Witness.—“Yes.”
Mr. Gill.—“Of Shelley?”
Witness.—“Yes.”
Mr. Gill.—“And these witnesses have, you say, lied throughout?”
Witness.—“Their evidence as to my association with them, as to the dinners taking place and the small presents I gave them, is mostly true. But there is not a particle of truth in that part of the evidence which alleged improper behaviour.”
Mr. Gill.—“Why did you take up with these youths?”
Witness.—“I am a lover of youth.” (Laughter).
Mr. Gill.—“You exalt youth as a sort of God?”
Witness.—“I like to study the young in everything. There is something fascinating in youthfulness.”
Mr. Gill.—“So you would prefer puppies to dogs, and kittens to cats?” (Laughter).