Страница 121 из 483

This was a strange tale, but it did not shake my faith; and I

replied earnestly, "You are all mistaken; I know the murderer.

Justine, poor, good Justine, is innocent."

At that instant my father entered. I saw unhappiness deeply

impressed on his countenance, but he endeavoured to welcome me

cheerfully; and, after we had exchanged our mournful greeting,

would have introduced some other topic than that of our disaster,

had not Ernest exclaimed, "Good God, papa! Victor says that he

knows who was the murderer of poor William."

"We do also, unfortunately," replied my father, "for indeed I had

rather have been for ever ignorant than have discovered so much

depravity and ungratitude in one I valued so highly."

"My dear father, you are mistaken; Justine is innocent."

"If she is, God forbid that she should suffer as guilty. She is

to be tried today, and I hope, I sincerely hope, that she will be

acquitted."