English fiction -- 20th century; Humorous stories, English; Short stories, English
As everybody remembers, "When the Heart is Young," by Paul Samways,
was the feature of the Exhibition. It was bought for 10,000 pounds
by a retired bottle manufacturer, whom it reminded a little of his
late mother. Paul woke to find himself famous. But the success which
began for him from this day did not spoil his simple and generous
nature. He never forgot his brother artists, whose feet were not yet
on the top of the ladder. Indeed, one of his first acts after he was
married was to give a commission to Peter Samways, A.R.A.--nothing
less than the painting of his wife's portrait. And Lady Hermione was
delighted with the result.
THE BARRISTER
The New Bailey was crowded with a gay and fashionable throng. It was
a remarkable case of shop-lifting. Aurora Delaine, nineteen, was
charged with feloniously stealing and conveying certain articles,
the property of the Universal Stores, to wit thirty-five yards of
bock muslin, ten pairs of gloves, a sponge, two gimlets, five jars
of cold cream, a copy of the Clergy List, three hat-guards, a
mariner's compass, a box of drawing-pins, an egg-breaker, six
blouses, and a cabman's whistle. The theft had been proved by Albert
Jobson, a shopwalker, who gave evidence to the effect that he
followed her through the different departments and saw her take the
things mentioned in the indictment.
"Just a moment," interrupted the Judge. "Who is defending the
prisoner?"
There was an unexpected silence. Rupert Carleton, who had dropped
idly into court, looked round in sudden excitement. The poor girl
had no counsel! What if he--yes, he would seize the chance! He stood
up boldly. "I am, my lord," he said.
Rupert Carleton was still in the twenties, but he had been a
briefless barrister for some years. Yet, though briefs would not
come, he had been very far from idle. He had stood for Parliament in
both the Conservative and Liberal interests (not to mention his
own), he had written half a dozen unproduced plays, and he was
engaged to be married. But success in his own profession had been
delayed. Now at last was his opportunity.
He pulled his wig down firmly over his ears, took out a pair of
pince-nez and rose to cross-examine. It was the cross-examination
which was to make him famous, the cross-examination which is now
given as a model in every legal text-book.
"Mr Jobson," he began suavely, "you say that you saw the accused
steal these various articles, and that they were afterwards found
upon her?"
"Yes."
"I put it to you," said Rupert, and waited intently for the answer,
"that that is a pure invention on your part?"
"No."
With a superhuman effort Rupert hid his disappointment. Unexpected
as the answer was, he preserved his impassivity.
"I suggest," he tried again, "that you followed her about and
concealed this collection of things in her cloak with a view to
advertising your winter sale?"
"No. I saw her steal them."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account