precedence in sympathy.

Over stern conflict and cantankerous sitting, PLUNKET sheds beam of
genial humour. TIM HEALY asks if there could not be lift arranged to
Ladies' Gallery. "Too expensive," says PLUNKET. "Too dear, he means,"
murmurs HOWORTH, who runs DICK TEMPLE close in his devotion to the
Ladies. "Why," objects GEORGE CAMPBELL, whose eye nothing escapes,
"there is already a lift for coal. Why not substitute Ladies for
coal?"

"You see," said PLUNKET, smilingly, "we cannot do either without coal
or without Ladies, and it is difficult to combine them in a lift."

GEORGE CAMPBELL not sure. When he has time to withdraw his thoughts
from Central Asia, will look into the matter.

_Business done._--In Committee on Compensation Bill. Ministerial
majority reduced to 29.

_Thursday._--"I really can't do it," said MACLURE. "Oh, you must,"
said CHAPLIN; "hard work, I know, but put on a spurt and there you
are."

"Wish I _was_ there," said MACLURE, mopping his forehead. "All very
well for slim young thing like you; but seventeen stun isn't the
form for a short spin, especially with these confounded steps."
Scene--passage by Cloak-room into House of Commons; time 5.19 P.M.;
bell ringing furiously; Division imminent; PENROSE FITZGERALD with
jacket shorter than ever, trousers turned up with a grace that maddens
with envy. BOBBY SPENCER and LEWISHAM, on watch at top of staircase.

"Come along!" he shouts; "dividing on First Clause of Compensation
Bill; SAGE OF QUEEN ANNE'S GATE sprung a mine on us; got all their
men here; ours down at Ascot; wouldn't be you for a quarter's salary,
CHAPLIN. Hurry up! hurry up! Put your best leg forward, MACLURE!"

"That's all very well," said MACLURE, testily; "but which _is_ my best
leg?"

[Illustration: On Outpost Duty.]

The two heavy-weights pounded gallantly along; been to Ascot;
thought they'd be back in plenty of time for Division; and here's
Division-bell at its last shake. HARTINGTON come up with them;
striding ahead; wins easily; CHAPLIN reaches door of House just as it
is closing; with tremendous effort, MACLURE pulls himself together;
throws himself on doorway; nothing could stand rush like that; door
bursts open; MACLURE and Compensation Bill saved. A very close shave.
When Division taken, 228 vote for Government, 224 against; majority
Four--the four who raced up the staircase hot from Ascot.

Crowded House in wild excitement. SAGE OF QUEEN ANNE'S GATE consumed
in bi