The judge bore with him in patient sympathy and silence for a moment, then he said:
“Do you know anything of the prisoner’s marriage?”
“I know nothing of it, and I do not believe it,” replied Bertie, instantly.
A buzz of applause rose, and was instantly quelled by the usher.
“When did you see the prisoner last?” asked Mr. Sewell.
“I—I can’t give you the date—the day I left England. Here at The Dell.”
“Did you ask him—did he tell you——”
“Oh, my lord!” said Mr. Edgar. “Hearsay evidence! Really!”
But Bertie rushed on:
“No, I do not know why he was living under an assumed name. He would not tell me. I wish he had; but he refused.”