But when the newspapers told him that he was the only man for the occasion, how could he be justified in crediting himself in preference to them?
The work in Parliament began under the new auspices with great tranquillity.

That there would soon come causes of hot blood,--the English Church, the county suffrage, the income tax, and further education questions,--all men knew who knew anything.

But for the moment, for the month even, perhaps for the Session, there was to be peace, with full latitude for the performance of routine duties.
There was so to say no opposition, and at first it seemed that one special bench in the House of Commons would remain unoccupied.

But after a day or two,--on one of which Mr.Daubeny had been seen sitting just below the gangway,--that gentleman returned to the place usually held by the Prime Minister's rival, saying with a smile that it might be for the convenience of the House that the seat should be utilised.

Mr.Gresham at this time had, with declared purpose, asked and obtained the Speaker's leave of absence and was abroad.