d he proved he had some trouble to force the box on
her.

The pig-faced beak showed a manifest leaning towards the servant, but
there wasn't a leg to stand on; and he did not believe, nor was it
credible, that anything had been stolen out of her box.

At this moment, Pearman, sent by Rosa, entered the court with an
old gown of Clara's that had been discovered in the scullery, and a
scribbling-book of the doctor's, which Clara had appropriated, and
written amorous verses in, very superior--in number--to those that have
come down to us from Anacreon.

"Hand me those," said the pig-faced beak.

"What are they, Dr. Staines?"

"I really don't know. I must ask my servant."

"Why, more things of mine that have been detained," said Clara.

"Some things that have been found since she left," said Staines.

"Oh! those that hide know where to find."

"Young woman," said Staines, "do not insult those whose bread you have
eaten, and who have given you many presents besides your wages. Since
you are so ready to accuse people of stealing, permit me to say that
this book is mine, and not yours; and yet, you see, it is sent after you
because you have written your trash in it."

The purple, pig-faced beak went instantly out of the record, and wasted
a deal of time reading Clara's poetry, and trying to be witty. He raised
the question whose book this was. The girl swore that it WAS given her
by a lady who was now in Rome. Staines swore he bought it of a certain
stationer, and happening to have his passbook in his pocket, produced an
entry corresponding with the date of the book.

The pig-faced beak said that the doctor's was an improbable story, and
that the gown and the book were quite enough to justify the summons.
Verdict, one guinea costs.

"What, because two things she never demanded have been found and sent
after her? This is monstrous. I shall appeal to your superiors."

"If you are impertinent I'll fine you five pounds."

"Very well, sir. Now hear me: if this is an honest judgment, I pray God
I may be dead before the year's out; and, if it isn't, I pray God you
may be."

Then the pig-faced beak fired up, and threatened to fine him for
blaspheming.

He deigned no reply, but paid the guinea, and Clara swept out of the
court, with a train a yard long, and leaning on the arm of a scarlet
soldier who avenged Dr. Staines with military promptitude.

Christopher went home raging internally, for hitherto he had never se