And all the time here were we, who could be his sons, grinding our hearts in despair--in futile anger--in melancholy retrospect.
[Sidenote: An hour of gloom.] With the Monday, however, came a biting frost.

The news that Mr.
Gladstone had been struck down from the fray, was sufficient to prepare anybody for the final announcement.

With him leading the Liberal hosts, one could feel that obstruction could finally be beaten, however obstinate might be its resistance--for he has the faith that moves mountains.

Then came the announcement that the second reading of the Home Rule Bill had been postponed till after Easter.

The Tories and the Unionists were apparently taken by surprise; so much so that they did not seem to have the power of yelling forth their delight at the triumph of their policy with that full chorus which one would have expected.
Altogether, the announcement came upon the House, and passed the House, with a quickness and a greater quietness than one might have expected.
The consequences were too serious to be grasped immediately; and men were almost anxious to get to the lobbies for the purpose of discussing it in all its bearings.
The rest of the week was but a poor falling-off after the heroic and tragic fever of its opening, and of the week which preceded it.