"Yessir. I'm going now." Hardly seemed able to part. Not sure whether,
in circumstances of international amity, I shouldn't have shaken hands
with him. Made half advance in that direction. He quickly advanced his
hand, but after glance at my extended palm, as rapidly withdrew it.
Perhaps he was right. Not usual to shake hands with Waiter, though
really, on occasion like this, one might disregard conventionalities.
Waiter lingeringly withdrew, still keeping his eye on me, as if
expecting me to call him back. Nodded a friendly farewell, and pensively
peeled an orange, thinking how one touch of nature makes us kin. This
good Waiter and I quite subdued by the graceful, generous thought of
Lord Mayor KNILL, who has added one more link to the chain that binds in
amity two nations that have fought all the way from Cressy to Waterloo.

_Business done._--Got into Committee on Navy Estimates. In the Lobby
sort of rehearsal of new Battle of Boyne. The other night SAUNDERSON
said something disrespectful of Irish Members. WILLIE REDMOND, from his
proud position among nobility and gentry above Gangway, called out, "You
wouldn't say that in the Lobby." "Say it anywhere," responded the
Colonel, ever ready to oblige.

Next day wrote letter to REDMOND, incidentally mentioning that if he
wanted to hear the words over again, should meet him in Lobby to-night
after questions. Nothing nearer REDMOND'S heart's desire. At five
o'clock Colonel, accompanied by another military gentleman, carrying his
cloak, a pair of pistols, a stiletto, a bottle of _eau de Cologne_, a
sponge, and a clothes-brush, sternly strode into Lobby. Carefully
counted paces till he was standing as nearly as possible on centre tile;
folded arms, and wished that Night or REDMOND would come. Colonel
WARING, with military accoutrements and cloak; stood a pace and a half
to the left rear. Presently entered REDMOND, accompanied by J. J.
O'KELLY, also carrying cloak. Secreted in folds were shillelagh, bottle
of whiskey, pair of spurs, a toothpick, and a freshly-minted
crown-piece. This last, at suitable moment, to be flung across Lobby;
(friend secretly told off to be on alert to pick it up.) Action to be
explained as typical of throwing King's Crown into the Boyne. The
principals approaching, REDMOND, after manner of schoolboys, who edge up
to each other, each hoping the other doesn't want to fight, asked
Colonel to "say it again." "Certainly; but say what?" Here difficulty