Pagina 128 di 483

The picture was then produced which the servant had found in her

pocket; and when Elizabeth, in a faltering voice, proved that it

was the same which, an hour before the child had been missed, she

had placed round his neck, a murmur of horror and indignation

filled the court.

Justine was called on for her defence. As the trial had

proceeded, her countenance had altered. Surprise, horror, and

misery were strongly expressed. Sometimes she struggled with her

tears, but when she was desired to plead, she collected her

powers and spoke in an audible although variable voice.

"God knows," she said, "how entirely I am innocent. But I do not

pretend that my protestations should acquit me; I rest my

innocence on a plain and simple explanation of the facts which

have been adduced against me, and I hope the character I have

always borne will incline my judges to a favourable

interpretation where any circumstance appears doubtful or

suspicious."