"No."
The obstinacy of some people! Rupert put back his pince-nez in his pocket and brought out another pair. The historic cross-examination continued.
"We will let that pass for the moment," he said. He consulted a sheet of paper and then looked sternly at Mr Jobson. "Mr Jobson, how many times have you been married?"
"Once."
"Quite so." He hesitated and then decided to risk it. "I suggest that your wife left you?"
"Yes."
It was a long shot, but once again the bold course had paid. Rupert heaved a sigh of relief.
"Will you tell the gentlemen of the jury," he said with deadly politeness, "WHY she left you?"
"She died."
A lesser man might have been embarrassed, but Rupert's iron nerve did not fail him.