Iarrivedattheexecutionofit；andIcontinuedtoreasoninthesameway，impersonally。Therichbrotherproposestheblood-
　　bargaintothepoorbrother。Heoffershimmoney；ahundredthousandfrancs，twohundredthousand，threehundredthousand。
　　Fromwhatmotiveshouldthescoundrelhesitatetoaccepttheoffer？
　　Moralideas？Whatisthemoralityofarakewhohasgonefromlibertinismtotheft？UndertheinfluenceofmyvengefulthoughtsIhadreadthecriminalnewsofthedayinthejournals，andthereportsofcriminaltrials，tooassiduouslyforyearspast，nottoknowhowamanbecomesamurderer。Howmanycasesofstabbing，shooting，andpoisoninghavetherenotbeen，inwhichthegainwasentirelyuncertain，andtheconditionsofdangerextreme，merelytoenabletheperpetratorstogo，presently，andexpendthemurder-
　　moneyinsomelowhauntofdepravity？
　　Fearofthescaffold？Thennobodywouldkill。Besides，debauchees，whethertheystopshortatviceorrolldownthedescentintocrime，havenoforesightofthefuture。Presentsensationistoostrongforthem；itsimageabolishesallotherimages，andabsorbsallthevitalforcesofthetemperamentandthesoul。Anolddyingmother，childrenperishingofhunger，adespairingwife；havethesepicturesoftheirdeedseverarresteddrunkards，gamblers，orprofligates？Nomorehavethetragicphantomsofthetribunal，theprison，andtheguillotine，when，thirstingforgold，theykilltoprocureit。Thescaffoldisfaroff，thebrothelisatthestreetcorner，andthebeingsunkinvicekillsaman，justasabutcherwouldkillabeast，thathemaygothither，ortothetavern，ortothelowgaming-house，withapocketfullofmoney。Thisisthedailymodeofprocedureincrime。
　　Whyshouldnotthedesireofamoreelevatedkindofdebauchpossessthesamewickedattractionformenwhoareindeedmorerefined，butarequiteasincapableofmoralgoodnessastherascallyfrequentersofthelowestdensofiniquity？
　　Ah！thethoughtthatmyfather”sbloodmighthavepaidforsuppersinaNewYorknight-housewastoocruelandunendurable。Ilostcouragetopursuemycold，calm，reasonabledeductions，akindofhallucinationcameuponme——amentalpictureofthehideousscene——
　　andIfeltmyreasonreel。WithagreateffortIturnedtotheportraitofmyfather，gazedatitlong，andspoketohimasifhecouldhaveheardme，aloud，inabjectentreaty。“Helpme，helpme！“
　　Andthen，Ioncemorebecamestrongenoughtoresumethedreadfulhypothesis，andtocriticiseitpointbypoint。Againstitwasitsutterunlikelihood；itresemblednothingbutthenightmareofadiseasedimagination。Abrotherwhoemployshisbrotherastheassassinofamanwhosewifehewantstomarry！Still，althoughtheconceptionofsuchadevilishplotbelongedtothedomainofthewildestfantasies，Isaidtomyself：“Thismaybeso，butinthewayofcrime，thereisnosuchthingasunlikelihood。Theassassinceasestomoveinthehabitualgroovesofsociallifebythemerefactthathemakesuphismindtomurder。”AndthenascoreofexamplesofcrimescommittedundercircumstancesasstrangeandexceptionalasthosewhosegreaterorlessprobabilityIwasthendiscussingwithmyselfrecurredtomymemory。
　　Oneobjectionaroseatonce。Admittingthiscomplicatedcrimetobepossibleonly，howcameItobethefirsttoformasuspicionofit？Whyhadnotthekeen，subtle，experiencedoldmagistrate，M。
　　Massol，lookedinthatdirectionforanexplanationofthemysteryinwhosepresenceheconfessedhimselfpowerless？Theanswercameready。M。Massoldidnotthinkofit，thatwasall。Theimportantthingistoknow，notwhethertheJudgeofInstructionsuspectedthefact，ordidnotsuspectit；butwhetherthefactitselfis，orisnot，real。
　　Again，whatindicationshadreachedM。Massoltoputhimonthisscent？Ifhehadthoroughlystudiedmyfather”shomeandhisdomesticlife，hehadacquiredthecertaintythatmymotherwasafaithfulwifeandagoodwoman。Hehadwitnessedhersinceregrief，andhehadnotseen，asIhad，letterswrittenbymyfatherinwhichheacknowledgedhisjealousy，andrevealedthepassionofhisfalsefriend。
　　But，evensupposingthejudgehadfromthefirstsuspectedthevillainyofmyfuturestepfather，thediscoveryofhisaccompliceswouldhavebeenthefirstthingtobedone，since，inanycase，thepresenceofM。Termondeinourhouseatthetimeofthemurderwasanascertainedfact。
　　SupposingM。Massolhadbeenledtothinkofthebrotherwhohaddisappeared，whatthen？Wherewerethetracesofthatbrothertobefound？Whereandhow？IfEdmondandJacqueshadbeenaccomplicesinthecrime，wouldnottheirchiefcarebetocontriveameansofcorrespondencewhichshoulddefythevigilanceofthepolice？Didtheynotceaseforatimetocommunicatewitheachotherbyletters？Whathadtheytocommunicate，indeed？Edmondwasinpossessionofthepriceofthemurder，andJacqueswasoccupiedincompletinghisconquestofmymother”sheart。
　　Iresumedmyargument；allthisgrantedagain，but，althoughM。
　　Massolwasignorantoftheessentialfactorinthecase，althoughhewasunawareofJacquesTermonde”spassionforthewifeofthemurderedman，myauntknewitwell，shehadinherhandsindisputableproofsofmyfather”ssuspicions；howcameshenottohavethoughtasIwasnowthinking。AndhowdidIknowthatshehadNOTthoughtjustasIwasthinking？Shehadbeentormentedbysuspicions，evenshe，too；shehadlivedanddiedhauntedbythem。
　　Theonlydifferencewasthatshehadincludedmymotherinthem，beingincapableofforgivingherthesufferingsofthebrotherwhomshelovedsodeeply。Toactagainstmymotherwastoactagainstme，soshehadforswornthatideaforever。Butifshewouldhaveactedagainstmymother，howcouldshehavegonebeyondthedomainofvagueinductions，sinceshe，nomorethanI，couldhavedivinedmystepfather”salibi，orknownoftheactualexistenceofEdmondTermonde？No；thatIshouldbethefirsttoexplainthemurderofmyfatherasIdid，provedonlythatIhadcomeintopossessionofadditionalinformationrespectingthesurroundingsofthecrime，andnotthattheconjecturesdrawnfromitwerebaseless。
　　Otherobjectionspresentedthemselves。Ifmystepfatherhademployedhisbrothertocommitthemurder，howcamehetorevealtheexistenceofthatbrothertohiswife？Ananswertothisquestionwasnotfartoseek。Ifthecrimehadbeencommittedunderconditionsofcomplicity，onlyoneproofofthefactcouldremain，namely，theletterswrittenbyJacquesTermondetoEdmond，inwhichtheformerrecalledthelattertoEuropeandgavehiminstructionsforhisjourney；theselettersEdmondhadofcoursepreserved，anditwasthroughthem，andbythethreatofshowingthemtomymother，thathekeptaholdoverhisbrother。Totellhiswifesomuchashehadtoldherwastoforestallandneutralizethisthreat，atleasttoacertainextent；for，ifthedoerofthedeedshouldeverresolveonrevealingthecommonsecrettothevictim”swidow，nowthewifeofhimwhohadinspiredit，thelatterwouldbeabletodenytheauthenticityoftheletters，topleadtheformerconfidencereposedinherrespectinghisbrother，andtopointoutthatthedenunciationwasanatrociousactofrevengeachievedbyaforgery。And，besides，ifindeedthecrimehadbeencommittedinthemannerthatIimagined，wasnotthatrevelationtomymotherjustifiedbyanotherreason？
　　TheremorsefulmoodsbywhichIbelievedmystepfathertobetorturedwerenotlikelytoescapetheobservantaffectionofhiswife；shecouldnotfailtoknowthattherewasadarkshadowonhislifewhichevenherlovecouldnotdispel。Whoknowsbutshehadsufferedfromtheworstofalljealousy，thatwhichisinspiredbyaconstantthoughtnotimparted，astrangeemotionhiddenfromone？Andhehadrevealedaportionofthetruthtohersoastospareheruneasinessofthatkind，andtoprotecthimselffromquestionswhichhisconsciencerenderedintolerabletohim。Therewasthennocontradictionbetweenthishalf-revelationmadetomymother，andmyowntheoryofthecomplicityofthetwobrothers。
　　Itwasalsocleartomethatinmakingthatrevelationhehadbeenunabletogobeyondacertainpointinurginguponherthenecessityofsilencetowardsme——silencewhichwouldneverhavebeenbrokenbutforherunforeseenemotion，butformyaffectionateentreaties，butforthesuddenarrivalofEdmondTermonde，whichhadliterallybewilderedthepoorwoman。Buthowwasmystepfather”simprudenceinrefusingmoneytothisbrother，whowasatbayandreadytodareanyandeverything，tobeexplained？
