It has shed light upon much
that was obscure, and it has provided Captain Tremayne with an
unanswerable alibi. In my view - and without wishing unduly to
influence the court in its decision - it but remains to pronounce
Captain Tremayne's acquittal, thereby enabling him to fulfil towards
this lady a duty which the circumstances would seem to have rendered
somewhat urgent."
They were words that lifted an intolerable burden from Sir Harry's
shoulders.
In immense relief, eager now to make an end, he looked to right and
left. Everywhere he met nodding heads and murmurs of "Yes, Yes."
Everywhere with one exception. Sir Terence, white to the lips, gave
no sign of assent, and yet dared give none of dissent. The eye of
Lord Wellington was upon him, compelling him by its eagle glance.
"We are clearly agreed," the president began, but Captain Tremayne
interrupted him.
"But you are wrongly agreed."
"Sir, sir!"
"You shall listen. It is infamous that I should owe my acquittal
to the sacrifice of this lady's good name."
Damme! That is a matter that any parson can put right," said his
lordship.
"Your lordship is mistaken," Captain Tremayne insisted, greatly
daring. "The honour of this lady is more dear to me than my life.
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