Could this child
have held him? I ask it of your common sense. I ask of your heart
whether a creature that God has made so fair, so beautiful, so
innocent, could do such terrible work. The woman who could do such
things would bear the sign of her badness in her face, and the
fear of what she had done in her soul. She would tremble, she
would have tried to escape, she would hesitate in her story, she
would contradict herself, break down, attempt to shed false tears,
act as only a woman who has committed a first great crime could
act. And this child stands here, submitted to this fearful ordeal,
defended by none, but defending herself with the whole innocence
of her nature, the glory of truth in her eyes, the self-conscious
courage of a stainless life in her heart. Is this assumed? Is this
put on? You have seen murderers--it is your office to see them--
did you ever see one like her? Do you not know the outward tokens
of guilt when they are before your eyes? You would do a thing that
is monstrous in absurdity, monstrous in cruelty, revolting to
reason, outrageous to every instinct of human nature. Search,
inquire, ask questions, arrest whom you will, but leave this child
in peace; this child, with her angel face, her fearless eyes, her
guiltless heart!"
Encouraged by Corona's determined manner as well as by the good
sense of her arguments, the timid flock of relations expressed
their approval audibly.
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