　　This，too，Isucceededinexplainingtomyself。Ithadhappenedbeforemyaunt”sdeath，ataperiodwhenmystepfatherbelievedhimselftobeguaranteedfromallriskonmyside。Hebelievedhimselftobeshelteredfromjusticebythestatuteoflimitations。
　　Hewasill。What，then，wasmorenaturalthanthatheshouldwishtorecoverthosepaperswhichmightbecomeameansoflevyingblackmailuponhiswidowafterhisdeath，anddishonoringhismemoryintheheartofthatwomanwhomhehadloved——eventocrime——
　　atanyprice？Suchanegotiationcouldonlybeconductedinperson。Mystepfatherwouldhavereflectedthathisbrotherwouldnotfulfilhisthreatwithoutmakingalastattempt；hewouldcometoParis，andtheaccompliceswouldagainbefacetofaceafteralltheseyears。AfreshbutfinalofferofmoneywouldhavetobemadetoEdmond，thepriceoftherelinquishmentofthesoleproofwherebythemysteryoftheImperialHotelcouldbeclearedup。InthiscalculationmystepfatherhadomittedtoforecastthechancethathisbrothermightcometothehotelontheBoulevarddeLatour-Maubourg，thathewouldbeusheredintomymother”spresence，andthattheresultoftheshocktohimself——hishealthbeingalreadyunderminedbyhisprolongedmentalanguish——wouldbeafreshattackofhismalady。Inevents，thereisalwaystheunexpectedtoputtorouttheskillfulcalculationsofthemostastuteandthemostprudent，andwhenIreflectedthatsomuchcunning，suchcontinualwatchfulnessoverhimselfandothershadallcometothis——unlessindeedthesesurmisesofminewerebutfallaciesofabraindisturbedbyfeverandtheconsumingdesireforvengeance——Ioncemorefeltthepassageofthewindofdestinyoverusall。
　　However，whetherrealityorfancy，theretheywere，andIcouldnotremaininignoranceorindoubt。Attheendofallmyvariousargumentsforandagainsttheprobabilityofmynewexplanationofthemystery，Iarrivedatapositivefact：rightlyorwronglyIhadconceivedthepossibilityofaplotinwhichEdmondTermondehadservedastheinstrumentofmurderinhisbrother”shand。Werethereonlyonesinglechance，oneagainstathousand，thatmyfatherhadbeenkilledinthisway，Iwasboundtofollowuptheclewtotheend，onpainofhavingtodespisemyselfastheveriestcowardthatlived。Thetimeofsorrowfuldreamingwasover；itwasnownecessarytoact，andtoactwastoknow。
　　Morningdawneduponthesethoughtsofmine。Iopenedmywindow，I
　　sawthefacesoftheloftyhouseslividinthefirstlightofday，andIsworesolemnlytomyself，inthepresenceofre-awakeninglife，thatthisdayshouldseemebegintodowhatIought，andthemorrowshouldseemecontinue，andthefollowingdaysshouldseethesame，untilIcouldsaytomyself：“Iamcertain。”
　　Iresolutelyrepressedthewildfeelingswhichhadtakenholdofmeduringthenight，andIfixedmymindupontheproblem：“DoesthereexistanymeansofmakingsurewhetherEdmondTermondeis，orisnot，identicalwiththemanwhoin1864calledhimselfRochdale？“
　　FortheanswertothisquestionIhadonlymyself，theresourcesofmyownintelligence，andmypersonalwilltorelyupon。Imustdomyselfthejusticetostatethatnotforoneminute，duringallthosecruelhours，wasItemptedtoridmyselfonceforallofthedifficultiesofmytragictaskbyappealingtojustice，asIshouldhavedonehadInottakenmymother”ssufferingsintoaccount。I
　　hadresolvedthattheterribleblowoflearningthatforfifteenyearsshehadbeenthewifeofanassassinshouldneverbedealttoherbyme。Inorderthatshemightalwaysremaininignoranceofthisstoryofcrime，itwasnecessaryforthestruggletobestrictlyconfinedtomystepfatherandmyself。
　　Andyet，Ithought，whatifIfindthatheisguilty？
　　Atthisidea，nolongervagueanddistant，butliabletoday，to-
　　morrow，atanytime，tobecomeanindisputabletruth，aterribleprojectpresenteditselftomymind。ButIwouldnotlookinthatdirection，Imadeanswertomyself：“Iwillthinkofthislateron，“andIforcedmyselftoconcentrateallmyreflectionsupontheactualdayanditsproblem：HowtoverifytheidentityofEdmondTermondewiththefalseRochdale？
　　Totearthesecretfrommystepfatherwasimpossible。Ihadvainlyendeavoredformonthstofindtheflawinhisarmorofdissimulation；Ihadbutbrokennotonedagger，buttwentyagainsttheplatesofthatcuirass。IfIhadhadallthetormentorsoftheMiddleAgesatmyservice，Icouldnothaveforcedhisfast-shutlipstoopen，orextortedanadmissionfromhiswoebegoneandyetimpenetrableface。
　　Thereremainedtheother；butinordertoattackhim，ImustfirstdiscoverunderwhatnamehewashidinginParis，andwhere。Nogreateffortofimaginationwasrequiredtohituponacertainmeansofdiscoveringtheseparticulars。IhadonlytorecallthecircumstancesunderwhichIhadlearnedthefactofEdmondTermonde”sarrivalinParis。Forsomereasonorother——remembranceofaguiltycomplicityorfearofascandal——mystepfathertrembledwithfearatthemereideaofhisbrother”sreturn。Hisbrotherhadreturned，andmystepfatherwouldundoubtedlymakeeveryefforttoinducehimtogoawayagain。Hewouldseehim，butnotatthehouseontheBoulevarddeLatour-Maubourg，onaccountofmymotherandtheservants。Ihad，therefore，asuremeansoffindingoutwhereEdmondTermondewasliving；Iwouldhavehisbrotherfollowed。
　　Thereweretwoalternatives：eitherhewouldarrangeameetinginsomelonelyplace，orhewouldgohimselftoEdmondTermonde”sabode。Inthelattercase，IshouldhavetheinformationIwantedatonce；intheformer，itwouldbesufficienttogivethedescriptionofEdmondTermondejustasIhadreceiveditfrommymother，andtohavehimalsofollowedonhisreturnfromtheplaceofmeeting。Thespy-systemhasalwaysseemedtometobeinfamous，andevenatthatmomentIfeltalltheignominyofsettingthistrapformystepfather；butwhenoneisfighting，onemustusetheweaponsthatwillavail。Toattainmyend，Iwouldhavetroddeneverythingunderfootexceptmymother”sgrief。
　　Andthen？SupposingmyselfinpossessionofthefalsenameofEdmondTermondeandhisaddress，WHATWASITODO？Icouldnot，inimitationofthepolice，laymyhanduponhimandhispapers，andgetoffwithprofuseexcusesfortheactionwhenthesearchwasfinished。Iremembertohaveturnedovertwentyplansinmymind，allmoreorlessingenious，andrejectedthemallinsuccession，concludingbyagainfixingmymindonthebarefacts。
　　Supposingthemanreallyhadkilledmyfather，itwasimpossiblethatthesceneofthemurdershouldnotbeindeliblyimpresseduponhismemory。Inhisdarkhoursthefaceofthedeadman，whomI
　　resembledsoclosely，musthavebeenvisibletohismind”seye。
　　OncemoreIstudiedtheportraitatwhichmystepfatherhadhardlydaredtoglance，andrecalledmyownwords：“Doyouthinkthelikenessissufficientlystrongformetohavetheeffectofaspecteruponthecriminal？“
　　Whynotutilizethisresemblance？IhadonlytopresentmyselfsuddenlybeforeEdmondTermonde，andcallhimbythename——
　　Rochdale——tohisearsitssyllableswouldhavethesoundofafuneralbell。Yes！thatwasthewaytodoit；togointotheroomhenowoccupied，justasmyfatherhadgoneintotheroomattheImperialHotel，andtoaskforhimbythenameunderwhichmyfatherhadaskedforhim，showinghimtheveryfaceofhisvictim。
　　Ifhewasnotguilty，Ishouldmerelyhavetoapologizeforhavingknockedathisdoorbymistake；ifhewasguilty，hewouldbesoterrifiedforsomeminutesthathisfearwouldamounttoanavowal。
　　Itwouldthenbeformetoavailmyselfofthatterrortowringthewholeofhissecretfromhim。
　　Whatmotiveswouldinspirehim？Two，manifestly——thefearofpunishment，andtheloveofmoney。Itwouldthenbenecessaryformetobeprovidedwithalargesumwhentakinghimunawares，andtolethimchoosebetweentwoalternatives，eitherthatheshouldsellmetheletterswhichhadenabledhimtoblackmailhisbrotherforyearspast，orthatIshouldshoothimonthespot。
　　Andwhatifherefusedtogiveuptheletterstome？Isitlikelythataruffianofhiskindwouldhesitate？
　　Well，then，hewouldacceptthebargain，handmeoverthepapersbywhichmystepfatherisconvictedofmurder，andtakehimselfoff；
　　andImustlethimgoawayjustashehadgoneawayfromtheImperialHotel，smokingacigar，andpaidforhistreacherytohisbrother，evenashehadbeenpaidforhistreacherytomyfather！
　　Yes，Imustlethimgoawaythus，becausetokillhimwithmyownhandwouldbetoplacemyselfunderthenecessityofrevealingthewholeofthecrime，whichIamboundtoconcealatallhazards。
