Fortunately the Primate's heart failed him.

He had obstinately fought the battle down to the last stage.

But he probably felt that it was no light thing to take on himself, and to bring on his order, the responsibility of throwing the whole kingdom into confusion.
He started up and hurried out of the House, beckoning to some of his brethren.

His brethren followed him with a prompt obedience, which, serious as the crisis was, caused no small merriment.

In consequence of this defection, the motion to agree was carried by a majority of five.
Meanwhile the members of the other House had been impatiently waiting for news, and had been alternately elated and depressed by the reports which followed one another in rapid succession.