"What's this?" says Sage of Queen Anne's Gate, starting as if viper had bit him.
"What's which?" says Old Morality, blandly.
"Why," says Sage, "this Notice of Motion. Thought all arranged that House at its rising at Seven o'clock adjourn for Easter Recess."
"Ah, yes," says Old Morality, his eyes fixed dreamily on the broadening parting of Sage's hair. "The feathered race, as we all know, with pinions skims the air; not so the mackerel, and still less the bear. Ah, who has seen the mailed lobster rise, clap her broad wings, and claim the equal skies? As the Hon. Member says, it was arranged that we should rise at seven, and adjourn for Easter Holidays; only we must get Votes first. I am most anxious, as far as is compatible with duty to Queen and Country, to meet views of Hon. Members in all parts of House. That view converges, as I may say, on the holidays. Well, the holidays need not be impinged upon. We can all be off at Seven o'Clock, or even before, if we pass the Votes; otherwise must sit to-night and to-morrow. Do not expect it will be necessary; merely put down Motion as matter of precaution." Precaution served. Members not liking prospect of coming back after dinner, still less of spending Wednesday at Westminster, voted money with both hands, and by Six o'Clock Class I. in Civil Estimates agreed to.
"A wonderful man, Old Morality," said R. N. Fowler, walking off. "Only you and me, Toby, thoroughly appreciate him. Yah, yah!" Business done.—Adjourned till Monday, April 14.
AMENITIES OF WAR!—-- AT OUR EASTER MANŒUVRES.
Captain of Volunteers and Sub. (both conscious of a Pocket Pistol, and both together). "Have a drop o' Something Short?!"
[They refresh horizontally, and feel better.]