Prideless Prejudice

"I propose that Mr Lee was fervent! Desperate! Having lived alone on the streets for so long, the prospect of human company in the form of Miss Stephanie Bradley was _irresistible_. But her feelings for him were of compassion alone."

If William Randolph's voice had dripped with any more loathing or condescension, you might have thought he was a victim rather than a prosecutor of the crime being considered in Courtroom Seven. All eyes focused on his every precise gesture - the way his gown flicked as he turned to address all sides with rising voice:

"Many have testified to Mr Lee's _unhealthy_ interest in Miss Bradley. Unable to cope with rejection, the man before you resorted to the feral way of the street. Rape and murder!"

Gasps of shock rose from the jury, the press, the onlookers - but in their eyes flashed the prejudiced righteousness of the middle class. The judge called for the jury to ignore such a 'provocative fiction of preconception' but it was too late; far too late for the beggar on the stand.