No one every thought of that before.  As far an anyone knows, place isn’t licensed; consequently, in very birthplace of legislation, the law has for years been systematically defied.  Worse this than what happened at Temple the other day, when LORD CHANCELLOR and a score of principal Members of Bar of England narrowly escaped indictment for playing a drama in an unlicensed hall.  Vision conjured up the police making sudden descent on the House, walking off with SPEAKER, SERGEANT-AT-ARMS, and possibly OLD MORALITY, to nearest station, there to be locked up till released on bail.

[Illustration:  Jemmy, J.P.]

JEMMY LOWTHER much struck by suggestion.  His innate magisterial instincts on the alert.  We all know and like JEMMY, but few of us have opportunity of seeing him at his very best.  That happens when he sits on the Magisterial Bench and dispenses justice.  It is as JEMMY, J.P., he rises to the fullest height of his judicial manner.  Still, pretty well just now.  A little embarrassed at the outset by consciousness that his postal address at Leeds is “Swillington House.”  Afraid some ribald person will remember this, and vulgarly connect it with the discussion.  Delightful to observe the way in which he reproved GEORGE CAMPBELL for language unbecoming the precincts of the Court.  CAMPBELL had lightly spoken about “Members requiring a pick-me-up.”  “Persons enjoying the privilege of obtaining alcoholic liquors,” was the way JEMMY put it, with a severe glance towards the abashed Knight of Kircaldy.

Business done.—­Committee of Supply.

Friday.—­Turns out to-night that MORTON doesn’t approve the Triple Alliance.  This would be awkward, in any circumstances.  Peculiarly embarrassing just now with one of the principal signatories our guest.  Emperor WILLIAM, was most anxious to come down to House; meant to see everything whilst he was here, not knowing what may happen before another opportunity presents itself.

“Always read your Diary, TOBY,” he said to me, over a strawberry and cream at Marlborough House yesterday; “gather from it the impression that House of Commons is exceedingly interesting place; all its Members eloquent, and all its Ministers virtuous.  Must go and see it.  Look in on Friday.”

Here’s a go!  Known beforehand that MORTON meant to state his views on the MARKISS’s foreign policy, with its evident leaning toward Germany.  Very awkward if EMPEROR came in just while MORTON was speaking.

“It would play the doose with the ententy cordially,” said JULIUS ’ANNIBAL PICTON, who resents MORTON’s interference in the field of foreign policy.

Happily Emperor WILLIAM didn’t get as far as Westminster; detained at Guildhall; just got off in time to dine with the Great DOOK, and afterwards to the ball at Buckingham Palace.  So peace between to great nations is maintained.  But MORTON ran us pretty close. Business done.—­Committee of Supply.