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Loyalties, by John Galsworthy.
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Galsworthy deals with the subtle and not so subtle ways of antisemitism in higher society in England, with theft of large sum by a member of the set perpetrated in a country house against another is seen as a nuisance created by the victim of the theft who happens to be Jewish.
This is very like a female being ostracised socially and even punished by Vatican if she complained or protested against a bishop for his raping a nun.
Needless to say victims of lesser status stand no chance for justice, with most societies and institutions functioning in effect as old boys network.
"ENOUGH", anyone?
Fortunately, the ethical code of professionals in law does not allow sticking to the guilty knowingly.
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"WINSOR. Colford! [A slight pause] The General felt his coat sleeve that night, and it was wet.
"COLFORD. Well! What proof's that? No, by George! An old school-fellow, a brother officer, and a pal.
"WINSOR. If he did do it—
"COLFORD. He didn't. But if he did, I'd stick to him, and see him through it, if I could."
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"LADY A. Oh! Why did I ever ask that wretch De Levis? I used to think him pathetic. Meg did you know——Ronald Dancy's coat was wet? The General happened to feel it.
"MARGARET. So that's why he was so silent.
"LADY A. Yes; and after the scene in the Club yesterday he went to see those bookmakers, and Goole—what a name!—is sure he told Dancy about the sale.
"MARGARET. [Suddenly] I don't care. He's my third cousin. Don't you feel you couldn't, Adela?
"LADY A. Couldn't—what? MARGARET. Stand for De Levis against one of ourselves?
"LADY A. That's very narrow, Meg.
"MARGARET. Oh! I know lots of splendid Jews, and I rather liked little Ferdy; but when it comes to the point—! They all stick together; why shouldn't we? It's in the blood. Open your jugular, and see if you haven't got it.
"LADY A. My dear, my great grandmother was a Jewess. I'm very proud of her.
"MARGARET. Inoculated. [Stretching herself] Prejudices, Adela—or are they loyalties—I don't know—cris-cross—we all cut each other's throats from the best of motives."
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"WINSOR. [Suddenly] It's becoming a sort of Dreyfus case—people taking sides quite outside the evidence.
"MARGARET. There are more of the chosen in Court every day. Mr Graviter, have you noticed the two on the jury?
"GRAVITER. [With a smile] No; I can't say—
"MARGARET. Oh! but quite distinctly. Don't you think they ought to have been challenged?
"GRAVITER. De Levis might have challenged the other ten, Miss Orme.
"MARGARET. Dear me, now! I never thought of that."
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"WINSOR. The General knows something which on the face of it looks rather queer. Now that he's going to be called, oughtn't Dancy to be told of it, so that he may be ready with his explanation, in case it comes out?
"TWISDEN. [Pouring some tea into the saucer] Without knowing, I can't tell you.
"WINSOR and MARGARET exchange looks, and TWISDEN drinks from the saucer.
"MARGARET. Tell him, Charles. WINSOR. Well! It rained that evening at Meldon. The General happened to put his hand on Dancy's shoulder, and it was damp.
TWISDEN puts the saucer down and replaces the cup in it. They both look intently at him.
"TWISDEN. I take it that General Canynge won't say anything he's not compelled to say.
"MARGARET. No, of course; but, Mr Jacob, they might ask; they know it rained. And he is such a George Washington.
"TWISDEN. [Toying with a pair of tortoise-shell glasses] They didn't ask either of you. Still-no harm in your telling Dancy."
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"TWISDEN. [Nodding] Mr Gilman, your conduct has been most prompt. You may safely leave the matter in our hands, now. Kindly let us retain this note; and ask for my cashier as you go out and give him [He writes] this. He will reimburse you. We will take any necessary steps ourselves."
"RICARDOS. [Desperately] The notes were a settlement to her from this gentleman, of whom she was a great friend.
"TWISDEN. [Suddenly] I am afraid we must press you for the name of the gentleman.
"RICARDOS. Sare, if I give it to you, and it does 'im 'arm, what will my daughter say? This is a bad matter for me. He behaved well to her; and she is attached to him still; sometimes she is crying yet because she lost him. And now we betray him, perhaps, who knows? This is very unpleasant for me. [Taking up the paper] Here it gives the number of another note—a 'undred-pound note. I 'ave that too. [He takes a note from his breast pocket].
"GRAVITER. How much did he give you in all?
"RICARDOS. For my daughter's settlement one thousand pounds. I understand he did not wish to give a cheque because of his marriage. So I did not think anything about it being in notes, you see.
"TWISDEN. When did he give you this money?
"RICARDOS. The middle of Octobare last.
"TWISDEN. [Suddenly looking up] Mr Ricardos, was it Captain Dancy?
"RICARDOS. [Again wiping his forehead] Gentlemen, I am so fond of my daughter. I have only the one, and no wife."
"RICARDOS. Sare, I trust you.—It was Captain Dancy."
"TWISDEN. I must keep this note. [He touches the hundred-pound note] You will not speak of this to anyone. I may recognise that you were a holder for value received—others might take a different view. Good-day, sir. Graviter, see Mr Ricardos out, and take his address."
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"COLFORD. Guilty or not, you ought to have stuck to him—it's not playing the game, Mr Twisden.
"TWISDEN. You must allow me to judge where my duty lay, in a very hard case.
"COLFORD. I thought a man was safe with his solicitor.
"CANYNGE. Colford, you don't understand professional etiquette.
"COLFORD. No, thank God!
"TWISDEN. When you have been as long in your profession as I have been in mine, Major Colford, you will know that duty to your calling outweighs duty to friend or client.
"COLFORD. But I serve the Country.
"TWISDEN. And I serve the Law, sir."
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https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4059533791
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May 28, 2021 -
June 15, 2021 - June 15, 2021.
Purchased June 14, 2013.
Kindle Edition, 114 pages
Published May 17th 2012
(first published 1922)
Original Title Loyalties
ASIN:- B00849YDOI
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