[Illustration:  In revolt.]

“Sir,” he said, bending angry brows on Chairman, “I am afraid my speech interrupted your conversation.  Therefore I have moved further away.”

That was all, but it was enough.  HERBERT GARDNER slunk away, COURTNEY hastily turned over pages of the Bill; hung down his guilty head, and tried to look as if it were MILMAN who had been engaged in conversation.  Now MILMAN was asleep.

Business done.—­Level flow of Debate on Tithes Bill interrupted by revolt of SYDNEY GEDGE.

Friday.—­Rather a disappointing evening from Opposition point of view.  In advance, was expected to be brilliant field-night.  Irish Administration to be attacked all along line; necessity for new departure demonstrated.  SHAW-LEFEVRE led off with Resolution demanding establishment of Courts of Arbitration.  Large muster of Members.  Mr. G. in his place; expected to speak; but presently went off; others fell away, and all the running made from Ministerial Benches.  SHAW-LEFEVRE roasted mercilessly.  House roared at SAUNDERSON’s description of his going to interview SULTAN, and being shown into stable to make acquaintance of SULTAN’s horse.  Prince ARTHUR turned on unhappy man full blast of withering scorn.  Don’t know whether SHAW-LEFEVRE felt it; some men rather be kicked than not noticed at all; but Liberals felt they had been drawn into ridiculous position, and murmured bad words.  “What’s the use,” they ask, “of winning Hartlepool out of doors, if things are so managed that we are made ridiculous within?”

Business done.—­SHAW-LEFEVRE’s Resolution on Irish Land Question negatived by 213 Votes against 152.

* * * * *

“THERMIDOR” UP TO DATE.

(TONED DOWN FOR ENGLISH RECEPTION.)

    Last Act—­On the road to the Guillotine—­Hero, instead of
    Heroine, about to be executed—­Heroine imploring Hero to sign
    paper.

Heroine.  Attach but your signature, and you are free!

Hero (after reading document in a tone of horror).  What, a vow to marry, with the prospect of a breach of promise case to follow!  Never!  Death is preferable! [Exit to be guillotined.  Curtain.

* * * * *

AN ARTIST AND A WHISTLER.—­M.  COQUELIN has summoned M. LISSAGARAY for having thrown a whistle at him on the night of the Thermidor row.  It is to be hoped that by this time M. LISSAGARAY will have been made to pay for his whistle.

* * * * *

NOTICE.—­Rejected Communications or Contributions, whether MS., Printed Matter, Drawings, or Pictures of any description, will in no case be returned, not even when accompanied by a Stamped and Addressed Envelope, Cover, or Wrapper.  To this rule there will be no exception.