　　“Ah，mother！whatwillyounotcostme！“Imurmuredwithtears。
　　Fixingmyeyesagainupontheportraitofthedeadman，itseemedtomethatIreadinitseyesandmouthaninjunctionnevertowoundtheheartofthewomanhehadsodearlyloved——evenforthesakeofavenginghim。“Iwillobeyyou，“Imadeanswertomyfather，andbadeadieutothatpartofmyvengeance。
　　Itwasveryhard，verycrueltomyself；nevertheless，itwaspossible；for，afterall，didIhatethewretchhimself？Hehadstrucktheblow，itistrue，butonlyasaserviletoolinthehandofanother。
　　Ah！thatother，IwouldnotletHIMescape，whenheshouldbeinmygrip；hewhohadconceived，meditated，arranged，andpaidforthedeed；hewhohadstolenallfromme，all，all，frommyfather”slifeeventomymother”slove；he，thereal，theonlyculprit。
　　Yes，Iwouldlayholdofhim，andcontriveandexecutemyvengeance，whilemymothershouldneversuspecttheexistenceofthatdueloutofwhichIshouldcometriumphant。IwasintoxicatedbeforehandwiththeideaofthepunishmentwhichIwouldfindmeanstoinflictuponthemanwhomIexecrated。Itwarmedmyheartonlytothinkofhowthiswouldrepaymylong，cruelmartyrdom。
　　“Towork！towork！“Icriedaloud。
　　Itrembledlestthisshouldbenothingbutadelusion，lestEdmondTermondeshouldhavealreadyleftthecountry，mystepfatherhavingpreviouslypurchasedhissilence。
　　Atnineo”clockIwasinanabominablePrivateInquiryOffice——
　　merelytohavepasseditsthresholdwouldhaveseemedtomeashamefulaction，onlyafewhoursbefore。AttenIwaswithmybroker，givinghiminstructionstosellout100，000francs”worthofsharesforme。Thatdaypassed，andthenasecond。HowIborethesuccessionofthehours，Iknownot。IdoknowthatIhadnotcouragetogotomymother”shouse，ortoseeheragain。Ifearedshemightdetectmywildhopeinmyeyes，andunconsciouslyforewarnmystepfatherbyasentenceoraword，asshehadunconsciouslyinformedme。
　　Towardsnoon，onthethirdday，Ilearnedthatmystepfatherhadgoneoutthatmorning。ItwasaWednesday，andonthatdaymymotheralwaysattendedameetingforsomecharitablepurposeintheGrenellequarter。M。Termondehadchangedhiscabtwice，andhadalightedfromthesecondvehicleattheGrandHotel。TherehehadpaidavisittoatravelerwhooccupiedaroomonthesecondfloorNo。353；thisperson”snamewasenteredinthelistofarrivalsasStanbury。AtnoonIwasinpossessionoftheseparticulars，andattwoo”clockIascendedthestaircaseoftheGrandHotel，withaloadedrevolverandanote-casecontainingonehundredbanknotes，wherewithtopurchasetheletters，inmypocket。
　　WasIabouttoenteronaformidablesceneinthedramaofmylife，orwasIabouttobeconvincedthatIhadbeenoncemoremadethedupeofmyownimagination？
　　Atallevents，Ishouldhavedonemyduty。
　　XII
　　Ihadreachedthesecondfloor。Atonecornerofthelongcorridortherewasanotificationthatthenumbersranfrom300to360。A
　　waiterpassedme，whistling；twogirlswerechatteringandlaughinginakindofofficeatthestair-head；thevariousnoisesofthecourtyardcameupthroughtheopenwindows。
　　Themomentwasopportunefortheexecutionofmyproject。Withthesepeopleaboutthemancouldnothopetoescapefromthehouse。
　　345，350，351，353——IstoodbeforethedoorofEdmondTermonde”sroom；thekeywasinthelock；chancehadservedmypurposebetterthanIhadventuredtohope。ThistriflingparticularborewitnesstothesecurityinwhichthemanwhomIwasabouttosurprisewasliving。WasheevenawarethatIexisted？
　　Ipausedamomentbeforethecloseddoor。Iworeashortcoat，soastohavemyrevolverwithineasyreachinthepocket，andIputmyrighthanduponit，openedthedoorwithmyleft，andenteredwithoutknocking。
　　“Whoisthere？“saidamanwhowaslyingratherthansittinginanarm-chair，withhisfeetonatable；hewasreadinganewspaperandsmoking，andhisbackwasturnedtothedoor。Hedidnottroublehimselftoriseandseewhosehandhadopenedthedoor，thinking，nodoubt，thataservanthadcomein；hemerelyturnedhisheadslightly，andIdidnotgivehimtimetolookcompletelyround。
　　“M。Rochdale？“Iasked。
　　Hestartedtohisfeet，pushedawaythechair，andrushedtotheothersideofthetable，staringatmewithaterrifiedcountenance；hislightblueeyeswereunnaturallydistended，hisfacewaslivid，hismouthwashalfopen，hislegsbentunderhim。
　　Histall，robustframehadsustainedoneofthoseshocksofexcessiveterrorwhichalmostparalyzetheforcesoflife。Heutteredbutoneword”Cornelis！“
　　AtlastIheldinmyvictorioushandtheproofthatIhadbeenseekingformonths，andinthatmomentIwasmasterofalltheresourcesofmybeing。Yes，Iwasascalm，asclearofpurpose，asmyadversarywasthereverse。Hewasnotaccustomedtolive，likehisaccomplice，inthedailyhabitsofstudieddissimulation。Thename，“Rochdale，“theterrifyinglikeness，theunlooked-forarrival！Ihadnotbeenmistakeninmycalculation。WiththeamazingrapidityofthoughtthataccompaniesactionIperceivedthenecessityoffollowingupthisfirstshockofmoralterrorbyashockofphysicalterror。Otherwise，themanwouldhurlhimselfuponme，inthemomentofreaction，thrustmeasideandrushawaylikeamadman，attheriskofbeingstoppedonthestairsbytheservants，andthen？ButIhadalreadytakenoutmyrevolver，andI
　　nowcoveredthewretchwithit，callinghimbyhisrealname，toprovethatIknewallabouthim。
　　“M。EdmondTermonde，“Isaid，“ifyoumakeonesteptowardsme，I
　　willkillyou，liketheassassinthatyouare，asyoukilledmyfather。”
　　Pointingtoachairatthecornerofthehalf-openwindow，Iadded：
　　“Sitdown！“
　　Heobeyedmechanically。AtthatinstantIexercisedabsolutecontroloverhim；butIfeltsurethiswouldceasesosoonasherecoveredhispresenceofmind。Buteventhoughtherestoftheinterviewwerenowtogoagainstme，thatcouldnotalterthecertaintywhichIhadacquired。IhadwantedtoknowwhetherEdmondTermondewasthemanwhohadcalledhimselfRochdale，andI
　　hadsecuredundeniableproofofthefact。Nevertheless，itwasduetomyselfthatIshouldextractfrommyenemytheproofofthetruthofallmyconjectures，thatproofwhichwouldplacemystepfatheratmymercy。Thiswasafreshphaseofthestruggle。
　　IglancedroundtheroominwhichIwasshutupwiththeassassin。
　　Onthebed，placedonmyleft，layaloadedcane，ahatandanovercoat；onasmalltablewereasteel“knuckle-duster“andarevolver。Amongthearticleslaidoutonachestofdrawersonmyrightabowie-knifewasconspicuous，avalisewasplacedagainstanunuseddoor，awardrobewithalooking-glassstoodbeforeanotherunuseddoor，thencamethetoilet-stand，andtheman，crouchingundertheaimofmyrevolver，betweenthetableandthewindow。Hecouldneitherescape，norreachtoanymeansofdefensewithoutapersonalstrugglewithme；buthewouldhavetostandmyfirefirst，andbesides，ifhewastallandrobust，Iwasneithershortorfeeble。Iwastwenty-five，hewasfifty。Allthemoralforceswereforme，Imustwin。
　　“Now，“saidI，asItookaseat，butwithoutreleasinghimfromthecoveringbarrelofmypistol，“letustalk。”
　　“Whatdoyouwantofme？“heaskedroughly。Hisvoicewasbothhoarseandmuffled；thebloodhadgonebackintohischeeks，hiseyes，thoseeyessoexactlylikehisbrother”s，sparkled。Thebrute-naturewasrevivinginhimafterhavingsustainedafearfulshock，asthoughastonishedthatitstilllived。
　　“Come，then，“headded，clenchinghisfists，“Iamcaught。Fireonme，andletthisend。”
　　Then，asImadehimnoanswer，butcontinuedtothreatenhimwithmypistol，heexclaimed：
　　“Ah！Iunderstand；itisthatblackguardJacqueswhohassoldmetoyouinordertogetridofmehimself。There”sthestatuteoflimitations——hethinksheissafe！Buthashetoldyouthathewasinithimself，good，honestman，andthatIhavetheproofofthis？
　　Ah！hethinksIamgoingtoletyoukillme，likethat，withoutspeaking？No，Ishallcallout，weshallbearrested，andallwillbeknown。”
　　Furyhadseizeduponhim；hewasabouttoshout“Help！“andtheworstofitwasthatragewasrisinginmealso。Itwashe，withthatsamehandwhichIsawcreepingalongthetable，strong，hairy，seekingsomethingtothrowatme——yes——itwashewhohadkilledmyfather。
　　OneimpulsemoreofangerandIwaslost；abulletwaslodgedinhisbody，andIsawhisbloodflow。Oh，whatgooditwouldhavedonemetoseethatsight！
