e. Can you, sir,
produce any witnesses to the truth of what you have asserted?'--'Alas,
no, monsieur,' replied the count; 'all those who surrounded the vizier,
or who knew me at his court, are either dead or gone away, I know not
where. I believe that I alone, of all my countrymen, survived that
dreadful war. I have only the letters of Ali Tepelini, which I have
placed before you; the ring, a token of his good-will, which is here;
and, lastly, the most convincing proof I can offer, after an anonymous
attack, and that is the absence of any witness against my veracity and
the purity of my military life.' A murmur of approbation ran through the
assembly; and at this moment, Albert, had nothing more transpired, your
father's cause had been gained. It only remained to put it to the vote,
when the president resumed: 'Gentlemen and you, monsieur,--you will
not be displeased, I presume, to listen to one who calls himself a very
important witness, and who has just presented himself. He is, doubtless,
come to prove the perfect innocence of our colleague. Here is a letter
I have just received on the subject; shall it be read, or shall it
be passed over? and shall we take no notice of this incident?' M. de
Morcerf turned pale, and clinched his hands on the papers he held.
The committee decided to hear the letter; the count was thoughtful and
silent. The president read:--

"'Mr. President,--I can furnish the committee of inquiry into the
conduct of the Lieutenant-General the Count of Morcerf in Epirus and in
Macedonia with important particulars.'

"The president paused, and the count turned pale. The president looked
at his auditors. 'Proceed,' was heard on all sides. The president
resumed:--

"'I was on the spot at the death of Ali Pasha. I was present during his
last moments. I know what is become of Vasiliki and Haidee. I am at the
command of the committee, and even claim the honor of being heard. I
shall be in the lobby when this note is delivered to you.'

"'And who is this witness, or rather this enemy?' asked the count, in
a tone in which there was a visible alteration. 'We shall know,
sir,' replied the president. 'Is the committee willing to hear this
witness?'--'Yes, yes,' they all said at once. The door-keeper was
called. 'Is there any one in the lobby?' said the president.

"'Yes, sir.'--'Who is it?'--'A woman, accompanied by a servant.' Every
one looked at his neighbor. 'Bring her in,' said the president. Five
minu