At seven the mess was provided, and those who were not engaged in court sat down with a good appetite and a feeling of delightful exultation.
Meanwhile his lordship proceeded with his work, while the temperature was 84°. Juries wiped their faces, and javelin-men leaned on their spears.
Now and then the sounds of revelry broke upon the ear as a door was opened.
At ten his lordship rose for a few moments, and on proceeding along the corridor towards his room for his cup of tea, several champagne bottles stood boldly in line before his eyes. He also saw two pairs of legs adorned with yellow stockings—legs of the Sheriff's footmen waiting to attend his lordship's carriage some hours hence.
The scene recalled the scenes of other days, and the old times of the Home Circuit came back. Should he adjourn and join the mess? No, no; he must not give way. He had his tea, and went back to court. He was not very well pleased with the cross-examination of the Irish advocate.
"Do you want the witness to contradict what he has said in your favour, Mr.——?"
"No, my lord."
"Why do you cross-examine, then?"
Now the catch of an old circuit song was heard.
"Call your next witness, Mr. Jones. Why was not this case tried in the
County Court?"