han the
Defendant: if that be the case, it seems to me rather an indelicate and
reckless speech. And then it must be said, it seems inconsistent with
the amiable and benevolent character given to the Defendant to-day. On
the other hand, if he were referring to _himself_ it will appear natural
and proper enough. And there is this to be added, that when the child
had reported the remark to his mother, which of course he did, she would
most reasonably begin to found hopes upon it. And then what follows,
Gentlemen?--the Defendant is found holding this lady in his arms, and
becomes so demonstrative in his attentions that this very child comes to
her rescue. I am inexperienced in these things--they may be innocent and
done with the purest intentions, or may not; but you, Gentlemen of the
Jury, are men of the world: and it is for you to put the proper
construction on them."

"You will have noted, Gentlemen, this curious feature of the case. None
of the witnesses were in the room when the imputed proposal was made, yet
all, Cluppins, Weller, and the Defendant's three friends, _heard_ what
the Defendant said. This suggests that he must have been very pressing,
if not agitated. One of the witnesses, Winkle, I think, yes, Winkle,
actually deposes to hearing the words, 'My dear creature! Compose
yourself' and the like. He added he was afraid someone might come in; a
very reasonable fear, Gentlemen, and well grounded: for several persons
_did_ come in and it would seem with awkward results for the Defendant.
But, Gentlemen, I confess that what most of all weighs with me in this
case is the remarkable avowal wrung from a reluctant witness, of the
Defendant's being surprised at midnight in a lady's bed-chamber, and
being taken, after a serious riot, before the Magistrates. This came on
me, as I saw it did on you all, as a surprise. True, it does not bear on
the question of a promise or of the breach. But still it seems a matter
which you cannot wholly shut out from your consideration. It startled me
as it did you, to find a sort of travelling philanthropist, as the
Defendant Pickwick holds himself out to be, on whose mildly benevolent
features nature seems to have stamped rectitude and high principle,
living a life of hypocrisy, taking part in midnight invasions and
daylight riots. It is one of his own friends who tells us this sad
story: and it is for you to consider whether the Plaintiff was here also
in pursuit of ye