There is a profound sensation in the court room.
Constance Wardour catches her breath, and bends forward to look at her lover, the color coming and going hotly in her cheeks. She had chosen to hear nothing of his past, and so Mr. O’Meara has introduced the Honorable George Heathercliffe, that morning, saying only: “A most important witness, Constance; a strong witness.”
strong“He is Sir Clifford Heathercliffe, and my elder brother.”
Mr. Rand, the prosecuting attorney, moves uneasily in his seat, and begins to wonder what small shot O’Meara holds back of this big shell.
Without seeming to notice the sensation created by his self-possessed witness, O’Meara goes on rapidly.
“How long has your brother, Sir Clifford Heathercliffe, been in America?”
“For more than three years.”
“Until you
