* * * * *

COSTS AS THEY ARE AND WILL BE.

(_TWO SCENES FROM A FARCICAL TRAGEDY SHOWING THAT SOME OF THE JUDGES'
RECOMMENDATIONS MIGHT BE ADOPTED IMMEDIATELY._)

THE PRESENT (_AS THEY ARE_). SCENE--_SOLICITOR'S PRIVATE ROOM.
SOLICITOR AWAITING WEALTHY CLIENT. CLERK IN ATTENDANCE._

_Solicitor_. The lady is to be shown in the moment she arrives; and
mind, I am not to be disturbed as long as she is here.

_Clerk_. Yes, Sir. [_Exit._

_Sol._ Quite pleasant way of spending a morning. (_Enter_ Client.) Ah,
my dear lady, and how are you?

_Client_. Very well, thank you; but BOBBY is not so well, and as for
MARY--

[_Enters into long domestic details._

_Sol._ (_in a sympathetic tone_). Dear me! And what has given me the
pleasure of seeing you here to-day?

_Client_. I only looked in to ask you how you thought our suit was
going on?