“We have sent to the hospital to inquire from the lady superior how the poor idiot is, who has taken such a prominent part in the bloody drama at Valpinson.  His mental condition remains unchanged since he has been examined by experts.  The spark of intelligence which the crime had elicited seems to be extinguished entirely and forever.  It is impossible to obtain a word from him.  He is, however, not locked up.  Inoffensive and gentle, like a poor animal that has lost its master, he wanders mournfully through the courts and gardens of the hospital.  Dr. S., who used to take a lively interest in him, hardly ever sees him now.

“It was thought at one time, that C. would be summoned to give evidence in the approaching trial.  We are informed by high authority, that such a dramatic scene must not be expected to take place.  C. will not appear before the jury.”

“Certainly, Cocoleu’s deposition must have been an interposition of Providence,” said people who were not far from believing that it was a genuine miracle.

The next day the editor took M. Galpin in hand.

“M.  G., the eminent magistrate, is very unwell just now, and very naturally so after an investigation of such length and importance as that which preceded the Boiscoran trial.  We are told that he only awaits the decree of the court, to ask for a furlough and to go to one of the rural stations of the Pyrenees.”

Then came Jacques’s turn,—­

“M.  J. de B. stands his imprisonment better than could be expected.  According to direct information, his health is excellent, and his spirits do not seem to have suffered.  He reads much, and spends part of the night in preparing his defence, and making notes for his counsel.”

Then came, from day to day, smaller items,—­

“M.  J. de B. is no longer in close confinement.”

Or,—­

“M. de B. had this morning an interview with his counsel, M. M., the most eminent member of our bar, and M. F., a young but distinguished advocate from Paris.  The conference lasted several hours.  We abstain from giving details; but our readers will understand the reserve required in the case of an accused who insists upon protesting energetically that he is innocent.”

And, again,—­

“M. de B. was yesterday visited by his mother.”

Or, finally,—­

“We hear at the last moment that the Marchioness de B. and M. Folgat have left for Paris.  Our correspondent in P. writes us that the decree of the court will not be delayed much longer.”

Never had “The Sauveterre Independent” been read with so much interest.  And, as everybody endeavored to be better informed than his neighbor, quite a number of idle men had assumed the duty of watching Jacques’s friends, and spent their days in trying to find out what was going on at M. de Chandore’s house.  Thus it came about, that, on the evening of Dionysia’s visit to Jacques, the street was full of curious people.  Towards half-past ten, they saw M. de Chandore’s carriage come out of the courtyard, and draw up at the door.  At eleven o’clock M. de Chandore and Dr. Seignebos got in, the coachman whipped the horse, and they drove off.