Ishmael worked very hard the day preceding the trial; he took great pains getting up his case, not only for his own sake, but for the sake of that poor mother and her children in whom he felt so deeply interested.
No farther allusion was made to the affair by any member of Judge Merlin's family until Wednesday morning, when, as they all sat around the breakfast table, the judge said:
"Well, Ishmael, the case of Walsh versus Walsh comes on to-day, I hear. How do you feel? a little nervous over your first case, eh?"
"Not yet; I feel only great confidence in the justice of my cause, as an earnest of success."
"The justice of his cause! Poor fellow, how much he has to learn yet! Why, Ishmael, how many times have you seen justice overthrown by law?"
"Too many times, sir; but there is no earthly reason why that should happen in this case."
"Have you got your maiden speech all cut and dried and ready to deliver?"
"I have made some notes; but for the rest I shall trust to the inspiration of the instant."
"Bad plan that. 'Spose the inspiration don't come? or 'spose you lose your presence of mind? Better have your speech carefully written off, and then, inspiration or no inspiration, you will be able to read, at least."
"My notes are very carefully arranged; they contain the whole argument."