He sits downs. COKESON, who has opened his mouth to reply, is
left gaping.
FROME. [Rising hastily] Have you ever caught him in that dishevelled state before?
COKESON. No! He was always clean and quiet.
FROME. That will do, thank you.
COKESON turns blandly to the JUDGE, as though to rebuke counsel for not remembering that the JUDGE might wish to have a chance; arriving at the conclusion that he is to be asked nothing further, he turns and descends from the box, and sits down next to JAMES and WALTER.
FROME. Ruth Honeywill.
RUTH comes into court, and takes her stand stoically in the witness-box. She is sworn.
FROME. What is your name, please?
RUTH. Ruth Honeywill.
FROME. How old are you?