Mr. Desmond handed over the document.
Alden Lytton read it, and then recommenced his cross-examination of the minister.
"And this is the certificate you gave the pretended bride?" he inquired.
"That is the certificate I gave your wife, sir."
"And you persist in declaring, under oath, that you solemnized a marriage between myself, Alden Lytton, and this woman, Mary Grey, here present?"
"I do, most solemnly."
"Then, sir," said Alden Lytton, flushing to his temples with fierce indignation, "all I have further to say is this—that you have basely [perjured] yourself to assist and support an infamous conspiracy!"
"Sir—sir—Mr. Lytton!" said the magistrate, in trepidation. "This gentleman is a most highly respected preacher of the gospel, quite incapable of such a thing!"
"I do not care whether he be priest, bishop, pope or apostle! He has basely perjured himself in support of an infamous conspiracy!"
"Mr. Lytton—Mr. Lytton," said the magistrate, "if you have anything to bring forward to disprove this strange charge we shall be glad to hear it. But vituperation is not testimony."