Minister of Education.
"Why, Toby," he said, in his perturbation brushing his new curly-brimmed hat the wrong way, "he looks as if butter wouldn't melt in his mouth. His low voice, his deferential manner, his pained surprise at suggestion of wanting to do anything else but catch those whitebait with a line, take one's breath away. A wonderful man Chunnel-Tannel, but dangerous on this tack. Known him and fought him man and boy for twenty years; fear him most when in melting mood." Business done.—Discussing Tithes Bill.
Friday.—Met Hart Dyke walking about Corridor with contemplative air. Debate on Education Vote going forward in House. "How is it you aren't on Treasury Bench?" I asked.
"Can't stand any more of it, Toby. My hair positively beginning to frizzle under heat of blushes. Never suspected myself of being such Heavenborn Education Minister. But they all say it—Mundella, Playfair, Lubbock, and even Sam Smith. Cranborne and Talbot not quite so sure; but on other side one chorus of approval. Bore it pretty well for hour or so; but at end of that time grows embarrassing. Just came out for little walk; look in again presently."
On Report of Supply, George Campbell strolled in from the Pacific; proposed to call attention to mission of Sir Linton Simmons to the Pope. No Vote connected therewith happens to be in Estimates; so Speaker ruled him out of Order.
"Oh, very well," said George; "that's out of order is it? Well, let me see, there's Japan;" and he talked for thirty-five minutes about Japan.
Business done.—Education Vote agreed to.