asked Mr. Torrington his age, and having been told that he
was over seventy, Graham went on to assure him that nothing which
could be avoided should be said to disturb his comfort. "And now, Mr.
Torrington," he asked, "will you tell me whether you are a friend of
Mr. Dockwrath's, or have had any acquaintance with him previous to
the affairs of this trial?" This question he repeated in various
forms, but always in a mild voice, and without the appearance of any
disbelief in the answers which were given to him. All these questions
Torrington answered by a plain negative. He had never seen Dockwrath
till the attorney had come to him on the matter of that partnership
deed. He had never eaten or drunk with him, nor had there ever been
between them any conversation of a confidential nature. "That will
do, Mr. Torrington," said Graham; and as he sat down, he again turned
round and looked Mr. Chaffanbrass full in the face.

After that nothing further of interest was done that day. A few
unimportant witnesses were examined on legal points, and then the
court was adjourned.

CHAPTER LXIX

THE TWO JUDGES

Felix Graham as he left the Alston court-house on the close of the
first day of the trial was not in a happy state of mind. He did not
actually accuse himself of having omitted any duty which he owed to
his client; but he did accuse himself of having undertaken a duty for
which he felt himself to be manifestly unfit. Would it not have been
better, as he said to himself, for that poor lady to have had any
other possible advocate than himself? Then as he passed out in the
company of Mr. Furnival and Mr. Chaffanbrass, the latter looked at
him with a scorn which he did not know how to return. In his heart he
could do so; and should words be spoken between them on the subject,
he would be well able and willing enough to defend himself. But had
he attempted to bandy looks with Mr. Chaffanbrass, it would have
seemed even to himself that he was proclaiming his resolution to put
himself in opposition to his colleagues.

He felt as though he were engaged to fight a battle in which truth
and justice, nay heaven itself must be against him. How can a man
put his heart to the proof of an assertion in the truth of which he
himself has no belief? That though guilty this lady should be treated
with the utmost mercy compatible with the law;--for so much, had her
guilt stood forward as acknowledged, he could have pleaded with all
th