　　Butno，Isoonmadethesacrificeofthisparticularvengeance。Inasecond，Ibeheldmyselfarrested，obligedtoexplaineverything，andmymotherexposedtoallthemiseryofit。
　　Happilyforme，healsohadanintervalofreflection。Thefirstideathatmusthaveoccurredtohimwasthathisbrotherhadbetrayedhim，bytellingmeone-halfofthetruth，soastodeliverhimuptomyvengeance。Thesecond，nodoubt，wasthat，forasonwhocametoavengehisdeadfather，Iwasmakingagooddealofdelayaboutit。Therewasamomentarysilencebetweenus。Thisallowedmetoregainmycoolness，andtosay：“Youaremistaken，“
　　soquietlythathisamazementwasvisibleinhisface。Helookedatme，thenclosedhiseyes，andknittedhisbrow。Ifeltthathecouldnotenduremyresemblancetomyfather。
　　“Yes，youaremistaken，“Icontinueddeliberately，givingthetoneofabusinessconversationtothisterribleinterview。“Ihavenotcomehereeithertohaveyouarrestedortokillyou。Unless，“I
　　added，“youobligemetodosoyourself，asIfearedjustnowyouwouldobligeme。Ihavecometoproposeabargaintoyou，butitisontheconditionthatyoulisten，asIshallspeak，withcoolness。”
　　Oncemorewewerebothsilent。Inthecorridor，almostatthedooroftheroom，thereweresoundsoffeet，voices，andpealsoflaughter。Thiswasenoughtorecallmetothenecessityofcontrollingmyself，andhimtotheconsciousnessthathewasplayingadangerousgame。Ashot，acry，andsomeonewouldentertheroom，foritopeneduponthecorridor。EdmondTermondehadheardmewithextremeattention；agleamofhope，succeededbyasingularlookofsuspicion，hadpassedoverhisface。
　　“Makeyourconditions，“saidhe。
　　“IfIhadintendedtokillyou，“Iresumed，soastoconvincehimofmysinceritybytheevidenceofhissenses，“youwouldbedeadalready。”Iraisedtherevolver。“IfIhadintendedtohaveyouarrested，Iwouldnothavetakenthetroubletocomeheremyself；
　　twopolicemenwouldhavebeensufficient，foryoudon”tforgetthatyouareadeserter，andstillamenabletothelaw。”
　　“True，“herepliedsimply，andthenadded，followingoutamentalargumentwhichwasofvitalimportancetotheissueofourinterview：
　　“IfitisnotJacques，thenwhoisitthathassoldme？“
　　“Iheldyouatmydisposal，“Icontinued，withoutnoticingwhathehadsaid，“andIhavenotavailedmyselfofthat。ThereforeIhadastrongreasonforsparingyouyesterday，ereyesterday，thismorning，alittlewhileago，atthepresentmoment；anditdependsuponyourselfwhetherIspareyoualtogether。”
　　“Andyouwantmetobelieveyou，“heanswered，pointingtomyrevolverwhichIstillcontinuedtoholdinmyhand，butnolongercoveringhimwithit。“No，no，“andheadded，withanexpressionwhichsmackedofthebarrack-room，“Idon”ttumbletothatsortofthing。”
　　“Listentome，“saidI，nowassumingatoneofextremecontempt。
　　“ThepowerfulmotivewhichIhavefornotshootingyoulikeamaddog，youshalllearn。Idonotchoosethatmymothershouldeverknowwhatamanshemarriedinyourbrother。DoyounowunderstandwhyIresolvedtoletyougo？Providedyouareofthesamemind，however；foreventheideaofmymotherwouldnotstopme，ifyoupushedmetoofar。Iwilladd，foryourguidance，thatthelimitationbywhichyousupposedyourselftobesafefrompursuitforthemurderin1864hasbeentraversed；youarethereforestakingyourheadatthismoment。Fortenyearspastyouhavebeensuccessfullylevyingblackmailonyourbrother。Idonotsupposeyouhavemerelyplayeduponthechordoffraternallove。WhenyoucamefromAmericatoassumethepersonalityofRochdale，itwasclearlynecessarythatheshouldsendyousomeinstructions。Youhavekeptthoseletters。Iofferyouonehundredthousandfrancsforthem。”
　　“Sir，“herepliedslowly，andhistoneshowedmethatforthemomenthehadrecoveredhisself-control，“howcanyouimaginethatIshouldtakesuchaproposalseriously？Admittingthatanysuchletterswereeverwritten，andthatIhadkeptthem，whyshouldI
　　giveupadocumentofthiskindtoyou？WhatsecurityshouldI
　　havethatyouwouldnothavemelaidbytheheelsthemomentafter！
　　Ah！“hecried，lookingmestraightintheface，“youknownothing！
　　Thatname！Thatlikeness！IdiotthatIam，youhavetrickedme。”
　　Hisfaceturnedcrimsonwithrage，andheutteredanoath。
　　“Youshallpayforthis！“hecried；andatthesameinstant，whenhewasnolongercoveredbymypistol，hepushedthetableuponmesoviolently，thatifIhadnotsprungbackwardsImusthavebeenthrowndown；buthealreadyhadtimetoflinghimselfuponmeandseizemeroundthebody。Happilyformetheviolenceoftheattackhadknockedthepistoloutofmyhands，sothatIcouldnotbetemptedtouseit，andastrugglebeganbetweenusinwhichnotonewordwasspokenbyeither。
　　Withhisfirstrushhehadflungmetotheground；butIwasstrong，andthestrangepremonitionsofdanger，fromwhichI
　　sufferedinmyyouth，hadledmetodevelopallmyphysicalenergyandadroitness。
　　Ifelthisbreathonmyface，hisskinuponmyskin，hismusclesstrivingagainstmine，andatthesametimethedreadthatourconflictmightbeoverheardgavemethecoolnesswhichhehadlost。
　　Afterafewminutesofthistussle，andjustashisstrengthwasfailing，hefastenedhisteethinmyshouldersosavagelythatthepainofthebitemaddenedme。Iwrenchedoneofmyarmsfromhisgraspandseizedhimbythethroatattheriskofchokinghim。I
　　heldhimundermenow，andIstruckhisbeadagainstthefloorasthoughImeanttosmashit。Heremainedmotionlessforaminute，andIthoughtIhadkilledhim。Ifirstpickedupmypistol，whichhadrolledawaytothedoor，andthenbathedhisforeheadwithwaterinordertorevivehim。
　　WhenIcaughtsightofmyselfintheglass，withmycoat-collartorn，myfacebruised，mycravatinrags，IshudderedasifIhadseenthespecterofanotherAndreCornelis。Theignoblenatureofthisadventurefilledmewithdisgust；butitwasnotaquestionoffine-gentlemanfastidiousness。Myenemywascomingtohimself，I
　　mustendthis。IknewinmyconscienceIhaddoneallthatwaspossibletofulfillmyvowinregardtomymother。Theblamemustfallupondestiny。thewretchhadhalf-raisedhimself，andwaslookingatme；Ibentoverhim，andputthebarrelofmyrevolverwithinahair”sbreadthofhistemple。
　　“Thereisstilltime，“Isaid。“IgiveyoufiveminutestodecideuponthebargainwhichIproposedtoyoujustnow；theletters，andonehundredthousandfrancs，withyourliberty；ifnot，abulletinyourhead。Choose。Iwishedtospareyouonaccountofmymother；
　　butIwillnotlosemyvengeancebothways。Ishallbearrested，yourpaperswillbesearched，theletterswillbefound，itwillbeknownthatIhadarighttoshootyou。Mymotherwillgomadwithgrief；butIshallbeavenged。Ihavespoken。Youhavefiveminutes，notonemore。”
　　Nodoubtmyfaceexpressedinvincibleresolution。Theassassinlookedatthatface，thenattheclock。Hetriedtomakeamovement，butsawthatmyfingerwasabouttopressthetrigger。
　　“Iyield，“hesaid。
　　Iorderedhimtorise，andheobeyedme。
　　“Wherearetheletters？“
　　“Whenyouhavethem，“heimplored，withtheterrorofatrappedbeastinhisabjectface，“youwillletmegoaway？“
　　“Iswearit，“Ianswered；and，asIsawdoubtanddreadinhisquailingeyes，Iadded，“bythememoryofmyfather。Wherearetheletters？“
　　“There。”
　　Hepointedtoavaliseinacorneroftheroom。
　　“Hereisthemoney。”
　　Iflunghimthenote-casewhichcontainedit。Isthereasortofmoralmagnetisminthetoneofcertainwordsandincertainexpressionsofcountenance？WasitthenatureoftheoathwhichI
　　hadjusttaken，sodeeplyimpressiveatthatmoment，orhadthismansufficientstrengthofmindtosaytohimselfthathissinglechanceofsafetyresidedinbeliefinmygoodfaith？Howeverthatmaybe，hedidnothesitateforamoment；heopenedtheiron-boundvalise，tookoutayellow-leatherboxwithapatentlock，and，havingopenedit，flungitscontents——alargesealedenvelope-tome，exactlyasIhadflungthebanknotestohim。I，too，formypart，hadnotamoment”sfearthathewouldproduceaweaponfromthevaliseandattackmewhileIwasverifyingthecontentsoftheenvelope。Theseconsistedofthreelettersonly；thetwofirstborethedoublestampofParisandNewYork，thethirdthoseofNewYorkandLiverpool，andallthreeboretheJanuaryorFebruarypost-marksoftheyear1864。
　　“Isthatall？“heasked。
　　“Notyet，“Ianswered；“youmustundertaketoleaveParisthiseveningbythefirsttrain，withouthavingseenyourbrotherorwrittentohim。”
