Two Coins: A Biographical Novel by Sandra Wagner-Wright

Author:Sandra Wagner-Wright [Wagner-Wright, Sandra]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780996384544
Amazon: B07K6YQPQT
Goodreads: 43802707
Publisher: Wagner-Wright Enterprises
Published: 2019-01-30T00:00:00+00:00

William Hastie

I proceed to the witness box, raise my hand, and swear to tell the truth. Perhaps this time the judge will pay attention. Mr. Gasper goes through everything in the Complaint and my rebuttal. Who I am, where I come from, who I work for. I begin explain the role of the Foreign Mission Committee and move to the Ladies’ Association. “It’s a voluntary group with branches throughout Scotland,” I say. “Local ladies form committees to gather funds. This is why the Ladies’ Association has to be part of the Church of Scotland. Otherwise, they can’t raise the necessary funds.”

The judge scratches his ear. He obviously has no concept of structural organization.

“Nothing could prevent those ladies from continuing their collections,” Justice Norris says. “I believe Mr. Gasper said it was five shillings per member.”

“But they couldn’t be part of the Ladies’ Association.”

“They could change the name,” Justice Norris comments.

“People donate to the Association,” I repeat.

“Mr. Hastie,” Mr. Gasper changes the subject. “Is there a presbyterial body in Calcutta?”

“Yes,” I reply.

“Can you say whether the agents, teachers and Lady Superintendent of the Female Mission attend any place of worship?” Mr. Gasper asks.

Why does he keep changing topics? “They attend the native church,” I answer. I pause and think. Yes, that’s correct. “The native church is for them.” I nod for emphasis. “That is their church.”

Mr. Gasper gives me an odd look. “What church did Miss Pigot attend?”

“She attended the native church with the children in the mornings,” I say, “as well as St. Andrew’s.”

Justice Norris raps his gavel. “I think this is as good a place as any to stop proceedings for the day. We’ll reconvene Monday at eleven o’clock.”

I walk back to the defendant’s table and sit down. I’m exhausted from standing in the witness box and talking all afternoon. Mr. Gasper looks energized. “Mr. Hastie,” he says. “I urge you to pay close attention to my questions. You must give precise answers.”

“What do you mean? I provided all the information you required.”

“When I asked where members of the Female Mission attend church, you should have answered the question properly without a follow-up question.” Mr. Gasper shakes my hand and leaves the courtroom.

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