the most of what time is left.  I fancy they’ll at least miss me at St. Margaret’s.  Proudest moment in my life, TOBY, when the other Sunday, I overheard one of the Vergers saying to another, ’Man and boy I’ve been in this ’ere church for forty year, but I never heard a Amen carry so far as Muster GELGE pitches his.’  It’s something to be appreciated, TOBY.  Can’t say that House of Commons has taken to me kindly; but toward what may be the close of a Parliamentary career, the tribute of this honest Verger is, I will admit, soothing.”

(12:25.)—­GEDGE moves Count; bells ring; SQUIRE OF MALWOOD strolls in with the pleased expression of a man who might be at the Derby, but isn’t; HORACE DAVY and some others; all told only 13.  “If you’ll excuse me.  Gentlemen,” said the SPEAKER, “I’ll retire; look in again little later.”

[Illustration:  “Formerly of the Herts Militia.”]

(1 P.M.)—­SPEAKER back in Chair; ATTORNEY-GENERAL moves Count; bells ring as before; SQUIRE OF MALWOOD again comes in; no deception; wasn’t lurking about with intent to show up in House, then rush off to catch half-past twelve train for Epsom.  Heads counted; only 19 present; must have forty or no House.  “Look here, Gentlemen,” said the SPEAKER, “this won’t do.  The Chair is not to be trifled with.  I shall again retire, and won’t come back till four o’clock, or till I am assured there are forty Members present.”

SPEAKER gathered up skirts and strode forth.  Three hours before House can be Counted Out.  What’s to be done in the time?  ELLIOT LEES determines to make a book; 6 to 4 no House (t. and o.); HENRY FOWLER wouldn’t bet; but ROBY put something on, and ALBERT ROLLIT staked a fiver.

(4 P.M.)—­SPEAKER back again; House much fuller now; ELLIOT LEES looking anxious; made a nice book if he can only pull it off.  But arrival of half a dozen Members would upset everything.  ROBY and ALBERT ROLLIT rushing about corridors trying to bring men in; LEES KNOWLES moves Count; more ringing of bells; ROLLIT and ROBY, on picket-duty to last moment, nearly locked out; SPEAKER counts; finds only 35.  “The House will now adjourn,” says the SPEAKER.  “Don’t see why we should have met at all,” says ROBY, snappishly.  “I do,” says ELLIOT LEES, making his little collection.  “I’ve had a pleasant and profitable afternoon.”

Business done.—­House not made.

Friday.—­House met at two o’clock; might have sat till seven; but at five minutes to five gently broke up.  Won’t be back till Thursday.  “Not much of a holiday.” said Viscount GRIMSTONE, formerly of the Herts Militia; “better make the most of it;” and he set off at the rate of five miles an hour.

Business done.—­Adjourned for the Whitsun Recess.

* * * * *

[Illustration]

THE VIGOROUS VICAR.—­Dr. MILLS of Coventry, to which place his bitterest enemies cannot relegate him as he is already there, acts up to his name, as a Member of the Church Militant, with pluck and perseverance, whether right or wrong it is not for amicus curiae to say.  But, it may be asked, is this action for the rates, on the part of the Vicar, a Vicar’s first-Rate Act or not?  Some parishioners suspend payment; we suspend judgment.