Page:The life and letters of Sir John Henniker Heaton bt. (IA lifelettersofsi00port).pdf/42

 Westminster will deprive the House of much of its interest and colour.

Parnell and H. H. were on friendly terms. "Unknown and unknowable, trusting least those on whom he most depends, he rules Ireland by the absence of every quality usually attributed to Irishmen."

From Kilmainham, Parnell frequently wrote to H. H. saying that a firmer alliance could be made with the Conservative Party on educational and religious questions than with the Liberal Party; and at one time Parnell worked hard to make what he called "business" terms with the Conservatives.

Parnell's powers of detachment were remarkable. He came into the House one afternoon when the fiercest excitement prevailed, regarding the publication by "The Times" of the forged letters.

In a short speech, he denied the authorship of the letters, and then walking into the Lobby engaged H. H. in earnest conversation. Every one thought he was speaking of the political event then stirring men's minds—in reality this is what Parnell said:

"I have just read in the afternoon paper that a mountain of gold has been discovered in Western Australia and that some tons of the specimens have been sent home to you."

H. H. replied that it was true, and gave Parnell about a wineglassful of the "crushing." He took it away with him, and to the bewilderment of his party no one saw him for a week, and very few indeed knew his address. On that day week, almost at the same hour, he again appeared in the lobby. Walking up to H. H. he said, smilingly: "I have analysed the specimens, and they go thirty-two ounces of gold to the ton." H. H. said