"Wilkie Collins - The Legacy of Cain" - читать интересную книгу автора (Collins Wilkie)

Minister, if the reverend gentleman came to the prison. 'That will depend,' she
said, 'on whether you answer some questions which I want to put to you first.'
The Chaplain consented; provided always that he could reply with propriety to
what she asked of him. Her first question only related to himself.
"She said: 'The women who watch me tell me that you are a widower, and have a
family of children. Is that true?'
"The Chaplain answered that it was quite true.
"She alluded next to a report, current in the town, that the Minister had
resigned the pastorate. Being personally acquainted with him, the Chaplain was
able to inform her that his resignation had not yet been accepted. On hearing
this, she seemed to gather confidence. Her next inquiries succeeded each other
rapidly, as follows:
" 'Is my handsome preacher married?'
" 'Yes.'
" 'Has he got any children?'
" 'He has never had any children.'
" 'How long has he been married?'
" 'As well as I know, about seven or eight years.
" 'What sort of woman is his wife?'
" 'A lady universally respected.'
" 'I don't care whether she is respected or not. Is she kind?'
" 'Certainly!'
" 'Is her husband well off?'
" 'He has a sufficient income.'
"After that reply, the Prisoner's curiosity appeared to be satisfied. She said,
'Bring your friend the preacher to me, if you like'--and there it ended.
"What her object could have been in putting these questions, it seems to be
impossible to guess. Having accurately reported all that took place, the
Chaplain declares, with heartfelt regret, that he can exert no religious
influence over this obdurate woman. He leaves it to the Governor to decide
whether the Minister of the Congregational Church may not succeed, where the
Chaplain of the Jail has failed. Herein is the one last hope of saving the soul
of the Prisoner, now under sentence of death!"
In those serious words the Memorandum ended. Although not personally acquainted
with the Minister I had heard of him, on all sides, as an excellent man. In the
emergency that confronted us he had, as it seemed to me, his own sacred right to
enter the prison; assuming that he was willing to accept, what I myself felt to
be, a very serious responsibility. The first necessity was to discover whether
we might hope to obtain his services. With my full approval the Chaplain left
me, to state the circumstances to his reverend colleague.



CHAPTER III.
THE CHILD APPEARS.
DURING my friend's absence, my attention was claimed by a sad incident--not
unforeseen.
It is, I suppose, generally known that near relatives are admitted to take their
leave of criminals condemned to death. In the case of the Prisoner now waiting
for execution, no person applied to the authorities for permission to see her. I