“I do not know if you are aware, your Excellency, that this is Deemster's Court-day?”
The Governor smiled, and a titter went round the court. “We will dispense with that,” he said. “We have better business this morning.” 34
“Excuse me, your Excellency,” said Philip; “I am still Deemster. With your leave we will do everything according to rule.”
There was a slight pause, a questioning look, then a cold answer. “Of course, if you wish it; but your sense of duty——”
The ladies in the galleries bad ceased to flutter their fans, and the members of the House of Keys were shifting in their seats in the well below.
The Clerk of the Deemster's Court pushed through to the space beneath the bench. “There is only one case, your Honour,” he whispered up.
“Speak out, sir,” said Philip. “What case is it?”
The Clerk gave an informal answer. It was the case of the young woman who had attempted her life at Ramsey, and had been kept at Her Majesty's pleasure.
“How long has she been in prison?”—“Seven weeks, your Honour.”
“Give me the book and I will sign the order for her release.”