Business done.—Second Heading of Irish Land Purchase Bill carried by 348 Votes against 268.
Friday.—Hartington suddenly, unexpectedly, surprisingly, blossomed into effective speech. Of all subjects in world was Disestablishment of Kirk in Scotland! Calculated to depress most people; brightened Hartington up beyond all knowledge. His little hit at Gladstone, sheltering himself behind his (Hartington's) familiar and convenient declaration, that on Disestablishment Question he would be guided by the opinion of the majority of the Scotch people, neatly and dexterously made. Also his reference to the short time when he had honour of being "at least the nominal Leader of the Liberal Party," and found Mr. G. a somewhat unruly follower. Most excellent. Hartington should try this line again.
Business done.—Motion for Scotch Disestablishment negatived by 256 Votes against 218.
WEEK BY WEEK.
Wednesday, May 7.—Mr. Punch out. Everybody's at home to him.
Friday 9.—Mrs. Duffer's first dance if she knows the step.
Saturday 10.—Rehearsal of Crystal Palace fireworks, 2 P.M. Admission by entrance gates only.
Monday 12.—Breakfast to Mr. H. M. Stanley, at whatever time he orders it.
First Meet of H.S. Drags, Serpentine.