s come together with all sorts of things
behind them; where standards have at first no organized sanction.
Financially Burlingame was honest enough, his defects being associated
with those ancient sources of misconduct, wine and women--and in his
case the morphia habit as well. It said much for his physique that, in
spite of his indulgences, he not only remained a presentable figure but
a lucky and successful lawyer.

Being something of a philosopher, the Young Doctor looked upon
Burlingame chiefly as one of those inevitable vintages from a vineyard
which, according to the favour or disfavour of Heaven, yields from the
same soil both good and bad. He had none of that Puritanism which would
ruthlessly root out the vines yielding the bad wine. To his mind that
could only be done by the axe, the rope or the bullet. It seemed of
little use, and very unfair, to drive the wolf out of your own garden
into that of your neighbour. Therefore Burlingame must be endured.

The day after the Young Doctor had paid his professional visit to
Tralee, and Orlando Guise had first seen the girl-wife of, the behemoth,
the Young Doctor visited Burlingame's office. Burlingame had only
recently returned from England, whither he had gone on important legal
business, which he had agreeably balanced by unguarded adventures in
forbidden paths. He was in an animated mood. Three things had just
happened which had given him great pleasure.

In the morning he had gained a verdict of acquittal in the case of one
of the McMahon Gang for manslaughter connected with jumping a claim; and
this meant increased reputation.

He had also got a letter from Orlando Guise, and a cheque for six
thousand dollars, with instructions to pay the amount in cash to Joel
Mazarine; and this meant a chance of meeting Mazarine and perhaps
getting a new client.

Likewise he had received a letter of instructions from a client in
Montreal, a kinsman and legatee of old Michael Turley, the late owner
of Tralee, in connection with a legacy. This would involve some
legal proceedings with considerable costs, and also contact with Joel
Mazarine, whom he had not yet seen; for Mazarine had come while he was
away in England.

His interest in Mazarine, however, was really an interest in Mrs.
Mazarine, concerning whom he had heard things which stimulated his
imagination. To him a woman was the supreme interest of existence, apart
from making a necessary living. He was the primitive a