He looked for one moment at his sister-in-law (I do not like to say your mother, considering what I have now to tell you), to see if she would acknowledge that she had encouraged him to attempt the operation, and that she had deceived him in saying that he had his brother's permission to try it.

She was silent, and when she spoke, it was to join her husband in denouncing him as the murderer of their child.

Whether fear of your father's anger, or revengeful indignation against your uncle most actuated her, I cannot presume to inquire in your presence.

I can only state facts." The priest paused and looked at me anxiously.

I could not speak to him at that moment--I could only encourage him to proceed by pressing his hand.
He resumed in these terms: "Meanwhile, your uncle turned to your father, and spoke the last words he was ever to address to his eldest brother in this world.