member of that House, who had long been known to them as a
tenant of the Ministerial bench, had already been appointed to a high
office. He, Sir Orlando, had not been aware that the office had been
vacant, or that if vacant it would have been at the disposal of the
right honourable gentleman; but he believed that there was no doubt
that the place in question, with a seat in the Cabinet, had been
tendered to, and accepted by, the honourable member to whom he
alluded. Such was the rabid haste with which the right honourable
gentleman opposite, and his colleagues, were attempting, he would not
say to climb, but to rush into office, by opposing a great measure of
Reform, the wisdom of which, as was notorious to all the world, they
themselves did not dare to deny. Much more of the same kind was said,
during which Mr. Gresham pulled about his hat, shuffled his feet,
showed his annoyance to all the House, and at last jumped upon his
legs.

"If," said Sir Orlando Drought,--"if the right honourable gentleman
wishes to deny the accuracy of any statements that I have made, I
will give way to him for the moment, that he may do so."

"I deny utterly, not only the accuracy, but every detail of the
statement made by the right honourable gentleman opposite," said
Mr. Gresham, still standing and holding his hat in his hand as he
completed his denial.

"Does the right honourable gentleman mean to assure me that he has
not selected his future Chancellor of the Exchequer?"

"The right honourable gentleman is too acute not to be aware that we
on this side of the House may have made such selection, and that yet
every detail of the statement which he has been rash enough to make
to the House may be--unfounded. The word, sir, is weak; but I would
fain avoid the use of any words which, justifiable though they might
be, would offend the feelings of the House. I will explain to the
House exactly what has been done."

Then there was a great hubbub--cries of "Order," "Gresham," "Spoke,"
"Hear, hear," and the like,--during which Sir Orlando Drought and Mr.
Gresham both stood on their legs. So powerful was Mr. Gresham's voice
that, through it all, every word that he said was audible to the
reporters. His opponent hardly attempted to speak, but stood relying
upon his right. Mr. Gresham said he understood that it was the desire
of the House that he should explain the circumstances in reference
to the charge that had been made against him, and it