That was the day which tried Mr.Gladstone more, perhaps, than any day for many a year; and, indeed, it tried others as much as he, though not everybody bore it with the same iron and inflexible courage.

There were large absences--some of the Irish away at conventions in Ireland, others without that legitimate excuse; there were Liberal absentees as well.

Obstruction, meantime, stalked triumphantly; and when the divisions came, our strength sank down to almost invisible figures.

Ah! it was saddening to look at Mr.
Gladstone's face throughout that long morning sitting of Friday, March 10th.

There are some days that live in one's memory, not so much as days as nights--with the ghastly spectres of darkness--nightmares--hauntings of a hideous past--anticipations of a joyless future.