The Morning herald., 1876-11-06
That Ridiculous John
By NARY GRACE HALP1NB.
PART II,
PART II.

1lS6 xk8uAUu 0uV AAOONSA ~feA~EN~s'~
name-had beseiged the heart Of John
Claypool, a susceptible, goed-natured fel-
low, not overburdened with sense, which
having fairly hooked, she played "fast and
loose' until she lost it. She was now in
search Of some consolation in the shape OF
plaster TO her broken heart, would make it
as good as new again.
This was the plain prose Of the matter,
stripped of all It's adornments; yet it con-
tanned material for very good case, If
properly worked up, IS l was not slow to
perceive.
For, though manifestly in the wrong, ,apd
getting no more than she deserved, the fair
Hannah Jane was woman-a young and
attractive woman-and who in any way
oonversant with the marvellous workings of
the masculine heart in such cases could
doubt the issue?
counted not little on the letters Of the
defendant, evidently written at the height
Of his loye-fever. But my main point was
the fair plaintiff herself; and my main anx'
iety to have her appearance in court such
as would ''telp' most effectively on the
minds ofthe jury.
1t being within few days ofcourt time,
Igave her almost daily instructions In this
Important particular. And to do her JUS
tice. she was a very apt pupil, falling in
readily with all my hints and suggestions
There was one difficulty however, and which
occasioned me no little anxiety and per
plexity, and this was the young ladys ir-
resistible propensity to laugh on almos
any occasion, and especially when any
mention was made of her quandam suitor
But it was in vain that impressed upor
her mind the disasterous effect that an.
exhibition of mirth would have; her inva.
riable response was:
II can't help it, Mr.. Blatherem; ] shal
laugh, know shall, especially if that ri
diculous John is there"
At last I hit upon plan oy which thl
little popularity Of hers could be tarnet
into positive advantage.
- provided her with large pockethand
kerchief, with instructions, whenever sh
felt this irresistible inclination to laugh, t
bury her face in it, keeping it there unit
the paroxysm had passed.
The day came lor which l had made
such careful and anxious preparations, AM
which was full as important to me as =
my client, and never shall l forget tn
feelings with which I entered the court
room, with my first brief under my arm.
l had taken caresto secure seat tor m
client within the bar, in full view OF bot
Judge and jury, and / cast critical glanc
a. Ia, n. set down
Nothing could be more appropriate an
becoming than her Dress attitude ana e1
preston. :,
In accordance with my suggestion, sh
was attired in deep mourning, which helgh'
ened to pallor the exquisite fairness OF ne
complexion, while,as is generally the cas-
the very effort to keep sober face resslte
in demure gravity entirely foreign to II
usual expression.
John Clsypool was among the nrss OF ID
Witnesses. .
His appearance fully justified Hanna
James description. He did not impres
the jury very favorably.
glanced q little apprehensively at m
Client the muscles of whose pretty me@t
began to witch at the first glimpse OF mn
but the handkerchief; burying her lace Il
it, she gave way to the emotion tnas oVe'
powered her. 80, NJ.
The effect of this can be imagined. In
jury looked at each other, and then glare
at the unfortunate witness, upon whose re
face the perspiration started.
To do him justice, he forgot, in measur'
his unnleasant nositiou in his sympathy fl
the apparent grief Of the fair accussT.
"Twas ut any Of my dolngs' Hanna
Jane"
The Judge frswned. 4,
Silence in the court" growleo u
clerk. -.
"You will attend to me, If you please"
'aid, addressing ths. abaahsd man IN > 'ol