The witnesses, brought at great expense, were there; his Lordship was there, the jury was there; if this case was not taken there was no other with which they could go on, &c., &c.
The court took the same view, and lectured Geoffrey severely.

Every counsel in a case, the Court remembered, when It was at the Bar, used to be able to open that case at a moment's notice, and though things had, It implied, no doubt deteriorated to a considerable extent since those palmy days, every counsel ought still to be prepared to do so on emergency.
Of course, however, if he, Geoffrey, told the court that he was absolutely unprepared to go on with the case, It would have no option but to grant an adjournment.
"I am perfectly prepared to go on with it, my lord," Geoffrey interposed calmly.
"Very well," said the Court in a mollified tone, "then go on! I have no doubt that the learned Attorney-General will arrive presently." Then, as is not unusual in a probate suit, followed an argument as to who should open it, the plaintiff or the defendant.

Geoffrey claimed that this right clearly lay with him, and the opposing counsel raised no great objection, thinking that they would do well to leave the opening in the hands of a rather inexperienced man, who would very likely work his side more harm than good.

So, somewhat to the horror of the solicitors, who thought with longing of the eloquence of the Attorney-General, and the unrivalled experience and finesse of Mr.
Candleton, Geoffrey was called upon to open the case for the defendants, propounding the first will.
He rose without fear or hesitation, and with but one prayer in his heart, that no untimely Attorney-General would put in an appearance.

He had got his chance, the chance for which many able men have to wait long years, and he knew it, and meant to make the most of it.