Q. And I suggest further that the reason for her so importuning you lay in her condition, for which you were responsible?
A. Yes. It is true. (Sensation.)
Q. She entreated you, perhaps, to repair the wrong you had done her in the only way possible to an honourable man?
A. (Witness seeming to stiffen, as if resolved to face the whole music at last.) She had already urged that; she pressed to know, that was all, if I had made up my mind to marry her. I refused to give a definite answer just then, since my whole career was at stake; but I promised her one within twenty-four hours. I was very much bothered over the business, and I dare say a bit impatient with her. She may have upbraided me a little in return, but there was no actual quarrel between us. I went on after a few minutes, leaving her there by herself. And that is the whole truth.
Q. We will judge of that. You say the meeting was none of your seeking?
A. I do say it.
Q. Now, please attend to me. You were on your way back, when you met deceased, from the shooting party which you had abandoned?
A. Yes.
Q. You have heard what the last witness stated as to a certain incident connected with that morning. Was his statement substantially true?
A. I can’t deny it. It was a momentary mad impulse.