"And I have read somewhere," continued Hemstead, "that his painting
of an English farm-yard is the most celebrated of his works.
Moreover, Judge Marsden, I must ask of you another decision as
to the evidence in this case. I affirm that I did not call your
attention to the farm-yard itself, but to its occupants. Is not
that true?"

"I cannot deny that it is."

"We all know that many eminent artists have made the painting of
animals a specialty, and among them are such world-renowned names
as Landseer and Rosa Bonheur. Moreover, in the numerous pictures
of the Nativity we often find the homely details of the stable
introduced. One of Rubens' paintings of this sacred and favorite
subject, which hangs in the gallery of the Louvre, represents two
oxen feeding at a rack."

"Come, Julian, hand over your sword. It won't do for you or any
one to sit in judgment on such painters as Mr. Hemstead has named.
You are fairly beaten. I shall admire barn-yards in future, through
thick and thin."

"That is hardly a fair conclusion from any testimony of mine,"
said Hemstead. "A barn-yard may be all that Mr. De Forrest says of
it, but I am sure you will always find pleasure in seeing a fine
frolicsome horse or a group of patient cattle. The homely accessories
may, and sometimes may not, add to the picture."

"How do you come to know so much about pictures? Theology has