"No; it was an amicable parting, intended to last but a short time, I believe. It is not known what called her away."
"This young flower-girl--was she virtuous?"
"Undoubtedly, in my belief. She was most modest and child-like."
"But susceptible to flattery. You hesitate. Why? Do you not judge human passions by human standards? She was young, pretty, in humble circumstances; her very opposite would be susceptible to flattery; therefore, she."
"Why, yes, of course; I hesitated because it would pain me to say anything concerning her which might be construed into a reproach."
"In such matters there is but one goal to steer for--the truth. I perceive that a man, Gautran, is in prison, charged with the murder."
"A man?" exclaimed Jacob Hartrich, with indignant warmth. "A monster, rather! Some refined punishment should be devised to punish him for his crime."
"His crime! I have, then, been reading an old paper." The Advocate referred to the date. "No--it is this morning's."
"I see your point, but the proofs of the monster's guilt are irrefragable."
"What proofs? The statements of newspaper reporters--the idle and mischievous tattle of persons who cannot be put into the witness-box?"