and prudence--should dare to think of throwing
such a case as that into court," said Ishmael earnestly.

"What do you mean by that, sir? Your language is inadmissible, sir! The
law is on my side, however!"

"If the law were on your side, the law ought to be remodeled without
delay; but if you venture to go to trial with such a case as this, you
will find the law is not on your side. You have forfeited all right to
interfere with Mrs. Walsh, or her children; and I would earnestly advise
you to avoid meeting her in court."

"Your language is insulting, sir! Judge Merlin held a different opinion
from yours of this case!" exclaimed Mr. Walsh, with excitement.

"Judge Merlin could not have understood the merits of the case. But it
is quite useless to prolong this interview, sir; I have an engagement at
ten o'clock and must wish you good-morning," said Ishmael, rising and
ringing the bell, and then drawing on his gloves.

Jim answered the summons and entered the room.

"Attend this gentleman to the front door," said Ishmael, taking up his
own hat as if to follow the visitor from the room.

"Mr. Worth, you have insulted me, sir!" exclaimed Walsh excitedly, as he
arose and snatched up his money and his brief.

"I hope I am incapable of insulting any man, sir. You forced upon me a
statement that I was unwilling to receive; you asked my opinion upon it
and I gave it to you," replied Ishmael.

"I will have satisfaction, sir!" exclaimed Walsh, clapping his hat upon
his head and marching to the door.

"Any satisfaction that I can conscientiously afford you shall be
heartily at your service, Mr. Walsh," said Ishmael, raising his hat and
bowing courteously at the retreating figure of the angry visitor.

When he was quite gone Ishmael took up his parcels of letters and
documents and went out. He went first to the post office to mail his
letters, and then went to the City Hall, where the Circuit Court was
sitting.

As Ishmael walked on towards the City Hall he thought over the dark
story he had just heard. He knew very well that, according to the custom
of human nature, the man, however truthful in intention, had put the
story in its fairest light; and yet how dark, with sin on one side and
sorrow on the other, it looked! And if it looked so dark from his fair
showing, how much darker it must look from the other point of view! A
deep pity for the woman took possession of his heart; an earnest wish to
help her inspired his