In Frankenstein, what does Elizabeth say in Justine’s defense?

On Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein,
Elizabeth had the very tough task of having to identify the locket that William had
before his death, and then somehow ended up in Justine’s possession. This could have
proved that Justine committed the murder, since there would not be any other reasonable
way to explain how she ended up with the locket that the child was wearing prior to his
death.

However, Elizabeth was clear in her position. She
defended Justine and was very keen in expressing the reasons why she completely trusted
and believed in her. Not only did she explain how Justine had a natural tendency to take
care of people, but that she had nursed Madame Frankenstein during her ill days, and she
was the epitome of love and joy for the entire family, especially to
William.

In Elizabeth’s
words:

For my
own part, I do not hesitate to say, that, notwithstanding all the evidence produced
against her, I believe and rely on her perfect innocence. She had no temptation for such
an action: as to the bauble on which the chief proof rests, if she had earnestly desired
it, I should have willingly given it to her; so much do I esteem and value her.
(Frankenstein, chapter
8)

Therefore, Elizabeth
pointed out Justine’s lack of motif, her impeccable behavior, and her natural tendencies
for caring and loving people in order to try to convince the jury that there was no way
nor reason for Justine to be found guilty of murdering
William.