(_Fragment from a Romance not entirely imaginary._)
SCENE--_A corridor in the Royal Courts._ Eminent Counsel _in
conversation with_ Estimable Solicitor _and_ Respected Client.
_Client._ I am rather sorry, Sir, that you could not conduct my case
in person.
_Coun._ So am I. I took a deal of trouble in preparing the argument
I proposed to advance, and it was a great disappointment to me that I
was unable to deliver it in person.
_Solic._ But your junior, Sir, represented you to perfection.
_Coun._ I am rejoiced to hear it. I give every credit to my young
and learned friend, and am pleased to think that when we met in
consultation I was able to choose the right line of policy.
_Solic._ Besides, if you were not with us, your retainer prevented you
from being against us. And that was a distinct advantage.
_Coun._ You are most flattering, and too kind.
_Solic._ Not at all; and I am sure my client agrees with me?
_Client._ Well, of course I would rather have had the assistance of
silk, although your junior no doubt did his best.
_Coun._ I am sure he did. And now, gentlemen, is there anything
further I can do for you?
_Solic._ Thank you very much--I think not. You got up your case,
consulted with your junior, and if you were prevented from putting in
an appearance in the Court itself, were there in spirit. Besides, I
repeat it was a good thing for us that you did not join the Bar of the
other side. Thank you very much indeed, Sir. Good day.
_Coun._ Good day. (_He prepares to walk off, when, noticing a movement
of the solicitor, he stops._) You are sure I can do nothing more for
you?
_Solic._ Oh, it's scarcely worth mentioning. But perhaps you would not
mind returning your fee.
_Coun._ With the greatest pleasure! (_Hands over a bag of gold and
exit._)
_Client._ Well, really, that seems to me very generous! Isn't it
rather unusual?
_Solic._ Unusual! Oh dear no! Why, it's the practice of the whole
profession!
[_Curtain._
* * * * *
CHILLY KIND OF HOLIDAY.--The _Standard_ of Friday last, in a leading
article on legal reforms, expressed its opinion that, "the Judges
cannot be expected to take their vacation 'in shifts.'" Mr. Justice
PUNCH quite concurs, and quotes from the same article to the effect
that such a proceeding would be "_neither a practicable nor a proper
one_."
* * * * *