Ques. In the eyes of Public Opinion, whose commendation is the most questionable?

Ans. The commendation of a Judge, because it stands to reason (according to popular ideas) that a man who knows his subject thoroughly must be unable to come to any definite decision as to its merits.

Ques. And in the eyes of the same authority, whose commendation is the most valuable?

Ans. In the eyes of Public Opinion the most valuable commendation would come from a man who is absolutely ignorant of everything connected with a Counsel’s practice, but who can amply supply this possible deficiency by writing a letter to the papers and signing himself “FAIR PLAY.”

Ques. Is there any remedy for setting right any misconception that may have occurred as to the rights and wrongs of cross-examiners?

Ans. Yes, the Public might learn what the business of a cross-examiner really is.

Ques. I see, and having done this, can you recommend anything further?

Ans. Having learned a cross-examiner’s business, the Public might then have time to attend—­to its own!

* * * * *

THE TRAVELLING COMPANIONS.

NO.  XXIII.

SCENE—­The Lower Hall of the Scuola di San Rocco, Venice.  British Tourists discovered studying the Tintorets on the walk and ceiling by the aid of RUSKIN, HARE, and BAEDEKER, from which they read aloud, instructively, to one another.  Miss PRENDERGAST has brought “The Stones of Venice” for the benefit of her brother and PODBURY.  Long self-repression has reduced PODBURY to that unpleasantly hysterical condition known as “a fit of the giggles,” which, however, has hitherto escaped detection.

[Illustration:  “A Solemn Gentleman, with a troublesome cough, reading aloud to his Wife.”]

Miss P. (standing opposite “The Flight into Egypt” reading).  “One of the principal figures here is the Donkey.”  Where is Mr. PODBURY? (To P., who reappears, humbly proffering a tin focussing-case.) Thanks, but you need not have troubled!  “The Donkey ... um—­um—­never seen—­um—­um—­any of the nobler animals so sublime as this quiet head of the domestic ass”—­(here BOB digs PODBURY in the ribs, behind Miss P.’s back)—­“chiefly owing to the grand motion in the nostril, and writhing in the ears.” (A spasmodic choke from PODBURY.) May I ask what you find so amusing?

Podb. (crimson).  I—­I beg your pardon—­I don’t know what I was laughing at exactly. (Aside to BOB.) Will you shut up, confound you!