the promotion of our common cause."]

Prince ARTHUR listens attentively, regarding with questioning look the
Grand Grey Figure on other side of Table. "When I was at school," he
says, "we were taught, in a foreign tongue, a maxim about fearing
the Greeks when they brought presents. Not quite sure the right Hon.
Gentleman is chiefly concerned for interests of Government and advance
of public business. But I'll consider his suggestion."

[Illustration: "Big with indignation."]

Business advancing by leaps and bounds; attendance small; Opposition
effaced itself; only CLARK and ALPHEUS CLEOPHAS take objection to
anything. Being in Committee of Supply they naturally want to know
about things. The Squire privily approaches them in turn and entreats
them to desist, which they regretfully do. Presently trouble breaks
out in fresh quarter. FERGUSSON takes opportunity on Post Office Vote
to ask Candidates at forthcoming Election to ignore appeal made to
them by Telegraph Clerks for pledge to vote for Select Committee to
inquire into working of Telegraph service. Says Mr. G. and Squire
concur with him in his protest. This brings up GEORGE HOWELL, big with
indignation at what he calls "a conspiracy against the Working Men
of the country." HARRY LAWSON and STOREY join in. FERGUSSON sorry he
spoke; didn't mean anything; Opposition mollified; vote agreed to.

_Business done._--Supply closed.

_Thursday._--Mr. G. hurried in just now, a little late. Been these two
hours at Carlton Gardens wrestling with representatives of the British
workman on Eight Hours' Question. A little out of breath with skipping
upstairs and running along corridor to be in time. Otherwise, as fresh
as if his afternoon had been spent lounging on lawn at Dollis Hill,
where the other night the Archbishop of CANTERBURY went to dine
with him. Wants to know about the date of Dissolution. It will be
convenient, he says, "at least, for those who have youth and vigour
sufficient again to submit themselves to the constituencies." Mr.
G.'s face wrinkled into smile as he uttered this witticism. House
spontaneously burst into cheer as hearty on the Conservative side as
with Opposition.

Rattling on with business. SPEAKER out of breath with putting the
question and declaring "the Ayes have it." Irish Education Bill not
only passed Committee, but reported and read a Third Time. SEXTON sits
content, having done good stroke of work in amending Bill. Managed
affair with s