Your father took care to be away most days, did he, in order
that you should be left a good deal together?"
Mr. Smoothbore started to his feet. "My lud, I submit," etc.; meaning
that this was a mode of interrogating the witness that he could _not_
submit to for an instant.
"Very good," said Mr. Balais, smiling. "I will not put the question in
that form, then. The form is of very little consequence. You were left
together, however, and the consequence was that you two young people
fell in love with one another, eh?"
Harry was crimson. "I--he--we;" and there she stuck.
"I am very sorry to embarrass you, my dear young lady, but I am
necessitated to press this question. Did you fall in love with one
another or not?"
No answer. Harry was thinking of Solomon, to whom she was to be married
within ten days, and hung her head.
"Come, did he fall in love with _you_, then? There was ample apology for
it, I am sure, and he ought to have been ashamed of himself if he
hadn't. Now, did he 'court' you? I think you must know what that means."
No answer. Every eye was upon her, the judge's double glasses included.
They might have been burning-glasses, she felt so hot and frightened.
"Come, did this young gentleman ever give you a kiss?"
"Yes, Sir," murmured poor Harry, almost under her breath.
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