The ladies in light gowns yonder, behind the bench, looked like pale phantoms with all-devouring eyes, whilst the numerous groups of black-robed advocates formed large sombre patches which gradually spread everywhere.
The greyish painting of the Christ had already vanished, and on the walls one only saw the glaring white bust of the Republic, which resembled some frigid death's head starting forth from the darkness.
"Ah!" Massot once more exclaimed, "I knew that it wouldn't take long!" Indeed, the jurors were returning after less than a quarter of an hour's absence.

Then the judges likewise came back and took their seats.
Increased emotion stirred the throng, a great gust seemed to sweep through the court, a gust of anxiety, which made every head sway.

Some people had risen to their feet, and others gave vent to involuntary exclamations.

The foreman of the jury, a gentleman with a broad red face, had to wait a moment before speaking.

At last in a sharp but somewhat sputtering voice he declared: "On my honour and my conscience, before God and before man, the verdict of the jury is: on the question of Murder, yes, by a majority of votes."* * English readers may be reminded that in France the verdict of a majority of the jury suffices for conviction or acquittal.
If the jury is evenly divided the prisoner is acquitted .-- Trans.
The night had almost completely fallen when Salvat was once more brought in.