"Pretty well, thank you, Toby. Only one thing the matter with me, and that, you know, doesn't mend as the years pass. Looking over McCullagh Torrens' book the other day, I noted what Dizzy said when that genial statesman, the former Member for Finsbury, inquired after the health of Lady Beaconsfield. 'They tell me she is better, but you know what better is at 83.' I'm as well as can be expected going o' 84. I must admit it's pretty well. I'll undertake to walk a mile, run a mile, eat a meal, and make a speech with any fellow ten years my junior."
Certainly no one on Treasury Bench exceeds Mr. G. in vivacity or overflowing energy. Squire of Malwood looks very fit, but there's a massivity about his mirthful mood that becomes a Chancellor of the Exchequer with a contingent surplus. Is much comforted by consciousness that, whilst Sage of Queen Anne's Gate views composition of Ministry with mixed feelings, and will not commit himself to promise of fealty till he is in possession of full details of their policy, he unreservedly approves the Squire.
On other side, Her Majesty's late Ministers in state of almost boisterous hilarity. Evidently inclined to regard deposition as a joke. Prince Arthur beaming with delight. Something curiously like a smile wreathes stolid countenance of Sir James Fergusson.
"It's their turn now," says Prince Arthur, gleefully rubbing his hands, "and I wish them joy of it. As for me, I shall live my Saturday to Monday in peace, and shall go to the Opera every Wednesday night in the Season."
"You can go oftener if you like," said Ellis Ashmead-Bartlett (Knight). "You may depend on my remaining here. I've thought of a good many things to say during the last six years."
"Ha," said Prince Arthur, thoughtfully, "then perhaps I may absent myself through portions of other nights of the week."
Business done.—Address moved.
