Page:Adventures of Susan Hopley (Volume 1).pdf/316

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SUSAN HOPLEY.
301

self by his side on the ground, 'n'est ce pas bien l'occasion? Do you not need assistance?'

"'What assistance can you give me, Julie?' said he kindly, affected by her devotion.

"'Reste à voir,' replied she, 'time will show that. En attendant, tell me your story.—You are innocent?'

"'As you are yourself,' returned he. 'But the evidence against me is so circumstantial, that I see no possibility of justification.'

"After detailing to her all the occurrences of the night, 'you see,' he continued, 'all my chance of safety rests on the discovery of the stranger who fetched me. But what hope is there of that? I can give no clue; I should not know him if I met him in this room, for I never saw his face. It is not likely he'll come forward of his own accord, for he must doubtless either be the assassin himself, or be connected with him. No, there is no hope!' cried he, giving way to his despair; 'I must die the death of a murderer, and leave a blasted name behind me.'

"'Il faut partir toute suite, madame,' said the gaoler interrupting them; 'orders are arrived that no one is to be admitted to the prisoner.'