about eleven o'clock
Lord Mulross had been knocked down by a taxi-cab on his way home the night before , and was now in bed suffering from a bad shock and a bruised ankle . There was no cause for anxiety , said the report , but his lordship must keep his room for a week or two . The second item , which filled leading articles and overflowed into `` Political Notes , '' was Mr. Vennard 's speech . The Secretary for India had gone down about eleven o'clock to the House , where an Indian debate was dragging out its slow length . He sat himself on the Treasury Bench and took notes , and the House soon filled in anticipation of his reply . His `` tail '' -- progressive young men like himself -- were there in full strength , ready to cheer every syllable which fell from their idol . Somewhere about half-past twelve he rose to wind up the debate , and the House was treated to an unparalleled sensation .