: we got this out of the stammering wretch with some
difficulty.--On the other side of the door-way there was a smaller
print, but though the dogs paid no heed to that I examined it, and
assured myself--how, I need not tell you--that it was you who had stood
there. He, who has no business whatever in the house, must have made his
way last night into the tablinum, our treasury. Now, put yourself in the
judges' place. How can such facts be outweighed by the mere word of a
girl who, as every one knows, is on anything rather than good terms with
my mother, and who will leave no stone unturned to save her servant."

"Infamous!" cried Paula. "Hiram did not steal the gem, as you must know
who stole it. The emerald he sold was my property; and were those stones
really so much alike that even the seller..."

"Yes, indeed. He could not tell one from the other. Evil spirits have
been at work all through, devilish, malignant demons. It would be enough
to turn one's brain, if life were not so full of enigmas! You yourself
are the greatest.--Did you give the Syrian your emerald to sell in order
to fly from this house with the money?--You are silent? Then I am
right. What can my father be to you--you do not love my mother--and the
son!--Paula, Paula, you are perhaps doing him an injustice--you hate
him, and it is a pleasure to you to injure him."

"I do not wish to hurt you or any one," replied the girl. "And you have
guessed wrongly. Your father refused me the means of seeking mine."

"And you wanted to procure money to search for one who is long since
dead!--Even my mother admits that you speak the truth; if she is right,
and you really take no pleasure in doing me a mischief, listen to me,
follow my advice, and grant my prayer! I do not ask any great matter."

"Speak on then."

"Do you know what a man's honor is to him? Need I tell you that I am a
lost and despised man if I am found guilty of this act of the maddest
folly by the judges of my own house? It may cost my father his life
if he hears that the word 'guilty' is pronounced on me; and I--I--what
would become of me I cannot foresee!--I--oh God, oh God, preserve me
from frenzy!--But I must be calm; time presses.... How different it is
for your servant; he seems ready even now to take the guilt on himself,
for, whatever he is asked, he still keeps silence. Do you do the same;
and if the judges insist on knowing what you had to do with the Syrian
last night--for the dogs tr