"My child, I am innocent, and I shall await my trial withtranquillity and an easy mind."

"Hush," exclaimed Rosa.

"Why hush?"

"My father must not suppose that we have been talking toeach other."

"What harm would that do?"

"What harm? He would never allow me to come here any more,"said Rosa.

Cornelius received this innocent confidence with a chuckle; hefelt as if a ray of good fortune were shining on his path.

"Now, then, what are you chattering there together about?"said Gryphus, rising and supporting his right arm with hisleft.

"Nothing," said Rosa; "the physician is explaining to me whatdiet you are to keep."

"Diet, diet for me? Well, my fine girl, I shall put you ondiet too."

"0n what diet, my father?"

"Never to go to the cells of the prisoners, and, if ever youshould happen to go, to leave them as soon as possible.Come, off with me, lead the way, and be quick."

Rosa and Cornelius exchanged glances.

That of Rosa tried to express, --