Business done.—­Practically none.

Tuesday.—­Amid the pomps and vanities of a wicked world there is something refreshing and reassuring in spectacle of SAGE OF QUEEN ANNE’S GATE going about his daily business.  One would describe him as childlike and bland, only for recollection that combination of harmless endearing epithet has been applied in another connection and might be misunderstood.  A pity, for there are no other words that so accurately describe SAGE’s manner when, just now, he rose to pose Prince ARTHUR with awkward question about Dissolution.  Wanted to know whether, supposing Parliament dissolved between months of September and December in present year, a Bill would be brought in to accelerate Registration?  Terms of question being set forth on printed paper, not necessary for the SAGE to recite them.  For this he seemed grateful.  It relieved him from the pain of appearing to embarrass Prince ARTHUR by a reference to awkward matters.  No one could feel acutely hurt at being asked “Question No. 8.”  So the SAGE, half rising from his seat—­so delicate was his forbearance, that he would not impose his full height on the eyesight of the Minister—­“begged to ask the FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY Question No. 8.”

Quite charming Prince ARTHUR’s start of surprise when he looked at the paper and saw, as if for the first time, the question addressed to him.  Dear me! here was a Member actually wanting to know something about the date of the Dissolution, and what would follow in certain contingencies.  As a philosopher, Prince ARTHUR was familiar with the vagaries of the average mind.  He could not prevent the SAGE, in his large leisure, untrammelled by no other consideration than that of doing the greatest amount of good to the largest number, indulging in speculations.  But for Her Majesty’s Ministers, the contingency referred to was so remote and uncertain, that they had not even contemplated taking any steps to meet it.

Then might the SAGE assume that, if the contingency arose, the Government would act in the manner he had suggested?

No; on the whole, Prince ARTHUR, thinking the matter over in full view of the House, concluded the SAGE might hardly draw that deduction from what he had said.

[Illustration:  Cap’n Birkbeck.]

The House, having listened intently to this artless conversation, proceeded to business of the day, which happily included the adoption of a Resolution engaging the Government to connect with the mainland, by telephone or telegraph, the lighthouses and lightships that twinkle round our stormy coasts.  It was Cap’n BIRKBECK who moved this Resolution, seconded from other side in admirable speech by MARJORIBANKS.

Business done.—­Excellent.

Wednesday.—­Much surprised, strolling down to House this afternoon, to find place in sort of state of siege.  Policemen, policemen everywhere, and, as one sadly observed, “not a drop to drink.”  Haven’t seen anything like it since KENEALY used to shake the dewdrops from his mane as he walked through Palace Yard, passing through enthusiastic crowd into House of Commons, perspiring after his efforts in Old Westminster Courts.  Later, when BRADLAUGH used to-give dear old GOSSET waltzing lessons, pirouetting between Bar and Table, scene was somewhat similar.