 Rumpole represents Mrs. Thripp in a divorce case. She accuses her husband of intolerable conduct in that he has not spoken to her for some three years and has taken to communicating with her only by written notes. At home, Rumpole finds Hilda in a foul mood, now that son Nick has moved to America. When his client telephones him at home, Hilda overhears the conversation and concludes that Rumpole is having an affair. Rumpole is assisted in the case by his very capable pupil Phillida Trant who, having been trounced by Rumpole in Magistrate s Court, is convinced she will never succeed as a barrister. Rumpole thinks otherwise.