THE PRESIDENT. And then--[_He encounters Madame Bunerat at the door. Pardon, Madame. He goes out, running, lifting up his gown_] LA BOUZOLE. When I was at Montpellier I knew an old tenor who was as anxious as that at his third debut-- _Enter Mouzon. Frigid salutations._ MADAME BUNERAT [_after a pause_] Is it true, Monsieur Mouzon-- MADAME VAGRET. That the Attorney-General-- BUNERAT. Has arrived? MOUZON [_haughtily_] Quite true. BUNERAT. They say he brings a councillor's appointment. MOUZON. They say so. MADAME BUNERAT. And you don't know? MADAME VAGRET. You don't know? MOUZON. Nothing at all. BUNERAT. Does nothing lead you to suppose-- MOUZON. Nothing. RECORDER [_entering_] Here is his Honor the Attorney-General. MADAME BUNERAT. Oh, Lord! _She arranges her hair. Enter the Attorney-General, a man with handsome, grave, austere features._ ALL [_bowing and cringing, in a murmur_] His Honor the Attorney-General-- ATTORNEY-GENERAL. I think you can resume the hearing, gentlemen--I am only passing through Mauleon. I hope to return before long and make your better acquaintance. ALL. Your honor--[_They make ready to leave_] ATTORNEY-GENERAL. Monsieur Mouzon, will you remain? _Mouzon bows._ MADAME VAGRET [_as she goes out_] My respects--the honor--Monsieur-- ATTORNEY-GENERAL [_bowing_] Mr. President--Madame--Madame-- BUNERAT [_to his wife_] You see, that's it! _They go out._ MOUZON [_to the recorder, who is about to leave_] Well, my dear fellow, I believe my appointment is settled. RECORDER. I am delighted, Monsieur the Councillor! [_Exit_] SCENE V:--_Mouzon, Attorney-General. Mouzon rubs his hands together, bubbling with joy._ MOUZON [_obsequiously_] Your honor-- ATTORNEY-GENERAL. Sit down. [_Mouzon does so_] A report has come to my office from Bordeaux--which concerns you, Monsieur! [_Feeling in his portfolio_] Here it is. [_Reading_] Mouzon and the woman Pecquet. You know what it is? MOUZON [_not taking the matter seriously, forces a smile. After a long silence_] Yes, your honor-- ATTORNEY-GENERAL. I am waiting for your explanation. MOUZON [_as before_] You have been young, your honor-- ATTORNEY-GENERAL. Not to that extent, Monsieur! MOUZON. I admit I overstepped the mark a trifle.