and replied, as a crimson blush mounted to his
forehead: 'I am accused of robbery, Lucille, and many circumstances
are against me. I may perhaps be condemned. I came here to tell you of
my innocence, and to return you this;' and he placed a gold piece in
her hand. It was the money she had given him for his journey--the
fruit of the last sacrifice she had made. She scarcely seemed to
understand his words, and still looked up inquiringly. 'Lucille,' he
continued, 'they are taking me to prison; I cannot go home as I
promised; but you will not think me guilty. How could I do what I knew
would break your heart?'

She smiled tenderly and trustfully upon him; then letting fall his
hand, she pushed him gently away, and whispered: 'Go with him, Andre.
Justice will be done. I am no longer afraid.' Madame d'Heranville and
Adelaide at this moment approached, and eagerly related what they had
seen, both expressing their conviction of the young man's innocence.

'It is not to me you must speak, ladies,' returned the gendarme,
wonderfully softened by their words. 'If you will be so good as to
give me your names, and come to-morrow to our office, I have no doubt
that your evidence will greatly influence the magistrate in favour of
the prisoner.' The ladies gave their names, and promised to attend the
court the following morning; and shortly afterwards, they left the
house, having by their kind promises reassured the weeping girl, and
succeeded in softening her mother's anger towards her. The next day
they proceeded early to the court. As Adelaide entered, she looked
round for Lucille, and perceived her standing near the dock, her
earnest eyes fixed upon the prisoner, and encouraging him from time to
time with a look of recognition and a smile. But notwithstanding all
her efforts, the smile was a sad one; for her heart was heavy, and the
appearance of the magistrate was not calculated to strengthen her
hope. Andre had declared his innocence--his complete ignorance of the
contents of the pocket-book his friend had placed in his hand; but his
very intimacy with such men operated strongly against him. Both Giraud
and his companion were well known to the police as men of bad
character, and very disreputable associates. The prisoner's
declaration, therefore, had but little effect upon those to whom it
was addressed; and the magistrate shook his head doubtfully as he
listened. Madame d'Heranville and Adelaide then related what they had
see