Chaffanbrass, even when asking the
simplest questions, in the simplest words, even when abstaining from
that sarcasm of tone under which witnesses were wont to feel that
they were being flayed alive, could so look at a man as to create an
antagonism which no witness could conceal. In asking a man his name,
and age, and calling, he could produce an impression that the man
was unwilling to tell anything, and that, therefore, the jury were
entitled to regard his evidence with suspicion. "Then," continued Mr.
Chaffanbrass, "you must have met him frequently in the intercourse of
your business?"
"I suppose I did,--sometimes."
"Sometimes? You belonged to the same party?"
"We didn't sit in the same House."
"I know that, my lord. I know very well what House you sat in. But I
suppose you would condescend to be acquainted with even a commoner
who held the very office which you hold now. You belonged to the same
club with him."
"I don't go much to the clubs," said Lord Fawn.
"But the quarrel of which we have heard so much took place at a
club in your presence?" Lord Fawn assented.
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