“Well, naturally, I suppose, I should be influenced to some extent by his age,” he replied.
“You would, however, keep your mind open to the evidence in the case and render a verdict according to that evidence? You would not discharge him solely because he is an old man?”
“I don't know where my sympathy would carry me,” said Sampson evasively.
“I see. Well, if you should be accepted by both sides as a juror to sit in this case you would at least try to divide your sympathy as fairly as possible between us, wouldn't you? You would not deny the long-suffering State of New York a share of your sympathy, would you?”
Miss Hildebrand, at that juncture, touched her grandfather on the arm and whispered something in his ear. For the first time the old man looked at the talesman in the chair. Sampson was acutely aware of a sudden flash of interest in the prisoner's eyes. Moreover, the young woman was regarding him rather less impersonally.
Sampson assumed an air of extreme hauteur “If I am accepted by both sides in this case, my sympathy will be, first of all, with myself, I am not eager to serve. I shall, however, do my best to render an intelligent, just verdict.”
“According to the evidence and the law as laid down by the honourable Court?”
“According to the circumstances as I see them.”
“That is not a direct answer to my question, Mr. Sampson.”
“I am not willing to say that I will be governed entirely by the evidence. I can only say, that I should render what I consider to be a just and reasonable verdict, depending on circumstances.”