What a scene it was as soon as this list was published! I used to sit and watch the various applicants sidle into their seats with the most sheepish faces for men I ever saw. In came the first gentleman, flustered with excitement.
"Would your lordship allow me to make an application?"
"Yes," said my lord—"yes; I see no objection. What is your application, Mr. ——?" I will not give his name.
"There is a case, my lord, in to-morrow's list—number ten. It is quite impossible, seeing the number of cases before it, that that case can be reached."
"If that is so," said my lord, "there is no necessity for making any application—if you know it is impossible to reach it, I mean to say—"
"It is ex abundanti cautela, my lord."
I think that was the expression, but, as it is not dog-Latin, I am not sure.
"It is a good horse to run, I dare say," said my lord, "but I don't think he'll win this time."
The counsel shook his head and would have smiled, I could see that, only he was disappointed. I felt sorry for him, because his clients had made arrangements to go to the Derby. As he was turning disconsolately away my lord spoke with a little more encouragement in his tone and a quiet smile.
"We will see later, Mr. ——. Is your client unable to appear to-morrow?"