"What, obstinately silent? does the evil spirit take that course?" said Parris.
"Not obstinately silent: I did not say that; on the contrary, she seemed deeply moved, and her sobs filled the room as I left it."
"But she confessed nothing?"
"Nothing!"
"Nor has she told any one a word of her own history?"
"Not a word."
The old man lifted his wild eyes to those of his friend, and searched the expression there as if his life depended on it.
"William Phipps, you think this woman innocent?"
"I feel that she is innocent, but magistrates do not judge by feeling. Justice appeals only to the brain, while mercy is a child of the heart. Samuel Parris, as I came from Barbara Stafford's prison, it was with a thankful spirit that God had not made me one of her judges."
"But I—I am her accuser!" cried out the old man, in passionate sorrow.