“No, my lord,” replied Francisco; “unless I have permission first to peruse it myself. I will not have its contents divulged, unless I am sure of an honourable acquittal. The jury must deliver their verdict.”
The jury turned round to consult, during which Edward Templemore walked to Francisco, accompanied by Clara, to entreat him to allow the packet to be opened; but Francisco was firm against both their entreaties. At last the foreman of the jury rose to deliver the verdict. A solemn and awful silence prevailed throughout the court; the suspense was painful to a degree.
“My lord,” said the foreman of the jury, “our verdict is—”
“Stop, sir!” said Edward Templemore as he clasped one arm round the astonished Francisco, and extended the other towards the foreman. “Stop, sir! harm him not! for he is my brother!”
“And my preserver!” cried Clara, kneeling on the other side of Francisco, and holding up her hands in supplication.
The announcement was electrical; the foreman dropped into his seat; the judge and whole court were in mute astonishment. The dead silence was followed by confusion, to which, after a time, the judge in vain attempted to put a stop.
Edward Templemore, Clara, and Francisco, continued to form the same group; and never was there one more beautiful. And now that they were together, every one in court perceived the strong resemblance between the two young men.
Francisco’s complexion was darker than Edward’s from his constant exposure, from infancy, to a tropical sun; but the features of the two were the same.
It was some time before the judge could obtain silence in the court; and when it had been obtained, he was himself puzzled how to proceed.
Edward and Francisco, who had exchanged a few words, were now standing side by side.