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Sandra Wagner-Wright
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Two Coins: A Biographical Novel (Women of Determination and Courage)
Literature & Fiction
Author Insight
"But . . ."
Sept. 24, 1883. The trial is almost over. Mary listens closely as Justice Norris begins to deliver his ruling by going back to the beginning of the case - Mrs.Walker's libelous letters which Rev Hastie endorsed before he forwarded them to the Foreign Mission Committee. The letters accused Mary of cruelty, mismanagement, and flirtatious behavior. Rev Hastie had heard rumors but took no action until he received the letters. For a moment, Mary thinks she may be vindicated. Yet, Justice Norris, after noting the accusations, uses the word "but." A small, yet meaningful, word.
Book Excerpt
Two Coins: A Biographical Novel (Women of Determination and Courage)
Justice Norris says, “The things stated were acts of deliberate cruelty to children suffering from fits, an ill-regulated supply of food, insufficient clothing, mismanagement, and a lack of oversight which allowed the institution to become a brothel. As well as suggestions Miss Pigot was too familiar with a native pleader and flirtatious with a married Scotchman. Yet he took no action until he received these letters. Clearly there is evidence of malice, and a jury might have found a verdict for the plaintiff. But...”
But? There’s a but? I don’t understand. You just said the statements constitute libel. And he sent them on, so he’s guilty. How can there be a but? I feel myself stiffen
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