* * * *

COSTS AS THEY ARE AND WILL BE.

(_TWO SCENES FROM A FARCICAL TRAGEDY SHOWING THAT SOME OF THE JUDGES'
RECOMMENDATIONS MIGHT BE ADOPTED IMMEDIATELY._)

THE PRESENT (_AS THEY ARE_). SCENE--_SOLICITOR'S PRIVATE ROOM.
SOLICITOR AWAITING WEALTHY CLIENT. CLERK IN ATTENDANCE._

_Solicitor_. The lady is to be shown in the moment she arrives; and
mind, I am not to be disturbed as long as she is here.

_Clerk_. Yes, Sir. [_Exit._

_Sol._ Quite pleasant way of spending a morning. (_Enter_ Client.) Ah,
my dear lady, and how are you?

_Client_. Very well, thank you; but BOBBY is not so well, and as for
MARY--

[_Enters into long domestic details._

_Sol._ (_in a sympathetic tone_). Dear me! And what has given me the
pleasure of seeing you here to-day?

_Client_. I only looked in to ask you how you thought our suit was
going on?

_Sol._ Oh, capitally! You know, we have had several appointments
before the Chief Clerk in Chambers, and--

[_Enters into long explanation, bristling with
technicalities._

_Client_ (_quite at sea_). Dear me, what a complicated affair a
Chancery suit is! I had no idea we should have to do all this. But
won't it be very expensive?

_Sol._ (_smiling_). Well, yes; but it will all be paid out of the
estate. You, my dear lady, won't have to pay anything for it--I mean
out of your own pocket.

_Client_. Oh, that is delightful! Because you see with the carriages
and the opera-box-- And that reminds me, I think I shall give up the
opera-box. Do you know last Season the music was magnificent, but
quite too learned. I think-- (_Gives her views at great length upon
the Opera, past, present and future. At the end of her remarks_--) But
how I do run on! I am afraid I am taking up your time.

_Sol._ Not at all. I have nothing particular to do, and our interview
comes out of the estate. Now are you sure we can do nothing for you
this morning? The last time you were here we got copies of all the
orders for you. I hope you received them safely.

_Client_ (_laughing_). Why, I do not think I have opened the packet!
I came across a bundle the other day, and could not make out what it
was, and laid it aside, because I saw your name upon it and thought it
must have something to do with that troublesome Chancery suit.

_Sol._ (_laughing_). Well, my dear Madam, that parcel represented
several pounds. However, it doesn't matter; you won't have to pay for
it, as it will