fendant appeared by his solicitor, who
asked that the hearing of the summonses might be adjourned, pending the
action in the High Court. This request was granted.

Everything possible was done to expedite matters, and by great good
fortune the case of _Pleydell v. Bladder_ came into the Special Jury
list during the last week of July.

* * * * *

There is about the High Court a signal air of gravity which to the
layman is most compelling. The majesty of the Law is not apparent: of
severity there is but a suggestion: something, indeed, of dignity, but
less than a visitor will expect to find: something of silence. These are
but equerries, subordinate. The Lady Paramount is Consequence.

Here seem to dwell those things that signify. Here lies that crucial
junction which is at once the terminus of Cause, and of Effect the
starting-point. Here are wise analysts, skilled to distil its meaning
from the idle word, surgeons whose cunning probes will stir its motive
from the deed, never so thoughtless. Whole walls of law books, ranged
very orderly, calf-bound, make up a reverend pharmacopoeia, where you
shall find precepts of iron, smelted from trespasses and old-time
bickerings, whose long-dead authors, could they but come to life, would
gape and stare and scratch their humble heads to find their modest names
become so notable.

Pursed lips, brows wrinkled in thought, and restless anxious eyes
indorse the serious aspect of the place. The very bustle of counsel, the
scurry of clerks, the dash of messengers, proclaim matters of moment to
be afoot. The whispered consultation, the pregnant nod, the nervous
litigant buttonholing his lawyer, his advisers urging a certain course
upon an indignant suitor, the furtive fellowship of witnesses, the
solemn tipstaves, the ushers commanding silence, and the still small
voice of Justice, charge all the dusty atmosphere with such importance
as ties up the ready tongues of chatterers, ushers the jest still-born,
and renders the very self of Folly wide-eyed and breathless.

Punctually at half-past ten his lordship entered the Court, returned the
bows of counsel, and took his seat upon the Bench. With a sharp jingle
the usher drew the green curtains across the door which led into the
Judges' corridor, descended into the well of the Court, and looked
complacently about him. Two or three cases were mentioned, the jury was
sworn, and the Associate, after inquiring