obstructed last Session, leading, on one occasion, to an All-night Sitting; and there was the Seed Potato Bill, innocent enough in appearance, but, like all Irish measures, capable of blossoming into portentous things.  But everything had gone smoothly.  Here was the 8th of December, not quite a fortnight after opening of Session, and appointed work nearly finished.  To-night would read a Second Time second portion of Land Bill, and then, hey, for the Christmas holidays!

[Illustration:  Surveying the Battle-field.]

Prince ARTHUR, entering House with long, swinging stride, smiling sweetly around him, started at the prospect before him.  Hitherto Benches in Irish quarter have been empty; accustomed occupants wrestling with each other in Committee Room No. 15.  “For a fortnight,” as SYDNEY HERBERT said, dropping into poetry as he surveyed the battle-field from the Bar, “all bloodless lay the untrodden snow.”  Now Prince ARTHUR, like “LINDEN, saw another sight.”  The Irish quarter closely packed.  At the corner seat by the Gangway TIM HEALY, terribly truculent; a little further down the new Leader of the regenerate party, bent on making more History for Our Own Times.

Whilst PARNELL was yet the uncrowned king, he eschewed the habit of Guerilla Leaders (whether with or without a following) of appropriating a corner seat.

“For a very good reason,” says WILLIAM MURPHY, once mildest-mannered man that ever built a tram or railway, now transformed into exceedingly plain-spoken politician.  “If PARNELL had taken corner seat, his comings and goings—­especially his goings—­would have been more easily marked.  Sitting midway down the Bench, amongst the ruck of Members, he was not noticeable except when he wanted to be noticed.  Could slink in and out without attracting attention.”

[Illustration:  Not quite “O Keay!”]

Not for that reason, but from sheer modesty, JUSTIN MCCARTHY has taken up almost identical position; Truculent TIM guards the corner seat, where he can snap and snarl with fuller freedom.  Fell upon Prince ARTHUR to-night with fearsome ferocity.  The Prince, having explained his measure last week, when TIM and the rest were “deliberating” in Committee Room No. 15, he presumed to think he needn’t repeat exercise, and so moved.  Second Reading by dumb gesture.  TIM on his feet as if propelled from catapult.  What! the Chief Secretary not going to make a speech when the new Irish Party had mustered for the first time in the history of a reeling and revolving universe?  Abominable Atrocious!!  Contumeliously contemptuous!!!

TIM moved Adjournment of Debate; wanted to discuss merits of Bill on this motion.  Deputy-Speaker interfered on point of order.  TIM must speak or burst.  If he withdrew his Motion for Adjournment, he might get someone else to move rejection of Bill.  Then his opportunity would come.  Eye fell on SEYMOUR KEAY, dressed in height of antique fashion, reclining on Bench below him.  KEAY always wanting to make speech.  Not invariably coherent, but that no consequence.  He would be only too glad to move rejection of Bill; then TIM would dive in and get off his speech.