n and rose. Crossing the space in front
of Lydia, he came and stood in front of the jury, looking from one to
another, asking routine questions, but with a grave attention that made
them seem spontaneous. Did any of them know the defendant or her
counsel? Had any of them ever been arrested for speeding? Had anyone of
them ever injured anyone with an automobile?

To Lydia his whole personality seemed different--more aggressive, more
hostile. When, in speaking, he put out his fist she noticed the powerful
bulk of his hand, the strength of his wrist. She could not see his face,
for he stood with shoulder turned to her, but she could see the upturned
faces of the jurors.

Number 10 was in the automobile business, and was excused. Number 2
admitted a slight acquaintance with the defendant, though Lydia couldn't
remember him and was inclined to think he was merely escaping duty.
Number 5, in the midst of the interrogation, suddenly volunteered the
information that he was conscientiously opposed to capital punishment.

At this the judge looked up from his writing and said loudly, "But this
isn't a capital-punishment case."

"No, no, I know," said Number 5 apologetically. "I just thought I'd
mention it."

"Don't mention anything that has no bearing on the case," said the
judge, and went back to his writing.

At noon, when the court adjourned, the jury was not yet satisfactory to
the prosecution.

Lydia, Miss Bennett and Wiley drove over to Eleanor's for luncheon. Of
the three women Lydia was the gayest.

"He really does--that man really does expect to put me behind bars," she
said.

"The prospect apparently puts you in the highest spirits," said Eleanor.

Lydia laughed, showing her bright, regular little teeth.

"I do like a good fight," she answered.

That was the way she thought of it--as a personal struggle between the
district attorney and herself. Since that first interview Wiley had no
indifference to complain of. On the contrary, he complimented her on
her grasp of the case--she ought to have been a lawyer. She had put
every fact at his disposal--every fact that had any bearing on the case.
She did not consider the exact nature of her former acquaintance with
O'Bannon among these; that is to say, she mentioned that she had once
met him at the Piers' and played bridge with him. She added that Eleanor
felt he had taken a dislike to her. Wiley said nothing, but imagined
that she might have played queen to a c