Although Balzajette read only a morning paper, and never opened a book, he had heard of Saniel’s reputation, and because he was young he thought he might manage this ‘confrere’, who seemed destined to make a good position.  In spite of the high esteem that he professed for his own merits and person, he vaguely felt that the doctors of his generation who were eminent did not treat him with all the consideration that he accorded himself, and in order to teach his ancient comrades a lesson, he was glad to enter into friendly relations with a young one ’dans le mouvement’.  He would speak of his young confrere Saniel:  “You know the one who was appointed ’agrege’,” and he would relate the advice that he, Balzajette, had given him.

That Madame Dammauville would be well enough to go to court Saniel doubted, above all, after Balzajette had explained his treatment; and as far as he was concerned, he could not but rejoice.  Doubtless, it would be hard for Florentin not to have this testimony, and not to profit by the ‘coup de theatre’ prepared by Nougarede; but for himself, he could only feel happy over it.  In spite of all the precautions he had taken, it would be better not to expose himself to a meeting with Madame Dammauville in the witness-chamber, or even in court.  They must depend upon a letter supported by Balzajette’s deposition, and Florentin would be not the less acquitted.  Only Nougarede would have to regret his ’coup de theatre’.  But the satisfaction or disappointment of Nougarede was nothing to him.

But he did not tell Phillis the ideas suggested by his interview with Balzajette; he summed up the conclusions of this interview.  Balzajette said that Madame Dammauville would soon be on her feet, and one might have faith in his word; Florentin would be saved, and there was nothing to do but to let things go on as they were going.

Phillis, Madame Cormier, Nougarede, Florentin himself, whom the Mazas cell had reconciled neither with hope nor with providential justice, were all delighted with this idea.

Also, when the chamber of the prosecution sent Florent to the assizes, the emotion of Madame Cormier and Phillis would not be too violent.  Madame Dammauville would be in a state to make her deposition, since the evening before she had been able to leave her bed; and although she left it for only an hour, and then to go from her bedroom to her parlor, that was enough.  Nougarede said that the affair would come on at the second session in April; between then and now Madame Dammauville would be solid enough on her legs to appear before the jury and carry the acquittal.

To Phillis, Saniel repeated that the cure was certain, and to her, also, he rejoiced aloud.  But he was troubled about this cure.  This meeting, only the idea of which had alarmed him to the point of losing his head, would be brought about, and under conditions that could not but affect him.  Truly, the precautions he had taken should reassure him, but after all there remained no less a troublesome uncertainty.  Who could tell?  He preferred that she should not leave her room, and that Nougarede should find a way to obtain her deposition without taking her to court; he would then feel more reassured, more calm in mind, and with a more impassive face he could go to court.