d upon the truthfulness of your answers. Answer me as
if you stood in the presence of God.

Pamela
I will.

Dupre
You have never loved any one before?

Pamela
Never!

Dupre
You seem to be afraid! Come, I am terrifying you. You are not giving
me your confidence.

Pamela
Oh, yes I am, sir; I swear I am! Since we have been in Paris, I have
never left my mother, and I have thought of nothing but my work and my
duty. I was alarmed and thrown into confusion a few moments ago, sir,
but you inspire me with confidence, and I can tell you everything.
Well, I acknowledge it,--I am in love with Jules; he is the only one I
love, and I would follow him to the end of the world! You told me to
speak as in the presence of God.

Dupre
Well, it is to your heart that I am going to appeal. Do for me what
you have refused to do for others. Tell me the truth! You alone have
the power to save him before the face of justice! You love him,
Pamela; I understand what it would cost you to--

Pamela
To avow my love for him? Would that be sufficient to save him?

Dupre
I will answer for that!

Pamela
Well?

Dupre
My child!

Pamela
Well--he is saved.

Dupre (earnestly)
But--you will be compromised--

Pamela
But after all it is for him.

Dupre (aside)
I never expected it, but I shall not die without having seen with my
own eyes an example of beautiful and noble candor, destitute alike of
self-interest and designing reserve. (Aloud) Pamela, you are a good
and generous girl.

Pamela
To act this way consoles me for many little miseries of life.

Dupre
My child, that is not everything! You are true as steel, you are high-
spirited. But in order to succeed it is necessary to have assurance--
determination--

Pamela
Oh, sir! You shall see!

Dupre
Do not be over-anxious. Dare to confess everything. Be brave! Imagine
that you are before the Court of Assizes, the presiding judge, the
public prosecutor, the prisoner at the bar, and me, his advocate; the
jury is on one side. The big court-room is filled with people. Do not
be alarmed.

Pamela
You needn't fear for me.

Dupre
A court officer brings you in; you have given your name and surname!
Then the presiding judge asks you "How long have you known the
prisoner, Rousseau?"--What would you answer?

Pamela
The truth!--I met him about a month