"Very well," said the Blameless Bartley, with air of martyr. "We must go on talking about Peterhead Harbour till the Minister comes in."
So he did, and when he ran dry Tomlinson (having meanwhile ascertained where Peterhead Harbour is) took up the wondrous tale. Talking when Hibbert reappeared, his breast now swelling with maternal pride and satisfaction. He had found the lost chick, and clucked low notes of supreme content as he brought him back to the roost. Pretty to see how, Civil Lord in his place, all interest in Peterhead Harbour subsided, Busy B's turning their attention to alleged felonious underrating of Government property.
Business done.—Vote on Account through Committee. Sir John Leng calls Asquith's attention to dangerous occupation of lion-tamers. "All very well," he says, "for doughty knight like me. But these poor fellows with families shouldn't be allowed to run risks."
Friday Night.—"What's the business at to-night's sitting?" asked Squire of Malwood, looking over Orders of the Day. "Home Rule all round? Very well. Shall give practical proof of adherence to principle by stopping at home."
John Morley did same, most other Ministers following suit. Cawmel-Bannerman sacrificed himself on altar of country. But insisted that he might at least dine out in interval between morning and evening sitting that made last day of Parliamentary week. His snowy shirt front gave air of almost reckless joviality to desolate Treasury Bench. Prince Arthur, not to be outdone in chivalry, also looked in after dinner, brightening up Front Bench opposite Minister for War. But two swallows don't make a summer, nor two gentlemen in evening dress a festive party. Trevelyan only man in earnest, and he terribly so.
Business done.—Home Rule all round decreed by majority of 26 in House of 230.
THE NEW CHIVALRY.
["In a case heard before Judge French at Shoreditch, the Judge remarked that the plea of infancy was not a very meritorious one. 'No,' replied the defendant, 'but it's jolly convenient.'"—The Globe.]
When, toddling along with a swell, I pretend