London at the End of the Century:A Book of Gossip
a Beckett, Arthur William
1900
A NIGHT IN THE HOUSE.
A LITTLE before three o'clock a couple of attendants stroll in to see that all is in order. Two large prayer books are placed on the table, and a couple of foot-stools appear before them. These aids to devotion are for the use of the Speaker and the Chaplain. Some dozen members-more or less-take up their places on the comfortable green leathered lounges that appear on either side of the canopied chair reserved for the use of the first commoner in England. The Reporters' Gallery is vacant, because strangers are not admitted until prayers are over. It is presumed that M.P.'s prefer to pray for themselves, and resent assistance from without. The Ladies' Gallery is filled with occupants, dimly seen through the bars that were placed in position many years ago to keep wives from threatening their titular lords and masters. As Big Ben strikes three, Mr. Speaker and the | |
48 | Chaplain enter in procession, and the former stands in front of his chair, with the latter to the left of him. The members present remove their hats, stand up, and turn with their faces to the wall. Then, at the invitation of Mr. Speaker, the Chaplain reads three prayers-two of them (those for Her Majesty and the Prince and Princess of Wales, and the rest of the Royal Family) are in the Book of Common Prayer- and the third is special to the place and the occasion. The legislators give up some five minutes to their devotions, and then the members face about, sit down, and resume their hats, while the Chaplain retires gracefully, saluting the Speaker as he backs into the lobby. |
