Then
DIXON HARTLAND grew anecdotal. Told fabulous story about imaginary
Scotch Member, who, at opening of Parliament of 1880, brought down his
plaid, a stoup of whiskey, and a thimbleful of oatmeal. Camped out all
night in Palace Yard, and staggered into House as soon as doors were
opened.

"That beats you, BIGWOOD," the Evesham Banker said, with a tartness of
voice that betrayed his chagrin.

Rest of the 665 Members content to look in later. By one o'clock House
full, Lobby overflowing. Difficult to move through the close ranks,
and yet there were many gaps. Ranks of old House more than decimated.
"There they go," said my young but fiery friend FURNISS, whom I came
upon in corner of Lobby, rapidly sketching with blurred eyesight.

"Who go?" I asked, remembering with a start I had left my gold-nobbed
stick in the corner by the Post Office.

"The Members we shall miss," he sobbed, lingering fondly over the
truculent curl of HERMON-HODGE's moustache.

But if gone are some familiar faces, others come back. Glad to see
MACFARLANE in his old place below Gangway, and to find him later in
old seat in smoking-room. MACFARLANE didn't often speak in debate,
but usually had something to say. Was a Home-Ruler long before the
majority found salvation. Remember across the years how he put
whole case in crisp sentence when he adjured the deaf Government of
the day "not to attempt to enforce Greenwich-time at Dublin." If
BRIGHT had said that, or DIZZY, or Mr. G., the happy phrase would
have echoed down the corridors of time. But it was only an Irish
Member; MACFARLANE, then Member for Carlow. So it passed
unnoticed--unremembered rather than forgotten.

_Business done._--Speaker elected. ARTHUR WELLESLEY PEEL for the
fourth time. House evidently under impression it can't have too much
of good thing.

_Friday._--Pretty to watch growth of full-blown SPEAKER in New
Parliament. First stage--enters in ordinary morning dress, and
seats himself with other Members, diligently trying to look as if he
expected nothing to happen. Sore temptation for Members sitting near
him. Would like to slap him on the back, and ask how he got on through
his Election. Short of that, feel they must ask if he wants a pair?
Is he dining here? Is he going to have a smoke, or a stroll on the
Terrace? Next day, having meanwhile been proposed, seconded, and
inducted to Chair, SPEAKER-ELECT turns up in Court-dress, with
Bob-wig. This is Development-stage. Hav