Page:Sylvester Sound the Somnambulist (1844).djvu/421

Thompson state that he left the door open when he went to speak to the butler, at the house adjoining: you have also heard him state that the defendant might have entered the house during his absence. Now, is it too much to assume, knowing him to be a confirmed somnambulist, that the defendant did enter the house at that time, and with no other view than that of attending to Lady Julian professionally? I do submit, gentlemen, that when I have proved, as I shall prove beyond all question, that my client is a somnambulist, the case will be, in your judgment, perfectly clear. As to Lady Julian, I believe her to be still strictly virtuous, still pure: and in that belief I am joined, as you have heard by the witness Thompson, who has had the most ample opportunities of observing her character and conduct. Gentlemen, my firm impression is, that this proceeding on the part of Sir Charles Julian ought to cause him to blush. He married Lady Julian in all the pride of youth and beauty; he himself being rather advanced in years; and, although I will not say that it is natural for an old man to be jealous of a young and lovely wife, I may say, that it is too often the case, and that the slightest circumstance is sufficient to create suspicion. I have, however, no desire to dwell upon this point. He saw the defendant coming from the house: his suspicion was aroused, and he brought this action: for damages!—for compensation, for the loss of her whom, on these slight grounds, he turned out of his house, and who never was unfaithful to him. I do not envy the feelings of that man: I do not envy the feelings of any man who, on such slender grounds, casts 'his soul's idol' off—his soul's idol—psha!—it is sickening. But, gentlemen, he wants compensation—he wants money! yes: he wants you to award him an immense amount of money. Well, if you think him entitled to it, of course you'll award it. I would merely submit that such grovelling ideas do not in general co-exist with affection. Money is his suit! Well, let him have money, if you think that he has been injured—if you can believe Lady Julian to be impure. I shall not say one word in mitigation of damages—no damage has been sustained by Sir Charles. I will prove to you that the defendant is a somnambulist, and I have so much confidence in your judgment, that you will see that the object of Sir Charles Julian is money, that Lady Julian is still virtuous, still pure, that the defendant went to the house while under the influence of a dream, and that therefore he is entitled to your verdict."

The learned counsel then called Thomas Delolme, who promptly appeared in the box, and was sworn.

"Mr. Delolme," said Mr. Slashinger, "you are a medical man?"

"I ab," replied Tom.

"You have, I believe, an extensive practice?"

"Dot very extedsive! About a thousadd a year."

"About a thousand a year. You are intimately acquainted with Mr. Sound, the defendant in this action?"

"I ab."

"Is it your impression that he is a somnambulist?"

"It is."

"Tell the court how that impression was created."