Hardly a sound disturbed the stillness, save the monotonous eloquence of the gentleman who occupied the floor.

Now and then a warrior of the opposition broke down under the pressure, gave it up, and went home.
Mr.Buckstone began to think it might be safe, now, to "proceed to business." He consulted with Trollop and one or two others.

Senator Dilworthy descended to the floor of the House and they went to meet him.
After a brief comparison of notes, the Congressmen sought their seats and sent pages about the House with messages to friends.

These latter instantly roused up, yawned, and began to look alert.

The moment the floor was unoccupied, Mr.Buckstone rose, with an injured look, and said it was evident that the opponents of the bill were merely talking against time, hoping in this unbecoming way to tire out the friends of the measure and so defeat it.