Up to this answer, she had spoken quietly, and in a voice that could only be heard through the room by the closest attention; but the last answer was given in a full, emphatic tone.
Mr. Belcher entirely lost his self-possession. His face grew white, his eyes were wild, and raising his clenched fist he brought it down with a powerful blow upon the table before him, and exclaimed: "My God!"
The court-room became in an instant as silent as death. The Judge uttered no reprimand, but looked inquiringly, and with unfeigned astonishment, at the defendant.
Mr. Cavendish rose and begged the Court to overlook his client's excitement, as he had evidently been taken off his guard.
"Paul Benedict is your brother, you say?" resumed Mr. Balfour.
"He is, sir."
"What was his employment before he left New York?"
"He was an inventor from his childhood, and received a careful education in accordance with his mechanical genius."
"Why did he leave New York?"
"I am ashamed to say that he left in consequence of my own unkindness."