Not for a long time had the judge been so perplexed as he was over Mary's case.
"For three days," he said, "it has been before us, and we have not made the least advance towards the solution of the mystery. If I could see any possibility of the ring having been taken by any one else, I should certainly believe this girl innocent, but the evidence is so clear against her, that it is impossible to believe anything else."
The Countess was again examined and questioned thoroughly; the minutest circumstances being inquired into. Juliette was also examined again.
A whole day was spent by the judge in going over their testimony, and weighing against it the words that Mary had uttered in her examination. It was late at night when the judge sent to the prison for Mary's father to be brought to his house.
"James," said he kindly, "I am known perhaps as a strict man, but I do not think that you can reproach me with ever having intentionally injured any one. I do not need to tell you that I do not desire the death of your daughter... #story AcreSoft Story Classic acresoft.com cointr.ee/acresoft