"I can't say," said he "for, to tell you the truth, I know nothing earthly about it. Only she was so extremely desirous to have him engaged, that I thought it not a little remarkable. I hope your friend won't take offence if I mention what the woman said?" "Not in the least, you may be sure of that. And, _apropos_, here he comes." And in effect Whaup and Strachan now walked into the counsel's apartment, demure, shaven, and well dressed--altogether two very different looking individuals from the tatterdemalions of yesterday. "Good morning, Fred," cried Whaup; "Servant, Mr Hedger--lots of work going, eh? Are the pleas nearly over yet?" "Very nearly, I believe, Mr Whaup. Would you have the kindness to----" "Oh, certainly," said I. "Strachan, allow me to introduce my friend Mr Hedger, who is desirous of your professional advice." "I say, Freddy," said Whaup, looking sulkily at the twain as they retired to a window to consult, "what's in the wind now? Has old Hedger got a spite at any of his clients?" "How should I know? What do you mean?" "Because I should rather think," said Anthony, "that in our friend Strachan's hands the lad runs a remarkably good chance of a sea voyage to the colonies, that's all." "Fie for shame, Anthony! You should not bear malice." "No more I do--but I can't forget the loss of the little Caption all through his stupid blundering; and this morning he must needs sleep so long that he lost the early train, and has very likely cut me out of business for the sheer want of a pair of reputable trousers." "Never mind--there is a good time coming." "Which means, I suppose, that you have got the pick of the cases? Very well: it can't be helped, so I shall even show myself in court by way of public advertisement." So saying, my long friend wrestled himself into his gown, adjusted his wig knowingly upon his cranium, and rushed toward the court-room as vehemently as though the weal of the whole criminal population of the west depended upon his individual exertions. "Freddy, come here, if you please," said Strachan, "this is a very extraordinary circumstance! Do you know that this woman, Euphemia Saville, though she wishes me to act as her counsel, has positively refused to see me!" "Very odd, certainly! Do you know her?" "I never heard of the name in my life. Are you sure, Mr Hedger, that there is no mistake?" "Quite sure, sir. She gave me, in fact, a minute description of your person, which perhaps I may be excused from repeating." "Oh, I understand," said Tom, fishingly; "complimentary, I suppose--eh?"