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276 When I was here before with Walter, we saw a little of it, but it was mostly professional; tainted, I might say, if Walter will forgive me, with business connected with a curious international law-suit."

"In which I succeeded for my clients," chimed in Walter

"Of course, of course," said Jenny, "that goes without saying, and your Venetian friend had indeed quite a touch of the grand manner of the ancient advocates who, I suppose, pleaded before the Doges."

"Why, my dear," interposed Walter, "and I mention it on the authority of Mr. Howells, in whose Venetian life you so delight, the best people in the best society in Venice are advocates; an order of consequence, as you suggest, even in the times of the Republic; although shut out from participation in public affairs by a native Government, as it was, when Howells lived in Venice, by a foreign one."

"Austria was in authority then, I presume," remarked Philip, who endeavored to take at least a perfunctory interest in the conversation.

"Yes," said Jenny.

"Daniel Manin, the President of '48," continued Walter, "was of this professional class which, to quote your Republican friend again, 'by virtue of its learning, enlightenment, and attainments, occupies a place in the esteem and regard of the Venetian people far above that held by the effete aristocracy.

"Then I begin to fear we may have seen on our previous visit what may be called the best society in Venice," said Jenny.

"Not at all," Walter replied; "the present is a very exceptional occasion. You will meet to-night not only the best people in Venice, but the best in Italy; eminences, great generals, distinguished men and women of all