Now, Williams was self-possessed by nature, as well as by association and education. Though keenly alive to the differences and chances of fortune, he never succumbed to mere rank and wealth. Intriguing by disposition, not to say by education, he could affect a deference he did not feel; but, apart from the positive consequences of power, he was not to be daunted by the presence of the most magnificent sovereign who ever reigned. No wonder, then, that he felt quite at home in the company of his present host; though fully aware that he was one of the leading members of the New York bar. As a proof of this independence may be cited the fact that he had no sooner paid his salutations and been invited to be seated, than he deliberately selected a segar from the open box of Dunscomb, lighted it, took a chair, raised one leg coolly on the corner of a table, and began to smoke. “The calendar is a little crowded,” observed this free-and-easy visiter, “and is likely to carry us over into the middle of next week. Are you retained in Daniels against Fireman’s Insurance?” “I am not—a brief was offered by the plaintiff, but I declined taking it.” “A little conscientious, I suppose. Well, I leave all the sin of my suits on the shoulders of my clients. It is bad enough to _listen_ to their griefs, without being called on to _smart_ for them. I have heard you are in Cogswell against Davidson?” “In that cause I have been retained. I may as well say, at once, we intend to move it on.” “It’s of no great moment—if you beat us at the circuit, our turn will come on execution.” “I believe, Mr. Williams, your clients have a knack at gaining the day in that mode. It is of no great interest to me, however, as I rarely take the management of a cause after it quits the courts.” “How do you like the Code, brother Dunscomb?” “Damnable, sir. I am too old, in the first place, to like change. Then change from bad to worse is adding folly to imbecility. The Common Law practice had its faults, I allow; but this new system has no merits.” “I do not go as far as that; and I rather begin to like the new plan of remuneration. We are nothing out of pocket, and sometimes are a handsome sum in. You defend Mary Monson?” Timms felt assured that his old antagonist had now reached the case that had really brought him to the room. He fidgeted, looked eagerly round to see that no stray paper could fall beneath the hawk-like eye of the other party, and then sat in comparative composure, waiting the result. “I do,” Dunscomb quietly replied; “and I shall do it _con amore_—I suppose you know what that means, Mr. Williams?” A sarcastic smile passed over the steeled countenance of the other, his appearance being literally sardonic for an instant.