“It never entered my head to doubt my partner’s integrity.”
“Do you carry this childlike faith in human nature into all departments of life?”
“Up to now I have had no reason to distrust my fellow creatures.”
“I congratulate you as a solicitor on having had a unique experience,” said the judge acidly.
Counsel continued. “I put it to you—suppose two or three plausible strangers told you a glittering tale, and one asked you to entrust him with a hundred pounds to show your confidence in him—would you do it?”
“I am not in the habit of consorting with vulgar strangers,” retorted Quixtus, with twitching lip.
“Which means that you are too learned and lofty a person to deal with the common clay of this low world?”
“I cannot deal with you,” said Quixtus.
Counsel grew red and angry, as there was laughter in which the judge joined.
“The witness,” said the latter, “is not quite such a fool as he would give us to imagine, Mr. Smithers.”