　　“Ipromise；andthen？“
　　“Whenwashetocomebackheretoseeyou？“
　　“OnSaturday，“heanswered，withashrugofhisshoulders。“Thebargainwasconcluded。HewasdeterminedtowaituntilthedaycameformetosetoutforHavrebeforepayingmethemoney，sothathemightmakequitesureIshouldnotstayoninParis——Thegameisup，“headded，“andnowIwashmyhandsofit。”
　　“EdmondTermonde，“saidI，rising，butnotloosinghimfromtheholdofmyeye，“rememberthatIhavesparedyou；butyoumustnottemptmeasecondtimebyputtingyourselfinmyway，orcrossingthepathofanywhomIlove。”
　　Then，withathreateninggesture，Iquittedtheroom，leavinghimseatedatthetablenearthewindow。Ihadhardlyreachedthecorridorwhenmynerves，whichhadbeensostrangelyundermycontrolduringthestruggle，failedme。Mylegsbentunderme，andIfearedIwasabouttofall。HowwasItoaccountforthedisorderofmyclothes？Imadeagreateffort，concealedthetornendsofmycravat，turnedupthecollarofmycoattohidetheconditionofmyshirt，anddidmybesttorepairthedamagethathadbeendonetomyhat。Ithenwipedmyfacewithmyhandkerchief，andwentdownstairswithaslowandcarelessstep。
　　Theinspectorofthefirstfloorwas，doubtless，occupiedattheotherendofthecorridor；buttwoofthewaiterssawmeandwereevidentlysurprisedatmyaspect。Theywere，however，toobusy，luckilyforme，tostopmeandinquireintothecauseofmydiscomposure。AtlastIreachedthecourtyard。Ifanybodywhoknewmehadbeenthere？Igotintothefirstcabandgavemyaddress。Ihadkeptmyword。Ihadconquered。
　　Iamafraidtokill；buthadIbeenborninItaly，inthefifteenthcentury，wouldIhavehesitatedtopoisonmyfather”smurderer？
　　WouldIhavehesitatedtoshoothim，hadIbeenborninCorsicafiftyyearsago？AmIthennothingbutacivilizedperson，awretchedandimpotentdreamer，whowouldfainact，butshrinksfromsoilinghishandsintheaction？IforcedmyselftocontemplatethedilemmainwhichIstood，initsabsolute，imperative，inevitabledistinctness。Imusteitheravengemyfatherbyhandingoverhismurderertobedealtwithbythelaw，sinceM。Massolhadprudentlyfulfilledalltheformalitiesnecessarytobarthelimitation，orImustbemyownministerofjustice。Therewasathirdalternative；thatIshouldsparethemurderouswretch，allowhimtoliveoninoccupationofhisvictim”splaceinmymother”shome，fromwhichhehaddrivenme；butatthethoughtofthismyragerevived。Thescruplesofthecivilizedmandidindeedgivehimpause；butthathesitationdidnothinderthesavage，whoslumbersinusall，fromfeelingtheappetiteforretaliationwhichstirstheanimalnatureofman——allhisflesh，andallhisblood——
　　ashungerandthirststirit。“Well，then，“saidItomyself，“I
　　willassassinatemystepfather，sincethatistherightword。Washeafraidtoassassinatemyfather？Hekilled；heshallbekilled。
　　Aneyeforaneye，atoothforatooth；thatistheprimitivelaw，andalltherestisalie。”
　　Eveninghadcomewhilethisstrifewasraginginmysoul。IwaslaboringunderexcitementwhichcontrastedstrangelywiththecalmnessIhadfeltafewhourspreviously，whenascendingthestairsintheGrandHotel。Thesituationalsohadundergoneachange；thenIwaspreparingforastruggle，akindofduel；IwasabouttoconfrontamanwhomIhadtoconquer，toattackhimfacetofacewithoutanytreachery，andIhadnotflinched。Itwasthemeanhypocrisyofclandestinemurderthathadmademeshrinkfromtheideaofkillingmystepfather，byluringhimintoasnare。I
　　hadcontrolledthistremblingthefirsttime；butIwasafraidofitscomingagain，andthatIshouldhaveasleeplessnight，andbeunfittoactnextdaywiththecoolcalmnessIdesired。
　　IfeltthatIcouldnotbearsuspense；onthemorrowImustact。
　　TheplanonwhichIshoulddecide，beitwhatitmight，mustbeexecutedwithinthetwenty-fourhours。
　　Thebestmeansofcalmingmynerveswasbymakingabeginningnow，atonce；bydoingsomethingbeforehandtoguardagainstsuspicion。
　　Idetermineduponlettingmyselfbeseenbypersonswhocouldbearwitness，ifnecessary，thattheyhadseenme，careless，easy，almostgay。Idressedandwentout，intendingtodineataplacewhereIwasknown，andtopassthemostofthenightattheclub。
　　WhenIwasintheAvenuedesChamps-Elysees，crowdedwithcarriagesandpeopleonfoot——theMayeveningwasdelicious——Isharedthephysicalsensationofthejoyofliving，whichwasabroadintheair。Theskyquiveredwiththeinnumerablethrobsofthestars，andtheyoungleavesshookatthetouchofaslowandgentlebreeze。Garlandsoflightilluminedthevariouspleasure-gardens。
　　Ipassedinfrontofarestaurantwherethetablesextendedtotheedgeofthefootpath，andyoungmenandwomenwerefinishingtheirdinnergaily。
　　Thecontrastbetweenthespring-festivalaspectofParisandthetragedyofmyowndestinycamehometometoostrongly。WhathadI
　　donetoFatetodeservethatIshouldbetheoneonlyperson，amidallthiscrowd，condemnedtosuchanexperience？Whyhadmypathbeencrossedbyamancapableofpushingpassiontothepointofcrime，inasocietyinwhichpassionisordinarilysomild，soharmless，andsolukewarm？Probablytheredidnotexistinallthe“good“societyofParisfourpersonswithdaringenoughtoconceivesuchaplanasthatwhichJacquesTermondehadexecutedwithsuchcooldeliberationundertheinfluenceofhispassion。Andthisvillain，whocouldlovesointensely，wasmystepfather！
　　Oncemorethebreathoffatality，whichhadalreadythrilledmewithakindofmysterioushorror，passedoverme，andIfeltthatI
　　couldnolongerbearthesightofthehumanface。Turningmybackuponthelit-up，noisyquarteroftheChampsElysees，IwalkedontowardstheArcdeTriomphe。WithoutthinkingaboutitItooktheroadtotheBois，boretotherighttoavoidthevehicles，andturnedintooneoftheloneliestpaths。HadIunconsciouslyobeyedoneofthosealmostanimalimpulsesofmemory，whichbringusbacktowaysthatwehavealreadytrodden？Bythesoft，bluishlightofthespringmoonIrecognizedtheplacewhereIhadwalkedwithmystepfatherinthewinter，ontheoccasionofourfirstdrivetotheBois。ItwasonthatdayIobligedhimtolooktheportraitofhisvictimintheface，onthatdayhecametomeonthepretextofaskingfortheReviewwhichmymotherhadlentme。InmythoughtsIbeheldhim，ashethenwas，andrecalledthestrangepitywhichhadstirredmyheartatthesightofhim，sosad，broken-down，and，sotospeak，conquered。Hestoodbeforeme，inthelightofthatremembrance，aslivingandrealasifhehadbeenthere，closebesideme，andtheacutesensationofhisexistencemademefeelatthesametimeallthesignificationofthosefearfulandmysteriouswords：tokill。Tokill？Iwasgoingtokillhim，inafewhoursitmightbe，atthelatestinafewdays。
　　Iheardvoices，andIwithdrewintotheshade。Twoformspassedme，ayoungmanandagirl，lovers，whodidnotseeme。Themoonlightfelluponthem，astheywentontheirway，handinhand。
　　Iburstintotears，andweptlong，unrestrainedly；forItoowasyoung；inmyhearttherewasafloodofpent-uptenderness，andhereIwas，onthisperfumed，moonlit，starlitnight，crouchinginadarkcorner，meditatingmurder！
　　No，notmurder，anexecution。Hasmystepfatherdeserveddeath？
　　Yes。Istheexecutionerwholetsdowntheknifeontheneckofthecondemnedcriminaltobecalledanassassin？No！Well，thenI
　　shallbetheexecutionerandnothingelse。IrosefromthebenchwhereIhadshedmylasttearsofresolutionandcowardice——forthusIregardedthosehottearstowhichInowappeal，asalastproofthatIwasnotbornforwhatIhavedone。
　　WhilewalkingbacktoParis，Imultipliedandreiteratedmyarguments。SometimesIsucceededinsilencingavoicewithinme，strongerthanmyreasoningandmylongingforvengeance，avoicewhichpronouncedthewordsformerlyutteredbymyaunt：“Vengeanceismine，saiththeLordGod。”AndiftherebenoGod？Andiftherebe，isnotthefaultHis，forHehasletthisthingbe？Yes，suchweremywildwordsandthoughts；andthenallthesescruplesofmyconscienceappearedtomemerevain，futilequibbles，fittingforphilosophersandconfessors。
　　Thereremainedoneindisputable，absolutefact；Icouldnotendurethatthemurdererofmyfathershouldcontinuetobethehusbandofmymother。
　　Therewasasecondnolessevidentfact；Icouldnotplacethismaninthehandsofjusticewithout，probably，killingmymotheronthespot，or，quitecertainly，layingherwholelifewaste。ThereforeIwouldhavetobemyowntribunal，judge，andexecutionerinmyowncause。Whatmatteredtometheargumentsfororagainst？I
