at _my_ table a man who, when in the humour, could supply for hours
together such genuine fun and amusement as Mr. Smith. Our little
children were always very glad to see him, for he was patient and gentle
with them, and contrived really to entertain them. Towards ladies, his
manner was always most fastidiously delicate and courteous. There was,
if I may so speak, a smack of days gone by--a kind of antique and rather
quaint gracefulness of demeanour and address, which I used frequently to
contemplate with lively interest and curiosity. When he returned from
dining out, to his chambers, he would light his candles, and, instead of
going to bed, sit up till a very late hour; for not only had he much to
get through, but was a bad sleeper. A few years before his death, he had
become a member of the Garrick Club, which was ever after his favourite
resort, and was also frequented by several other members of the bar. He
was delighted to take a friend or two to dinner with him, and would
entertain them most hospitably, and with increasing frequency, as his
means became rapidly more ample. He was also fond of the theatres,
taking special delight in comedies and farces, however broad, and even
pantomimes. With what solemn drollery he would afterwards dwell on the
feats of Clown and Pantaloon! I am here, however, speaking of several
years ago; for latterly he said, "It was a very hard thing to find any
thing to laugh at in a pantomime, however much one tried!"

During the years 1842, 1843, and 1844, his practice continued steadily
increasing, and that, too, in the highest and most lucrative class of
business--not only before special juries at Nisi Prius, and the Courts
in Banc and in Error in the Exchequer Chamber, but in the Privy Council
and the House of Lords. Before the last tribunal, in particular, he
appeared as one of the counsel in the O'Connell case, on behalf of Mr.
O'Connell and his companions. His time was now incessantly occupied, by
day and night; his slight intervals of relaxation necessarily becoming