journalist of some distinction, are you not?... Indeed? I congratulate
you--a highly respectable periodical. And no doubt the proprietors have
shown a proper appreciation of the value of your services, in a
pecuniary sense?... Really? You are indeed to be envied, Mr JABBERJEE!
Not many young barristers can rely upon making such an income by their
pen while they are waiting for the briefs to come in. May I ask if you
intend to practice in this country?... The Calcutta Bar, eh? Then I
suppose you can count upon influence out there?... Your father a
_Mooktear_, is he? I'm afraid I don't know what that is exactly.... A
solicitor? _Now_ I understand. So he will give you cases--in which I am
sure you will distinguish yourself. But you'll have to work hard, won't
you?... I thought so. No more pig-sticking or tiger-shooting, eh?...
That's a drawback, isn't it? You're passionately devoted to
tiger-shooting, aren't you? Unless I'm mistaken, you first won the
plaintiff's admiration by the vivid manner in which you described your
"moving accidents by flood and field"--another parallel between you and
OTHELLO, eh? Well, tell me, I'm no sportsman myself--but it's rather a
thrilling moment, isn't it, when a tiger is trying to climb up your
elephant, and get inside the--what do you call it--howlah?--oh,
_howdah_, to be sure; thank you, very much.... So I should have
imagined. Still, I suppose, when you're used to it, even that wouldn't
shake your nerve to any appreciable extent. You would bowl over your
tiger at close quarters without turning a hair, would you not?... Just
so. A great gift, presence of mind. And pig-sticking, now--isn't a boar
rather an awkward customer to tackle?... "You never found him so"? But
suppose you miss him with your spear, and he charges your horse?... Ah,
you're a mighty hunter, Mr JABBERJEE, I perceive! Ever shoot any
elephants?... _No_ elephants? That's a pleasure to come, then. Now,
about your relations with the plaintiff prior to your engagement--you
were a good deal in her company, weren't you?... Well, you constantly
escorted her to various places of amusement, come?... Yes, yes; I am
quite aware a _chaperon_ was always present. We are both agreed that my
client has acted throughout with the most scrupulous propriety--but you
liked being in her society, didn't you?... Exactly so, and, at that time
at all events, you admired her extremely?... "Merely as a friend," eh?
no idea of proposing? Well, just tel