Ryder (panting). Of course I did. It was my sister's.
Prisoner. Do you mean to call God to witness that child was not yours?
Ryder hesitated.
Prisoner. Will you swear Mrs. Church did not see you nurse that child in secret, and weep over it?
At this question the perspiration stood visible on Ryder's brow, her checks were ghastly, and her black eyes roved like some wild animal's round the court. She saw her own danger, and had no means of measuring her inquisitor's information.
"My lord, have pity on me. I was betrayed, abandoned. Why am I so tormented? I have not committed murder." So, catlike, she squealed and scratched at once.
Prisoner. What! to swear away an innocent life, is not that murder?
The Judge. Prisoner, we make allowances for your sex, and your peril, but you must not remark on the evidence at present. Examine as severely as you will, but abstain from comment till you address the jury on your defense.
Sergeant Wiltshire. My lord, I submit that this line of examination is barbarous, and travels out of the case entirely.
Prisoner. Not so, Mr. Sergeant. 'Tis done by advice of an able lawyer. My life is in peril unless I shake this witness's credit. To that end I show you she is incontinent, and practiced in falsehood. Unchastity has been held in these courts to disqualify a female witness, hath it not, my lord?