After this, a mere flash of lightning through the low clouds of a dull
afternoon, ASQUITH went on with his speech, debate proceeded as if
nothing had happened, and HALDANE's Bill thrown out by 223 Votes
against 148. _Business done_.--Citizen GRAHAM suspended.

_Friday_.--House met to-day as it did yesterday and day before to
discuss Bills and Motions. But all the talk really turns upon date of
Dissolution, and what is likely to happen after a General Election.
SQUIRE OF MALWOOD serenely confident in the future.

"Yes," I said to him to-night, "it must be a great comfort to you to
reflect that when you come into office you will not have to beat about
for a programme. You've got your Newcastle platform, and I suppose a
Liberal Ministry will stand upon that."

"You remind me, dear TOBY," said the Squire, with a far-away look, "of
a story COLERIDGE brought home from his memorable visit to the United
States. On his way down to Chicago he went out on the platform of the
car to breathe the air and look at the scenery. 'Come off that,' said
the Conductor, following him, 'you can't stand on the platform.' 'My
good man,' said JOHN DUKE--you know his silver voice and his bland
manner--'what is a platform for, if not to stand on?' 'Platforms,'
said the Conductor, sententiously, 'are not made to stand on, they are
made to get in on.'"

_Business done_.--Miscellaneous.

* * * * *

ON THE ROW AMONG THE ROMANCERS.