Various

“ The hour was fifteen minutes after midnight. And then, by a sudden effort of memory, I remembered that the dear old Meebhoy had told me that at this hour every night a crowd of fanatical priests and attendants, armed every one of them to the very teeth, came to the stable of their sacred brute in order to take him out for an hour's promenade through the groves and avenues that surround his shrine. The danger, then, was imminent. If we were discovered nothing could save us, and we should perish miserably with our prize within our grasp. ”

“ Am I to understand that not only counsel but their clients are present.
Mr. Bands (after consultation) . Certainly, my Lord.
His Lordship. Then allow me to address them en bloc. Now I am quite sure that a few minutes' conversation amongst yourselves will set everything right. Commence with the very sensible assumption that anything is better than litigation, and see what comes of it. I will retire to my room to let you have a chat in comfort. When you are all ready, send for me. But mind, take my advice, and hold to the sensible assumption that anything is better than litigation. ”

“ You never know what may come in useful."
I took it from him and bade him prepare for the plunge. Nearer and nearer sounded the tramp of the advancing priests. I judged that we had exactly three minutes left, and I told Ganderdown that the next time the animal's jaws were open to their widest he was to go down head first, and trust to providence and me for the rest. Ganderdown needed no further incitement. ”

“ Quite a Happy Thought,—"Why not republish Marryat? We will." So all hands to the re-issue, and success to it, quoth the nautical
Baron de Book-Worms.
Good Omen.—One of the Directors of a New Water Company is Sir Spencer Wells. Everyone well knows the genuine value of the Sparkling Wells. Will the worthy Bart., as the Mädchens do at the Elisa Fountain, serve out "the Harefield" (not Hare-aërated) "and Springwell" waters at a much-frequented bar, and be thenceforth known as Sir Dis-pensary Wells? We wish them all success. "Water, water, everywhere, and plenty fit to drink!" ”

“ Hicks-Beach takes charge of train in temporary absence of regular guard. To-night Ireland coyly comes again to front; John Morley brings in still another Land Bill. In such circumstances Prince Arthur's absence, always regrettable, becomes peculiarly unfortunate. He knows Ireland thoroughly, and where knowledge fails he supplies the lack with inflexible opinion; which, in an Irish Minister or Ex-Minister, is the next best thing to knowledge.
Happily there is Carson and St. John Brodrick. They represented Front Opposition Bench in Committee on Land Question which sat last year. ”

“ It's never dull here when you're Asleep!"
SILENT!
["He (the late Ismail Pasha) did not conceal his opinion that Egypt should be left to the Egyptians, but admitted that a strong Government was indispensable. He thought that in any circumstances a great deal would depend upon the character of the Khedive. Ismail believed that if the Khedive were a competent and energetic ruler, a satisfactory state of affairs might be established in Egypt within a very short time."—"Times" Vienna Correspondent.] ”

“ Thursday.—Another pleasing night in Committee of Supply. Opportunity favourable for showing how varied, comprehensive, illimitable is knowledge of the Busy B's. On Supplementary Estimates, the business of to-night, variety of topics succeed each other. Private Hanbury at home with every one of them. There is nothing Tommy Bowles doesn't know. If there were, Bartley would supply omission. Performance a little hampered by accident of Goldsmid's being in Chair. Something about Julian depressing to high spirits. ”

“ Would it be of any use to write to the Society of Antiquaries and tell them about our village, and ask them to come and inspect it? I don't think anything could well be much marshier. Even the ducks here suffer badly from rheumatism (which they don't try to suppress) . We live all the year round on deep clay, and just at present on charity. The one thing that Soke-in-the-Mire never sees is dust. ”

“ Business done.—Very little in Committee of Supply.
Friday.—Success attending new device of issuing tickets whereby seats may be appropriated before prayers, naturally leads to further development. Now proposed that replica in wax shall be made of all Members. These stored in crypt. When Member arrives just takes up his wax image, carries it under arm, pops it down on his seat, and is at liberty to wander about at pleasure. Of course, if Member intends to be in his place continuously, won't bring out the wax figger; be in his seat himself. ”

“ New custom will be particularly convenient on Treasury Bench. Squire of Malwood frets at continuous absence of his colleagues during debate. Sometimes goes out to look for them, and stays away long time himself. With wax figgers all this trouble obviated. Treasury Bench always full, either with flesh or figger. If Minister called away, pulls out label, hangs it over figger's neck with legend, "Back in ten minutes," or the like. Whilst convenience of Members thus cared for, satisfaction of strangers in galleries largely increased. ”

“ We shall not see thy like again!
We've fallen on times most queer and quacky,
And oft shall miss the healthy brain
And manly heart of brave old Blackie!
Mrs. R. says she wouldn't miss the Naval and Military at Sandown for anything. ”

“ Goldsmid positively declined to submit amendment, and before astonished, outraged B's had recovered their breath the main question was put; Committee divided; no chance of returning to subject.
Then he's depressing in other ways. When vote been talked round for an hour, he attempts to put question. Up jumps Tommy Bowles. ”

“ Little Khedive. "TELL ME, GREAT SPHINX—IS EGYPT FOR THE EGYPTIANS?"
[pg 128]
[pg 129]
"Hi, Billy! are yer Movin'?" BAIL UP!
A Correspondent, who has been reading Gray's "Elegy," says there is a reference to the England v. Australia match in it. He quotes the line—
"How jocund did they drive their team afield!"
as proving his point. The allusion to "drives," "teams," and "fielding," he remarks, can hardly be misunderstood. And if they could, the following line settles the matter:—
"How bow'd the wood beneath their sturdy stroke!" ”

“ Besides this, Goldsmid has a way of spoiling sport unknown under the more benignant sway of Mellor, whom, every one is sorry to know, is down with influenza. To-night, after three hours' discussion upon amendment to vote for expenses in extradition proceedings against Jabez Balfour, Committee divided ”