First the secretary rose, ran off a quantity of statistics, as to what had been done by the great League, what it was going to do, and how many converts had been induced to join, which was exceedingly uninteresting, I think, but which elicited loud applause from the rest of the audience.  Then some resolution was passed, at which if you agreed you were begged “to signify the same in the usual way.”  After which those who thought differently were asked to show their feelings in the same fashion.  I held my hand up here, but I suppose the ruling councillor did not expect any opposition, for he never even looked round to see, but gabbled off by rote, “On the contrary? carried unanimously!” and my amiable attempt at running counter to the rest was not even noticed!

Then the ruling councillor gave way to Mr. ——­ (here a sickly smile was directed at the great man), who had so very kindly come to speak to us this evening, who would, he felt sure, quite enchant us with his—­er—­great eloquence (another leer to his right).

The great man then came forward, and with a superior smile on his countenance waited until the applause which greeted his entrance had ceased, and then began.  He commenced somewhat softly, detailing all the advantages of the Primrose League:  what it had done for England, the fear it arouses in the heart of the Liberal faction, how it will raise the country to a summit it never before has reached!  No! and never would have reached had it not been for this flourishing, this powerful League! &c., &c., &c.  His voice gradually grew louder and louder until, with beating his hands on the table, stamping violently over the sins of the Radicals, and perspiring vehemently in the effort, he presented anything but a pleasing spectacle.

Of course animation like this brought down the house.  The applause nearly deafened me, and I was quite glad when he drew near the end of his most tedious speech.  He concluded by calming down very suddenly, returned to his original tones, and thanking his audience for his exceedingly kind reception, retired to his seat looking, as Mr. Mantalini would say, a “dem’d damp, moist, unpleasant body.”

Then up rose the ruling councillor, and called us all to pass a vote of thanks to the “gifted orator.”  Someone seconded it, and the great man came forward again to thank us for thanking him.  A sort of “So glad, I’m glad, you’re glad” business, it seemed to me.

Then the ladies were thanked for being present:  “Such great aids, and such an important element in the League,” with a snigger, and what he confidently hoped was a fascinating smile, but which made him resemble a very placid cow with the corners of its mouth turned up.  Such a mouth, too!  The poor man could have whispered in his own ear had he wished.  Then someone returned thanks for the ladies.  The ruling councillor was thanked, and thanked his thankers back again, and after a few more people had exhibited their great faculty for gratitude the meeting broke up—­the only moment at which I felt inclined to applaud.