Behind him stood a private of the Garde de Paris who remained
respectfully on the threshold, his heels in a straight line, his right
hand raised to the peak of his shako, and his elbow on a level with his
eyes, in accordance with the regulations.
"The governor of the Depot," said the soldier, "sends me to inquire if
he is to keep the Widow Chupin in solitary confinement; she complains
bitterly about it."
M. Segmuller reflected for a moment. "Certainly," he murmured, as if
replying to an objection made by his own conscience; "certainly, it
is an undoubted aggravation of suffering; but if I allow this woman
to associate with the other prisoners, she will certainly find some
opportunity to communicate with parties outside. This must not be; the
interests of justice and truth must be considered first." The thought
embodied in these last words decided him. "Despite her complaints the
prisoner must be kept in solitary confinement until further orders," he
said.
The soldier allowed his right hand to fall to his side, he carried
his right foot three inches behind his left heel, and wheeled around.
Goguet, the smiling clerk, then closed the door, and, drawing a large
envelope from his pocket, handed it to the magistrate. "Here is a
communication from the governor of the Depot," said he.
The magistrate broke the seal, and read aloud, as follows:
"I feel compelled to advise M. Segmuller to take every precaution
with the view of assuring his own safety before proceeding with the
examination of the prisoner, May.
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