Besides, we are all innocent till we are found out; it is a poor, common part to play and within the compass of the meanest.

The interesting thing surely is to be guilty and so wear as a halo the seduction of sin." Esterhazy appeared put out for a moment, and then he caught the genial gaiety of the reproof and the hint contained in it.

His vanity would not allow him to remain long in a secondary _role_, and so, to our amazement, he suddenly broke out: "Why should I not make my confession to you?
I will.

It is I, Esterhazy, who alone am guilty.

I wrote the _bordereau_.