 Rumpole defends a schoolmaster, Ronald Ransom, who is accused of taking advantage of one of his students. Rumpole is pleased to hear that his old friend, George Frobisher, will be the presiding judge but a judgeship seems to have an effect on his onetime stablemate. Fearherstone decides to seek a judgeship, at least in part to save his marriage now that his wife Marjorie is aware of his fling. Erskine-Brown is somewhat dejected now that Phyllida has told him they are no longer engaged. Phyllida also has a bit of a surprise for Erskine-Brown.