He did not know an attorney in the world, and could not conceive how any attorney should ever be induced to apply to him for legal aid.

He had done his work of learning his trade about as well as other young men, but had had no means of distinguishing himself within his reach.

He went the Western Circuit because his aunt, old Miss Stanbury, lived at Exeter, but, as he declared of himself, had he had another aunt living at York, he would have had nothing whatsoever to guide him in his choice.

He sat idle in the courts, and hated himself for so sitting.

So it had been with him for two years without any consolation or additional burden from other employment than that of his profession.