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Payn, James, 1830-1898

"Bred in the Bone"


"Did you say 'Yes' or 'No?'" inquired the judge, dipping his pen in the
ink.
"I said 'Yes,' my lord," said the unhappy Harry.
"There were more kisses than one, now, I dare say," said Mr. Balais,
with a wink at the jury; "and they were not all on one side, eh?"
No answer.
"Some of them were on the other side, were they not? I don't mean on the
other cheek, for I have no doubt he was perfectly indifferent as to
that."
Again there was a little titter.
"She is your own witness, Brother Balais," observed his lordship, "but
it seems to me you are giving her unnecessary pain."
He had a very tender heart, had the old judge, where a young and pretty
woman was concerned--otherwise he was a Tartar.
"My lud, it is absolutely necessary to prove that my client's passion
was reciprocated. Did you ever return one of these many kisses, Miss
Trevethick?"
"Yes, Sir."
"Did you ever meet him alone at night in a place, I believe, called the
Fairies' Bower?"
"Yes, Sir."
"Yes," repeated Mr. Balais, recapitulating these facts upon his fingers;
"you were left alone with him all day; you met him alone at night, away
from your father's roof; you returned his kisses; and all this without
the slightest suspicion--if we are to believe his evidence--being
aroused upon the part of your parent.


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