　　wasboundtogiveheedfirsttomyfinalinstinct，anditcriedouttome“Kill！“
　　Iwalkedfast，keepingmymindfixedonthisideawithakindoftragicpleasure，forIfeltthatmyirresolutionwasgone，andthatIshouldact。Allofasudden，asIcameclosetotheArcdeTriomphe，Irememberedhow，onthatveryspot，Ihadmetoneofmyclubcompanionsforthelasttime。Heshothimselfthenextday。
　　Whydidthisremembrancesuddenlysuggesttomeaseriesofnewthoughts？
　　Istoppedshortwithabeatingheart。Ihadcaughtaglimpseofthewayofsafety。FoolthatIhadbeen，ledawayasusualbyanundisciplinedimagination！Mystepfathershoulddie。Ihadsentencedhiminthenameofmyinalienablerightasanavengingson；butcouldInotcondemnhimtodiebyhisownhand？HadInotthatinmypossessionwhichwoulddrivehimtosuicide？IfIwenttohimwithoutanymorereservesorcircumlocution，andifIsaidtohim，“Iholdtheproofthatyouarethemurdererofmyfather。
　　Igiveyouthechoice——eitheryouwillkillyourself，orIdenounceyoutomymother，“whatwouldhisanswerbe？He，wholovedhiswifewiththatreciprocateddevotionbywhichIhadsufferedsomuch，wouldheconsentthatsheshouldknowthetruth，thatsheshouldregardhimasabase，cowardlyassassin？No，never；hewouldratherdie。
　　Myheart，wearyandwornwithpain，rushedtowardsthisdoorofhope，sosuddenlyopened。“Ishallhavedonemyduty，“Ithought，“andIshallhavenobloodonmyhands。Myconsciencewillnotbestained。”Iexperiencedanimmenserelieffromtheweightofforeseenremorsethathadcausedmesuchagony，andIwentondrawingapictureofthefuture，freedatlastfromonedarkimagewhichhadveiledthesunshineofmyyouth。“Hewillkillhimself；
　　mymotherwillweepforhim；butIshallbeabletodryhertears。
　　Herheartwillbleed，butIwillhealthewoundwiththebalmofmytenderness。Whentheassassinisnolongerthere，sheandIwillliveoveragainallthedeartimethathestolefromus，andthenI
　　shallbeabletoshowherhowIloveher。ThecaresseswhichIdidnotgiveherwhenIwasachild，becausetheotherfrozemebyhismerepresence，Iwillgiveherthen；thewordswhichIdidnotspeak，thetenderwordsthatwerestoppeduponmylips，sheshallhearthen。WewillleaveParis，andgetridofthesesadremembrances。Wewillretiretosomequietspot，far，faraway，whereshewillhavenonebutme，Inonebuther，andIwilldevotemyselftoheroldage。WhatdoIwantwithanyotherlove，withanyothertie？Sufferingsoftenstheheart；hergriefwillmakeherlovememore。Ah！howhappyweshallbe。”Butoncemorethevoicewithinresumed：“Whatifthewretchrefusetokillhimself？
　　WhatifhewerenottobelievemewhenIthreatentodenouncehim？“
　　HadInotbeenactingformonthsashisaccompliceinmaintainingthedeceitpracticeduponmymother？DidhenotknowhowmuchI
　　lovedher，hewhohadbeenjealousofmeasherson，asIhadbeenjealousofhimasherhusband？Wouldhenotanswer：“Denounceme！“
　　beingwellassuredthatIwouldnotdealsuchablowatthepoorwoman？TotheseobjectionsIreplied，that，whereasIhadsuspectedpreviously，nowIknew。No，hewillnotbeentirelyconvincedthattheevidenceIholdwillmakemedareeverything。
　　Wellthen，ifherefuse，Ishallhaveattemptedtheimpossibletoavoidmurder——letdestinybeaccomplished！
　　XIII
　　Itwasfouro”clockintheafternoononthefollowingday，whenI
　　presentedmyselfatthehotelontheBoulevarddeLatour-Maubourg。
　　Iknewthatmymotherwouldmostprobablybeout。IalsothoughtitlikelymystepfatherwouldhefeelingnonethebetterofhisearlyexcursiontotheGrandHotelonthepreviousday，andI
　　thereforehopedtofindhimathome，perhapsinhisbed。Iwasright；mymotherwasout，andhehadremainedathome。Hewasinhisstudy，theroominwhichourfirstexplanationhadtakenplace。
　　ThatuponwhichIwasnowbentwasoffargreaterimportance，andyetIwaslessagitatedthanontheformeroccasion。AtlastIwascompletelycertainofthefacts，andwiththatcertaintyastrangecalmnesshadcometome。Icanrecallmyhavingtalkedforafewmomentswiththeservantwhoannouncedme，aboutachildofhiswhowasill。Ialsoremembertohaveobservedforthefirsttimethatthesmokychimneyofsomemanufacturingworksatthebackofthegarden，built，nodoubt，duringthelastwinter，wasvisiblethroughthewindowofthestaircase。
　　IrecordthesethingsbecauseIamboundtorecognizethatmymindwasquiteclearandfree——forIwillbesinceretotheend——whenI
　　enteredthespaciousroom。
　　Mystepfatherwasreclininginadeeparmchairatthefarsideofthefireplace，andoccupiedincuttingthepagesofanewbookwithadagger。Thebladeofthisweaponwasbroad，short，andstrong。
　　HehadbroughttheknifebackfromSpain，withseveralotherkindsofarms，whichlayaboutintheroomshehabituallyoccupied。I
　　nowunderstoodtheorderofideaswhichthissingulartasteindicated。Hewasdressedforwalking；buthisalteredlooksborewitnesstotheintensityofthecrisisthroughwhichhehadpassed。
　　Ithadaffectedhiswholebeing。
　　Verylikelymyfacewasexpressiveofanextraordinaryresolution，forIsawbyhiseyes，asourlooksmet，thathehadreadthedepthsofmythoughtsataglance。Nevertheless，hesaid：“Ah，isityou，Andre？Itisverykindofyoutocome，“thusexhibitingoncemorethepowerofhisself-control，andheputouthishand。
　　Ididnottakeit，andmyrefusal，contrastingwithhisgestureofwelcome，thesilencewhichIkeptforsomeminutes，thecontractionofmyfeatures，and，nodoubt，themenaceinmyeyes，entirelyenlightenedhimastothemoodinwhichIcametohim。Veryquietly，helaiddownhisbookandtheSpanishknifehehadbeenusing，onalargetablewithinhisreach，andthenherosefromhischair，leanedhisbackagainstthemantelpiece，andcrossinghisarms，lookedatmewiththehaughtystareIknewsowell，andwhichhadsooftenhumiliatedmeinmyboyhood。Iwasthefirsttobreakthesilence；replyingtohispolitegreetinginaharshtone，andlookinghimstraightintheface，Isaid：
　　“Thetimeofliesispast。YouhaveguessedthatIknowall？“
　　Hebenthisbrowsintothesternfrownhealwaysassumedwhenhefeltangerhewasboundtosuppress，hiseyesmetminewithindomitablepride，andhemerelyreplied：
　　“Idonotunderstandyou。”
　　“Youdonotunderstandme？Verywell，Iamabouttoenlightenyou。”Myvoiceshookinutteringthesewords；mycoolnesswasforsakingme。Thedaybefore，andinmyconversationwiththebrother，Ihadcomeincontactwiththevileinfamyofaknaveandacoward；buttheenemywhomIwasnowfacing，althoughagreaterscoundrelthantheother，foundmeanstopreserveasortofmoralsuperiority，eveninthatterriblehourwhenheknewwellhewasfacetofacewithhiscrime。
　　Yes，thismanwasacriminal，butofagrandkind，andtherewasnocowardiceinhim。Pridesatuponthatbrowsoladenwithdarkthoughts，butfearsetnomarkuponit，anymorethandidrepentance。Inhiseyes——exactlylikethoseofhisbrother——afierceresolutionshone；Ifeltthathewoulddefendhimselftotheend。Hewouldyieldtoevidenceonly，andsuchstrengthofminddisplayedatsuchamomenthadtheeffectofexasperatingme。Thebloodflewtomyhead，andmyheartbeatrapidly，asIwenton：
　　“Allowmetotakeupthematteralittlefartherback。In1864，therewasinParisamanwholovedthewifeofhismostintimatefriend。Althoughthatfriendwasverytrusting，verynoble，veryeasilyduped，hebecameawareofthislove，andhebegantosufferfromit。Hegrewjealous——althoughheneverdoubtedhiswife”spurityofheart——jealousaseveryoneiswholovestoowell。
　　“Themanwhowastheobjectofhisjealousyperceivedit，understoodthathewasabouttobeforbiddenthehouse，knewthatthewomanwhomhelovedwouldneverdegradeherselfbylisteningtoalover，andthisistheplanwhichbeconceived：
　　“Hehadabrothersomewhereinadistantland，aninfamousscoundrelwhowassupposedtobedead，acreaturesunkinshame，athief，aforger，adeserter，andhebethoughthimofthisbrotherasaninstrumentreadytohishandwherewithtoridhimselfofthefriendwhostoodinthewayofhispassion。Hesentforthefellowsecretly，heappointedtomeethiminoneoftheloneliestcornersofParis——inastreetadjoiningtheJardindesPlantes，andatnight——youseeIamwellinformed。Itiseasytoimaginehowhepersuadedtheformerthieftoplaythepartofbravo。Afewmonthsafter，thehusbandwasassassinatedbythisbrother，whoeludedjustice。Thefelon-friendmarriedalmostimmediatelythewomanwhomheloved；heisnowamaninsociety，wealthyandrespected，andhispureandpiouswifeloves，admires，nay，worshipshim。Doyounowbegintounderstand？“
