CHAPTER III.
A SOBER AND SUBDUED OPPOSITION.
I have always held that the present Government would first begin to fix its hold upon the country when it was face to face with Parliament.

It was, during the vacation, like a great firm that is expected by everybody to do a vast amount of business, but that has been unduly and unexpectedly delayed in building its works.

A visit to the House of Commons during the week ending February 24th would have exemplified what I say.

It is true there would have been missed all the intense fury and excitement which characterised one of the most exciting and interesting weeks the House of Commons has seen for many a day.

There was a calm, the deadliness of which it is impossible to exaggerate.