"That's the worst of these fellows," said Mr. Leahy, looking on reflectively from the Bar. "Now they've begun to associate with gentlemen, our company's not good enough for them."
More speeches, including one from Parnell and another from Gladstone. But Grandolph's speech worth more than a division; so Second Reading of Land Bill passed without challenging one. Business done.—Lords read Coercion Bill Second Time, Commons the Land Bill.
House of Lords, Friday.—Glad it's all over, and nobody shot. At one time homicide seemed imminent. Granville, taking note of complaint of absence of Opposition on previous night, skilfully touched a chord of human nature. Explained that he had been present till eight o'clock, an hour which suggested dinner. More than one mouth watered, and a sob of sympathy was heard from Bench where new Peer, formerly known as Sclater-Booth, sat. Northbrook, however, obdurate. Introduced statement, which drew from Granville quiet remark, "That is not true." Northbrook hotly resumed his seat, as he said, to give Granville opportunity for explanation. Here was a pretty go! Lord Chancellor, with great presence of mind, adroitly, and apparently accidentally, covered Sword of State under heap of papers. Who could say what might happen if a bloodthirsty eye rested on this fortuitous means of attack? Granville, cool and self-possessed, repeated his abrupter ejaculations in more delicate, round-about fashion.
"I certainly," he observed, defiantly eyeing Northbrook, "said, as far as my knowledge goes, the statement is inaccurate."
A moment's breathless silence. The offence was repeated, with the added insult of mocking phrase. Would Northbrook ask Granville to "come outside," or would he swallow the affront? Northbrook looked a moment at the veteran Leader, noted his resolute look, his straightened figure, and the forefinger of his right hand dallying with a corner of a paper containing the Orders of the day, as if he were playing with pistol-trigger. On the whole, he thought he'd change the subject; which he did, to the relief of the excited ring of spectators. Business done.—Lords passed two stages of Coercion Bill right off. Commons in Supply.
SIR WILLIAM'S SKETCH OF THE GIPSIES ON THE TREASURY BENCH, July 14.
"Gipsies, said the play, disfigured the children they stole in order that they might pass them for their own. (Laughter.) The gipsies on the Treasury Bench (renewed laughter) stole the Bankruptcy Clauses of the Right Hon. Member for West Birmingham, and disfigured them in order that they might pass them for their own. (Cheers and laughter.)"