However, Mr.Gladstone, after his Socratic fashion, lowered his eyes for a moment and went off into one of those abstract reveries whither he always allows his fancy to wend its way whenever his opponents are particularly rancorous.

Then he described the resolution--not the revolution--as in the interest of the convenience and liberty of the House.

But he immediately added--with the sweetest smile--that Mr.Balfour would doubtless form his own judgment on that point; and then, still calm, sweet, with the tendency to the reverie of the good man grossly misjudged by sinful opponents, he sat him down.
[Sidenote: An awkward moment.] In the midst of the exultation which the announcement of the Government had produced in the Liberal ranks, there came a difficulty and a humiliation.

An amendment had been proposed, Mr.Gladstone had twice opposed it, everything pointed to its ignominious rejection, and, in view of the coming closure, everybody seemed to want rapid despatch.

And thus a division was immediately called.