with her chief counsel, which an ill-natured person would perhaps think makes him now forget in some measure the great disparity betwixt their present condition.  The Chancellor gave no discouragement to his familiarity * * *.  A variety of lords, squires, generals, ossa innominata followed, for whom the Chancellor cared perhaps about as much as I did.  At length Sir James Scarlett was announced, and the Chancellor left his place to meet him.  His welcome was very hearty.  Brougham was doubtless gratified by this token of respect from a man who was indisputably his leader in the courts, and for whose forensic abilities it is known, that he entertains, and has often expressed, the highest admiration.  The position of the two men was singular, and to the ex-attorney not very enviable.  Scarlett was in high practice before Brougham was even called to the bar.  He kept a head of him in their profession throughout; and twice he had filled the first places at the bar, when the respective attainments of these eminent persons were such, that if Brougham had been placed before him, Scarlett would have had just ground of complaint; and the bar would have unanimously decried the appointment.  Now, however, by one of those cross accidents which will occur in the most fortunate lives, Scarlett was, with strict justice and universal acquiescence, placed below his former competitor, and in direct opposition to all the early friends with whom he commenced his political career.  It was matter of necessity and of course that he should go out when his employers were obliged to surrender office; and no man could complain that Brougham should then be elevated to a distinction, which in other circumstances Scarlett might have thought his own by indisputable right * * *.  The Speaker of the House of Commons was then announced.  Brougham and he met as warm friends, though certainly men having little in kindred.  In point of talent there is no ground of comparison; yet it may be doubted whether they are not nearly as great in their own way.  I have no notion of the place which the Speaker held in parliament before he was elected to the chair, and I know few situations which require more tact and management.  In these qualifications the present Speaker is signally gifted.  He brings a degree of good nature to the office, which no event, however untoward, can ruffle;—­his calmness never forsakes him:  he is the same easy, dignified chairman at all times.  The Commons are a truly turbulent body, but they are not impatient of his sway.  In all emergencies he is vigorously supported:  in his hands, the authority of his office, though rarely exercised, has lost none of its force.  Brougham himself was one of the most fiery spirits in this hot region; but a word from the Speaker would calm him in an instant.  Among other qualifications for command, he is possessed of a fine mellow, deep-toned voice, which, while it powerfully enunciates the “Order,” frees the command from all harshness or severity.