Pagina 142 de 483

I could not answer. "No, Justine," said Elizabeth; "he is more

convinced of your innocence than I was, for even when he heard

that you had confessed, he did not credit it."

"I truly thank him. In these last moments I feel the sincerest

gratitude towards those who think of me with kindness. How sweet

is the affection of others to such a wretch as I am! It removes

more than half my misfortune, and I feel as if I could die in

peace now that my innocence is acknowledged by you, dear lady,

and your cousin."