SCENE XXXIV.--_The Morning Room. Half an hour later.

_Lady Maisie_ (_alone--to herself_). Thank Goodness, _that_'s over! It was _awful_. I don't think I _ever_ saw Mamma a deeper shade of plum colour! _How_ I have been mistaken in Mr. BLAIR! That he could write those lines:--

"Aspiring unto that far-off Ideal, How should I stoop to any meaner love?"

and yet philander with my poor foolish PHILLIPSON the moment he met her! And then to tell Mamma about my letter like that! Why, even Mr. SPURRELL had more discretion--to be sure, _he_ knew nothing about it--but _that_ makes no difference! RHODA was right; I ought to have allowed a margin; only I should never have allowed _enough!_ The worst of it is that, if Mamma was unjust in some things she said, she was right about _one_. I _have_ disgusted GERALD. He mayn't be brilliant, but at least he's straightforward and loyal and a gentleman, and--and he did like me once. He doesn't any more, or he wouldn't have gone away. And it may be ages before I ever get a chance to let him see how _dreadfully_ sorry---- (_She turns, and sees_ Captain THICKNESSE.) Oh, haven't you gone _yet?_

_Captain Thicknesse._ Yes, I went, but I've come back again. I--I couldn't help it; 'pon my word I couldn't.

_Lady Maisie_ (_with a sudden flush_). You--you weren't _sent_ for--by--by anyone?

_Capt. Thick._ So _likely_ anyone would send for me, isn't it?

_Lady Maisie._ I don't know why I said that; it was silly, of course. But how----?

_Capt. Thick._ Ran it a bit too fine; got to Shuntin'bridge just in time to see the tail end of the train disappearin'; wasn't another for hours--not much to do _there_, don't you know.

_Lady Maisie._ You might have taken a walk--or gone to Church.

_Capt. Thick._ So I might, didn't occur to me; and besides, I--I remembered I never said good-bye to _you_.

_Lady Maisie._ Didn't you? And whose fault was that?

_Capt. Thick._ Not mine, anyhow. You were somewhere about the grounds with Mr. BLAIR.

_Lady Maisie._ Now you mention it, I believe I was. We had--rather an interesting conversation. Still, you might have come to look for me!

_Capt. Thick._ Perhaps you wouldn't have been over and above glad to see me.

_Lady Maisie._ Oh, yes, I should!--When it was to say _good-bye_, you know!

_Capt. Thick._ Ah! Well, I suppose I shall only be in the way if I stop here any longer now.

_Lady Maisie._ Do you? What makes you say that?

_Capt. Thick._ Nothin'! Saw your friend, the Bard, hurryin' along the terrace with a bunch of snowdrops; he'll be here in another----

_Lady Maisie_ (_in unmistakable horror_). GERALD, _why_ didn't you tell me before? There's only just time!

[_She flies to a door and opens it._

_Capt. Thick._ But I _say_, you know! MAISIE, may I come too?

_Lady Maisie._ Don't be a _goose_, GERALD. Of course you can, if you like.

[_She disappears in the Conservatory._

_Capt. Thick._ (_to himself_). Can't quite make this out, but I'm no end glad I came back!

[_He follows quickly._

_Undershell_ (_entering_). I hoped I should find her here. (_He looks round._) Her mother's gone--that's _something!_ I daresay Lady MAISIE will come in presently. (_He sits down, and re-arranges his snowdrops._) It will be sweet to see her face light up when I offer her these as a symbol of the new and closer sympathy between us! (_He hears the sound of drapery behind him._) Ah, already! (_Rising, and presenting his flowers with downcast eyes._) I--I have ventured to gather these--for you. (_He raises his eyes._) Miss SPELWANE!

_Miss Spelwane_ (_taking them graciously_). How very sweet of you, Mr. BLAIR. Are they really for me?

_Und._ (_concealing his disappointment_). Oh--er--yes. If you will give me the pleasure of accepting them.

_Miss Spelw._ I feel immensely proud. I was so afraid you must have thought I was rather cross to you last night. I didn't mean to be. I was feeling a little overdone, that was all. But you have chosen a charming way of letting me see that I am forgiven. (_To herself._) It's really _too_ touching. He certainly is a great improvement on the other wretch!

