plaintiff's solicitor carries on an animated conversation with Mr W. in undertones.)
Witherington (rising once more.) Gentlemen, I have, as it was my duty to do, consulted the plaintiff respecting the unusual course which the defendant has thought proper to take. Her answer to his proposal is the answer which I am sure you will feel is the only possible one in the circumstances. (Jab. beams.) The plaintiff, gentlemen, has undergone the severest ordeal a young woman of delicacy and refinement can be called upon to endure ("Hear, hear!" from Jab.), and out of that ordeal I think you will all agree she has come absolutely unscathed.
I need hardly say that she is incapable now of harbouring any unworthy sentiments of rancour or revenge. (Jab. beams more effulgently still.)
But, gentlemen, there are some injuries which, as you know, a woman may find herself able to excuse, to palliate, even to condone; but which she feels nevertheless must operate as an insuperable and impassable barrier between herself and the individual who could be capable of them! Jab.'s smile becomes a trifle less assured.)
After the disgraceful and unmanly attempts the defendant has made to evade his obligations; his disingenuous defences; his insulting innuendoes; after the deplorable exhibition he has made of himself in that box; and especially after the sombre picture he himself has painted
