"Prepare yourself for a revelation of treachery and dishonor. I can conceal my crime no longer. If I hold my peace the very stones in the street will cry out against me."
"Make haste!" Pepeeta exclaimed, imperatively.
"Madam," continued the strange man, "I have betrayed you."
"You have betrayed me?"
"Yes, I have betrayed you. Do you understand? You are not married to your husband. I deceived you as I was bribed to do. I was not a justice. I had no right to perform that ceremony. It was a solemn farce. Your false lover desired to possess the privileges without assuming the responsibilities of marriage."
These words, spoken slowly, solemnly, and with a simulation of candor which would have deceived her even if she had not desired to believe them, produced the most profound impression upon the mind of Pepeeta. She approached the judge and cried: "Sir, I beg you in the name of heaven not to trifle with me! Is what you have told me true?"
"Alas, too true."
"If it is true, you will say it before the God in heaven? Raise your right hand!"
Before an appeal so solemn and a soul so pure a man less corrupt would have faltered; but without a moment's hesitation this depraved, remorseless creature did as she commanded.
"I swear it," he said.