reflected, I shall not have the same confidence in what you say
as I should have now. Possibly," and the judge spoke slowly and
with emphasis, "you have only had an indirect part in this crime;
if so--"

"Neither indirect nor direct," interrupted Guespin; and he added,
violently, "what misery! To be innocent, and not able to defend
myself."

"Since it is so," resumed M. Domini, "you should not object to be
placed before Mme. de Tremorel's body?"

The accused did not seem affected by this menace. He was conducted
into the hall whither they had fetched the countess. There, he
examined the body with a cold and calm eye. He said, simply:

"She is happier than I; she is dead, she suffers no longer; and I,
who am not guilty, am accused of her death."

M. Domini made one more effort.

"Come, Guespin; if in any way you know of this crime, I conjure
you, tell me. If you know the murderers, name them. Try to merit
some indulgence for your frankness and repentance."

Guespin made a gesture as if resigned to persecution. "By all that
is most sacred," he answered, "I am innocent. Yet I see clearly
that if the murderer is not found, I am lost."

Little by little M. Domini's conviction was formed and confirmed.