The case was an important one, involving some nice questions of mercantile law.

It came up for argument in the course of a few weeks, and gave the opportunity he wanted.

His management of the case was so superior to that of the opposing counsel, and his citations of law and precedent so cumulative and explicit, that he gained not only an easy victory, but made for himself a very favorable impression.
After that business began gradually to flow in upon him, and he was able to gather in sufficient to keep his family, though for some time only in a very humble way.

Having no old acquaintances in the city, Mr.
Ridley was comparatively free from temptation.

He was promptly at his office in the morning, never leaving it, except to go into court or some of the public offices on business, until the hour arrived for returning home.
A new life had become dominant, a new ambition was ruling him.