looked scared.)

Gentlemen, in this condition of affairs it needed but a spark--I do not

say a suggestion, I do not say a hint--from this butterfly Brierly; this

rejected rival, to cause the explosion. I make no charges, but if this

woman was in her right mind when she fled from Washington and reached

this city in company--with Brierly, then I do not know what insanity is."

When Mr. Braham sat down, he felt that he had the jury with him. A burst

of applause followed, which the officer promptly, suppressed. Laura,

with tears in her eyes, turned a grateful look upon her counsel. All the

women among the spectators saw the tears and wept also. They thought as

they also looked at Mr. Braham; how handsome he is!

Mrs. Hawkins took the stand. She was somewhat confused to be the target

of so many, eyes, but her honest and good face at once told in Laura's

favor.

"Mrs. Hawkins," said Mr. Braham, "will you' be kind enough to state the

circumstances of your finding Laura?"

I object," said Mr. McFlinn; rising to his feet. "This has nothing

whatever to do with the case, your honor. I am surprised at it, even

after the extraordinary speech of my learned friend."

How do you propose to connect it, Mr. Braham?" asked the judge.

The Gilded Age