"
To this sharp reprimand Mr. James Smith (evidently tutored
beforehand as to what he was to say) replied that, in attending
before the justice, he wished to perform a plain duty and to keep
himself strictly within the letter of the law. He apprehended
that the only legal obligation laid on him was to attend in that
court to declare himself, and to enable competent witnesses to
prove his identity. This duty accomplished, he had merely to add
that he preferred submitting to a reprimand from the bench to
entering into explanations which would involve the disclosure of
domestic circumstances of a very unhappy nature. After that brief
reply he had nothing further to say, and he would respectfully
request the justice's permission to withdraw.
The permission was accorded. As he crossed the room he stopped
near his wife, and said, confusedly, in a very low tone:
"I have done you many injuries, but I never intended this. I am
sorry for it. Have you anything to say to me before I go?"
My mistress shuddered and hid her face. He waited a moment, and,
finding that she did not answer him, bowed his head politely and
went out. I did not know it then, but I had seen him for the last
time.
After he had gone, the lawyer, addressing Mr. Robert Nicholson,
said that he had an application to make in reference to the woman
Josephine Durand.
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