"The law----" began Roper.
"Hang the law, and you too," burst out Ronald; "if Carmela is guilty, you can't arrest her on the evidence you have, but she's innocent--innocent! d'ye hear? I'll stake my head on it. Give me a month to clear her, and if I don't do it by then, the law can take it's course."
"Agreed," said Roper.
"For my part," said Foster; "I don't care if the case stops now."
"I only want a month," cried Ronald, "and I'll prove her innocence, if I have to tear the truth out of Vassalla's black heart. Because of a little superficial evidence, you believe her guilty. I don't. I love her, and I'll clear her; so help me God!"
Theatrical, no doubt, but both the men felt that the lad spoke from his heart.
"I'll have another glass of brandy, Foster," said Ronald, quietly.
He got it, and drank it.
'Tis but a step from the sublime to the ridiculous.