So it proved. Whilst GEORGIE descanting on excellence of Naval Administration, House so empty that Count moved. A little hard this on a Minister in charge of most important department of State; but, after all, Votes were the thing, and Votes were taken hand-over-hand. GEORGIE'S oration being cut short by attempt to Count he sat down, and as quick as Chairman could put question L3,312,500 of our hard-earned money was voted. Hadn't been in the House five minutes when bang went another million. Only half-a-dozen of us present, including WILSON of Hull, who sat on edge of Bench, with hat in hand, staring at COURTNEY, as he ticked off million after million. For myself, as representing a Constituency of the Gentlemen of England, grew rather to like it. Something exhilarating in the consciousness that you, being one of eight Members representing the House of Commons, can say "Aye" or "No" to proposal to vote a million sterling more or less. "The question is," says COURTNEY, "that a sum not exceeding L1,103,200 be voted to HER MAJESTY on account of sums falling due for victualling, clothing and Naval establishments. Those that are of that opinion, say 'Aye;' contrary 'No.'" Well, what shall you do? Pretty stiff sum; get a pretty lot of victuals for the million; several suits of clothes for the L103,000. Should you, just to show your independence, knock off the odd L200? No. Barks likes the thing done generously. Why throw in a note of discord? Besides, it doesn't all come out of your pocket. So you say "Aye;" GEORGIE HAMILTON nods in grateful appreciation; COURTNEY seems relieved; the thing's done, and you walk out with a glowing consciousness of having behaved handsomely. Slight coolness sprung up between OLD MORALITY and GRANDOLPH. Of late been on rather friendly terms, despite occasional kicking over of the traces by GRANDOLPH. "Boys will be boys," OLD MORALITY says, smiling genially on his young friend. To-day little hitch arisen; GRANDOLPH has sent to papers text of his Memorandum addressed to FIRST LORD of TREASURY in 1888, warning them against appointing Special Commission. GRANDOLPH, having set forth with masterly force his objections to scheme, winds up with remark:--"These reflections have been sketched out concisely. _If submitted to a Statesman_, many more, and much graver reflections, would probably be suggested." OLD MORALITY hadn't noticed it before; but now words in print stare him in face, doesn't like it. "'Submitted to a Statesman,'" he murmured--"what does the fellow mean? Weren't they submitted to Me?" _Business done._--Voted money by hands-full.