nearly noon
`` I have , '' the witness replied , and having taken from his pocket a large memorandum book and extracted therefrom a paper , he continued , with great deliberation , -- `` I have here a certified copy of the record of the christening , at the church of St. Bartholomew , on June 24 , 18 - , of Harold Scott Mainwaring , the first-born son of Harold Scott and Eleanor Houghton Mainwaring . '' A piercing shriek suddenly rang out through the hushed court-room , and the crowd , turning involuntarily at the familiar name of Eleanor Houghton Mainwaring towards the seat occupied by Mrs. LaGrange , saw that wretched woman sink , with a low , despairing moan , unconscious to the floor . As several sprang to the assistance of the unfortunate woman , Mr. Scott , turning swiftly towards the judge , exclaimed , -- `` There , your honor , is a most unwilling witness , but one who has very effectively confirmed my testimony ! '' The greatest confusion followed , several women having fainted from nervous excitement , and , as it was then nearly noon , the court adjourned until the afternoon session . There being no further testimony in the case , but little time was occupied by Mr. Sutherland at the afternoon session . Briefly and forcibly he summarized the evidence already adduced , emphasizing the strongest points and closing with numerous citations bearing upon the case taken from recent decisions of the highest legal authorities . Several days would be required for consideration of the case pending the decision of the court , and as the crowd surged out into the corridors and diffused itself through the various exits , there was much speculation as to what that decision would be and what would be the action taken by the opponents .