Page:In defense of Harriet Shelley, and other essays.djvu/256

 MARK TWAIN

were solidly packed, the floor still empty. Another half -hour later Wolf entered and passed to his place; then other deputies began to stream in, among them many forms and faces grown familiar of late. By one o clock the membership was present in full force. A band of Socialists stood grouped against the ministerial desks, in the shadow of the Presidential tribune. It was observable that these official strong holds were now protected against rushes by bolted gates, and that these were in ward of servants wearing the House s livery. Also the removable desk-boards had been taken away, and nothing left for disorderly members to slat with.

There was a pervading, anxious hush at least what stood very well for a hush in that house. It was believed by many that the Opposition was cowed, and that there would be no more obstruction, no more noise. That was an error.

Presently the President entered by the distant door to the right, followed by Vice-President Fuchs, and the two took their way down past the Polish benches toward the tribune. Instantly the customary storm of noises burst out, and rose higher and higher, and wilder and wilder, and really seemed to surpass any thing that had gone before it in that place. The President took his seat, and begged for order, but no one could hear him. His lips moved one could see that; he bowed his body forward appealingly, and spread his great hand eloquently over his breast one could see that; but as concerned his uttered words, he probably could not hear them himself. Below him was that crowd of two dozen Socialists

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