"All that is very well," said he, "we will return to your confession at
the proper time and place. But just now the question is, how you spent
your night, and where you got this money."
This persistency seemed to exasperate Guespin.
"Eh!" cried he, "how do you want me to answer? The truth? You wouldn't
credit it. As well keep silent. It is a fatality."
"I warn you for your own sake," resumed the judge, "that if you persist
in refusing to answer, the charges which weigh upon you are such that I
will have you arrested as suspected of this murder."
This menace seemed to have a remarkable effect on Guespin. Great tears
filled his eyes, up to that time dry and flashing, and silently rolled
down his cheeks. His energy was exhausted; he fell on his knees, crying:
"Mercy! I beg you, Monsieur, not to arrest me; I swear I am innocent, I
swear it!"
"Speak, then."
"You wish it," said Guespin, rising. Then he suddenly changed his tone.
"No, I will not speak, I cannot! One man alone could save me; it is the
count; and he is dead. I am innocent; yet if the guilty are not found, I
am lost. Everything is against me. I know it too well. Now, do with me
as you please; I will not say another word."
Guespin's determination, confirmed by his look, did not surprise the
judge.
"You will reflect," said he, quietly, "only, when you have reflected, I
shall not have the same confidence in what you say as I should have now.
Possibly," and the judge spoke slowly and with emphasis, "you have only
had an indirect part in this crime; if so--"
"Neither indirect nor direct," interrupted Guespin; and he added,
violently, "what misery! To be innocent, and not able to defend myself."
"Since it is so," resumed M. Domini, "you should not object to be placed
before Mme. de Tremorel's body?"
The accused did not seem affected by this menace. He was conducted into
the hall whither they had fetched the countess. There, he examined the
body with a cold and calm eye. He said, simply:
"She is happier than I; she is dead, she suffers no longer; and I, who
am not guilty, am accused of her death."