been taken by any one else, I should
certainly believe this girl innocent, but the evidence is so clear
against her, that it is impossible to believe anything else."

The Countess was again examined and questioned thoroughly; the minutest
circumstances being inquired into. Juliette was also examined again.

A whole day was spent by the judge in going over their testimony, and
weighing against it the words that Mary had uttered in her examination.
It was late at night when the judge sent to the prison for Mary's
father to be brought to his house.

"James," said he kindly, "I am known perhaps as a strict man, but I do
not think that you can reproach me with ever having intentionally
injured any one. I do not need to tell you that I do not desire the
death of your daughter. All the details of the case, however, prove
that she must have committed the theft, and, under these circumstances,
you are aware that the penalty which the law requires is death. But
your daughter is young, and, notwithstanding the serious nature of the
crime, if she were to return the ring even now, a pardon might be
granted to her. To persist so obstinately in denying her guilt will
most certainly end in her death. Go to her, James; insist upon her
returning the ring, and I give you my word that the penalty of death
will not be visited upon her, but a mere trifling punishment
substituted. As her father you have great power over her. If you cannot
obtain a confession, most people will think that you have been an
accomplice with your daughter in the crime. Once more, I repeat, if the
ring is not found, I pity your case."

"My daughter has not stolen the ring," replied James sadly; "of that I
am sure. That she will not therefore acknowledge her guilt, I know
beforehand. But I will speak to her as you desire. I will employ every
means to find it out, and if it be that she is to perish,
notwithstanding her innocence, it is a comfort to know that I can see
her once again before the terrible event."

Accompanied by an officer, the old man went to the prison where Mary
was confined. The officer set a lamp upon a projection of the wall in a
corner of the cell, on which also stood an earthen pitcher of water.
Mary was lying on her straw bed, with her face turned towards the wall,
partially asleep. The light of the lamp woke her from her troubled
slumber, and, turning over and seeing her father, she uttered a cry of
joy and raised herself hastily, forgetti