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McCutcheon, George Barr, 1866-1928

"The Prince of Graustark"

"
"So you advise us to plead guilty as delicately as possible?"
"I shall not advise you, M'sieur, unless it pleases you to retain me
as your counsellor. The fee is small. Ten francs. Inasmuch as the
amount is charged against you in the supplemental costs, it seems
foolish not to take advantage of what you are obliged to pay for in
any event. You will have to pay my fee, so you may as well permit me
to be of service to you."
"My only concern is over Mademoiselle," said the Prince. "You may
send me to jail if you like, if you'll only--"
"Mon dieu! I am not the one who enjoys the distinguished honour of
being permitted to send people to jail, but the Judge, M'sieur."
"It is ridiculous to submit this innocent young lady to the
humiliation of--"
"It is not only ridiculous but criminal," said the advocate, with a
magnificent bow. "But what is one to do when it is the law? Of late,
the law is peculiarly sexless. And now here is where I come in. It is
I who shall instruct you--both of you, Mademoiselle--how to conduct
yourselves before the Magistrate.


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