“You do well, Mr. Siward. This court is very merciful.... How much do you care for bird murder? Very much? Is there anything you care for more? Yes? And could this court grant it to you in compensation?”
He said, deliberately, roused by the level challenge of her gaze: “The court is incompetent to compensate the prisoner or offer any compromise.”
“Why, Mr. Siward?”
“Because the court herself is already compromised in her future engagements.”
“But what has my—engagement to do with—”
“You offered compensation for depriving me of my shooting. There could be only one adequate compensation.”
“And that?” she asked, coolly enough.
“Your continual companionship.”
“But you have it, Mr. Siward—”
“I have it for a day. The season lasts three months you know.”