“Judge,” he said slowly, with an attempt to control his voice, “wouldn't it have been fairer to wait awhile, before you made a remark like that? Whatever our dealings may have been, I have never lied to you. Anything you may want to know, I am here to tell you.”
“So you're going to take up lobbying, are you? I had a notion you were above lobbying.”
Austen was angered. But like all men of character, his face became stern under provocation, and he spoke more deliberately.
“Before we go any farther,” he said, “would you mind telling me who your informant is on this point?”
“I guess I don't need an informant. My eyesight is as good as ever,” said the Honourable Hilary.
“Your deductions are usually more accurate. If any one has told you that I am about to engage in lobbying, they have lied to you.”
“Wouldn't engage in lobbying, would you?” the Honourable Hilary asked, with the air of making a casual inquiry.
Austen flushed, but kept his temper.
“I prefer the practice of law,” he replied.
“Saw you were associatin' with saints,” his father remarked.