accustomed to keep cool when their opponents or their clients are in a
passion. "Well, then, we must fight it out," thought he, instantly
hitting on a plan to entrap her and show her her weakness.

"The proof that you received the first letter, madame, is that it
contained some securities--"

"Oh, as to securities--that it certainly did not."

"Then you received the letter," said Derville, smiling. "You are
caught, madame, in the first snare laid for you by an attorney, and
you fancy you could fight against Justice----"

The Countess colored, and then turned pale, hiding her face in her
hands. Then she shook off her shame, and retorted with the natural
impertinence of such women, "Since you are the so-called Chabert's
attorney, be so good as to--"

"Madame," said Derville, "I am at this moment as much your lawyer as I
am Colonel Chabert's. Do you suppose I want to lose so valuable a
client as you are?--But you are not listening."

"Nay, speak on, monsieur," said she graciously.

"Your fortune came to you from M. le Comte Chabert, and you cast him
off. Your fortune is immense, and you leave him to beg. An advocate
can be very eloquent when a cause is eloquent in itself; there are
here circumstances which might turn public opinion strongly against
you."