in the study of that science reverently described as "Law, which has her seat in the bosom of God." Without solicitation, or even preparation, he took his seat in the court-room, and listened to all the evidence, carefully observing the prisoner who stood with downcast eyes, manifesting the same indifference, scarcely appearing to notice anything that was said or done, until Walter arose, when those who observed her, perceived a slight tremor, a flashing of the eye when he began, which gradually softened as he went on. He spoke strongly against the danger of accepting circumstantial evidence as the conclusive proof of her guilt, discussed the divine nature of law, and the solemn responsibilities resting on those who assume its official duties, to see to it that injustice is done to none, urging the oft-repeated truism that it is better for a dozen guilty to escape than that one innocent should suffer. He then alluded to the possible circumstances of her childhood, the friendlessness of her position, the helplessness of her situation, and drew a vivid picture of all the difficulties attending "a homeless, penniless female sent from door to door in destitution and misery until every spark of self-respect has fled, and she gladly accepts the meanest hovel proffered by the lowest and basest of humankind, if so she may shelter her head from the biting blast of the north wind, and the still more biting sarcasm which too often awaits her at the rich man's door. Is he to be indiscriminately condemned, because, perchance, the frowns of the respectable have compelled her to accept the charities of the vilest? At whose door lies
Page:Orange Grove.djvu/285
