How in this respect the Leader of the House through two Sessions of peculiar difficulty stands with both tides, testified to by a ringing cheer, repeated when PRINCE ARTHUR, who always does these things well, voiced the common feeling as he recognised in the blushing SQUIRE "one of the greatest ornaments of this House." "That's all very well, TOBY," said the SQUIRE, when I offered him my congratulations on deliverance from a situation long become intolerable. "You put it prettily. But I hope the experience of the last fortnight will be a lesson to you. You hadn't been gone a week and two days when the cordite bomb was exploded. Never forget what you must have learned in your nursery kennel: When the dog's away, The rats will play." All business set aside. All Bills dropped save Seal Fisheries. This Cap'en TOMMY BOWLES, master of himself though Ministers fall, proceeds to discuss as calmly as if nothing had happened. Whilst other Members already have their eyes on their constituencies and their faces towards the door, TOMMY, buttonholing Time as it were with his hooked arm, leisurely discusses the close season for Seal Fishing. _Business done._--The Government's. _Tuesday._--House met again, expecting further particulars about the Ministerial crisis. Benches full, but not so crowded as yesterday. Again the SQUIRE, PRINCE ARTHUR, and JOSEPH absent. The two latter not expected. When they reappear they will sit side by side on Treasury Bench. But where was the SQUIRE? Preliminary business finished. House waiting for next move. Must be made by SQUIRE. Where was he? Members tossed about on seats. All eyes strained towards space behind SPEAKER'S chair, whence Ministers approaching Treasury Bench emerge. Minutes passed; SQUIRE still tarried. Horrible rumour that cordite had done fresh stroke of work. FREDERICK MILNER said he distinctly heard sound of explosion in neighbourhood of room of Leader of House. Another report was that SQUIRE had been kidnapped, shipped off to distant colony by direction of new SECRETARY OF STATE. Whilst probability of these wild guesses balanced, SQUIRE entered, whole and hale. Had been waiting to hear from THE MARKISS. Nothing had come, so must adjourn. _Business done._--House adjourned. [Illustration: THEIR NEW SUITS. _Admiral G-sch-n._ "Oh, I say, Joey old man, what a comical costume! It does make me laugh!" _Colonial Ch-mb-rl-n._ "Well, hang it, Jokey old boy, _you_ can't say much!"] _Wednesday._--All settled: SQUIRE announces that MARKISS has undertaken to form new Ministry. Writs moved for elections to fill vacancies consequent on acceptance of office. Amongst them West Birmingham, JOSEPH having undertaken to care for the Colonies. Prospect of "Our JOE," as SAGE OF QUEEN ANNE'S GATE affectionately calls him, sitting in Cabinet Council with THE MARKISS, strangely moves House. Irish Members in particular give vent to feelings in cries that forebode lively times for new Minister.