But Speaker had executed strategic retreat; Chair empty; John standing on tiptoe, followed retreating figure with despairing cry, "Mr. Speaker!" House half hoped Speaker would return; dying with curiosity to know what fresh irregularity on part of Government John had discovered; but no help for it. Chair empty; technically "No House;" and John, slowly subsiding, shutting up like a reluctant telescope, resumed seat.
Prince Arthur, back from Golf at Eastbourne, looking better for his holiday, lounged on Treasury Bench watching scene. "Alas!" he cried, eyeing John with dreamy glance, what time the fingers of his hand—a strayed reveller—fitfully played with the rolled copy of his Orders, as if it were his cherished Mandoline—
"Alas for those who never sing,
But die with all their music in them."
Business done.—Vote on Account passed.
Friday.—Lords had nice little "plant" on to-night. The Sage of Queen Anne's Gate got first place in other House for Motion decreeing their abolition. "Such larks!" says the Markiss; "let's get up big debate here on House of Commons subject; draw away their men; leave Sage in lurch."
So arranged Debate on Report of Parnell Commission for to-night. Full dress affair; all the big guns to go off; Curiosity as to how they'd treat too familiar subject. Plan answered admirably. Both shows running together, Lords, as most novel entertainment, fuller spectacular entertainment, drew the cake. Instead of crowded House that usually waits when Sage lunges at the Lords, beggarly array of empty Benches. Rather depressing even for imperturbable Sage. Little later, Members finding things dull in Lords, came back in time to hear George Curzon. Capital speech; sparkle on the top; but some quiet depths of closely reasoned argument below.
Business done.—Sage's Motion for abolition of Lords negatived by 201 Votes against 139. Thus reprieved, Lords ordered Report of Parnell Commission to be duly recorded.
