He was glad to see the
figure beside him presently straighten itself, as though to be braced for
a task of difficulty. Indignation and resentment were good things to
stiffen a man's back.
"It was three days ago," said M. Fille. "I saw it with my own eyes.
I had come to the Manor Cartier by the road, down the hill--Mont Violet--
behind the house. I could see into the windows of the house. There was
no reason why I should not see--there never has been a reason," he added,
as though to justify himself.
"Of course, of course, my friend. One's eyes are open, and one sees what
one sees, without looking for it. Proceed."
"As I looked down I saw Madame with a man's arms round her, and his lips
to hers. It was not Jean Jacques."
"Of course, of course. Proceed. What did you do?"
"I stopped. I fell back--"
"Of course. Behind a tree?"
"Behind some elderberry bushes."
"Of course. Elderberry bushes--that's better than a tree. I am very
fond of elderberry wine when it is new. Proceed."
The Clerk of the Court shrank. What did it matter whether or no the
Judge liked elderberry wine, when the world was falling down for Jean
Jacques and his Zoe--and his wife.
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