“You may think so, if you please; but I do not think I am exceeding my duty in making such a suggestion. But it is hardly worth while discussing that question; even assuming such were the case, it does not prove anything after all. It does not incriminate this young man, against whom there is positively no proof of fraud or dishonesty.”
“The circumstances surrounding the case are suspicious,” quietly observed the magistrate. “If proofs are wanting now, possibly they may be brought forward in the due course of time.”
“But is this young man to be degraded in the eyes of the world by lying under the stigma of dishonesty merely because a country banker chooses to assume a position which is not supported by evidence? It is a most trumpery charge.”
“I object to the word trumpery!” exclaimed the lawyer on the other side.
“You may object as much as you please. Substitute contemptible in place of it if that pleases you better,” returned Sharpthorne.
This last observation evoked a peal of laughter from those in the body of the court.
“Order! silence!” cried the usher.
“If there is any more of this unseemly merriment,” said the magistrate, “I will commit those persons who indulge in it.”
This had the desired effect—the audience abstained from any further laughter.
“I have to express my regret that an unguarded expression made by myself should have given rise to this breach of etiquette,” said Sharpthorne.