o
knows?--the portly frame of him who now proudly bears the humble
title, SQUIRE OF MALWOOD, may recline.

But that is another story. The gowned-and-wigged figure observed
walking up the floor of the House of Lords at half-past five on a June
evening, was not making for the Throne. Before that piece of furniture
stood a bench, in appearance something like the familiar ottoman
of the suburban drawing-room. It was the Woolsack, and the _svelte_
figure, swinging towards it with the easy stride of superlative grace
and comparative youth, was the LORD HIGH CHANCELLOR! Before him,
at respectful distance, went his Purse-bearer, ready to produce the
wherewithal should his Lordship desire a pick-me-up by the way. Behind
him came the Mace-bearer, and, a foot further in the rear, Black Rod.

[Illustration: "Accommodated with a Seat."]

Odsfakins! a stately procession, which ought to have been set in the
centre of an admiring multitude. But the LORD CHANCELLOR'S springy
footfall echoed through an almost empty chamber. DENMAN was faithful
at his post, ready to move that some Bill be read a Second Time on
that day nine months. Here and there, on widely severed benches,
perched a Peer, whilst from the Gallery, where he had been
accommodated with a seat, the smiling mobile face of Mr. Justice DAY
peered forth. He had just looked in on his way home from the Courts,
interested in a scene where some day he may take his place as Brother
BRAMWELL and Brother COLERIDGE have done.

The keen eyes of the great LORD CHANCELLOR flashed round the chilling
scene. Clerk at the table mumbled something about Provisional Orders.

"Those that are of that opinion say 'Content,'" observed the LORD
CHANCELLOR. "Contrary, 'Not Content;' the Contents have it. This House
will now adjourn."

Then uprose the LORD HIGH CHANCELLOR, and with the same stately
swinging step, moved towards the doorway, with the Purse-bearer, the
Mace-bearer, and Black Rod in his train. It was twenty-five minutes to
Six; full five minutes had elapsed since the House of Lords met. Now
House of Lords had adjourned, and the throbbing pulses of an Empire on
which the sun never sets beat with steadier motion, knowing that all
was well. _Business done._--House of Lords adjourned.

_Thursday_.--Rather a painful scene just now between PRINCE ARTHUR and
the SQUIRE of MALWOOD. T.W. RUSSELL proposed new Clause on Irish Land
Bill, which provided for reinstatement of evicted tenants; recei