The court, bowing respectfully, informs the lady she can get down
from the stand.
The next witness called is Mrs. Rosebrook. This good and benevolent
lady is more resolute and determined. The gentlemen of the bar find
her quite clever enough for them. Approaching the stand with a firm
step, she takes her place as if determined upon rescuing the
children. Her answers come rather faster than is compatible with the
dignity of the learned gentlemen of the bar. She knows Marston,
knows Franconia, knows the old plantation, has spent many happy
hours upon it, is sorry to see the old proprietor reduced to this
state of things. She knows the two children,--dear creatures,--has
always had a kindly feeling for them; knew their poor mothers, has
befriended them since Marston's troubles began. She always-her
large, loving eyes glowing with the kindness of her soul-heard
Marston say they were just as free as people could be, and they
should be free, too! Some people did'nt look at the moral obligation
of the thing. Here, the good lady, blushing, draws the veil over her
face. There is something more she would like to disclose if modesty
did not forbid.
"Nothing direct in such testimony, your honour will perceive!" says
Mr. Petterwester, directing himself to the judge.
"Is there any question with regard to the father of the children?"
enquires his honour, again placing his hand to his ear and leaning
forward inquisitively. His honour suddenly forgot himself.
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