AFTER LUNCH.
A Fancy Sketch, Copied from Cobb.
["There are numerous instances of Members of the legal profession having acquired habits of intemperance in consequence of the facilities for procuring alcoholic drinks in the building, and the difficulty of obtaining tea and coffee."—Cobb, on the Refreshment Bars of the Law Courts.]
SCENE—Apartment in the Chancery Division. Time, 2·15 P.M. Judge, Bar, Solicitors, and Public discovered in a state more easily imagined (by Mr. COBB) than described.
Judge (thickly). What want t'know—what-do-next? (Smiles.) Very hot! Very hot indeed! [Frowns.
First Q.C. (rising unsteadily). P'raps m'Lord let m'explain! Case of Brown-versus-Smith, should say—course—Smith-versus-Brown. (Smiles.) Absurd! Can't-say-more! [Sits down abruptly.
Judge (angrily). Very irregular this! Commit—contempt—Court!
Second Q.C. (leaning luxuriously on desk). P'raps m'Lord let me explain. Learned friend—drunk! [Disappears under his seat.
Judge (angrily, to Second Q.C.) So you! so everybody! (With maudlin tenderness.) Must respect Court! (Savagely.) You are all disgusting—disgustingly—'tosticated! Adjourn—morrow mornin'. Usher, brandy sodah! [Scene closes in—fortunately!