The Experiences of a Barrister, and Confessions of an Attorney by Samuel Warren
page 54 of 374 (14%)
page 54 of 374 (14%)
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addressing Lord Emsdale's senior counsel, said, "Well, Brother S ----,
what course do you propose to adopt ?" "My lord," replied Mr. S ---- after a pause, "I and my learned friends have thought it our duty to advise Lord Emsdale that further opposition to the plaintiff's claim would prove ultimately futile; and I have therefore to announce, my lord and gentlemen of the jury, that we acquiesce in a verdict for the plaintiff." "You have counseled wisely," replied his lordship. "Gentlemen of the jury, you will of course return a verdict for the plaintiff." The jury hastily and joyfully assented: the verdict was recorded, and the court adjourned for an hour in the midst of tumultuous excitement. The result of the trial flew through the crowd outside like wildfire; and when Lady Compton and her son, after struggling through the densely-crowded court, stepped into Sir Jasper's carriage, which was in waiting at the door, the enthusiastic uproar that ensued--the hurrahing, shouting, waving of hats and handkerchiefs--deafened and bewildered one; and it was upwards of an hour ere the slow-moving chariot reached Sir Jasper's mansion, though not more than half a mile distant from the town. Mr. Ferret, mounted on the box, and almost smothered in purple and orange, was a conspicuous object, and a prime favorite with the crowd. The next day Lord Emsdale, glad, doubtless, to quit the neighborhood as speedily as possible, left the castle, giving Lady Compton immediate possession. The joy of the tenantry was unbounded, and under the wakeful superintendence of Mr. Ferret, all claims against Lord Emsdale for received rents, dilapidations, &c. were adjusted, we may be sure, _not_ adversely to his client's interests; though he frequently complained, not half so satisfactorily as if Lady Compton had not interfered, with what |
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