But there were many more questions to be asked; and Anthony was in such a state of feverish excitement, that it was difficult to induce him to answer.  For it is not so easy to examine a man, however inclined he may be to answer.  It requires no small self-possession, much care, and an imperturbable method, without which the most important facts are apt to be overlooked.  M. Folgat began, therefore, after a moment’s pause, once more, saying,—­

“My good Anthony, I cannot praise your conduct in this matter too highly.  However, we have not done with it yet.  But as I have eaten nothing since I left Paris last night, and as I hear the bell strike twelve o’clock”—­

M. de Chandore seemed to be heartily ashamed, and broke in,—­

“Ah, forgetful old man that I am!  Why did I not think of it?  But you will pardon me, I am sure.  I am so completely upset.  Anthony, what can you let us have?”

“The housekeeper has eggs, potted fowl, ham”—­

“Whatever can be made ready first will be the best,” said the young lawyer.

“In a quarter of an hour the table shall be set,” replied the servant.

He hurried away, while M. de Chandore invited M. Folgat into the sitting-room.  The poor grandfather summoned all his energy to keep up appearances.

“This fact about the gun will save him, won’t it?” he asked.

“Perhaps so,” replied the famous advocate.

And they were silent,—­the grandfather thinking of the grief of his grandchild, and cursing the day on which he had opened his house to Jacques, and with him to such heart-rending anguish; the lawyer arranging in his mind the facts he had learned, and preparing the questions he was going to ask.  They were both so fully absorbed by their thoughts, that they started when Anthony reappeared, and said,—­

“Gentlemen, breakfast is ready!”

The table had been set in the dining-room; and, when the two gentlemen had taken their seats, old Anthony placed himself, his napkin over his arm, behind them; but M. de Chandore called him, saying,—­

“Put another plate, Anthony, and breakfast with us.”

“Oh, sir,” protested the old servant,—­“sir”—­

“Sit down,” repeated the baron:  “if you eat after us, you will make us lose time, and an old servant like you is a member of the family.”

Anthony obeyed, quite overcome, but blushing with delight at the honor that was done him; for the Baron de Chandore did not usually distinguish himself to familiarity.  When the ham and eggs of the housekeeper had been disposed of, M. Folgat said,—­

“Now let us go back to business.  Keep cool, my dear Anthony, and remember, that, unless we get the court to say that there is no case, your answers may become the basis of our defence.  What were M. de Boiscoran’s habits when he was here?”

“When he was here, sir, he had, so to say, no habits.  We came here very rarely, and only for a short time.”