The explanation of it all, is that curious figure that sits so silent,
remote, and friendless on the front Opposition bench. Lord Randolph is
still the riddle which nobody can read. Whenever Mr. Balfour appears
Lord Randolph does his best to efface himself, even in the places which
men select on the front bench. Here is a hint of that eternal conflict
and play of ferocious appetites and passions which is going on in the
House of Commons. Everybody who has ever visited the House of Commons
must have observed that pair of boxes which stand on the table in front
of the Speaker's chair. These boxes mark to the outward world the
positions of the most important men in the House of Commons--the Leader
of the House and the Leader of the Opposition. Mr. Balfour, whenever he
is in the House, sits opposite his box, and so proclaims to all the
world the lofty post he holds. And when this is the case, it is in
almost the very last seat--separated by half a dozen other
individuals--Lord Randolph is to be seen. To turn to another part of the
House, it is the men in whom Mr. Gladstone most confides who sit on
either side of him--Sir William Harcourt and Mr.
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