_The Judge._--He is an educated man, and knows the duty he owes to God
and the defendant.--Take time, Mr. Bassett, and recollect. Did you
write that letter?"
"No, my lord."
Counsel waited for the judge to note the reply, then proceeded.
"You have lately corresponded with Lady Bassett, I think?"
"Yes. Her ladyship opened a correspondence with me."
"It is a lie!" roared Sir Charles Bassett from the door of the grand
jury room.
"Silence in the court!"
_The Judge._--Who made that unseemly remark?
_Sir Charles._--I did, my lord. My wife never corresponded with the
cur.
_The Plaintiff._--It is only one insult more, gentlemen, and as false
as the rest. Permit me, my lord. My own counsel would never have put
the question. I would not, for the world, give Lady Bassett pain; but
Sir Charles and his counsel have extorted the truth from me. Her
ladyship did open a correspondence with me, and a friendly one.
_The Plaintiff's Counsel._--Will your lordship ask whether that was
after the defendant had written the libel?
The question was put, and answered in the affirmative.
Lady Bassett hid her face in her hands. Sir Charles saw the movement,
and groaned aloud.
_The Judge._--I beg the case may not be encumbered with irrelevant
matter.
Counsel replied that the correspondence would be made evidence in the
case.
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