AT A PARIS TRIAL.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2413, 30 January 1909, Page 10 (Supplement)

AT A PARIS TRIAL.

LADIES IN COURT. Upon a great occasion, the Bala is do Justice presents -an am using spectacle. Down its stone corridors, to tho court-room, hasten, ladies in gigantic hats and splendid dresses; ami with them are fans, and smelling salts, and lorgnettes, and reticules containing a tiny mirror, and a powder puff, and (most probably) -a stick of “lip salve,” and a box of chocolates. How aii! those ladies rustle into court, and how excitedly do they seek out their seats!

I have seen pink-cheeked .(says a writer in the Loudon “Leader”), gol-den-haired Paulette Roum (oi the Alcazar) take ihe Public Prosecutor's place, and I lure, .'hoard her hated dark-eyed rival, Marguerite do MiHe--11 eurs/beg a leading barrister to put her on the Bench. The barrister smiled, bowed, paid compliments—and gave Mile, de Millelleiirs his own seat." And throughout the trial, Mile de Millefieurs received delicate attentions from tbe gentlemen around her; -while Mile Paulette Bourn, in her place, was also treated with much gallantry. Well —at last the judges enter, and the accused are brought into the. court, and the cause ce'ebre begins. Tlie prodding judge cries. “vSiicuco, but no one- heeds him. Ihe .ladies criticise the appearance of tho accused; tbe ladies drop their smellingsalts -and .fans, and complain that they are hot, and that they cannot see.' and that it is “disgraceful” and “odious” the court should be so foil. “Silence,” repeats the judge. “What a savage,’ days Mile Bourn. “A veritable urge,” declares -Mile do Mill eh ours. The gentlemen around the two brilliant ornaments of the demi-monde laugh outright. “It is scandalous, ’ cries the judge. 'Tless there is immediate silence, 1 shall clear the court.” But there is never silence, and never does 31. lo Jugo clear the court.