Then Ratler whispered a few words to his neighbour: "I knew the way he'd run when Gresham insisted on poor old Mildmay's taking him into the Cabinet." "The whole thing has gone to the dogs," said Bonteen.

On the fourth night the House was divided, and Mr.Daubeny was the owner of a majority of fifteen.
Very many of the Liberal party expressed an opinion that the battle had been lost through the want of judgment evinced by Mr.Gresham.
There was certainly no longer that sturdy adherence to their chief which is necessary for the solidarity of a party.

Perhaps no leader of the House was ever more devoutly worshipped by a small number of adherents than was Mr.Gresham now; but such worship will not support power.

Within the three days following the division the Ratlers had all put their heads together and had resolved that the Duke of St.
Bungay was now the only man who could keep the party together.

"But who should lead our House ?" asked Bonteen.