"Barnardine," says he, "you are--an honest man, I think I can trust you." I assured his excellenza that he could.

"Then," says he, as near as I can remember, "I have an affair in hand, which I want you to assist me in."-- Then he told me what I was to do; but that I shall say nothing about--it concerned only the Signora.' 'O Heavens!' exclaimed Emily--'what have you done ?' Barnardine hesitated, and was silent.
'What fiend could tempt him, or you, to such an act!' cried Emily, chilled with horror, and scarcely able to support her fainting spirits.
'It was a fiend,' said Barnardine in a gloomy tone of voice.

They were now both silent;--Emily had not courage to enquire further, and Barnardine seemed to shrink from telling more.

At length he said, 'It is of no use to think of the past; the Signor was cruel enough, but he would be obeyed.

What signified my refusing?
He would have found others, who had no scruples.' 'You have murdered her, then!' said Emily, in a hollow and inward voice--'I am talking with a murderer!' Barnardine stood silent; while Emily turned from him, and attempted to leave the place.
'Stay, lady!' said he, 'You deserve to think so still--since you can believe me capable of such a deed.' 'If you are innocent, tell me quickly,' said Emily, in faint accents, 'for I feel I shall not be able to hear you long.' 'I will tell you no more,' said he, and walked away.