, says _Grippe_ much too knowing to link itself with
Member for Elgin and Nairn. Towards Eleven o'Clock, rumour set at rest
by appearance of KEAY. Simple explanation of temporary absence is,
that he has been at home, drawing up a few more Amendments.

In his absence. Windbag had it all to himself. How many speeches he
has made through the dreary sitting am afraid to reckon up. Members
going off to write letters, smoke a cigar, read evening papers, or
dine, leave him on his legs, with one hand in pocket, and smile of
serene satisfaction on face, prosing on. Coming back, they find him
still in same position, apparently saying same thing. Has lately
developed new oratorical charm. Constantly repeats his sentences, word
for word. Everybody cleared out, even Mr. G., and JOHN MORLEY. Only
Prince ARTHUR left languorous on Treasury Bench.

"Drooping like a lily out of water," MCEWAN says. Not that he's given
to tropes of the kind; but, being lately at a wedding feast smothered
in flowers, some of them have got into his conversation.

_Business done_.--In Committee on Irish Land Bill, but no forrader.

[Illustration: W.H. Smith in his new character as Warden of the Cinque
Ports and Constable of Dover Castle.]

_Tuesday_.--"Do you think I ought to wear spurs, TOBY?"

It was Old MORALITY who spoke. We were in his room at House; just
torn ourselves away from Committee on Irish Land Bill, where, at the
moment, oddly enough SEXTON chanced to be speaking. Old MORALITY
has been made Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports, and is trying on his
uniform. Rather piratical arrangement; blue cloth coat with large
brass buttons, red sash round his waist, with holster thrust in
it, containing the horse-pistol with which PITT armed himself when
he sat at the window of Walmer Castle, looking across the Channel,
momentarily expecting to discover BONEY crossing in a flat-bottomed
boat. The trousers are of scarlet, with broad braid of gold lace
on outer seams. Finally there is a truculent cocked hat, which OLD
MORALITY persists in putting on with the peak astarn. The dress
is picturesque, and OLD MORALITY's figure lends itself to it with
peculiar grace and fitness.

"I fancy WELLINGTON wore spurs," the Lord Warden persisted.

Yes, I point out; but PITT didn't, nor did PALMERSTON. Anyhow just
as well not to begin with spurs. Might in time grow up to them, as
it were.

Wanted the Lord Warden to enter House in his uniform: sadly in need
of sensati