The counsel resumed: “Conceive, if you can, the effect of this blow, just as my unhappy and most deserving client was rising a little in the world. I shall prove that it excluded him from Mr. Hardwicke's house, and other houses too. He is a man of too much importance to risk affronts. He has never entered the door of any gentleman in this county since his powerful relative published this cruel libel. He has drawn his Spartan cloak around him, and he awaits your verdict to resume that place among you which is due to him in every way--due to him as the heir in direct line to the wealth, and, above all, to the honor of the Bassetts; due to him as Sir Charles Bassett's heir at law; and due to him on account of the decency and fortitude with which he has borne adversity, and with which he now repels foul-mouthed slander.” “Hear! hear!” “Silence in the court!” “I have done, gentlemen, for the present. Indeed, eloquence, even if I possessed it, would be superfluous; the facts speak for themselves.--Call James Hardwicke, Esq.” Mr. Hardwicke proved the receipt of the letter from Sir Charles, and that he had sent it to Mr. Bassett; and that Mr. Bassett had not entered his house since then, nor had he invited him. Mr. Bassett was then called, and, being duly trained by Wheeler, abstained from all heat, and wore an air of dignified dejection. His counsel examined him, and his replies bore out the opening statement. Everybody thought him sure of a verdict. He was then cross-examined. Defendant's counsel pressed him about his unfair way of shooting. The judge interfered, and said that was trifling. If there was no substantial defense, why not settle the matter? “There is a defense, my lord.” “Then it is time you disclosed it.” “Very well, my lord. Mr. Bassett, did you ever write an anonymous letter?” “Not that I remember.” “Oh, that appears to you a trifle. It is not so considered.” _The Judge._--Be more particular in your question. “I will, my lord.--Did you ever write an anonymous letter, to make mischief between Sir Charles and Lady Bassett?” “Never,” said the witness; but he turned pale. “Do you mean to say you did not write this letter to Miss Bruce? Look at the letter, Mr. Bassett, before you reply.” Bassett cast one swift glance of agony at Wheeler; then braced himself like iron. He examined the letter attentively, turned it over, lived an age, and said it was not his writing. “Do you swear that?” “Certainly.” _Defendant's Counsel._--I shall ask your lordship to take down that reply. If persisted in, my client will indict the witness for perjury. _Plaintiff's Counsel._--Don't threaten the witness as well as insult him, please. _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?”