"Clywch! Clywch!"
Friday.—Some sensation in moderately crowded House at Question Time, when report ran round Benches that Sir John Puleston, Knight, was approaching. Slight reaction of disappointment when he entered. Vague, though prevalent notion, he'd come down in knightly costume, with vizor down (or up, as the case may be), armed "cap and pie," as Gent-Davis says, with lance in rest, and Squire in attendance. On contrary, lounged in just as if nothing had happened, with slightly preoccupied look and little start of surprise when congratulated on honour Government had done itself. "Oh! ah! yes! Know what you mean. Thanks. It's very hot, ain't it?" he said, making way through throng of congratulators. "Clywch! Clywch!" roared Abraham, humorously looking over newspaper announcing Knighthood.
"What's the matter with you?" I asked. "What are you clucking about?"
"I was only coughing in my native tongue," he said. "Clywch! Clywch!"
Various reasons suggested why Puleston made Knight just now. Howard Vincent says it's because he's the only Member for English borough that can pronounce the word "Eisteddfod," and knows the plural isn't "Eisteddfods". Whatever the reason, everyone heartily pleased. The new Knight, they say, will keep his own Table Round. Dean's Yard, Eight o'Clock. Dress optional.
Business done.—Row about Lords' Amendments to Irish Land Bill.