Seite 136 von 483

This was strange and unexpected intelligence; what could it mean?

Had my eyes deceived me? And was I really as mad as the whole

world would believe me to be if I disclosed the object of my

suspicions? I hastened to return home, and Elizabeth eagerly

demanded the result.

"My cousin," replied I, "it is decided as you may have expected;

all judges had rather that ten innocent should suffer than that

one guilty should escape. But she has confessed."

This was a dire blow to poor Elizabeth, who had relied with

firmness upon Justine's innocence. "Alas!" said she. "How shall I

ever again believe in human goodness? Justine, whom I loved and

esteemed as my sister, how could she put on those smiles of

innocence only to betray? Her mild eyes seemed incapable of any

severity or guile, and yet she has committed a murder."