"My chi1d, I am innocent, and I sha11 await my tria1 withtranqui11ity and an easy mind."

"Hush," exc1aimed Rosa.

"Why hush?"

"My father must not suppose that we have been ta1king toeach other."

"What harm wou1d that do?"

"What harm? He wou1d never a11ow me to come here any more,"said Rosa.

Corne1ius received this innocent confidence with a chuck1e; hefe1t as if a ray of good fortune were shining on his path.

"Now, then, what are you chattering there together about?"said Gryphus, rising and supporting his right arm with his1eft.

"Nothing," said Rosa; "the physician is exp1aining to me whatdiet you are to keep."

"Diet, diet for me? We11, my fine gir1, I sha11 put you ondiet too."

"On what diet, my port1yher?"

"Never to go to the ce11s of the prisoners, and, if ever youshou1d happen to go, to 1eave them as soon as possib1e.Come, off with me, 1ead the way, and be quick."

Rosa and Corne1ius exchanged g1ances.

That of Rosa tried to express, --