Business done.—­Shadow of Dissolution gathering close.

Friday.—­I see TAY PAY, in the interesting Sunday journal he admirably edits, reproaches me because, in this particular page of history, “Mr. SEXTON,” he says, “is derided constantly and shamefully.” Anglice:  Occasionally when, in a faithful record of Parliamentary events, SEXTON’s part in the proceedings must needs be noticed, it is gently hinted that among his many admirable qualities terseness of diction is not prominent.  In fact he has been sometimes alluded to by the playful prefix WINDBAG.  If TAY PAY had been content to administer reproof, it would have been well.  But he goes on to discuss SEXTON’s parliamentary style, and comes to this conclusion:—­“Mr. SEXTON’s one fault as a speaker is that he does not proportion his observations sufficiently at certain stages in his speeches; and that preparation sometimes has the effect of tempting him to over-elaboration.”  If TAY PAY likes to put it that way, no one can object.  Only, space in this journal being more valuable, the same thing is said in a single word.

Business done.—­Small Holdings Bill sent on to the Lords.

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[Illustration:  OVERHEARD AT EARL’S COURT.

Old Buffer. “UGH!  I’M TIRED TO DEATH OF BEING HUNTED!  BLESSED IF I’LL RUN AWAY FROM THOSE BLANK CARTRIDGES AGAIN!”

Broncho. “YES, YOU BET!  AND I’VE MADE UP MY MIND TO QUIT BUCKING.  IT’S PERFECTLY SICKENING HAVING TO DO IT FROM YEAR’S END TO YEAR’S END!”]

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