XXX
SIR JOSEPH BRUDENELL
In the judge's room Northcote found its occupant
seated in an armchair at the side of the fire.
The light was subdued, and the face of the old
man was in shadow even while he rose to receive
his visitor.
"I thank you for coming to see me, Mr. Northcote," he said, in a low voice. "I will not detain you long, but I hope you will sit down."
Northcote accepted the seat that was indicated opposite to the judge's armchair. His curiosity was roused in a strange fashion by the manner and tone of this old man. They were extremely kind and gentle, almost those which an aged and benevolent parent might employ when about to take leave of a favorite son.
"If you will allow an old advocate," said the judge, leaning back in his chair and placing the tips of his fingers together, "to affirm it again, I have been impressed by your conduct of this case. My memory carries me back a long way; I have been more than fifty years at the bar and on the bench. During that period I have been brought into contact with the greatest advocates of their day, and I have been called upon to bear a part in many of the leading causes. But never, Mr. Northcote,—I emphasize the word,—has it been my privilege to witness a performance so remark-
