The judge was of opinion that the count affecting Wood ought to go to the jury, and he gave reasons why it ought not to be withheld.
Sir Edward Clarke after a private passage of arms with the Solicitor-General in respect to the need for corroborative evidence, then began a brief, but able appeal to the jury on behalf of his client, after which Wilde entered the witness-box. He formally denied the allegations against him. Sir Frank Lockwood, in cross-examination: “Now, Mr. Wilde, I should like you to tell me where Lord A. Douglas is now?”
Witness.—“He is in Paris, at the Hotel des Deux Mondes.”
Sir Frank.—“How long has he been there?”
Witness.—“Three weeks.”
Sir Frank.—“Have you been in communication with him?”
Witness.—“Certainly. These charges are founded on sand. Our friendship is founded on a rock. There has been no need to cancel our acquaintance.”
Sir Frank.—“Was Lord Alfred in London at the time of the trial of the Marquis of Queensberry?”
Witness.—“Yes, for about three weeks. He went abroad at my request before the first trial on these counts came on.”
Sir Frank.—“May we take it that the two letters from you to him were samples of the kind you wrote him?”