r colleagues stood up and silently
followed him out of the room. In silence they were watched by the minority
who remained, in number twenty-six.(278)

VII

A vacancy at Bassetlaw gave Mr. Gladstone an opportunity of describing the
grounds on which he had acted. His speech was measured and weighty, but
the result showed the effect of the disaster. The tide, that a few weeks
before had been running so steadily, now turned. The unionist vote
remained almost the same as in 1885; the liberal vote showed a falling off
of over 400 and the unionist majority was increased from 295 to 728.

About this time having to go to Ireland, on my way back I stopped at
Hawarden, and the following note gives a glimpse of Mr. Gladstone at this
evil moment (Dec. 17):--

I found him in his old corner in the "temple of peace." He was
only half recovered from a bad cold, and looked in his worsted
jacket, and dark tippet over his shoulders, and with his white,
deep-furrowed face, like some strange Ancient of Days: so
different from the man whom I had seen off at King's Cross less
than a week before. He was cordial as always, but evidently in
some perturbation. I sat down and told him what I had heard from
different quarters about the approaching Kilkenny election. I
mentioned X. as a Parnellite authority. "What," he flamed up with
passionate vehemence, "X. a Parnellite! Are they mad, then? Are
they clean demented?" etc. etc.

I gave him my general impression as to the future. The bare idea
that Parnell might find no inconsiderable following came upon him
as if it had been a thunder-clap. He listened, and catechised, and
knit his brow.

_Mr. G._--What do you think we should do in case (1) of a divided
Ireland, (2) of a Parnellite Ireland?

_J. M._--It is too soon to settle what to think. But, looking to
Irish interests, I think a Parnellite Ireland infinitely better
than a divided Ireland. Anything better than an Ireland divided,
so far as she is concerned.

_Mr. G._--Bassetlaw looks as if we were going back to 1886. For me
that is notice to quit. Another five years' agitation at my age
would be impossible--_ludicrous_ (with much emphasis).

_J. M._--I cannot profess to be surprised that in face of these
precious dissensions men should have misgivings, or that even
those who were with us, should now make up their minds to