Judge Clayton had been walking up and down the room, with his hands behind him, with his usual air of considerate gravity. Stopping short at Anne's question, he said,—
"Edward's mind and mine work so differently, that I have not thought best to embarrass him by any conference on the subject. I consider the case an unfortunate one, and would rather he could have had some other."
"Why," said Anne, eagerly, "don't you think he'll gain it?"
"Not if the case goes according to law," said Judge Clayton. "But, then, Edward has a great deal of power of eloquence, and a good deal of skill in making a diversion from the main point; so that, perhaps, he may get the case."
"Why," said Nina, "I thought cases were always decided according to law! What else do they make laws for?"
"You are very innocent, my child," said Judge Clayton.
"But, father, the proof of the outrage is most abundant. Nobody could pretend to justify it."
"Nobody will, child. But that's nothing to the case. The simple point is, did the man exceed his legal power? It's my impression he did not."
"Father, what a horrible doctrine!" said Anne.