“But the lawyers are wise people, and they should know better.”
“The lawyers,” said I, “do know better; and all respectable lawyers detest the complicated system which brings them more abuse than fees. They see men, permitted by the law, without character and conscience, bring disgrace on an honourable body of practitioners.”
“But do they not remonstrate?”
“They do, but with little effect; no one knows who is responsible for the mischief or how to cure it.”
“That is strange.”
“Yes, but the time will come when the people will insist on a cheaper and more expeditious system. Half-a-dozen solicitors and members of the junior bar could devise such a system in a week.”
“Then why are they not permitted to take it in hand?”
“Because,” said I, “Old Fogeyism has, at present, only got the gout in one leg; wait till he has it in both, and then Common Sense will rise to the occasion.”
“But what,” quoth she, “is this fine art you spoke of?”
“Pleading!”