　　“Nomorethanbefore，“heanswered，withthesameimpassiveface。
　　Hedidwellnottoflinch。WhatIhadsaidmightbeonlyanattempttowresthissecretfromhimbyfeigningtoknowall。
　　Nevertheless，thedetailconcerningtheplacewherehehadappointedtomeethisbrotherhadmadehimstart。Thatwasthespottohit，andquickly。
　　“Thecowardlyassassin，“Icontinued，“yes，thecoward，becausehedarednotcommitthecrimehimself，hadcarefullycalculatedallthecircumstancesofthemurder；buthehadreckonedwithoutcertainlittleaccidents，forinstance，thathisbrotherwouldkeepthethreelettershehadreceived，thefirsttwoatNewYork，thelastatLiverpool，andwhichcontainedinstructionsrelatingtothestagesofthisclandestinejourney。Neitherhadhetakenintoaccountthatthesonofhisvictimwouldgrowup，wouldbecomeaman，wouldconceivecertainsuspicionsofthetruecauseofhisfather”sdeath，andwouldsucceedinprocuringoverwhelmingproofofthedarkconspiracy。Come，then，“Iaddedfiercely，“offwiththemask！M。JacquesTermonde，itisyouwhohadmyunhappyfatherkilledbyyourbrotherEdmond。IhaveinmypossessionthelettersyouwrotehiminJanuary，1864，toinducehimtocometoEurope，firstunderthefalsenameofRochesterandafterwardsunderthatofRochdale。Itisnotworthyourwhiletoplaytheindignantortheastonishedwithme——thegameisup。”
　　Hehadturnedfrightfullypale；buthisarmsstillremainedcrossed，andhisboldeyesdidnotdroop。HemadeonelastattempttoparrythestraightblowIhadaimedathim，andhehadthehardihoodtosay：
　　“HowmuchdidthatwretchEdmondaskasthepriceoftheforgerywhichhefabricatedinrevengeformyrefusaltogivehimmoney？“
　　“Besilent，you”saidIstillmorefiercely。“Isittomethatyoudaretospeakthus——tome？DidIneedthoselettersinordertolearnall？Havewenotknownforweekspast，I，thatyouhadcommittedthecrime，andyou，thatIhaddivinedyourguilt？WhatIstillneededwasthewritten，indisputable，undeniableproof，thatwhichcanbelaidbeforeamagistrate。Yourefusedhimmoney？
　　Youwereabouttogivehimmoney，onlythatyoumistrustedhim，andchosetowaituntilthedayofhisdeparture。YoudidnotsuspectthatIwasuponyourtrack。ShallItellyouwhenitwasyousawhimforthelasttime？Yesterday，atteno”clockinthemorning，youwentout，youchangedyourcabfirstatthePlacedelaConcorde，andasecondtimeatthePalaisRoyal。YouwenttotheGrandHotel，andyouaskedwhetherMr。Stanburywasinhisroom。A
　　fewhourslaterI，myself，wasinthatsameroom。Ah！howmuchdidEdmondTermondeaskfrommefortheletters？Why，Itorethemfromhim，pistolinhand，afterastruggleinwhichIwasnearlykilled。
　　Youseenowthatyoucandeceivemenomore，andthatitisnolongerworthyourwhiletodeny。”
　　Ithoughthewasabouttodropdeadbeforeme。Hisfacechanged，untilitwashardlyhuman，asIwenton，on，on，pilinguptheexactfacts，trackinghisfalsehood，asonetracksawildbeast，andprovingtohimthathisbrotherhaddefendedhimselfafterhisfashion，evenashehaddone。Heclaspedhishandsabouthishead，whenIceasedtospeak，asthoughtocompressthemaddeningthoughtswhichrusheduponhim；then，oncemorelookingmeintheface，butthistimewithinfinitedespairinhiseyes，heutteredexactlythesamesentenceashisbrotherhadspoken，butwithquiteanotherexpressionandtone：
　　“Thishourtoowasboundtocome。Whatdoyouwantfrommenow？“
　　“Thatyoushoulddojusticeonyourself，“Ianswered。“Youhavetwenty-fourhoursbeforeyou。If，to-morrowatthishour，youarestillliving，Iplacethelettersinmymother”shands。”
　　EverysortoffeelingwasdepicteduponhislividfacewhileI
　　placedthisultimatumbeforehim，inafirmvoicewhichadmittedofnofartherdiscussion。Iwasstandingup，andIleanedagainstthelargetable；hecametowardsme，withasortofdeliriuminhiseyesastheystrovetomeetmine。
　　“No，“hecried，“no，Andre，notyet！Pityme，Andre，pityme！Seenow，Iamacondemnedman，Ihavenotsixmonthstolive。Yourrevenge！Ah！youhadnoneedtoundertakeit。What！IfIhavedoneaterribledeed，doyouthinkIhavenotbeenpunishedforit？
　　Lookatme，onlylookatme；Iamdyingofthisfrightfulsecret。
　　Itisallover；mydaysarenumbered。Thefewthatremain，leave，oh，leavethemtome！Understandthis，Iamnotafraidtodie；buttokillmyself，togoaway，leavingthisgrieftoherwhomyouloveasIdo！Itistruethat，towinher，Ihavedoneanatrociousdeed；butsay，answer，hasthereeverbeenanhour，aminutesince，inwhichherhappinesswasnotmyonlyaim？Andyouwouldhavemeleaveherthus，inflictuponherthetormentofthinkingthatwhileImighthavegrownoldbyherside，Ipreferredtogoaway，toforsakeherbeforethetime？No，Andre——thislastyear，leaveittome！Ah，leaveittome，leaveittous，forIassureyouthatI
　　amhopelesslyill，thatIknowit，thatthedoctorshavenothiddenitfromme。Inafewmonths——fixadate——ifthediseasehasnotcarriedmeoff，youcancomeback。ButIshallbedead。Shewillweepforme，withoutthehorrorofthatideathatIhaveforestalledmyhour，shewhoissopious！Youonlywillbetheretoconsoleher，toloveher。Havepityuponher，ifnotuponme。
　　See，Ihavenomorepridetowardsyou，Ientreatyouinhername，inthenameofherdearheart，forwellyouknowitstenderness。
　　Youloveher，Iknowthat；Ihaveguessedtrulythatyouhidyoursuspicionstospareherpain。Itellyouonceagain，mylifeisahell，andIwouldjoyfullygiveittoyouinexpiationofwhatI
　　havedone；butshe，Andre，she，yourmother，whohasnever，nevercherishedathoughtthatwasnotpureandnoble，no，donotinflictthistortureuponher。”
　　“Words，words！“Ianswered，movedtothebottomofmysoulinspiteofmyself，bytheoutburstofananguishinwhichIwasforcedtorecognizesincerity。“ItisbecausemymotherisnobleandpurethatIwillnothaveherremainthewifeofavilemurdererforadaylonger。Youshallkillyourself，orsheshallknowall。”
　　“Doitthenifyoudare，“hereplied，withareturntothenaturalprideofhischaracter，attheferocityofmyanswer。“Doitifyoudare！Yes，sheismywife，yes，shelovesme；goandtellher，andkillheryourselfwiththewords。Ha，yousee！Youturnpaleatthemerethought。Ihaveallowedyoutolive，yes，I，onaccountofher，anddoyousupposeIdonothateyouasmuchasyouhateme？Nevertheless，Ihaverespectedyoubecauseyouweredeartoher，andyouwillhavetodothesamewithme。Yes，doyouhear，itmustbeso”
　　Itwashewhowasgivingordersnow，hewhowasthreatening。Howplainlyhadhereadmymind，tostandupbeforemeinsuchanattitude！Furiouspassionbrokelooseinme；Itookinthefactsofthesituation。Thismanhadlovedmymothermadlyenoughtopurchaseheratthecostofthemurderofhismostintimatefriend，andhelovedherafterallthoseyearspassionatelyenoughtodesirethatnotoneofthedayshehadstilltopasswithhermightbelosttohim。Anditwasalsotruethatnever，nevershouldI
　　havethecouragetorevealtheterrifictruthtothepoorwoman。
　　Iwassuddenlycarriedawaybyragetothepointoflosingallcontrolovermyfrenzy。“Ah！“Icried，“sinceyouwillnotdojusticeonyourself，diethen，atonce！“Istretchedoutmyhandandseizedthedaggerwhichhehadrecentlyplaceduponthetable。
　　Helookedatmewithoutflinching，orrecoiling；indeedpresentinghisbreasttome，asthoughtobravemychildishrage。Iwasonhisleftbendingdown，andreadytospring。Isawhissmileofcontempt，andthenwithallmystrengthIstruckhimwiththeknifeinthedirectionoftheheart。
　　Thebladeenteredhisbodytothehilt。
　　NosoonerhadIdonethisthingthanIrecoiled，wildwithterroratthedeed。Heutteredacry。Hisfacewasdistortedwithterribleagony，andhemovedhisrighthandtowardsthewound，asthoughhewoulddrawoutthedagger。Helookedatme，convulsed；I
　　sawthathewantedtospeak；hislipsmoved，butnosoundissuedfromhismouth。Theexpressionofasupremeeffortpassedintohiseyes，heturnedtothetable，tookapen，dippeditintotheinkstand，andtracedtwolinesonasheetofpaperwithinhisreach。Helookedatmeagain，hislipsmovedoncemore，thenhefelldownlikealog。
　　Iremember——Isawthebodystretcheduponthecarpet，betweenthetableandthetallmantelpiece，withintwofeetofme。I
