lf an hour, and giving his
reason. He then dashed off in a cab.

The case proceeded, under discouraging remarks from the Judge, most of
them addressed to the evidence; but he also hinted that the indictment
was rather loosely drawn.

At last the Attorney-General, who led, began to consult with his junior
whether they could hope for a conviction.

But now there was a commotion; then heads were put together, and, to
the inexpressible surprise of young Little and of the Sheriff, Grace
Coventry was put into the witness-box.

At the sight of her the learned Judge, who was, like most really
great lawyers, a keen admirer of beautiful women, woke up, and became
interested.

After the usual preliminaries, counsel requested her to look at that
man, and say whether she knew him.

Grace looked, and recognized him. "Yes," said she, "it is Mr. Beresford;
he is a clergyman."

Whereupon there was a loud laugh.

Counsel. "What makes you think he is a clergyman?"

Witness. "I have seen him officiate. It was he who married me to Mr.--"
Here she caught sight of Henry, and stopped, blushing.

"What is that?" said the Judge, keenly. "Did you say that man performed
the marriage ceremony over you?"

"Yes, my lord."

"When and where was that?"

She gave the time and place.

"I should like to see the register of that parish."

"Let me save you the trouble," said the prisoner. "Your lordship's time
has been wasted enough with falsehoods; I will not waste it further by
denying the truth. The fact is, my lord, I was always a great churchgoer
(a laugh), and I was disgusted with the way in which the clergy deliver
the Liturgy, and with their hollow discourses, that don't go home to
men's bosoms. Vanity whispered, 'You could do better.' I applied for the
curacy of St. Peter's. I obtained it. I gave universal satisfaction; and
no wonder; my heart was in the work; I trembled at the responsibility I
had undertaken. Yes, my lord, I united that young lady in holy matrimony
to one Frederick Coventry. I had no sooner done it, than I began to
realize that a clergyman is something more than a reader and a preacher.
Remorse seized me. My penitence, once awakened, was sincere. I retired
from the sacred office I had usurped--with much levity, I own, but, as
heaven is my witness, with no guilty intent."

The Judge, to Grace. "Did you ever see the prisoner on any other
occasion?"

Grace. "Only once. He called on me after my marriage. He left