Mr.
Marjoribanks--of all Whips the most genial, even-tempered, and long-suffering, as well as the most effective--was to be seen, rushing backwards and forwards between the lobby and the Treasury bench, where, with Mr.Gladstone, he held whispered and apparently excited conversations.

Meantime, there grew up in the House of Commons that mysterious sense of coming storm which its quick sensibilities always enable it to see from afar.

There came a sudden murmuring, and then a strange stillness, and older members almost held their breaths.

From the Irish benches not a sound escaped.

In most Parliamentary frays--especially when the storm rages--there are certain Irish members who are certain to figure largely and eminently; but on these benches there was a silence, ominous to those who are able to note the signs of the Parliamentary firmament.