At first he thought the interrupter was Old Morality, but his air of perfect innocence repulsed suspicion. Was it De Worms, turning as, it is written, his family sometimes do? Edward Clarke looked more guilty, so John "named" him; denied the soft impeachment. Halsey admitted it, and was backed up by half-a-dozen Members, including Maclean. Bore personal testimony to having heard the applause when incident was mentioned.
"I say it is true!" they repeated one after the other.
"And I say it is false!" John Dillon roared, and proceeded to denounce Members opposite in language which speedily brought up the Speaker.
After a while Maclean again interposed. Demanded to be heard whilst he asserted in detail the general accuracy of the newspaper paragraph, whilst of course acquitting Dillon "if he said he did not join in applause." Parnellites, oddly enough, left all the fighting to John, who was finally put down by Speaker. After this pleasant interlude, House resumed Committee on Land Bill. Proceedings dolorous, and House empty. At one time sitting nearly brought to end by a Count.
Business done.—Irish Land Bill.
Enter Tr-v-ly-n.
Exit R-ss-ll.
Thursday.—Enter Trevelyan; exit Edward Russell, the latter carrying with him the consciousness of that rare possession—popularity with both sides of the House. Everybody sorry he has gone, especially "the Dissentient Liberals." As Plunket says, "He was the gentlest-mannered Radical in the House." Crowded House. Trevelyan brings his sheaves (1401) with him, in shape of rattling majority won at Glasgow. Everybody there but Hartington and Chamberlain. Meeting in such circumstances with old colleague would have been too touching. But older colleagues, under wing of Gladstone, in full force. Determined to kill the fatted calf for the returning prodigal. Gladstone would, of course, play the part of Aged Parent; Trevelyan the repentant son. But who was to stand for the fatted calf? General impression that Harcourt best suited by natural gifts for the character. Harcourt's habitual modesty not to be overcome. "Wouldn't," he said, "like to play such a prominent part." Finally agreed that they should "imagine the calf." All went admirably well. Might have been managed by that veteran strategist the Sage of Queen Anne's Gate.