There were even more people present than at the first trial.  The guard were forced back to the doors of the court, and the crowd occupied every available space, even to the windows of the mansion of Jacques Coeur, the town-hall of the present day.  I was much agitated this time, though I had strength and pride enough not to let it be seen.  I was now interested in the success of my case, and, as it seemed as if my hopes were not to be realized, I experienced an indescribable feeling of uneasiness, a sort of suppressed rage, a bitter hatred of these men who would not open their eyes to my innocence, and even of God who seemed to have deserted me.

In this state of agitation I had to make such violent efforts to appear calm that I scarcely noticed what was happening around me.  I recovered sufficient presence of mind when my fresh examination took place to answer in the same terms as at the first trial.  Then a black veil seemed to fall over my head, an iron ring gripped my brow; the sockets of my eyes went icily cold; I could see nothing but myself, hear nothing but vague, unintelligible sounds.  I do not know what actually took place; I do not know if any one announced the apparition which suddenly appeared before me.  I only remember that a door opened behind the judges, and that Arthur came forward leading a veiled woman, that he took off her veil after making her sit down in a big arm-chair which the ushers eagerly wheeled toward her, and that a cry of admiration rang through the hall when Edmee’s pale, sublime beauty was revealed.

At this moment I forgot the crowd, and the judges, and my cause, and the whole universe.  I believe that no human power could have withstood my wild rush.  I dashed like a thunderbolt into the middle of the inclosure and, falling at Edmee’s feet, I showered kisses on her knees.  I have been told that this act won over the public, and that nearly all the ladies burst into tears.  The young dandies did not venture to laugh; the judges were affected; and for a moment truth was completely triumphant.

Edmee looked at me for some time.  Her face was as expressionless as the face of death.  It did not seem as if she could ever recognise me.  The spectators were waiting in profound silence for her to show some sign of hatred or affection for me.  All at once she burst into tears, threw her arms around my neck, and then lost consciousness.  Arthur had her carried out immediately; he had some trouble in making me return to my place.  I could not remember where I was or the issues that were at stake; I clung to Edmee’s dress, and only wanted to follow her.  Arthur addressed the court and requested that the doctors who had examined Edmee in the morning might again pronounce upon the state of her health.  He likewise demanded that she should be recalled to give evidence, and to be confronted with me as soon as she recovered from the attack.

“This attack is not serious,” he said.  “Mademoiselle de Mauprat has had several of the same kind during the last few days and on her way here.  After each her mental faculties have taken a more and more favourable turn.”