They,
too, heard the crackle of the buckram, and were aware that the
last touch of awe had come upon that brow just as its owner was
emerging from the shadow of the Speaker's chair;--but to them it
was a thing of course. A real Csar is not to be found every day,
nor can we always have a Pitt to control our debates. That kind of
thing, that last touch has its effect. Of course it is all paint,--
but how would the poor girl look before the gaslights if there
were no paint? The House of Commons likes a little deportment on
occasions. If a special man looks bigger than you, you can console
yourself by reflecting that he also looks bigger than your
fellows. Sir Timothy probably knew what he was about, and did
himself on the whole more good than harm by his little tricks.
As soon as Sir Timothy had taken his seat, Mr Rattler got up from
the opposition bench to ask him some questions on a matter of
finance. The brewers were anxious about publican licences. Could
the Chancellor of the Exchequer say a word on the matter? Notice
had of course been given, and the questioner had stated a quarter
of an hour previously that he would postpone his query till the
Chancellor of the Exchequer was in the House.
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