It was no use; in spite of the gentleman's remonstrance and protestations, he said,—
"You may go, Mr. ——, and I hope you will enjoy yourself."
I need hardly say nothing was left of the list by twelve o'clock the next day, and Sir Henry had the honour of going in the royal train and dining at Marlborough House in the evening.
I ought, perhaps, to mention that there was a case proceeding when all these interruptions took place. I don't know the name, but two counsel were in it, one of whom was remarkable for the soul of wit which is called brevity, and the other was not. One was Frank Lockwood, Q.C., a very amusing counsel, whom I always liked, because he often sketched me and my lord in pen and ink.
Mr. Jelf, Q.C., was the other learned counsel. Although I liked most of the barristers, I often wished I could teach them the invaluable lesson when to leave off. It would have saved many a verdict, and given me the opportunity of hearing my own voice.
Lockwood was cross-examining, and appeared to me dealing rather seriously with Jelf's witnesses, who were a pious body of gentlemen, and prided themselves, above all things, on speaking the truth, as though it was a great credit not to commit perjury.
At last Mr. Jelf, tired with being routed in so ruthless a manner, cried in a lamentable voice,—
"Pray, pray, Mr. Lockwood!"
"So I do," said Lockwood—"so I do, Mr. Jelf, at fitting and proper times."