THE PRESIDENT. Of what? Of the acquittal? What does it matter to me? I don't care--on the contrary, I prefer it. I am certain the advocate won't ferret out some unintentional defect--some formality gone wrong. Where's my hat-box? _He is about to stand on a chair to reach the hat-box, which is on the top of a cupboard. Bunerat precedes him._ BUNERAT. Permit me, Monsieur. You are at home here. [_From the chair_] I believe I shall have the pleasure of seeing you here again next session. [_He sighs, holding out the hat-box_] THE PRESIDENT. A pleasure I shall share, my dear fellow. [_He takes out a small felt hat from the box_] BUNERAT. Would you like a brush? There's Mouzon's brush. [_A sigh_] Ah, good God, when shall I leave Mauleon? I should so like to live at Pau! THE PRESIDENT. Pooh! A much overrated city! Come, come! BUNERAT. I suppose my new duties won't take me there yet? THE PRESIDENT. Don't you worry yourself. In the winter, yes, it's very well--but the summer--ah, the summer. BUNERAT. I am not the one appointed? THE PRESIDENT. Ah! You know already? BUNERAT. Yes--I--yes--that is to say, I didn't know it was official. THE PRESIDENT [_brushing his hat and catching sight of a dent_] Dented already. In these days the hats they sell you for felt, my dear chap, they're paste-board, simply-- BUNERAT. True. Yes, I didn't know it was official. Monsieur Mouzon is very lucky. _Enter Vagret in mufti._ THE PRESIDENT. There, there is our dear Monsieur Vagret. Changed your dress already. Yes, you're at home, you. For my part I must pack up all this. Where the devil is the box I put my gown in? [_Bunerat makes a step to fetch it and then remains motionless_] It's curious--that--what have they done with it? In that cupboard--you haven't seen it, my dear Monsieur Bunerat? BUNERAT. No. THE PRESIDENT. Ah, here it is--and my jacket in it. [_He opens the box and takes out his jacket, which he lays aside on the table_] Well, well, you've got them acquitted, my dear sir! Are you satisfied? VAGRET. I am very glad. THE PRESIDENT. And if they are the murderers? VAGRET. I must console myself with Berryer's remark: "It is better to leave ten guilty men at liberty than to punish one innocent man." THE PRESIDENT. You have a sensitive nature. VAGRET. Ought one to have a heart of stone, then, to be a magistrate? THE PRESIDENT [_tying up the box in which he has put his judge's bonnet_] One must keep oneself above the little miseries of humanity. VAGRET. Above the miseries of others. THE PRESIDENT. Hang it all-- VAGRET. That is what we call egoism. THE PRESIDENT. Do you say that for my benefit? VAGRET. For all three of us. BUNERAT. Au revoir, gentlemen. Au revoir. [_He shakes hands with each and goes out_] THE PRESIDENT [_taking off his gown_] My dear Monsieur, I beg you to be more moderate in your remarks. VAGRET. Ah, I assure you that I am moderate! If I were to speak what is in my mind, you would hear very unpleasant things.