These boxes mark to the outward world the positions of the most important men in the House of Commons--the Leader of the House and the Leader of the Opposition.

Mr.Balfour, whenever he is in the House, sits opposite his box, and so proclaims to all the world the lofty post he holds.

And when this is the case, it is in almost the very last seat--separated by half a dozen other individuals--Lord Randolph is to be seen.

To turn to another part of the House, it is the men in whom Mr.Gladstone most confides who sit on either side of him--Sir William Harcourt and Mr.John Morley.

If on any day it were seen that either of these two men had left the side of their leader, and was separated from him by several others, the rumour would run like wildfire through the House of Commons that the relations of the Premier and one of his chief lieutenants were strained.
[Sidenote: Deadly foes.] So Mr.Balfour watches Lord Randolph and Lord Randolph watches Mr.
Balfour, with the deadly vigilance of two men who stand opposite each other in a wood with drawn swords in their hands.