It was an ominous sign for Lumley; but he was looking the Opposition in the face, and did not observe it.

He sat down in triumph; he had made a most effective and a most mischievous speech,--a combination extremely common.

The leader of the Opposition replied to him with bitter calmness; and when citing some of his sharp sentences, he turned to the premier, and asked, "Are these opinions those also of the noble lord?
I call for a reply,--I have a right to demand a reply," Lumley was startled to hear the tone in which his chief uttered the comprehensive and significant "_Hear, hear_!" At midnight the premier wound up the debate; his speech was short, and characterized by moderation.

He came to the question put to him.

The House was hushed,--you might have heard a pin drop; the Commoners behind the throne pressed forward with anxiety and eagerness on their countenances.
"I am called upon," said the minister, "to declare if those sentiments, uttered by my noble friend, are mine also, as the chief adviser of the Crown.