Part 62 (2/2)
Mrs. Ershebet, who was equally ignorant of what Vilma and the Liptaka did on that occasion, affirmed that Viola had never entered the house; but the justice sneered, and forced the old woman, Liptaka, to repeat the statement which she had made before the court-martial.
”It's but too true, sir,” said she. ”While they were hunting after Viola in the village, he was hid in the house. I hid him in the back room behind the casks; but neither the notary nor Mrs. Tengelyi was aware of it. And I told the gentlemen of the court that I was too frightened to tell the notary what Viola desired me to tell him, namely, that he ought to look to his papers. Heaven knows but a great misfortune might have been prevented, if I had done as I was bid!”
”I'd be a fool to believe you!” said the justice. ”How could you take the robber to the back room unless some one knew of it?”
”Some one did know of it, but neither the notary knew of it, nor his wife, for she was in bed at the time. Miss Vilma and I were sitting up when Viola came to the house. We were sitting up with Susi, when we heard the noise in the street. I went out and found Viola. The place was surrounded, and there was no escape. I knew they'd hang him if they could take him, so I entreated Miss Vilma to allow me to take him in.
She was moved to pity, and gave her permission. That's the long and the short of it. If it was wrong to hide him--very well! You may do with me as you please. I am an old woman, and I'm the only criminal in this business.”
”Never mind, you old beldame!” cried Mr. Skinner, angrily. ”We'll clear our accounts with you one of these fine days. We must now examine Miss Vilma, since it appears that all the inmates of this house are leagued against the law!” and, turning to Mrs. Ershebet, he said, ”Call your daughter!”
”Never!” said Mrs. Tengelyi. ”My daughter is the betrothed bride of Akosh Rety; who will dare to offend her? To think that my own Vilma should be examined for all the world like a common culprit!” said the good woman: but Tengelyi asked her to fetch her daughter.
”But, my dear Jonas, how can you think----”
”Go to your room and call your daughter!” repeated Tengelyi. ”I am convinced that the Liptaka tells an untruth. My daughter has never kept any thing secret from me.”
Mrs. Ershebet left the room, and returned with Vilma. The power of beauty is irresistible; even Mr. Skinner, in spite of his innate vulgarity, lost half of his impertinence when Miss Tengelyi appeared before him. He said it was necessary that a few questions should be put to her, but that he was ready to wait, if she thought it inconvenient to answer them now.
”Go on!” said Tengelyi, dryly. ”Speak, Vilma. Tell us, is it true that Viola was hid in our house at the time they pursued him through the village?”
”Father!” cried Vilma; and her pale face became suddenly flushed.
”Fear nothing, my love! You've always been my good, my dear child. You were always open and candid. Tell us, now, is it true that Viola was in our house, and with your permission, too?”
Vilma stood silent and trembling. Mr. Skinner pitied her, when he saw the effect the question produced on the poor girl.
”Dearest Vilma, I intreat you to have no fear!” continued Tengelyi. ”I know very well it's a vile calumny. I know you would never have done such a thing without my consent, or, at least, without informing me of it after it was done. You see, Vilma, dear, this woman--G.o.d knows I do not deserve it at her hands!--tries to clear herself by saying that it was with your permission she hid Viola in my house.”
Vilma's fear yielded to the impression that a confession on her part was necessary to justify her old friend. She wept, and confirmed the statements of the Liptaka.
”Pardon me, dearest father!” added she; ”I am the cause of this misfortune. I asked the Liptaka to hide Viola in this house, and I asked her to keep the matter secret from you, for I knew you would be angry with us, because they say Viola is a great criminal; though it is but natural that I did my best to save the wretched man from certain death.”
”Gammon!” muttered Mr. Skinner. Kenihazy fetched sundry deep sighs; and Rety remarked that he thought Vilma's evidence consistent and credible.
Tengelyi stood lost in speechless agony. Vilma was silent, but the looks which she cast upon her father expressed unutterable despair. Vandory alone broke through the solemn silence; and, seizing the hand of his friend, he entreated him not to yield to his grief.
”Fear nothing!” said Tengelyi, gloomily. ”Since I have come to this--since my own daughter tells me the truth only when examined by a judge--since it is so--there is nothing to startle; nothing is left to amaze me! It is enough!” continued he, with a deep sigh, turning to the justice. ”Let us make an end of it. You know all you can wish to know.
You know that everything speaks against me. I see no reason why you should trouble yourself any more with me. Give me two hours' time to arrange my affairs, and, if you please, have my house watched in the meantime.”
”Of course, if _you_ have said all you have to say, there is no reason for further ceremony. I'll have the carriage ready in two hours. You had better take all the things you want for your stay in Dustbury, which, I am afraid, will be longer than you seem to antic.i.p.ate.”
”I will accompany him!” cried Mrs. Ershebet, weeping; ”I will not leave my husband in his trouble.”
”My dear Ershebet,” said the notary, ”I must insist on your remaining where you are. I am accused, and I must prepare my defence, and for that purpose I ought to be alone.”
Mrs. Ershebet wept still more; but Mr. Skinner remarked that he was not sure whether the regulations of the prison would allow the prisoner to communicate with his family. Having said this, he left the room with Kenihazy, thereby conferring a substantial benefit, not only on the notary and his family, but also upon himself, for he had scarcely left the house when Akosh Rety arrived in a state of fearful excitement.
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