Camusot's post within the year. The public prosecutor -will
be here to-day. M. Sauvager will be obliged to resign, I
expect, after his conduct in this affair. At the court my hus-
band will show you documents which completely exonerate
the Count and prove that the forgery was a trap of du
Croisier's own setting."



288 THE JEALOUSIES OF A COUNTRY TOWN

Old Blondet went into the Olympic circus where his six
thousand pelargoniums stood, and made his bow to the
Duchess.
"Monsieur," said he, "if your wishes do not exceed the law,
this thing may be done."

"Monsieur," returned the Duchess, "send in your resigna-
tion to M. Chesnel to-morrow, and I will promise you that
your son shall be appointed within the week; but you must
not resign until you have had confirmation of my promise
from the public prosecutor. You men of law will come to
a better understanding among yourselves. Only let him
know that the Duchesse de Maufrigneuse has pledged her
word to you. And not a word as to my journey hither," she
added.
The old judge kissed her hand and began recklessly to
gather his best flowers for her.
