APOLOGY 153 



box, I drove off, leaving him to ruminate on the point 

 of law. 



On our arrival at the usual place for refreshment, 

 I did not, as was my custom, go in and take my lunch 

 with the other passengers, thinking it would be un- 

 pleasant to the learned Serjeant. I therefore seated 

 myself alone in the kitchen. 



I had not been there long before he entered, after 

 inquiring for me, and observed, — 



" Coachman, I find I was wrong just now, and was 

 much too hasty in my expressions." 



I begged he would say no more. I was very sorry for 

 the inconvenience to which he was put, but he must 

 be aware that it was quite unavoidable on my part. 



He then asked, — 



" Pray, what action was that you alluded to, in w^hich 

 you say I was counsel — I ought to remember it ? " 



I briefly recounted the particulars. 



" Oh, 1 now recollect it perfectly well ; and you, I 

 supposCj were the smock-faced boy that obtained so 

 favourable a verdict ? " 



I bowed assent ; and here, the time being up, my meal 

 and the colloquy ended at the same time. 



Havino' an estate on the road, he and his familv were 

 frequent customers, and we were ever after the best 

 of friends. 



