FROME. If your lordship would be so kind. I can assure your lordship that I am not exaggerating.     

       THE JUDGE. It goes very much against the grain with me that the name of a witness should ever be suppressed. [With a glance at FALDER, who is gripping and clasping his hands before him, and then at RUTH, who is sitting perfectly rigid with her eyes fixed on FALDER] I'll consider your application. It must depend. I have to remember that she may have come here to commit perjury on the prisoner's behalf.     

       FROME. Your lordship, I really——     

       THE JUDGE. Yes, yes—I don't suggest anything of the sort, Mr. Frome. Leave it at that for the moment.     

CONTENTS

         As he finishes speaking, the jury return, and file back into the box.       

       CLERK of ASSIZE. Gentlemen, are you agreed on your verdict?     

       FOREMAN. We are.     

       CLERK of ASSIZE. Is it Guilty, or Guilty but insane?     

       FOREMAN. Guilty.     

CONTENTS

         The JUDGE nods; then, gathering up his notes, sits looking at FALDER, who stands motionless.       

       FROME. [Rising] If your lordship would allow me to address you in mitigation of sentence. I don't know if your lordship thinks I can add anything to what I have said to the jury on the score of the prisoner's youth, and the great stress under which he acted.     

       THE JUDGE. I don't think you can, Mr. Frome.     

       FROME. If your lordship says so—I do most earnestly beg your lordship to give the utmost weight to my plea. [He sits down.]     

       THE JUDGE. [To the CLERK] Call upon him.     

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