_Und._ (_dolefully_). I--I had no such intention, I assure you. (_To himself._) I hope to goodness Lady MAISIE won't come in before I can get rid of this girl. I seem fated to be misunderstood here!

(_To be concluded._)

* * * * *

OUR BOOKING-OFFICE.

_A Strange Career_ is the title of a book recently issued by BLACKWOOD, and it sets forth the life and adventures of JOHN GLADWYN JEBB. Mr. RIDER HAGGARD supplies an introduction, in which he testifies touching Mr. JEBB that of "all friends he was the gentlest and truest, of all men the most trustful." At first reading this testimony is almost necessary, for so wild were Mr. JEBB's adventures in Mexico, so imminent his frequent peril, and so miraculous his inevitable escape, that one seems to be reading a work by Mr. LOUIS STEVENSON, or the author of _She_. In merit of graphic power and style the work need not shrink from comparison even with these masters of the art. It purports to be written by Mr. JEBB'S widow, but as the lady did not become his wife till his strange career had several times been nearly brought to an abrupt close, Mr. JEBB must have been as effective with his pen as he was with his gun. The picture of the eclipse of the sun seen from one of the highest peaks of the Rocky Mountains; the discovery of the pipe-stem when digging round the snow-submerged site of a hut in the mountains, a discovery which, carefully followed up, brought to light "the whiteish-grey fingers of the dead man closely clutching the bowl of the pipe"; the account of the revolt in the streets of the city of Mexico; and the story of the coach party robbed by bandits four times in a single day on a journey from Puebla to Vera Cruz--these are among the frequent flashes in one of the most stirring narratives that has for a long time come in my Baronite's way.

Evidently "Mars," in return for our late curiosity, has been keeping his eye on this gay little planet of ours. His experiences, published by the Parisian firm of _Plon, Nourrit et Cie_, are pictorially related in _La Vie de Londres_. Needless to remark it was our _Côtés riants_ which struck him.

The Baron cannot finish his notes of admiration without giving one of them, and that a big one, to _Phil May's Annual_. That May should appear to brighten up December fogs is nice in itself; and it is phill'd with the best of May produce. "Another thing," quoth the Baron, "about this annual by PHIL MAY is, that all _mes filles_ can read it and see it with pleasure."

At this time of year the Baron examines the "Hardy Annuals" that are heaped upon his table. At the first examination he gives the apple to the "Pip," _i.e._, to the _The Penny Illustrated Paper_, that is, as represented by it's Christmas number called _Christmas Cards_. Charming picture, too, of "_The Queen of Hearts_," photographed from the life--"may she live long and prosper!"--and the story re-latey'd by the indefatigable JOHN LATEY "will delight the most insatiable story-devourer," quoth

THE BARON DE BOOK-WORMS.

* * * * *

IMPROVED AND IMPROVING DIALOGUES.

(_Arranged on the strictest Lines of Truth._)

_At_ Mrs. SOMEBODY'S _on "At Home" Day_.

_Mrs. Somebody._ Well, I am pleased you have come at last, as I wanted you to notice that, although you have a slightly better address, my drawing-room is far larger than your own.

_Mrs. Caller._ You are most kind to say so; and I may add that we should not have dreamed to come to this out-of-the-way part of the world had we not wished to purchase some cheap carpets in the neighbourhood.

_Miss Caller._ I suppose your extremely plain daughter ARAMINTA is away from home; she seldom contrives to hit it off with her mother.

_Mrs. Somebody._ You have guessed rightly; but I may say that she is staying at Lady DASHAWAY'S place in the country. I mention the fact casually, although I am glad to get in a title somehow in the course of my conversation.

_Mrs. Caller._ If you are obliging enough to give me the opportunity, I will get in a dozen persons with handles to their names. You will pardon the vulgarity?

_Mrs. Somebody._ Most certainly, as knowing that your father was a bootmaker in a large way, and your mother the daughter of a milliner, nothing else could be reasonably expected.

_Mrs. Caller._ Aware that you may know something of my immediate ancestry, I will leave no stone unturned to find an opening for some reference to my uncle the curate.

