It need hardly be said that she was
treated with the greatest deference on every side. She answered the
questions very quietly, but apparently without nervousness. "Yes; she
had known Mr. Finn long, and intimately, and had very greatly valued
his friendship. She did so still,--as much as ever. Yes; she had
known him for some years, and in circumstances which she thought
justified her in saying that she understood his character. She
regarded him as a man who was brave and tender-hearted, soft in
feeling and manly in disposition. To her it was quite incredible that
he should have committed a crime such as this. She knew him to be a
man prone to forgive offences, and of a sweet nature." And it was
pretty too to watch the unwonted gentleness of old Chaffanbrass as
he asked the questions, and carefully abstained from putting any one
that could pain her. Sir Gregory said that he had heard her evidence
with great pleasure, but that he had no question to ask her himself.
Then she stepped down, again took her husband's arm, and left the
Court amidst a hum of almost affectionate greeting.
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