CHAPTER XII.
RENEWAL OF THE FIGHT.
[Sidenote: A fresh start.]
Nothing of memorable importance occurred during the week before the
Whitsuntide holidays, but with Tuesday, May 30th, came the renewal of
the great battle over Home Rule. The Old Man was first to be observed.
He looked very fresh and sunny, but, at the same time, had that slightly
deepened pallor which he always has on the first day of a Session--the
result of the long day's journey which he has gone through in coming
from his country house. Mr. Balfour was also in his place, looking as
though the open rivalry of Lord Randolph Churchill had not much affected
his spirits. Mr. Chamberlain nearly always looks the same. He has
himself informed the world that he does not take exercise in any shape
or form whatsoever, and there is never therefore, on his cheek that look
of deep-drunk sunshine which marks the cheeks of more active men. But he
was ready for the conflict, and as the night went on showed there was no
decrease in either the venom or the vehemence with which he means to
fight against the Home Rule Bill. On the Irish Benches nearly every man
was in his place, and the Tories had so far benefited by their
buffetings from the _Times_ as to make a braver show than they usually
do in the early days after vacation.
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