There never was such wicked nonsense talked in
this world since world it was; and I'm told, Signor Dottore, that
you have said that she had been the one as did this deed; and--"
"Stop, stop, my good Signora Orsola! Are you aware that you are
accusing me of being guilty of punishable defamation and slander? I
say that the Signorina Paolina Foscarelli committed murder? Who on
earth could ever have told you so monstrous an untruth? Allow me to
assure you that I never said anything of the kind."
"Oh, Signor Dottore, I am so glad to hear you say so. What lies
people do tell, to be sure; I am sure it was a very good thought of
the Contessa Violante to tell me to come to you; and since you say
that the poor child is innocent, as innocent she is, as the child
unborn--"
"Stay, Signora, stay; you go too fast--somewhat too fast. Unhappily,
I am by no means in a condition to say that your young friend is
innocent of this crime; appearances, it must be admitted, are very
much against her; we must hope that they can be explained. I accuse
no one; it is not my province to do so."
"But you don't think the judges will believe that my child could
have done such a thing? If they only knew her! You don't think that,
do you, Signor Dottore?" said the poor woman, with a voice and
manner of piteous appeal.
"They will judge according to the evidence and the probabilities of
the case.
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