“In making that request, counsel must be aware that it is one of the statutory provisions of safety to the accused, whom the law holds innocent until proved guilty, that no coercion can be employed to extort answers.  It is, however, the desire of the court, and certainly must accrue to the benefit of the prisoner, that she should take the witness stand in her own defence.”

For a moment there was neither sound nor motion.

“Will the prisoner answer such questions as in the opinion of the court are designed solely to establish her innocence?  If so, she will take the stand.”

With a sudden passionate movement at variance with her demeanor throughout the trial, she threw up her clasped hands, gazed at them, then pressed them ring downward as a seal upon her lips; and after an instant, answered slowly: 

“Now and henceforth, I decline to answer any and all questions.  I am innocent, entirely innocent.  The burden of proof rests upon my accusers.”

As Mr. Dunbar watched her, noted the scarlet spots burning on her cheeks, the strange expression of her eyes that glowed with unnatural lustre, a scowl darkened his face; a cruel smile curved his lips, and made his teeth gleam.  Was it worth while to save her against her will; to preserve the heart he coveted, for the vile miscreant to whom she had irrevocably given it?  With an upward movement of his noble head, like the impatient toss of a horse intolerant of curb, he stepped back close to the girl, and stood with his hand on the back of her chair.

“In view of this palpable evasion of justice through obstinate non responsion, will it please the Court to overrule the prisoner’s objection?”

Several moments elapsed before Judge Parkman replied, and he gnawed the end of his grizzled mustache, debating the consequences of dishonoring precedent—­that fetich of the Bench.

“The Court cannot so rule.  The prisoner has decided upon the line of defence, as is her inalienable right; and since she persistently assumes that responsibility, the Court must sustain her decision.”

The expression of infinite and intense relief that stole over the girl’s countenance, was, noted by both judge and jury, as she sank back wearily in her chair, like one lifted from some rack of torture.  Resting thus, her shoulder pressed against the hand that lay on the top of the chair, but he did not move a finger; and some magnetic influence drew her gaze to meet his.  He felt the tremor that crept over her, understood the mute appeal, the prayer for forbearance that made her mournful gray eyes so eloquent, and a sinister smile distorted his handsome mouth.