Chaffanbrass entered the Court with a manner much
more brisk than was expected from him now that his own work was done.
As a matter of course he would be there to hear the charge, but,
almost equally as a matter of course, he would be languid, silent,
cross, and unenergetic. They who knew him were sure, when they saw
his bearing on this morning, that he intended to do something more
before the charge was given. The judges entered the Court nearly half
an hour later than usual, and it was observed with surprise that they
were followed by the Duke of Omnium. Mr. Chaffanbrass was on his feet
before the Chief Justice had taken his seat, but the judge was the
first to speak. It was observed that he held a scrap of paper in his
hand, and that the barrister held a similar scrap. Then every man in
the Court knew that some message had come suddenly by the wires. "I
am informed, Mr. Chaffanbrass, that you wish to address the Court
before I begin my charge."
"Yes, my lud; and I am afraid, my lud, that I shall have to ask your
ludship to delay your charge for some days, and to subject the jury
to the very great inconvenience of prolonged incarceration for
another week;--either to do that or to call upon the jury to acquit
the prisoner.
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