Lucian Denzil was a briefless barrister who so far departed from thetraditions of his brethren of the long robe as not to dwell within the purlieusof the Temple... » 

Lucian Denzil was a briefless barrister who so far departed from thetraditions of his brethren of the long robe as not to dwell within the purlieusof the Temple. For certain private reasons not unconnected with economy heoccupied rooms in Geneva Square Pimlico and for the purposes of hisprofession repaired daily from ten to four to Serjeants Inn where heshared an office with a friend equally briefless and poor.This state of things sounds hardly enviable but Lucian being young andindependent to the extent of 300 a year was not dissatisfied with hisposition. As his age was only twentyfive there was ample time he thought tosucceed in his profession and pending that desirable consummation hecultivated the muses on a little oatmeal after the fashion of his kind. Therehave been lives less happily circumstanced. «