Chairman. "——to Her Majesty to complete the sum of——"
Tommy (in default of a speaking-trumpet, putting his hand to his mouth). "Sir Julian, I would like to——"
Chairman (looking round, and throwing into his voice tone of infinite pathetic, despairing reproach). "Mr. Bowles!"
Then Tommy, thus called upon, makes his speech.
Business done.—Very little in Committee of Supply.
Friday.—Success attending new device of issuing tickets whereby seats may be appropriated before prayers, naturally leads to further development. Now proposed that replica in wax shall be made of all Members. These stored in crypt. When Member arrives just takes up his wax image, carries it under arm, pops it down on his seat, and is at liberty to wander about at pleasure. Of course, if Member intends to be in his place continuously, won't bring out the wax figger; be in his seat himself. But five times out of six only looks in now and then, and likes to know that his seat is being kept.
New custom will be particularly convenient on Treasury Bench. Squire of Malwood frets at continuous absence of his colleagues during debate. Sometimes goes out to look for them, and stays away long time himself. With wax figgers all this trouble obviated. Treasury Bench always full, either with flesh or figger. If Minister called away, pulls out label, hangs it over figger's neck with legend, "Back in ten minutes," or the like. Whilst convenience of Members thus cared for, satisfaction of strangers in galleries largely increased. No more beggarly array of empty benches. Possibly during dinner-hour there may be noticeable a certain fixed smile on faces along crowded benches; but that better than what we've long been accustomed to.
Business done.—Busy B's took care that not too many Votes in Supply should be granted.
