"I hope you are well." "Yes, thank you.

Nothing ever the matter with me.

How are things coming ?" "Oh, all right, thank you." This was the stereotyped form of the daily greeting between the two.
Judge Bradley turned as usual to his desk, but, catching sight of the letter still held in Franklin's hand, remarked carelessly: "Got a letter from your girl ?" "Not so lucky," said Franklin.

"From a friend." Silence resulted.

Judge Bradley opened his desk, took off his coat and hung it on a nail, after his custom, thereafter seating himself at his desk, with the official cough which signified that the campaign of the day had begun.