"Sir, I will not," said Mercy, calmly.
"Then I shall move the court to commit you."
"For what offence, if you please?"
"For perjury and contempt of court."
"I am guiltless of either, God knows. But I will not show the advertisement."
Judge. This is very extraordinary. Perhaps you have it not about you.
Mercy. My lord, the truth is I have it in my bosom. But, if I show it, it will not make this matter one whit clearer, and 't will open the wounds of two poor women. 'T is not for myself. But, O my lord, look at her. Hath she not gone through grief enow?
The appeal was made with a quiet, touching earnestness, that affected every hearer. But the judge had a duty to perform. "Witness," said he, "you mean well; but indeed you do the prisoner an injury by withholding this paper. Be good enough to produce it at once."
Prisoner (with a deep sigh). Obey my lord.
Mercy (with a patient sigh). There, sir, may the Lord forgive you the useless mischief you are doing.