In disclaiming this charge he showed his great powers of oratory and the splendid and thrilling notes of his fine voice.

He defended himself at once from the charge of undue partiality with strong passion and deep emotion, which lie hidden beneath his deep reserve.

With a face ghastly almost in its greyness, in its deepening glows and manifest passion, he repudiated the charge of unfairness; he vehemently struck his hand on the order paper which he held, and as he neared to the end of his little speech there was a ring in his voice dangerously near a sob or a tear.

It is on such occasions that Mr.
Gladstone's sonorous and splendid diction and delivery come most to the front; beginning a little awkwardly, hesitatingly, he warmed as he went along, and there came to him the strange power of collecting his thoughts and measuring his language which long years of Parliamentary training has made a second nature.

The House listened--rapt, hushed, spellbound.