ublic opinion which they could not control, and to which they were
compelled to give utterance. They were, in fact, not dishonest but only
self-deceived. They really persuaded themselves that they were
responding to a general sentiment, though, such as it was, their own
reports and articles had called it into existence. The "gentleman in
court" who paid Cora's fine at Hammersmith began the outcry in its last
and worst form, the editorials nursed and encouraged it, and the
correspondents gave it its malignant character. All concerned in the
business were equally convinced that they were actuated by the best
possible motives.

The news that Walcott had stabbed his wife with a dagger did not take
these charitable people by surprise, though it added fuel to the fire of
their indignation. What else could be expected from a man who had first
deserted and then starved the unfortunate woman whom he had taken to
wife? It was only natural that he should try to get rid of her; but what
a cruel wretch he was! Hanging would be too good for him if his poor
victim should die.

It is unnecessary to say that a great deal of interest was displayed by
the public, when the case came on for hearing at Bow Street; but no real
facts were elicited beyond those which had already been in print. Two
remands were taken, in the hope that Cora might recover sufficiently to
give her evidence, but though she was at last declared to be out of
danger, the house-surgeon at the hospital would not take the
responsibility of saying that she could safely attend at the
police-court. Ultimately, the magistrate having heard all the evidence
that was forthcoming, and Alan's solicitor reserving his defence, the
accused was committed to take his trial at the Central Criminal Court on
a charge of wounding with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm.

Nevertheless, Alan was allowed to go out on bail. He had not cared to
claim this privilege, and would almost have preferred to stay in prison.
His solicitor had made much of the necessity of preparing his defence,
and of the indispensable conferences between himself and his client; but
Alan had not the slightest hope of being acquitted. He told Mr. Larmer
precisely how the whole thing had happened--how his wife had brought the
dagger with her, how she had raised it in her hand, how he seized her
wrist, and how he had never touched the weapon himself until he drew it
from the wound as she lay on the floor.

"They wo