But above all, this abstract must be entirely explanatory of himself, since its final purpose was to remove whatever doubts his mere appearance might have bred in Mr.Norton's mind.
"If my pocket could just be brought to stand the strain of new clothes before the next sitting of court, I might reasonably hope for a share of the pickings," thought the judge.
Entering the court-house, he found himself in a narrow hall.

On his right was the jury-room, and on his left the county clerk's office, stuffy little holes, each lighted by a single window.

Beyond, and occupying the full width of the building, was the court-room, with its hard, wooden benches and its staring white walls.

Advancing to the door, which stood open, the judge surveyed the room with the greatest possible satisfaction.

He could fancy it echoing to that eloquence of which he felt himself to be the master.