By Love Possessed by James Gould Cozzens

Author:James Gould Cozzens [Cozzens, James Gould]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2011-03-22T16:00:00+00:00

Occupied with his worried thoughts, Arthur Winner had been a moment in noticing Ralph's hesitant entry. From Ralph's expression, Arthur Winner could now learn that his own expression had been one of set sternness; and that Ralph had not failed to connect this with Ralph's own, to him all-absorbing, trouble.

He visibly quailed. He said feebly: 'Excuse me, Mr Winner. Helen told me I was to—'

Rousing himself, making himself smile, Arthur Winner said: 'Yes. Shut the door, Ralph; and sit down.'

Watching Ralph, while Ralph in an agitated way did what he was told, Arthur Winner could see him with some sympathy. The facts of the case, the stupid or ugly shifts, the slippery little nastinesses, that he had heard Ralph recount, were moving back in time, becoming past history. The power to repel, so strong at first hearing, lost freshness. Losing that, those facts no longer stood in the way of a simple present fact—not a fact of the case; a fact apart from the case; and now, properly, less and less coloured by the case—of the unhappy youth in his unhappy situation. This youth, as even Helen saw, still had himself to thank for being there; but today his human plight could begin to put its subtle ad captandum appeal, dependence's best, surest call on humanity. He was frightened. He didn't know what to do. He needed help. Arthur Winner, at competent calm ease, well able to help, must (by the habit of man's nature) grow more kindly disposed. The helper's invariable (and often, overabounding) benevolence towards the helped would presently take command.

Arthur Winner said: 'I think we have your part of this in good enough shape, for the moment. As I said, I'll reserve our defence Monday, so there's nothing we need to prepare now. After the hearing, I'll want to spend some time with you on the transcript of Miss Kovacs's testimony. We must check her story in detail against your recollection of what really happened; so when I have her on the stand, I'll be able to press her where she's likeliest to contradict herself. I think we've nothing to worry about there—she'll be in trouble very soon. I haven't yet seen the district attorney; but I'm expecting to this morning. When I've seen him, well consider any other steps we may need to take. What did you find out from Miss Moore?'

Observing the instant change in Ralph's expression, Arthur Winner reminded himself that this highly readable face of Ralph's might be a trial factor of weight. In the course of hardly more than a minute, Ralph's feelings had passed—in plain sight of anyone watching him—from fright when he imagined Arthur Winner's show of sternness was for him; to relief, when he got a smile; to confidence (risen too high) as he guessed how formidable an ally he had, as he foresaw Miss Kovacs demolished. Now he came down to earth; and with a bump. He slumped in too-easy dejection, distracted and dismayed. Obviously, the trial tactic would be to go slow, to begin direct examination by beating about the bush.

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