Counsel is again
endeavoring to impeach our witness, and I must once more maintain that
it is too late to do so."

"The question is allowed," replied the Recorder.

"But, your Honor," persisted Mr. Munson, "you ruled yesterday that
questions of this nature could not be asked."

"I know very well what I ruled, Mr. Munson," said the Recorder,
sharply. "You objected yesterday to evidence against Dr. Meredith's
ability as a physician, and I sustained you. This is a different
matter. As I understand it, counsel is now endeavoring to show that
Dr. Meredith was a prejudiced witness. I shall allow the fullest
latitude in that direction."

"We thank you very much, your Honor," said Mr. Bliss, and then turned
to his client saying: "Please answer my question."

"I knew of it before I returned. In fact, it was because of letters
from my wife, complaining of this man, that I shortened my trip
abroad."

"What happened between you after your return?"

"I charged him with his unfaithfulness to his trust, and we
quarrelled. Had he been a larger man, I should have thrashed him!"

"Was it after this that you attacked one of his papers in debate?"

"Yes, immediately afterwards. In fact I think that the quarrel between
us had much to do with it. He must have been in a very disturbed frame
of mind, to have written such a blundering thesis, for ordinarily he
is a skilful physician."

"Then, on the whole, Dr. Meredith was inaccurate when he said that you
and he are not enemies?"

"He simply lied."

"You must not use such language," said the Recorder, quickly.

"I must apologize to your Honor," replied Dr. Medjora. "But when I
think of what this man has done to me, it is difficult to control
myself."

"But you must control yourself," said the Recorder.

"Now, then, Doctor," said Mr. Bliss, "please tell us of your
acquaintance with your wife prior to marriage." Thereafter Mr. Bliss
always spoke of the dead girl as the wife, thus forcing that fact upon
the attention of the jury. Dr. Medjora replied:

"I met my wife when she was scarcely more than a school-girl, and I
became interested in her because, as her mother hinted, she was above
her people, being far superior to them in intelligence and demeanor. I
cannot say when my friendship increased to a warmer feeling, but I
think that I first became aware of it, by seeing her mother beat her!"

"You saw your wife's mother beat her, you say?"

"I called one evening, without pr