(_An Imaginary Conversation._)
SCENE--_Opposite the Griffin_.
TIME--_The present day_.
_Enter two well-known personages._
_Justice._ Welcome, Sister. We sometimes are severed, but when we do
meet the right prevails.
_Law._ Certainly, Sister--to a great extent. And what is the cause of
our present communion?
_Justice._ I have to call your attention, Sister, to many great works
of mercy recently performed by wielders of the pen--in fact some of my
servants.
_Law._ Your servants are noted for their good works.
_Justice._ You are very kind. Well, these good servants have defended
the poor, protected the weak, and denounced hypocrites.
_Law._ Very right indeed. But how did they manage it without my
assistance?
_Justice._ You have a short memory. It was with your aid that they
brought these good things about. Surely you have not forgotten them?
_Law._ Well, since I have been combined with Equity I have been doing
so much excellent work that I have neither time nor inclination
for the recording of details. Well, and your _protégés_, were they
successful?
_Justice._ Certainly; they won all along the line. Never was the power
of the Press manifested to better advantage.
_Law._ Surely they were not in actions for libel?
_Justice._ Yes; and although they did much good, were practically
mulcted in costs.
_Law._ Costs! That is in my department!
_Justice._ And not in mine. Costs in such a matter have nothing to do
with Justice!
_Law._ But (as you say) are inseparably connected with Law!
[_They part hurriedly._
* * * * *
[Illustration: THINGS ONE WOULD RATHER HAVE EXPRESSED DIFFERENTLY.]
_She._ "AND YOU'LL HAVE TO MAKE A SPEECH AFTER DINNER, WON'T YOU?"
_He._ "OH--I SHALL JUST HAVE TO TALK A LITTLE NONSENSE TO THEM, YOU
KNOW!"
_She._ "AH--AND NOBODY'S BETTER QUALIFIED TO DO THAT THAN YOURSELF!"
* * * * *