Sir Leicester in a great chair looks at the file and appears to have a stately liking for the legal repetitions and prolixities as ranging among the national bulwarks.

It happens that the fire is hot where my Lady sits and that the hand-screen is more beautiful than useful, being priceless but small.

My Lady, changing her position, sees the papers on the table--looks at them nearer--looks at them nearer still--asks impulsively, "Who copied that ?" Mr.Tulkinghorn stops short, surprised by my Lady's animation and her unusual tone.
"Is it what you people call law-hand ?" she asks, looking full at him in her careless way again and toying with her screen.
"Not quite.

Probably"-- Mr.Tulkinghorn examines it as he speaks--"the legal character which it has was acquired after the original hand was formed.

Why do you ask ?" "Anything to vary this detestable monotony.