For the moment you could actually imagine that the Old Man had
forgotten that there were such things in the world as Home Rule,
Obstruction, Newmarket Lowther, and Brummagem Joe. And all the time here
were we, who could be his sons, grinding our hearts in despair--in
futile anger--in melancholy retrospect.
[Sidenote: An hour of gloom.]
With the Monday, however, came a biting frost. The news that Mr.
Gladstone had been struck down from the fray, was sufficient to prepare
anybody for the final announcement. With him leading the Liberal hosts,
one could feel that obstruction could finally be beaten, however
obstinate might be its resistance--for he has the faith that moves
mountains. Then came the announcement that the second reading of the
Home Rule Bill had been postponed till after Easter. The Tories and the
Unionists were apparently taken by surprise; so much so that they did
not seem to have the power of yelling forth their delight at the triumph
of their policy with that full chorus which one would have expected.
Altogether, the announcement came upon the House, and passed the House,
with a quickness and a greater quietness than one might have expected.
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