our profession as others
have taken it up before you. Very many young men dream of a Themis
fit for Utopia. You have slept somewhat longer than others, and your
dreams have been more vivid."

"And now I wake to find myself leagued with the Empson and Dudley of
our latter-day law courts."

"Fie, Graham, fie. Do not allow yourself to speak in that tone of men
whom you know to be zealous advocates, and whom you do not know to be
dishonest opponents."

"It is they and such as they that make so many in these days feel the
need of some Utopia,--as it was in the old days of our history. But I
beg your pardon for nicknaming them, and certainly ought not to have
done so in your presence."

"Well; if you repent yourself, and will be more charitable for the
future, I will not tell of you."

"I have never yet even seen Mr. Chaffanbrass in court," said Felix,
after a pause.

"The more shame for you, never to have gone to the court in which he
practises. A barrister intending to succeed at the common law bar
cannot have too wide an experience in such matters."

"But then I fear that I am a barrister not intending to succeed."

"I am very sorry to hear it," said the judge. And then again the
conversation flagged for a minute or two.

"Have you ever seen him at a country assize town before, judge?"
asked Felix.

"Whom? Chaffanbrass? I do not remember that I have."

"His coming down in this way is quite unusual, I take it."

"Rather so, I should say. The Old Bailey is his own ground."

"And why should they think it necessary in such a case as this to
have recourse to such a proceeding?"

"It would be for me to ask you that, seeing that you are one of the
counsel."

"Do you mean to say, judge, that between you and me you are unwilling
to give an opinion on such a subject?"

"Well; you press me hard, and I think I may fairly say that I am
unwilling. I would sooner discuss the matter with you after the
verdict than before it. Come; we will go into the drawing-room."

There was not much in this. Indeed if it were properly looked at
there was nothing in it. But nevertheless Graham, as he preceded the
judge out of the dining-room, felt that his heart misgave him about
Lady Mason. When first the matter had been spoken of at Noningsby,
Judge Staveley had been fully convinced of Lady Mason's innocence,
and had felt no reserve in expressing his opinion. He had expressed
such an opinion very openly. Why should he now affect