ry seriously. Sometimes, indeed, he showed symptoms of independence,
but, as Sir John used laughingly to say, 'while Alonzo's speeches are
sometimes wrong, his vote is always right.' Sir John, of course, was
quite {168} satisfied with this arrangement. Once a year, to the great
entertainment of the House, Wright would make a characteristic speech,
felicitously phrased and brimful of humour. One of these harangues in
particular remains in my recollection. Like all good-natured members
residing near the capital, 'Alonzo' was much plagued by office-seekers
of all classes. Among these was a certain Madame Laplante of Hull,
whose aspirations did not rise above a charwoman's place. She was
unusually persistent. One day, as the 'King' was driving over the
Sappers Bridge, he saw a woman in front of his horses waving her arms
wildly as a signal to stop. He pulled up, and saw that it was Madame
Laplante. Being rather hazy as to her present fortunes, he ventured to
express the hope that she liked the position which he had been so
fortunate as to obtain for her. Madame Laplante, with sobs, said that
she was still without work. At this the 'King' feigned unbounded
indignation. The rest must be told in his own words.

'Impossible,' I made answer. 'It cannot be.' Upon receiving renewed
assurances that so it was, my resolution was {169} taken in an instant.
Turning my carriage I bade the weeping woman enter, and drove at once
to the Public Departments. Brushing aside the minions who sought to
arrest our progress, I strode unannounced into the Ministerial
presence. 'Sir,' said I, 'I have come to you as a suitor for the last
time. You may remember that you promised me that this worthy woman
should be employed forthwith. I learn to-day that that promise, like
many others you have made me, is still unfulfilled. There is a time
when patience ceases to be a virtue. Sir, my resolution is taken. I
am as good a party man as lives, but there is something that I value
more than my party, and that is my self-respect. This afternoon my
resignation shall be in the hands of the Speaker, and I shall then be
free to state publicly the sentiments I entertain towards all violators
of their word, and by the aid of this victim of duplicity, to expose
your perfidious treatment of one of your hitherto most faithful
supporters.' My arguments, my entreaties, my threats prevailed, and
Madame Laplante that day entered the service of her