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"Did you ever, at any time, see anything in the conduct of Lady Julian to induce you to believe that she was not strictly virtuous?"

"Never, sir! never!" replied Thompson, with emotion. "Nor do I believe that she is not virtuous now."

"You do not! What not after the eloquent speech of my learned friend!"

"That has not shaken my belief: nor do I think that if Sir Charles had been here, he would have allowed him to go on so. So much about the money!"

"I repeat," said Mr. Phillpots, rising indignantly, "I tell you again that we don't ask you what you think. Answer the questions that are put to you, sir."

"I do to the best of my ability."

"Then," resumed Mr. Slashinger, "you still believe Lady Julian to be virtuous?"

"I do."

"Sir Charles was not at home, I believe, when you saw Mr. Sound on that occasion?"

"He was not."

"You have no idea how he got in?"

"I have not the slightest."

"Were you in the house the whole of the morning in question?"

"Except for a few moments, when I went to speak to the butler at the house adjoining."

"Did you leave the door open—or partially open—when you went to speak to the butler?"

"I did."

"Might not Mr. Sound have walked in while you were absent?"

"He certainly might have done so."

"He might have done so. And you believe, notwithstanding you saw Mr. Sound coming slowly from the ante-room, that Lady Julian is virtuous still."

"I do. I don't believe she knew that he was there."

"How did he look when you let him out? At all confused?"

"No: calm and serious."

"Did he make any observation?"

"None."

"Then he walked straight out, and took no notice?"

"He did."

"Very well."

"And now," said Mr. Phillpots, who looked very fierce, "I am about to put a question, which, from 'your well-known honesty and integrity,' to use the flowing language of my learned friend, I expect you, in a candid and straightforward manner, to answer. When did you see the defendant's attorney last?"

"I never did see him to my knowledge."

"But you have seen his clerk, haven't you?"

"Not to my knowledge."

"Is it not indiscreet," said Mr. Clark, in a whisper, "to throw a doubt upon any portion of the evidence of our own witness?"