That the Treasury bench
should be full at this time was a thing of custom. A whole
broadside of questions would be fired off, one after another, like
a rattle of musketry down the ranks, when as nearly as possible
the report of each gun is made to follow close upon that of the
gun before,--with this exception, that in such case each little
sound is intended to be as like as possible to the preceding,
whereas with the rattle of the questions and answers, each
question and each answer becomes a little more authoritative and
less courteous than the last. The Treasury bench was ready for its
usual responsive firing, as the questioners were of course in
their places. The opposition front bench was also crowded, and
those behind were nearly equally full. There were many Peers in
the gallery, and a general feeling of sensation prevailed. All
this Silverbridge had been long enough in the House to
appreciate;--but to Tregear the House was simply the House.
'It's odd enough we should have a row the very first day you
come,' said Silverbridge.
'You think there will be a row?'
'Beeswax has something special to say.
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