temeraire brightened perceptibly at the news , but he was unsatisfied with so bare an explanation and proceeded to inquire with great energy into the prospects of abolition ; laurence perforce had to explain parliament and the distinction between the commons and the lords and the various factions engaged in the debate , relying for his particulars on his father 's activities , but aware all the while that he was overheard and trying as best he could to be politic .