Lord Dazzleright arose and scornfully disclaimed the protestations of Madame L’Orient, utterly denying that her office of teacher could have invested her, for a moment, with the rights of legal guardianship over her pupil. Madame replied that she was not only teacher, but sole custodian, governess and guardian of Mademoiselle for many years. Here commenced a discussion upon this subject, ended at last by the magistrate, whom it was easy to suspect of a leaning on the side of the prosecution, and who now said— “This particular point is a matter for the adjudication of their lordships the judges at the assizes. Has the defense any thing further to urge?” “Yes—for though you choose to consider the illegality of the first marriage a questionable matter—nay, though you should decide to hold it a legal and binding transaction, yet—we have much to advance, why my client should not be held to answer to the grave charges upon which she stands before your worship. The English law, as also the law of all Christian nations, very righteously constitutes the _intention_ the vital part of the crime; now that my client had not the faintest shadow of _intention_ or purpose to violate the statute by her second, and as we hold it to be, her _only_ real marriage—is easy of proof. Two years ago there was a published account of the death of this man, upon the occasion of the wreck of the _Duc D’Anjou_. This account was translated from the _Courrier de France_ into the daily Times, a copy of which I have just received from Lord Montressor, and have the honor of laying before your worship,” said Lord Dazzleright, drawing the paper from his pocket and placing it upon the table before the magistrate, who took it up and read, while the advocate proceeded— “My client saw this announcement, and believing herself to be the legal widow of this man, retired from society and remained in seclusion some eighteen months; at the end of which time only, she accepted the addresses of Lord Montressor, to whom she was this morning espoused as you have learned.” “But Monsieur the Magistrate! but Monsieur! I pen—I indite—I write much—many letters to Madame Victoire L’Orient! I advise—I inform her of the life of my son, her husband!” here vehemently interrupted the mercurial little Frenchwoman. “Madame, you are disorderly and will consult your best interests by being quiet,” said the magistrate. Then addressing the counsel for the defense, he said—“This point also is one for the adjudgment of their lordships.” There was a short pause, at the end of which the magistrate inquired— “Has the defense any thing further to advance?” “The defense has nothing further to advance _here_ and _now_,” replied Lord Dazzleright, with a peculiar emphasis. “Then, Madam,” said the magistrate, addressing Estelle, “I consider this a case for court, and I shall therefore bind you over for trial to answer the charge of bigamy, at the next assizes to be holden at the city of Exeter.”