By this time, curiosity was keenly excited.

But Mr.Gladstone--smiling, holding the House in firm attention and rapt admiration--was determined to play with the subject a little longer.

The letter was not directed even to the Commoner.

It was directed to a "Peer;" and as he uttered this sacred word, with a delicious affectation of reverence, he raised the index finger of his hand to high heaven, as though only a reference to a region so exalted could sufficiently manifest the elevation of the personage who had been the recipient of the letter.

The House saw the point, and laughed in great delight.