"
George Masson was as one hit between the eyes. He made a motion as
though to ward off a blow. "Name of Peter, old cock!" he exclaimed
abruptly. "You saw enough certainly, if you saw that, and you needn't
mention the lady's name, as you say. The evidence is not merely
circumstantial. You saw it with your own eyes, and you are an official
of the Court, and have the ear of the Judge, and you look like a saint to
a jury. Well for sure, I can't prove defamation of character, as you
say. But what then--what do you want?"
"What I want I hope you may be able to grant without demur, monsieur.
I want you to give your pledge on the Book"--he laid his hand on a
Testament lying on the table--"that you will hold no further
communication with the lady."
"Where do you come inhere? What's your standing in the business?"
Masson jerked out his words now. The Clerk of the Court made a reproving
gesture. "Knowing what I did, what I had seen, it was clear that I must
approach one or other of the parties concerned. Out of regard for the
lady I could not approach her husband, and so betray her; out of regard
for the husband I could not approach himself and destroy his peace; out
of regard for all concerned I could not approach the lady's father, for
then--"
Masson interrupted with an oath.
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