 Rumpole defends the Rev. Mordred Skinner who is accused of having shoplifted three shirts. Unfortunately, Skinner is unable to explain exactly what happened and can t help with his defense. Unfortunately, Rumpole finds himself yet again before his courtroom nemesis, Judge Roger Bullingham. Marriage seems to be in the air: Phyllida Trant has accepted an offer of marriage and George Frobisher announces that he too is engaged, but Hilda does not approve of his friend, Ida. George has also applied for a judgeship on the circuit court.