The White Rose of MemphisFalkner, William C. (Clark)
General
The White Rose of Memphis
Falkner, William C. (Clark)
Memphis (Tenn.) -- Fiction
“Harry sprang to his feet in a moment, his eyes flashing with anger; I
trembled, because I was afraid he was going to commit some imprudent act
that might detain us, when I was so anxious to be flying toward Lottie;
but I had cause to change my mind very soon, for he made a modest, but
eloquent, appeal to the court in behalf of the unfortunate wife, who was
in tears.
“‘I appeal to this honorable court,’ said he, ‘to protect this
unfortunate lady; her condition is such as to entitle her to the
sympathies of all good men. The law does not require her to answer
questions that would tend to criminate her; and even if the law did not
protect her, the dictates of common humanity should be a sufficient
motive to induce the honorable attorney for the State to withdraw such a
question. We must remember that we have been taught to admire the
devotion which a wife feels for her husband. A true wife will not
forsake her husband when misfortunes overtake him; but the greater his
troubles are the closer she will cling to him; and it should prompt
every true gentleman to respect the noble sentiment of love that induces
her to do it.’
“When Harry took his seat a murmur of approval was heard among the
spectators, and the district attorney said:
“‘I fully indorse the sentiments so eloquently expressed by my young
friend, and will therefore not press the question further; I will also
say to the court that I am fully satisfied that Mr. Demar has been
unjustly imprisoned. I was well acquainted with Edward Debar; and I
hesitate not to say that I never saw two men so much alike as he and Mr.
Demar; though if they were both present I think a considerable
difference might be detected. Debar had a slight scar over his left eye,
which alone would be sufficient to distinguish him from the prisoner now
at the bar. I therefore give my consent, if the court please, that Mr.
Demar may be discharged.’
“‘Let the prisoner be discharged, Mr. Sheriff,’ growled the judge, as he
ordered the officer to adjourn court, and the great farce was ended.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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