The human desire for human love was finding expression: the longing of the soul for companionship was shaping itself into language so intensely irresistible, that it went to every heart with the fleetness of the lightning’s flash. Only one feeling prevailed throughout that great assembly—admiration for the noble character of the beautiful woman sitting there before them, whose flushed cheek and lowered eyelids evidenced the modesty of her womanhood. As soon as a pause was reached by the instrument, the enthusiasm of the people could be restrained no longer. Men testified their approval in true English fashion by the heartiest round of applause as was never before heard in that soberly-conducted Justice Hall. When the excitement had somewhat subsided, Mercia rose to her feet, and turning her gaze with an air of modest dignity upon the people, she addressed them.— ‘Dear friends—until this moment, I knew not I possessed so many——’ Another round of applause. ‘Dear friends,’ she continued sweetly, ‘accept my warmest thanks for your generosity in believing in me while yet I remained unheard. My lords,’ and she turned to the presiding Judges, ‘it is true that this instrument,’ she pointed then to the phonograph—‘has been signally instrumental in rendering undeniable testimony of the value of the evidence placed before you. Nevertheless, I knew not when I came hither that I was to encounter my own words uttered without thought, or preparation, in a moment of excitement; for probably, had I been aware that such was my friend, Mr. Sadbag’s intention, my place at this justice bar would never have been filled. ‘Holding his Majesty’s “pardon” as I do, I was under no necessity to appear before you, and plead the justice of my cause. Nevertheless, I do not regret the exposure, for after all, it has given the opportunity, to you, dear people, of showing the good feeling you entertain for me. ‘I felt in my heart when I elected to go forward with my defence that the people of this great Empire would render me justice and see me safely through this trying ordeal.’ ‘Good people,’ exclaimed Mr. Sadbag, smiling good-humouredly, ‘pray don’t applaud any more; I can’t get along with my talking-machine; and until I finish the Court is unable to arrive at a decision. ’Tis a pity to hinder the Emperor’s pretty speeches, just listen to this, and see how poetical he is: the tender passion makes even kings grow quite tragical.’ ‘Mercia, Mercia, give me thy love! Take me, my beloved, spurn me no longer, for without thee I am as one dead. As a world without sun, without life, without warmth I shall go on my way darkened for ever. ‘Take me into the sunshine of thy love; give me new life, dearest; resuscitate and refresh me with the joy of thy beauty, and let us drink of the wine of Love’s pleasures for ever.