“There is no defence, I am told.”
“He will call evidence to show that she was subject to violent fits of passion when in drink.”
“Ah, that is where Tobin will be missed. Really, one is surprised at Whitcomb and Whitcomb.”
“They saw the futility of fighting, and are doing it on the cheap.”
“Poor brute! But I don’t altogether agree with you. Something might have been done by a man of ability. I should like to have seen Tobin in it.”
“I don’t think Tobin would have attempted to touch their witnesses. We must wait till he calls his own to see what he is worth.”
At this moment, however, those who had conducted this secret conversation had their curiosity gratified by the spectacle of Northcote rising for the first time. He got up heavily and wearily, as though age had stricken him in every joint. His face was almost painful in its pallor. The last “unfortunate” had just made her half-audible reply to the final question that had been put to her by the amiable Mr. Topott.
“I believe you said you had been acquainted ten years with the accused?” said Northcote, in a voice that was curiously low and gentle.
“Yes, sir.”
“During that period you had known her many times to be under the influence of drink?”