FOX and run with Brer RABBIT." If in the end Brer FOX won,
nothing in TAY PAY's Scotland Road speech need prevent him returning
to his allegiance. If Brer FOX remained under a cloud, he could jog
along with Brer RABBIT. Been careful not to spoil the little game by
taking part in debate in House.

Now, on this London Tramways Bill, which touches neither Brer FOX
nor Brer RABBIT, TAY PAY interposes. Conservatives snort impatiently
when he rises; cry aloud for division; take it for granted that TAY
PAY will back up DEMOS's demand for equal right of way. But TAY PAY
has genuine little surprise in store; is loftily contemptuous of
tramways, doncha. If they cross the bridge and approach the precincts
of the West End, what is to become of carriage-folk? "A noisy and
inconvenient system of locomotion," said TAY PAY, shuddering with
disgust, as though he heard a coarse voice crying "Fares, please!"

[Illustration: Demos.]

House roared with laughter; RADCLIFFE COOKE talked about opposition
"coming from Members who hoped to ride in gilded coaches"; CREMER
rudely reminded TAY PAY that ten or fifteen years ago, he would have
taken a very different view of the convenience of tramway cars. This
wasn't pleasant; but when the Division bell rang, TAY PAY had the
satisfaction of walking, alone amongst his Party, with the Gentlemen
of England, triumphantly vindicating the rights of carriage-folk
against tramway trabs. Long time since House of Commons witnessed
a scene so rich as this in material for reflection. _Business
done_.--TAY PAY declares against trams.

_Friday_.--Attendance on House gradually diminishing; what with
influenza, and Irish Land Bill in Committee, Members gradually
thinning off. No M.P. complete without his influenza. Barks shall not
be out of anything if its humble, but conscientious Member can manage
it; so I've "took" the influenza, or the influenza's "took" me.
Don't exactly know how it came about. Anyhow, we're in bed together.
_Business done_.--Don't know anything about it.

* * * * *

LEAVES FROM A CANDIDATE'S DIARY.

[CONTINUED.]

[Illustration: Looking for a Seat.]

_Wednesday, April 30th, "George Hotel," Billsbury_.--Spent yesterday
and the day before in chambers at the Temple. No work as usual. Think
I shall give it all up, and take entirely to politics. Yesterday
afternoon a Mr. RICHARDSON GROGRAM called on me by appointment. He had
written me a long letter statin