Orley Farm · Chapter
LXXI: Showing How John Kenneby and Bridget Bolster Bore Themselves in Court explained
The trial of Lady Mason continues with the examination of key witnesses.
What happens
The trial of Lady Mason continues with the examination of key witnesses. John Kenneby, nervous and uncertain, is cross-examined by Mr. Furnival, who exploits his poor memory to cast doubt on his earlier testimony about witnessing signatures. Bridget Bolster, by contrast, remains steadfast and unflappable under the aggressive questioning of Mr. Chaffanbrass, who shifts tactics from trying to shake her to implying she is a rogue. The chapter highlights the high stakes of the trial and the contrasting styles of the two witnesses.
Themes in this chapter
Truth and Deception
The chapter centers on the unreliability of memory and the manipulation of testimony, as both witnesses are pressed to contradict themselves or reveal hidden truths.
Justice and Injustice
The trial's outcome hinges on the handling of evidence and witnesses, raising questions about whether justice will be served or perverted by legal tactics.
Law and Morality
The legal system's reliance on cross-examination and the moral implications of using aggressive tactics to sway a jury are explored.
Characters to notice
- Lady Mason
The defendant, seated with her veil raised, flanked by Mrs. Orme and her son, as the trial progresses.
- Mr. Furnival
Leading counsel for Lady Mason, skillfully cross-examines John Kenneby to undermine his memory and testimony.
- Mr. Chaffanbrass
Co-counsel for Lady Mason, aggressively cross-examines Bridget Bolster, shifting from shaking her to implying she is a rogue.
- Mr. Kenneby
A nervous and uncertain witness for the prosecution, whose memory is shown to be unreliable under cross-examination.
- Bridget Bolster
A composed and unflappable witness for the prosecution, who remains steady under Chaffanbrass's aggressive questioning.
- Mrs. Orme
Sits beside Lady Mason in court, providing support.
- Lucius Mason
Lady Mason's son, seated on her other side in court.
- Solomon Aram
Occupies the intermediate bench, positioned to communicate with client or barristers.
Key passages
“Had she murdered her husband after forging his will, men would have paid half a crown apiece to have touched her garments, or a guinea for the privilege of shaking hands with her.”
If Lady Mason had killed her husband after forging his will, people would have paid to touch her clothes or shake her hand.
Highlights the public's morbid fascination with the accused.
“It is odd that it never occurs to judges that a witness who is naturally timid will be made more so by being scolded.”
Judges don't realize that scolding a nervous witness only makes them more anxious.
Narrator's commentary on judicial insensitivity.
“I don't think I ever did. ... I might have done, to be sure.”
I don't think I ever witnessed three papers in one day, but I might have.
Kenneby's uncertain memory is exploited by Furnival.
“As sure as you're a living woman, you shall be placed there and tried for the same offence—for perjury—if you tell me a falsehood respecting this matter.”
If you lie about this, you will be tried for perjury yourself.
Chaffanbrass threatens Bridget to intimidate her.
