ld scarcely be warranted in
granting bail. Were I still upon the bench, I could not conscientiously
release her, in the face of constantly accumulating evidence against
her, although she has my deepest compassion. Conceding, however, for
the moment, that Parkman consents to the petition and the girl is set
at liberty, are you prepared to pay the large forfeit, if she,
realizing the fearful odds against her acquittal, should take permanent
bail by absconding before the trial? Abstract sympathy and generous
sentiments are one phase of this matter; positively paying a fifteen or
a twenty-thousand-dollar-bond is quite another. Weigh it carefully. We
pity this unfortunate prisoner, but we know absolutely nothing in her
favor, to counterbalance the terrible array of accusing circumstances
fate has piled against her. If she be guilty, can she resist the
temptation to escape by flight; and if indeed she be innocent, how much
more difficult to await all that is involved in this trial, and abide
the issue? Because she is beautiful, has a refined and noble air, and
seems unsullied as some grand snow image, do not blind yourself to the
fact, that for aught we can prove to the contrary, she may have a heart
as black as Tullias', hands as bloody as Brunehaut's."

"You believe that as little as I do. I have pondered the matter in all
its aspects, and I take the risk."

"You can afford to pay for her flight?"

"I will pay for her flight, no matter what it may cost."

Judge Dent took her hand between both his.

"Let us be frank."

"'The things we do--
We do; we'll wear no mask, as if we blushed!'"

"Are you so assured of the woman's fidelity; or do you deliberately
leave the door ajar, foreseeing the result, deeming this the most
expedient method of cutting the Gordian knot?"

For a moment she hesitated, then her soft brown eyes looked down
bravely into his.

"I believe she is innocent, and that she will be loyal if released on
bail; but if I mistake her character, and she should flee for her life
from the lifted sword of justice, then I shall gladly pay the expense
of playing Alexander's role; and shall feel rejoiced that she lives to
repent her crime; and that the man to whom I have promised my hand, has
been relieved of the awful responsibility of hunting her to death."

"Have you made him acquainted with this scheme?"

"Certainly not. I owed it to you to secure your approbation and
co-operat