"No? Why not?" asked Modderwell. "Surely he--"
"He's going to defend the murderer." Eades spoke in a tone that had a sting for Marriott.
"Oh!" said Modderwell rather coldly. "I don't see how you can do such a thing, Marriott. For your own sake, as much as anybody's, I'm sorry I can't wish you success."
"I wish he hadn't undertaken the task," said Eades.
"I'm sure it must be most disagreeable," said Mrs. Ward, feeling that she must say something.
"Why do you wish it?" said Marriott, suddenly turning almost savagely on Eades.
"Why," said Eades, elevating his brows in a superior way, "I don't like to see you in such work. A criminal practice is the disreputable part of the profession."
"But you have a criminal practice."
"Oh, but on the other side!" said Modderwell. "And we all expect so much better things of Mr. Marriott."
"Oh, don't trouble yourselves about me!" said Marriott. "I'm sure I prefer my side of the case to Eades's."