They say I am bewitched, and possessed of the demon; I do not know anything about it, but if it should be true I am the most miserable creature in existence." Bettina ceased speaking, and burst into a violent storm of tears, sobs, and groans.

I was deeply moved, although I felt that all she had said might be true, and yet was scarcely worthy of belief: 'Forse era ver, ma non pero credibile A chi del senso suo fosse signor.' But she was weeping, and her tears, which at all events were not deceptive, took away from me the faculty of doubt.

Yet I put her tears to the account of her wounded self-love; to give way entirely I needed a thorough conviction, and to obtain it evidence was necessary, probability was not enough.

I could not admit either Cordiani's moderation or Bettina's patience, or the fact of seven hours employed in innocent conversation.

In spite of all these considerations, I felt a sort of pleasure in accepting for ready cash all the counterfeit coins that she had spread out before me.
After drying her tears, Bettina fixed her beautiful eyes upon mine, thinking that she could discern in them evident signs of her victory; but I surprised her much by alluding to one point which, with all her cunning, she had neglected to mention in her defence.