Chapter 38

THE RECORDER [_at the door_] Etchepare--come in. You had better wait here for your final discharge. It won't take much longer.

ETCHEPARE. Thank you, Monsieur.

THE RECORDER. Well, there you are, then, acquitted, my poor fellow! There's one matter done with.

ETCHEPARE. It's finished as far as justice is concerned, Monsieur; it isn't finished for me. I'm acquitted, it's true, but my life is made miserable.

THE RECORDER. You didn't know--

ETCHEPARE. That's it.

THE RECORDER. It's a long time ago--you'll forgive her.

ETCHEPARE. Things like that, Monsieur--a Basque never forgives them. It's as though a thunderbolt had struck me to the heart. And all the misfortune that's befallen us--it's she who is the cause--God has avenged himself. Everything's over.

THE RECORDER [_after a pause_] I am sorry for you with all my heart.

ETCHEPARE. Thank you, Monsieur. [_A pause_] Since you are so kind, Monsieur, will you allow my mother, who's there in the corridor, waiting for me, to come and speak to me?

THE RECORDER. I'll send her in to you. Good-bye.

ETCHEPARE. Good-bye.