Matthew Parris watches Charles Kennedy

Today's Parris column features one of those little observations of human character that make him one of my favourite political writers:

From the public balcony where I watched Charles Kennedy’s speech here in Brighton, I am able to reveal what any TV camera could have shown. The report that to avoid an embarrassingly enthusiastic reception Mr Kennedy interrupted his standing ovation by walking off before the applause died, was inaccurate. He walked smartly backstage and paused there, just out of the audience’s sight, in case the applause should not die. He was ready (I would speculate) for a second curtain-call. He’s only human.

But the applause died fast. Mr Kennedy resumed his journey off the rostrum.