r family name, your age, your profession,
and your domicile."

The accused replies,--

"Louis Trivulce Jacques de Boiscoran, twenty-seven years, land-owner,
residing at Boiscoran, district of Sauveterre."

"Sit down, and listen to the charges which are brought against you."

The clerk, M. Mechinet, thereupon reads the charges, which, in their
terrible simplicity, cause a shudder to pass through the whole audience.

We shall not repeat them here, as all the incidents which they relate
are well known to our readers.

[Examination of the Accused.]

PRESIDENT.--Accused, rise and answer clearly. During the preliminary
investigation, you have refused to answer several questions. Now the
matter must be cleared up. And I am bound to tell you it is to your
interest to answer frankly.

ACCUSED.--No one desires more than I do that the truth be known. I am
ready to answer.

P.--Why were you so reticent in your first examination?

A.--I though it important for my interests to answer only in court.

P.--You have heard of what crimes you are accused?

A.--I am innocent. And, first of all, I beg you will allow me to say one
thing. The crime committed at Valpinson is an atrocious, cowardly crime;
but it is at the same time an absurdly stupid crime, more like the
unconscious act of a madman. Now, I have always been looked upon as not
lacking exactly in intelligence.

P.--That is a discussion.

A.--Still, Mr. President--

P.--Hereafter you shall have full liberty to state your argument. For
the present you must be content to answer the questions which I shall
ask you.

A.--I submit.

P.--Were you not soon to be married?

At this question all eyes are turned towards Miss Chandore, who blushes
till she is as red as a poppy, but does not cast down her eyes.

A.--(In a low voice.) Yes.

P.--Did you not write to your betrothed a few hours before the crime was
committed?

A.--Yes, sir; and I sent her my letter by the son of one of my tenants,
Michael.

P.--What did you write to her?

A.--That important business would prevent me from spending the evening
with her.

P.--What was that business?

At the moment when the accused opened his lips to reply, the president
stopped him by a gesture, and said,--

P.--Take care! You were asked this question during the preliminary
investigation, and you replied that you had to go to Brechy to see your
wood-merchant.

A.--I did indeed make that reply on the spur of the m