　　approachedhim，Ibentoverhisface。Hiseyesseemedtofollowmeevenafterdeath。
　　Yes，hewasdead。
　　Thedoctorwhocertifiedthedeathexplainedafterwardsthattheknifehadpassedthroughthecardiacmusclewithoutcompletelypenetratingtheleftcavityoftheheart，andthat，thebloodnotbeingshedallatonce，deathhadnotbeeninstantaneous。
　　IcannottellhowlonghelivedafterIstruckhim，nordoIknowhowlongIremainedinthesameplace，overwhelmedbythethought：
　　“Someonewillcome，andIamlost。”ItwasnotformyselfthatI
　　trembled。Whatcouldbedonetoasonwhohadbutavengedhismurderedfather？But，mymother？Thiswaswhatallmyresolutionstospareheratanycost，mydailysolicitudeforherwelfare，myunseentears，mytendersilence，hadcometointheend！Imustnow，inevitably，eitherexplainmyself，orleavehertothinkIwasameremurderer。Iwaslost。ButifIcalled，ifIcriedoutsuddenlythatmystepfatherhadjustkilledhimselfinmypresence，shouldIbebelieved？And，besides，hadhenotwrittenwhatwouldconvictmeofmurder，onthatsheetofpaperlyingonthetable？
　　WasIgoingtodestroyit，asapracticedcriminaldestroyseveryvestigeofhispresencebeforeheleavesthesceneofhiscrime？
　　Iseizedthesheetofpaper；thelineswerewrittenuponitincharactersratherlargerthanusual。HowitshookinmyhandwhileIreadthesewords：“Forgiveme，Marie。Iwassufferingtoomuch。
　　Iwantedtobedonewithit。”Andhehadhadthestrengthtoaffixhissignature！
　　Sothen，hislastthoughthadbeenforher。Inthebriefmomentsthathadelapsedbetweenmyblowwiththeknife，andhisdeath，hehadperceivedthedreadfultruth，thatIshouldbearrested，thatI
　　wouldspeaktoexplainmydeed，thatmymotherwouldthenlearnhiscrime——andhehadsavedmebycompellingmetosilence。
　　ButwasIgoingtoprofitbythismeansofsafety？WasIgoingtoaccepttheterriblegenerositybywhichtheman，whomIhadsoprofoundlydetested，wouldstandacquittedtowardsmeforevermore？
　　Imustrendersomuchjusticetomyhonor；myfirstimpulsewastodestroythatpaper，toannihilatewithiteventhememoryofthedebtimposeduponmyhatredbytheatrociousbutsublimeactionofthemurdererofmyfather。
　　AtthatmomentIcaughtsightofaportraitofmymother，onthetable，closetowherehehadbeensitting。Itwasaphotograph，takeninheryouth；shewasrepresentedinbrillianteveningattire，herbarearmsshadedwithlace，pearlsinherhair，gay，ay，betterthangay，happy，withanineffablypureexpressionoverspreadingherface。Mystepfatherhadsacrificedalltosaveherfromdespaironlearningthetruth，andwasshetoreceivethefatalblowfromme，tolearnatthesamemomentthatthemanshelovedhadkilledherfirsthusband，andthathehadbeenkilledbyherson？
　　Idesiretobelieve，sothatImaycontinuetoholdmyselfinsomeesteem，thatonlythevisionofhergriefledmetomydecision。I
　　replacedthesheetofpaperonthetable，andturnedawayfromthecorpselyingonthecarpet，withoutcastingaglanceatit。TheremembranceofmyflightfromtheGrandHotel，onthepreviousday，gavemecourage；Imusttryasecondtimetogetawaywithoutbetrayingdiscomposure。
　　Ifoundmyhat，lefttheroom，andclosedthedoorcarelessly。I
　　crossedthehallandwentdownthestaircase，passingbythefootmanwhostoodupmechanically，andthentheconciergewhosalutedme。Thetwoservantshadnotevenputmeoutofcountenance。
　　IreturnedtomyroomasIhaddonethedaybefore，butinafarmoretragicstateofsuspense。WasIsaved？WasIlost？Alldependedonthemomentatwhichsomebodymightgointomystepfather”sroom。Ifmymotherweretoreturnwithinafewminutesofmydeparture；ifthefootmanweretogoupstairswithsomeletter，Ishouldinstantlybesuspected，inspiteofthedeclarationwrittenbyM。Termonde。Ifeltthatmycouragewasexhausted。Iknewthat，ifaccused，Ishouldnothavemoralstrengthtodefendmyself，formywearinesswassooverwhelmingthatIdidnotsufferanylonger。TheonlythingIhadstrengthtodowastowatchtheswingofthependulumofthetimepieceonthemantelshelf，andtomarkthemovementofthehands。Aquarterofanhourelapsed，halfanhour，awholehour。
　　ItwasanhourandahalfafterIhadleftthefatalroom，whenthebellatthedoorwasrung。Ihearditthroughthewalls。A
　　servantbroughtmealaconicnotefrommymotherscribbledinpencilandhardlylegible。Itinformedmethatmystepfatherhaddestroyedhimselfinanattackofseverepain。Thepoorwomanimploredmetogotoherimmediately。Ah，shewouldnowneverknowthetruth！
　　XIV
　　TheconfessionthatIwishedtowriteiswritten。TowhatendcouldIaddfreshfactstoitnow？Ihopedtoeasemyheartbypassinginreviewallthedetailsofthisdarkstory，butIhaveonlyrevivedthedreadmemoryofthescenesinwhichIhavebeenanactor；fromthefirst——whenIsawmyfatherstretcheddeaduponhisbed，andmymotherweepingbyhisside，tothelast——whenI
　　noiselesslyenteredaroominwhichtheunhappywomanwasagainkneelingandweeping。Againuponthebedtherelayacorpse，andsheroseasshehaddonebefore，andutteredthesamedespairingcry：“MyAndre——myson。”AndIhadtoanswerherquestions；Ihadtoinventforherafalseconversationwithmystepfather，totellherthatIlefthimratherdepressed，butwithnothinginhisappearanceormannertoindicateafatalresolution。Ihadtotakethenecessarystepstopreventthisallegedsuicidefromgettingknown，toseethecommissaryofpoliceandthe“doctorofthedead。”Ihadtopresideatthefuneralceremonies，toreceivetheguestsandactaschiefmourner。Andalways，always，hewaspresenttome，withthedaggerinhisbreast，writingthelinesthathadsavedme，andlookingatme，whilehislipsmoved。
　　Ah，begone，begone，abhorredphantom！Yes！Ihavedoneit；yes！I
　　havekilledyou；yes！itwasjust。Youknowwellthatitwasjust。
　　Whyareyoustillherenow？Ah！IWILLlive；IWILLforget。IfI
　　couldonlyceasetothinkofyouforoneday，onlyoneday，justtobreathe，andwalk，andseethesky，withoutyourimagereturningtohauntmypoorheadwhichisrackedbythishallucination，andtroubled？MyGod！havepityonme。Ididnotaskforthisdreadfulfate；itisThouthathastsentittome。WhydostThoupunishme？Oh，myGod，havepityonme！Misereremei，Domine。
　　Vainprayers！IsthereanyGod，anyjustice，isthereeithergoodorevil？None，none，none，none！Thereisnothingbutapitilessdestinywhichbroodsoverthehumanrace，iniquitousandblind，distributingjoyandgriefathaphazard。AGodwhosays，“Thoushaltnotkill，“tohimwhosefatherhasbeenkilled？No，Idon”tbelieveit。No，ifhellweretherebeforeme，gapingopen，Iwouldmakeanswer：“Ihavedonewell，“andIwouldnotrepent。Idonotrepent。Myremorseisnotforhavingseizedtheweaponandstrucktheblow，itisthatIowetohim——tohim——thatinfamousgoodservicewhichhedidme——thatIcannottothepresenthourshakefrommethehorriblegiftIhavereceivedfromthatman。IfIhaddestroyedthepaper，ifIhadgoneandgivenmyselfup，ifIhadappearedbeforeajury，revealing，proclaimingmydeed，Ishouldnotbeashamed；Icouldstillholdupmyhead。Whatrelief，whatjoyitwouldbeifImightcryaloudtoallmenthatIkilledhim，thathelied，andIlied，thatitwasI，I，whotooktheweaponandplungeditintohim！Andyet，Ioughtnottosufferfromhavingaccepted——no——enduredtheodiousimmunity。WasitfromanymotiveofcowardicethatIactedthus？WhatwasIafraidof？Oftorturingmymother，nothingmore。Why，then，doIsufferthisunendurableanguish？Ah，itisshe，itismymotherwho，withoutintendingit，makesthedeadsolivingtome，byherowndespair。
　　Shelives，shutupintheroomswheretheylivedtogetherforsixteenyears；shehasnotallowedasinglearticleoffurnituretobetouched；shesurroundstheman”saccursedmemorywiththesamepiousreverencethatmyauntformerlylavishedonmyunhappyfather。Irecognizetheinvincibleinfluenceofthedeadinthepallorofhercheeks，thewrinklesinhereyelids，thewhitestreaksinherhair。Hedisputesherwithmefromthedarknessofhiscoffin；hetakesherfromme，hourbyhour，andIampowerlessagainstthatlove。IfIweretotellher，asIwouldliketotellher，allthetruth，fromthehideouscrimewhichhecommitted，downtotheexecutioncarriedoutbyme，itisIwhomshewouldhate，forhavingkilledhim。ShewillgrowoldthusandIshallseeherweep，always，always——WhatgoodisittohavedonewhatIdid，sinceIhavenotkilledhiminherheart？