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  like step, was conspicuous in his wanderings about the corridors. The Irish members appeared in goodly number, including the haggard visage of Mr. Maguire, and the slim boyish form of the O'Connor Don. When Mr. Speaker was announced the House was about half full. With stately step, and a gentle stooping in his shoulders, the Right Honorable gentleman came, a few minutes before two o'clock, followed by his chaplain and the other officers. "The Speaker is at prayers!" A little commotion of tongues and feet outside, and the Black Rod is announced.

All this time your humble correspondent was continently waiting in the grand corridor leading from the Commons to the Lords, which, however, is by far the best place for the curious spectator at this stage of the proceedings. An accomplished baronet, a member of the Lower House, had me in charge, together with an Italian refugee. Both of us wanted to get places in the Lords to hear the Speech read, but we did not want to leave the present point of observation a minute too soon. A few minutes, and Black Rod returned, with the "faithful Commons" in a straggling crowd at his back. There was no time to be lost. I