Some applauded, others hissed.
The trial itself was presided over by Monsieur de Rocouz, a judge
filled with the prejudice of his class, but a man honest at heart.
The witnesses had been called. I was there, of course, as were all
who had, in any way, been in touch with the mysteries of the
Glandier. Monsieur Stangerson--looking many years older and almost
unrecognisable--Larsan, Arthur Rance, with his face ruddy as ever,
Daddy Jacques, Daddy Mathieu, who was brought into court handcuffed
between two gendarmes, Madame Mathieu, in tears, the two Berniers,
the two nurses, the steward, all the domestics of the chateau, the
employe of the Paris Post Office, the railway employe from Epinay,
some friends of Monsieur and Mademoiselle Stangerson, and all
Monsieur Darzac's witnesses. I was lucky enough to be called early
in the trial, so that I was then able to watch and be present at
almost the whole of the proceedings.
The court was so crowded that many lawyers were compelled to find
seats on the steps. Behind the bench of justices were
representatives from other benches.
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