"Where are they?" Mr. G. asks, beaming across the table.
"Resolutions?" says Old Morality; "bless you, Sir, I have none to move."
Grim silence on Ministerial Benches. Jubilation in Opposition camp. Old Morality plied with questions from all sides; forlornly shakes his head. Can't say anything now. Can't say when he will be able to say something. Perhaps on Monday; perhaps some other day. Baited for half an hour, and then mercifully allowed to escape.
"The tail seems, after all, to have been wagging the skate," I said, humorously; really sorry to find him so low-spirited. Didn't seem to see the point of joke, and usually so apt at badinage. A curious state of affairs; perhaps a memorable day.
Business done.—In Committee on Compensation Bill.
Friday.—"Lo! a strange thing has happened." (W. Black.) Yesterday Conservatives in open revolt; Ministry seemed tottering; Opposition jubilant. To-day things righted themselves; the rebels say it was only their fun; Dissentient Liberals throw arms round neck of Markiss; protest they would never desert him; Opposition depressed; Ministers elate.
"The head seems to have got the better of the complicated mechanism in the rear of the skate," I say to Old Morality, a little timidly, remembering failure of yesterday's flash of humour. Quick comes the beaming smile. "You're a funny dog, Toby," says Old Morality, looking ten years younger than yesterday.
Business done.—In Committee on Compensation Bill.