Weaker than a Woman — page 155: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

a 146 WEAKER THAN A WOMAN. found me guilty, and that my fellow-townsmen—the old friends whom I have spent all my life among—in their own minds found me guilty, too, and have shown their opinion, most of them, by withdrawing their business from me—the old friends I loved and served, my lord 2” The earl took his hand again. ‘“T have heard it, Mr. Lonsdale, and ates it. Iam glad to have this chance of saying publicly that I disbelieve all that has been said about your guilt, and am proud to take the hand of an honest, injured man.” “T thank you, my lord,” returned Darcy Lonsdale. His wonder increased when the earl, turning to him, said : “Your place, Mr. Lonsdale, - is at my right hand.” The lawyer looked at him in amazement. Lord Arlng-— ton smiled. “Yes, at my right hand,” he said, “and after dinner you will know the reason why.” Wondering at this, Darcy Lonsdale took his seat. “Your son will sit next to you,” said Lord Arlington. “I shall want him as well.” ; Mr. Lonsdale saw the looks of wonder from all the gen- tlemen assembled. “They are not accustomed to see me so honored,” he said to himself, bitterly. Then the grand banquet began, and it was one long re- membered in Lilford, because of its grandeur and costli- ness; those who partook of it described it in few words—it was worthy of the earl who gaveit. It came to a close at last, and the earl ordered some more wine. ‘“T shall have a toast to propose presently, gentlemen,” he said, “for which I shall want brimming glasses. Before giving it, however, I have a few words to say to you.” Silence, deep and impressive, fell over them; when the earl spoke in the tone that he did he meant something. There was not the faintest sound when he began. “Gentlemen, old friends, and neighbors I may say, there has been an injustice done among you which I have asked you here to-day to set straight. Understand me plainly, as an Englishman I uphold the legal institutions of my coun- try. I bow my head to the decision of a judge; I listen with respect to the verdict of a jury. But, eentlemen, human laws, just because they are human and not divine, must at times err; and I say they erred when they pro- nounced a man, as honest, industrious, and honorable as my friend Darcy Lonsdale capable of influencing a woman 9 TRS Te comicbooks.com | ° * ’ : ‘4 fe ’ vo aa, * -) : i 4 je »* et ed)" :