"Nay, Sir John, I am no slanderer; but I want the Jury to understand the
sentiments and passions which are the springs of action here, and to bear
in mind that the case they are hearing is a love story, and they can only
come at the truth by remembering their own experience as lovers--"
The deep and angry tones of his client interrupted the silvery-tongued
Counsellor.
"If you think to help me, sir, by traducing the lady, I repudiate your
advocacy."
"My lord, you are not allowed to give evidence or to interrupt the Court.
You have pleaded not guilty, and it is my duty to demonstrate your
innocence. Come, Sir John, do you not know that his lordship's unhappy
passion for his sister-in-law was shared by the subject of it; and that she
for a long time opposed all your efforts to bring about a proper alliance
for her, solely guided and influenced by this secret passion?"
"I know no such thing."
"Do I understand, then, that from the time of your first proposals she was
willing to marry Sir Denzil Warner?"
"She was not willing."
"I would have wagered as much. Did you fathom her reason for declining so
proper an alliance?"
"I did not trouble myself about her reasons.
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