I am sure I was prouder of that than of my peerage, for I experienced
for the first time the joyous pride of independence. There is no fruit
of labour so sweet as that.

But I no sooner began to obtain a little success than my rivals
and others tried to deprive me of the merit of it, if merit there
was--"Oh, of course his father and uncle are both solicitors in the
county;" while one of the local newspapers years after was good enough
to publish a paragraph which stated that I owed all my success to my
father's office.

This, of course, does not need contradiction. An occasional small
brief from Hitchin was the beginning and the end of my father's
influence, while sessions practice was not the practice I hoped to
finish my career with, although I had little hopes of eminence.
Certainly if I had I should have known that eminence could not come
from Hitchin.

I chose the Home Circuit, and did not leave it till I was made a
judge. It is impossible to forget the kindness I received from its
members throughout my whole career. There was a brotherly feeling
amongst us, which made life very pleasant.

There were several celebrated men on the Home Circuit when I joined.
Amongst them were Thesiger and Platt.

This was long before the former became Attorney-General, which took
place in 1858. He afterwards was Lord Chancellor, and took his title
from the little county town where probably he obtained his start in
the career which ended so brilliantly.

Platt became a Baron of the Exchequer.

Thesiger was a first-rate advocate, and, I need not say, was at all
times scrupulously fair. He had a high sense of honour, and was
replete with a quiet, subtle humour, which seemed to come upon you
unawares, and, like all true humour, derived no little of its pleasure
from its surprise. In addition to his abilities, Thesiger was ever
kind-hearted and gentle, especially in his manner towards juniors. I
know that he sympathized with them, and helped them whenever he had an
opportunity. It did not fall to my lot to hold many briefs with him,
but I am glad to say that I had some, because I shall not forget the
kindness and instruction I received from him.

Platt was an advocate of a different stamp. He also was kind, and in
every way worthy of grateful remembrance. He loved to amuse especially
the junior Bar, and more particularly in court. He was a good natural
punster, and endowed with a lively wit. The circuit was never dull
when P