rove she will do so at her own proper peril. Let
us continue the examination and conduct it with decent order."

Alden Lytton bowed to the magistrate and said, with what calmness he
could command:

"This woman--no, this libel upon womanhood, who is brought here to be
identified as my wife, might have rather been summoned to bear testimony
against me in any false charge she and her co-conspirators might have
chosen to set up, since she is not, and never has been, my wife. Her
presence here can not establish one single point in this infamous
accusation. Yet I am anxious to know how she and her confederate--as I
am forced to regard this witness--will attempt to do so. Let the
examination proceed."

"Mr. Borden, will you look upon this lady?" respectfully demanded Mr.
Desmond.

The reverend gentleman put on his spectacles and scrutinized the face of
Mary Grey, who met his gaze, and then lowered her eyes.

"Can you identify her as the lady whom you united in marriage with Mr.
Alden Lytton?" inquired Mr. Desmond.

"Yes, assuredly I can. She is the lady, then called Mary Grey, whom I
united in marriage with that gentleman, then called Alden Lytton, and to
whom I gave the marriage certificate, signed by myself and two
witnesses. Those witnesses can be produced when wanted," answered the
Rev. Mr. Borden, with much assurance.

"These witnesses are not needed just now. But I wish you to examine this
certificate, Mr. Borden," said Mr. Desmond, putting a folded paper in
the hands of the minister.

The reverend gentleman adjusted his spectacles and scrutinized it.

"Is that the certificate of marriage that you gave Mrs. Mary Lytton, the
wife of Mr. Alden Lytton, on the day that you united them?" inquired Mr.
Desmond.

"Yes, sir, it is," answered the minister.

"Are you quite sure?"

"Quite sure, sir. Why, I know the paper and the printed form, as well as
my own autograph and the signatures of the two witnesses," declared the
minister.

"That will do. You may sit down, sir," said Mr. Desmond.

"I beg your pardon. I would like to ask that witness a few questions
before he retires," said Mr. Lytton.

"Of course that is your right, sir," said the magistrate.

Alden Lytton arose and confronted the witness, looking him full in the
face.

"You are a minister of the gospel, I believe, Mr. Borden?" he inquired.

"Yes, sir. I am rector of Saint Blank's Episcopal Church in
Philadelphia, as you yourself know very well, ha