She would trust to Providence and the justice of her
cause, rather than make an intimate of a man whom she despised.
"Miss Dumont," said Maxwell, growing desperate at the lady's silence,
"perhaps I have offended in some manner. If I have, it was
unintentional, and I trust you will forgive me."
"O, no, sir, not at all!" exclaimed Emily, mollified, in spite of
herself, by the humility of the attorney. "There is no offence, and no
apology is necessary."
"I am greatly relieved by this assurance, and, with your leave, will
proceed with my narrative."
Maxwell now entered into a relation of the history of the will, but
studiously avoided imparting a single fact with which she was not
already acquainted. All this he had related with a lawyer's skill, to
awaken her curiosity and interest, and to remove by distance any
unpleasant suspicions which might have been awakened in her mind in
regard to his motives.
To all he said Emily listened with profound attention, momentarily
expecting the development of the foul plot. But thus far Jaspar Dumont
is as pure as an angel,--nothing is disclosed.
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