House of Commons, Monday, May 19.—Old Morality in new and charming mood to-night; turned over a fresh leaf in his copybook; entered upon the chapter headed "Banter;" not only enjoyed himself, but was cause of enjoyment in others. Esslemont began it; doled out, as if it were ounce of tea or yard and quarter of calico, ponderous joke about having no Holiday at Whitsuntide, and adding three days to Recess at end of Session.
"I will take a note of the Hon. Member's recommendation," said Old Morality.
"Such badinage! such
persiflage!"
Nobody laughs when I tell this; yet, remember, House roared whilst Old Morality, resuming seat, sat with pursed-up lips and furrowed brow, fearful lest he should spoil situation by smiling. Must have told the joke wrong; look up Parliamentary Reports. No, there it is, the very words; also his retort to Tim Healy; his turning the flank of Harcourt; his triumphant knocking over of Tim, when, after brief pause, he came up again.
"Such badinage!" said Charles Wilson, "such persiflage!"
So it seemed at time. Everyone roared with delight.
"Quite in Dizzy's style," said the admiring Stanhope.
"Only better," added the ecstatic Georgy Hamilton.
Thought so too at the time; but when I come to write down the jokes, the fun has gone, the flavour escaped, the bloom shed. Wonder what it was we all laughed at?