'Besides - so long ago,' said Alfred.

'Long ago!' returned the Doctor. 'Do you know what the world has
been doing, ever since? Do you know what else it has been doing?
I don't!'

'It has gone to law a little,' observed Mr. Snitchey, stirring his
tea.

'Although the way out has been always made too easy,' said his
partner.

'And you'll excuse my saying, Doctor,' pursued Mr. Snitchey,
'having been already put a thousand times in possession of my
opinion, in the course of our discussions, that, in its having gone
to law, and in its legal system altogether, I do observe a serious
side - now, really, a something tangible, and with a purpose and
intention in it - '

Clemency Newcome made an angular tumble against the table,
occasioning a sounding clatter among the cups and saucers.

'Heyday! what's the matter there?' exclaimed the Doctor.

'It's this evil-inclined blue bag,' said Clemency, 'always tripping
up somebody!'

'With a purpose and intention in it, I was saying,' resumed
Snitchey, 'that commands respect. Life a farce, Dr. Jeddler? With