"Father said he was a friend of Mr. Carew's, of Crompton, who is father's landlord."
"Just so," said Mr. Balais, with another significant glance at the attentive twelve. "Mr. Trevethick had already discovered that this youth was of a good social position, and likely to prove an excellent match. 'Will you walk into my parlor?' said the spider to the fly; 'I have the prettiest daughter that ever you did spy.'"
Every body tittered at this except Mr. Smoothbore and his solicitor; even the judge blew his nose.
"Now, not only did the prisoner at the bar spend most nights in the bar parlor, but, as I am given to understand, he spent most days there, or, at all events, in your society, did he not?"
"Father and Solomon were away most days, Sir, and so we were left a good deal together."
"Just so. Your father took care to be away most days, did he, in order that you should be left a good deal together?"
Mr. Smoothbore started to his feet. "My lud, I submit," etc.; meaning that this was a mode of interrogating the witness that he could _not_ submit to for an instant.
"Very good," said Mr. Balais, smiling. "I will not put the question in that form, then. The form is of very little consequence. You were left together, however, and the consequence was that you two young people fell in love with one another, eh?"
Harry was crimson. "I--he--we;" and there she stuck.
"I am very sorry to embarrass you, my dear young lady, but I am necessitated to press this question. Did you fall in love with one another or not?"
No answer. Harry was thinking of Solomon, to whom she was to be married within ten days, and hung her head.
"Come, did he fall in love with _you_, then? There was ample apology for it, I am sure, and he ought to have been ashamed of himself if he hadn't. Now, did he 'court' you? I think you must know what that means."
No answer. Every eye was upon her, the judge's double glasses included. They might have been burning-glasses, she felt so hot and frightened.
"Come, did this young gentleman ever give you a kiss?"
"Yes, Sir," murmured poor Harry, almost under her breath.
"Did you say 'Yes' or 'No?'" inquired the judge, dipping his pen in the ink.
"I said 'Yes,' my lord," said the unhappy Harry.