_Exp. C._ Your Lordship is most kind. But my point, my Lord, is so plain--the matter is so clear. Surely your Lordship must see it. _His Lordship_ (_with much irony_). It is my fault, no doubt, Mr. BANDS, but as matter of fact your point is absolutely lost to me. I confess I cannot see it at all. _Exp. C._ I would not propose for a moment that your Lordship's judgment is at fault. But I would venture to suggest that the atmosphere of the Court is sufficiently dense to cloud the clearest and most brilliant intellect. _His Lordship_ (_mollified_). There is a good deal in what you say, Mr. BANDS, but of course, we must put up with it. There is no remedy. _Exp. C._ With every possible respect to the Bench, my Lord, I would humbly suggest that there is a remedy. _His Lordship._ Can you quote a case? _Exp. C._ I can, at any rate, refer to an opinion. _His Lordship._ Has it been reported? _Exp. C._ Certainly, my Lord. You will find it in the Reports of the Hardwicke Society. Lord Chief Justice RUSSELL OF KILLOWEN has laid it down that snuff is a most valuable assistance to the proper dispensation of justice. His Lordship has declared that the inhaling of prepared tobacco through the nostrils "clears the judicial brain, predisposes it to calmness and impartiality, and enables a learned judge to listen with patience to the most fluent and prolific of forensic orators." If your Lordship pleases. [_Offers snuff-box to the Judge._ _His Lordship_ (_after taking a pinch_). Well, certainly the point you have raised seems clearer to me than it did. (_After a few moments of consideration._) I will reserve the case for further consideration, and will deliver judgment later. _Exp. C._ As your Lordship pleases. I will ask the usher to hand my authorities to your Lordship. _His Lordship_ (_receiving snuff-box_). You are very good. I will not overlook their assistance in coming to a conclusion. I hope the occasion may never arise when I might be compelled, as the vulgar tongue expresses it, to "give you snuff." [_Scene closes upon mutual courtesies._ * * * * * [Illustration: "OH, I'M GLAD YOU'VE GOT A PIANO IN THE ROOMS! WHAT IS IT?--A BROADWOOD?" "NO, MUM. MYOGH'NY!"] * * * * * ESSENCE OF PARLIAMENT. EXTRACTED FROM THE DIARY OF TOBY, M.P. _House of Commons, Monday, April 22._--Easter holidays over; school back; new master in charge; process of installation a little lacking in pomp and circumstance. This due in large measure to incidence of holiday. At Westminster, as at other schools, boys don't insist, _vi et armis_, on returning on the opening day. Wide gaps on most of the benches; Front Opposition Bench a wilderness. PRINCE ARTHUR and all his merrie men abstained from lending to installation of new Speaker the grace and comfort of their presence.