"Yes, yes!" muttered the judge; "no sign of infirmity is yet written here; the blood flows clear and warm enough, the cheek looks fine too, and passing full, for one who was always of the lean kind. Aha! This letter is a cordial, an elixir vitae. I feel as if a new lease were granted to the reluctant tenant. Lord Warlook, the first Baron of Warlook, - Lord Chief Baron. - What next? As he spoke, he strode unconsciously away; folding his arras with that sort of joyous and complacent gesture which implies the idea of a man hugging himself in a silent delight. Assuredly, had the most skilful physician then looked upon the ardent and all-lighted face, the fine step, the elastic and muscular frame, the vigorous air of Brandon, as he mentally continued his soliloquy, he would have predicted for him as fair a grasp on longevity as the chances of mortal life will allow. He was interrupted by the servant entering.
"It is twenty-five minutes after nine, sir," said he, respectfully. 