emed to her most advisable, before perhaps appealing to the King
in person, to go to the President, La Regnie, point out for his
consideration all the circumstances which made for Olivier's innocence,
and so, perhaps, kindle in his mind a conviction favourable to the
accused which might communicate itself beneficially to the judges.

La Regnie received her with all the consideration which was the due of
a lady of her worth, held in high esteem by His Majesty himself. He
listened in silence to all she had to say concerning Olivier's
circumstances, relationships, and character; and also concerning the
crime itself. A delicate, almost malignant, smile, however, was all the
token which he gave that the adjurations, the reminders (accompanied by
plentiful tears) that every judge ought to be, not the enemy of the
accused, but ready to attend, too, to whatever spoke in his favour were
not gliding by ears which were perfectly deaf. When at length
Mademoiselle Scuderi, quite exhausted and wiping the tears from her
cheeks, was silent, La Regnie began, saying:--

"It is quite characteristic of your excellent heart, Mademoiselle,
that, moved by the tears of a young girl who is in love, you should
credit all she says; nay, be incapable of grasping the idea of a
fearful crime such as this. But it is otherwise with the Judge, who is
accustomed to tear off the mask from vile and unblushing hyprocrisy
and deception. It is, of course, not incumbent on me to disclose the
course of a criminal process to every one who chooses to inquire. I do
my duty, Mademoiselle! The world's opinion troubles me not at all.
Evil-doers should tremble before the Chambre Ardente, which knows no
punishments save blood and fire. But by you, Mademoiselle, I would not
be looked upon as a monster of severity and barbarity; therefore,
permit me to place before your eyes in few words the bloodguilt of this
young criminal, upon whom, Heaven be thanked, vengeance has fallen.
Your acute intelligence will then despise the generous feeling and
kindliness which do honour to you, but in me would be out of place. Eh
bien! this morning Rene Cardillac is found murdered by a dagger-thrust,
no one is by him except his workman, Olivier Brusson and the daughter.
In Olivier's room there is found, amongst other things, a dagger
covered with fresh blood which exactly fits into the wound. Olivier
says, 'Cardillac was attacked in the street before my eyes.' 'Was the
intention to rob