Colonial Ch-mb-rl-n. "Well, hang it, Jokey old boy, you can't say much!"
All business set aside. All Bills dropped save Seal Fisheries. This Cap'en Tommy Bowles, master of himself though Ministers fall, proceeds to discuss as calmly as if nothing had happened. Whilst other Members already have their eyes on their constituencies and their faces towards the door, Tommy, buttonholing Time as it were with his hooked arm, leisurely discusses the close season for Seal Fishing.
Business done.—The Government's.
Tuesday.—House met again, expecting further particulars about the Ministerial crisis. Benches full, but not so crowded as yesterday. Again the Squire, Prince Arthur, and Joseph absent. The two latter not expected. When they reappear they will sit side by side on Treasury Bench. But where was the Squire?
Preliminary business finished. House waiting for next move. Must be made by Squire. Where was he? Members tossed about on seats. All eyes strained towards space behind Speaker's chair, whence Ministers approaching Treasury Bench emerge. Minutes passed; Squire still tarried. Horrible rumour that cordite had done fresh stroke of work. Frederick Milner said he distinctly heard sound of explosion in neighbourhood of room of Leader of House. Another report was that Squire had been kidnapped, shipped off to distant colony by direction of new Secretary of State. Whilst probability of these wild guesses balanced, Squire entered, whole and hale. Had been waiting to hear from The Markiss. Nothing had come, so must adjourn.
Business done.—House adjourned.
Wednesday.—All settled: Squire announces that Markiss has undertaken to form new Ministry. Writs moved for elections to fill vacancies consequent on acceptance of office. Amongst them West Birmingham, Joseph having undertaken to care for the Colonies. Prospect of "Our Joe," as Sage Of Queen Anne's Gate affectionately calls him, sitting in Cabinet Council with The Markiss, strangely moves House. Irish Members in particular give vent to feelings in cries that forebode lively times for new Minister.
House lost crowded appearance of earlier days of week. Interest already transferred to constituencies. Gorst among absentees. Sark looking for him everywhere. Been reading article in magazine where Gorst writes:—"A lady resident in East London informed me that she once knew a man who was attending fourteen doctors at the same time. The man died."
