In February
they certainly had not expected to be called to power in the
course of the existing session. Perhaps they did not expect it
yet. There was still a Conservative majority,--though but a small
majority. But the strength of the minority consisted, not in the
fact that the majority against them was small, but that it was
decreasing. How quickly does the snowball grow into hugeness as it
is rolled on;--but when the change comes in the weather how quickly
does it melt, and before it is gone become a thing ugly, weak and
formless! Where is the individual who does not assert to himself
that he would be more loyal to a falling than to a rising friend?
Such is perhaps the nature of each one of us. But when any large
number of men act together, the falling friend is apt to be
deserted. There was a general feeling among politicians that Lord
Drummond's ministry,--or Sir Timothy's--was failing, and the
Liberals, though they could not yet count the votes by which they
might hope to be supported in power, nevertheless felt that they
ought to be looking to their arms.
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