"You know that fellow is the damndest bore I was ever up against! His arguments to the judge were puerile—positively puerile! That one about the ethical aspect was a bird. You know it's all I can do to keep my temper with that brand of practitioner."
Jimmy nodded approval.
"You've been remarkably patient—remarkably," he said.
Mr. Cooley's face broke into a self-satisfied smile.
"Those fellows theorize and theorize by the yard. I've sat on the bench and listened to their cackle till I got so hot under the collar I'd like to jump down and bang 'em over the head with their own law books. They quote authorities by the stack and hand you all the old-time stuff from old Roman and British digest down to last year's decision. Those fellows forget that Henry Clay and Daniel Webster oratory is out of date. Marsh—while I think of it—don't make too much show of affection to the girl—not too much 'Uncle' business at the start, she may not take to it kindly."
"Of course, of course," said Jimmy impatiently. "I'm not exactly a fool."
"Not exactly—no—but sometimes perilously near," retorted Cooley dryly.
"My dear Cooley——"
"Now, my dear James, you must really be guided by me——"