My clerk will take down your testimony, and you must sign
it. This proceeding will be painful to you; but it is a necessary
formality."
"Ah, sir, I will do so with pleasure. What can I refuse, when I know
that he is in prison? I was determined to do everything. If he had
been tried at the assizes, I would have gone there. Yes, I would have
presented myself, and there before all I would have told the truth.
Doubtless," she added sadly, "I should have been greatly compromised. I
should have been looked upon as a heroine of romance; but what matters
public opinion, the blame or approval of the world, since I am sure of
his love?"
She rose from her seat, readjusting her cloak and the strings of her
bonnet.
"Is it necessary," she asked, "that I should await the return of the
police agents who are examining the wall?"
"It is needless, mademoiselle."
"Then," she continued in a sweet voice, "I can only beseech you," she
clasped her hands, "conjure you," her eyes implored, "to let Albert out
of prison."
"He shall be liberated as soon as possible; I give you my word."
"Oh, to-day, dear M. Daburon, to-day, I beg of you, now, at once! Since
he is innocent, be kind, for you are our friend.
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