1 Thus ended a day memorable to me; it decided my future destiny.
2 My father wished her not to go but said that he left it to her own judgment and feelings to decide.
3 My heart beat quick; this was the hour and moment of trial, which would decide my hopes or realize my fears.
4 I was spared the disgrace of appearing publicly as a criminal, as the case was not brought before the court that decides on life and death.
5 My cousin," replied I, "it is decided as you may have expected; all judges had rather that ten innocent should suffer than that one guilty should escape.
6 The sun is yet high in the heavens; before it descends to hide itself behind your snowy precipices and illuminate another world, you will have heard my story and can decide.
7 Felix conducted the fugitives through France to Lyons and across Mont Cenis to Leghorn, where the merchant had decided to wait a favourable opportunity of passing into some part of the Turkish dominions.
8 But the old man decidedly refused, thinking himself bound in honour to my friend, who, when he found the father inexorable, quitted his country, nor returned until he heard that his former mistress was married according to her inclinations.
9 It was to be decided whether the result of my curiosity and lawless devices would cause the death of two of my fellow beings: one a smiling babe full of innocence and joy, the other far more dreadfully murdered, with every aggravation of infamy that could make the murder memorable in horror.