The B's, fearful of consequences of this diversion, hurried on division; if the thing was to be done must be done quickly. Approach of dinner-hour had drawn away Members; critical division unexpected. Hanbury beheld vision of butler in Berkeley Square entering Premier's sick room with basin of beef-tea and the message, "My Lord, the Government's hoff." Tommy Bowles began to think what coat he should wear when the Queen sent for him. House cleared for division; tellers returning made known that twenty-four had voted with the busy, now belated bees, 173 against, rushing the ministerial majority at a single bound up to 149.
Business done.—In Committee of Supply.
Thursday.—Another pleasing night in Committee of Supply. Opportunity favourable for showing how varied, comprehensive, illimitable is knowledge of the Busy B's. On Supplementary Estimates, the business of to-night, variety of topics succeed each other. Private Hanbury at home with every one of them. There is nothing Tommy Bowles doesn't know. If there were, Bartley would supply omission. Performance a little hampered by accident of Goldsmid's being in Chair. Something about Julian depressing to high spirits. When he takes Chair and submits vote, he succeeds in some subtle way in investing the proceedings with unmistakable church service associations. He intones the vote, and when, having put the question, he adds, "The Ayes have it," it is exactly as in another place it is remarked, "Here endeth the first lesson."
Tommy B. doesn't mind that. He would as soon gambol in a church as on the quarter-deck. But it's different with George Cristopher Trout Bartley, who was brought up respectably, and Private Hanbury is not altogether comfortable.
Besides this, Goldsmid has a way of spoiling sport unknown under the more benignant sway of Mellor, whom, every one is sorry to know, is down with influenza. To-night, after three hours' discussion upon amendment to vote for expenses in extradition proceedings against Jabez Balfour, Committee divided; amendment negatived; Vicary Gibbs proposes another amendment on exactly same lines. Had it been put from the Chair, another three hours might have been pleasantly spent repeating what had earlier been said. Goldsmid positively declined to submit amendment, and before astonished, outraged B's had recovered their breath the main question was put; Committee divided; no chance of returning to subject.
Then he's depressing in other ways. When vote been talked round for an hour, he attempts to put question. Up jumps Tommy Bowles.
Chairman. "The question is that a sum of——"
Tommy Bowles. "Sir Julian Goldsmid."
Chairman (continuing, without noticing him). "——£70,000 be granted——"
Tommy (raising his voice). "Sir Julian!"