صفحة 137 من 483

Soon after we heard that the poor victim had expressed a desire

to see my cousin. My father wished her not to go but said that he

left it to her own judgment and feelings to decide. "Yes," said

Elizabeth, "I will go, although she is guilty; and you, Victor,

shall accompany me; I cannot go alone." The idea of this visit

was torture to me, yet I could not refuse.

We entered the gloomy prison chamber and beheld Justine sitting

on some straw at the farther end; her hands were manacled, and

her head rested on her knees. She rose on seeing us enter, and

when we were left alone with her, she threw herself at the feet

of Elizabeth, weeping bitterly. My cousin wept also.

"Oh, Justine!" said she. "Why did you rob me of my last

consolation? I relied on your innocence, and although I was then

very wretched, I was not so miserable as I am now."