When Grandolph, Wolff and Gorst, with Prince Arthur looking on, set themselves to "draw Gladstone," as was their custom of an afternoon, that astute personage became as a child in their hands. Grandolph led off with a question, to which long reply was made. Wolff, profusely grateful for the right hon. gentleman's courtesy, shunted the Premier on to another track, along which he cheerfully sprinted. Then came John o' Gorst. With the subtlety of a trained but not practising barrister he put a third question, drawing a third speech. Thus merrily sped a quarter of an hour or twenty minutes, deferring by so much the progress of public business.
Asquith's share in the conversation at the Question hour is based on a familiar Biblical injunction. It is largely composed of "Yea, yea," and "Nay, nay." In the case alluded to, wherein the Fourth Party gave play to their insatiable desire for information, he would have replied to Grandolph, "Yes, Sir;" to Wolff, "No, Sir." Had he been exceptionally lured into verbosity he might have gone as far as to say, "The answer is in the negative," or "in the affirmative," as the case might be. As for John o' Gorst, he would have referred him to a speech made on a particular preceding date, "to which I have nothing to add."
Business done.—Lloyd George further explains his Budget. Resolutions founded thereupon agreed to.
THE BILL AND THE AMENDING BILL.
Nurse Asquith. "Now, take the powder like a good boy."
Master Bonar Law. "Where's the jam?"
Nurse Asquith. "Oh, that comes later."
Master Bonar Law. "Well, I want to see it now. What's it made of?"
Nurse Asquith. "I must have notice of that question."