On behalf of
nobody whatever. (Confidentially.) I am merely in a position to inform
you positively that an amicable settlement of the case would be viewed
with satisfaction in influential quarters.
JANET. Well, I can tell you it would be viewed with satisfaction in a
certain street in Putney. But influential quarters--what's it got to do
with them?
ALCAR. I shall be quite frank with you. The dignity of Westminster Abbey
is involved in this case, and nothing in all England is more sacred to
us than Westminster Abbey. One has only to pronounce the word "the
Abbey"--to realize that. We know what a modern trial is; we know what
the modern press is; and, unhappily, we know what the modern bench is.
It is impossible to contemplate with equanimity the prospect of
Westminster Abbey and its solemnities being given up to the tender
mercy of the evening papers and a joking judge surrounded by millinery.
Such an exhibition would be unseemly. It would soil our national
existence. In a word, it would have a bad effect.
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