_Miss Caller._ Being glad to add on every conceivable occasion to the list of my partners at any promiscuous charity ball that I may patronise with my presence, I will ask after your eldest unmarried son?

_Mrs. Somebody._ I thank you, my dear child, but as I intend him to look rather higher than yourself for a matrimonial alliance, I will meet your politic inquiry with a pailful of polite cold water.

_Mrs. Caller._ Having now consumed the regulation cup of cold weak tea and section of luke-warm muffin, I will say good-bye, and take my departure. But before leaving I will make special reference to my brougham.

_Miss Caller._ And I will add my _adieux_, after giving a good long look at your hair, which seems to require attention at the roots.

_Mrs. Somebody._ I will warmly speed your parting, reflecting the while, as a sop to my wounded feelings, that you are both looking dreadfully old, and that your conveyance is merely a hired brougham. No doubt your stay would have been longer if the charge per hour had been what your vulgarian of a husband and father (who, thank goodness, has _not_ called) would term "easier."

* * * * *

* * * * *

"SHAKY!"

_The McRosebery loquitur:_--

"The Sprites that owre the Brigs of Ayr preside" (Which ROBBIE BURNS in days lang syne descry'd) Attend me noo! Lo the Auld Brig uprears Its shaky timbers on its sheep-shank piers! Wull I win owre in safety? Losh! I feel Like _Tam o' Shanter_ after that witch-reel. Fays, spunkies, kelpies seem to throng the air; Swift as the gos drives on the wheeling hare They drive on me, like vera deils. Lang rains Wi' deepening deluges o'erflow the plains; The "flowing tide" beneath me brawls like Coil, But the wrang gait its billows brim an' boil. Arous'd by blust'ring winds an' spotting thowes, In mony a torrent down the snaw-broo rowes. If down ye'll hurl, deil nor ye never rise, But dash the gumlie jaups up to the skies. A lesson sadly teaching to your cost That the Brig(g)-builders' Liberal arts seem lost.

Wad I were owre! Sin' Forfarshire went wrang, And our old cause gat sic an unco bang, My speerits sink and groan in deep vexation, To see sic melancholy alteration. Conceited gowks, puff'd up wi' windy pride, Still swell and swagger of the flowing tide. Flowing--but whither? All their fads and havers, Their whigmaleeries and their clishmaclavers Won't change those stubborn "chiels that winna ding." Scotland the good auld songs was wont to sing In a' but universal unison; But noo the janglin' seems to hae begun Even ayont the Tweed. What fa' from grace Hath late begat a base degenerate race? Nae longer phalanxed Rads, their party's glory! Your tartan'd Scot comes forth a true-blue Tory. Nae longer thrifty citizens, an' douce. Vote WULLIE'S lads to the great Council-House, Owre Liberty an' Law to stan' stout sentry, But staumrel, corky-headed, graceless gentry, The herryment and ruin o' the country, Win owre their votes, and Scotia aid affords To that sad gilded cell, the House o' Lords!

Weel, weel! wi' Time we'll have to warstle lang, Be toughly doure, e'en although a' gae wrang; Stands Scotland where she did? That maun be tried. This mony a year thou'st stood the flood and tide, Auld Brig(g); and though wi' Forfar sair forfairn, My hap I here must tent and soon shall lairn. I ken the noo, no much aboot the matter, But twa-three footsteps will inform me better. _Shaky!_ My fears frae friend an' foe I'll cover, But, like puir TAM, I wad I were weel owre!

* * * * *

WAIF AND STRAY.--A very touching incident was recently recorded in the _Times_. It appears that news was received from the astronomical station at Kiel to the effect that "a very faint comet had been discovered by Mr. EDWARD SMITH. It was moving slowly towards the east." Wounded it may be by a shooting star, and "moving," perhaps crawling, to finish its existence in the east. Was ever heard a more moving tale than this of the crawling comet! Alas! Ere now it may be ... but the subject is too pathetic for words.

* * * * *

THE HOUSE-AGENT'S DREAM.

The dreary fog envelopes all the street, The dingy chambers seem more dingy still.-- To advertise them as a "charming _suite_" Would tax e'en _my_ imaginative skill!-- But when I feel dejected, sad, or ill, In swift imagination I can fly To that sweet residence which some day will A home to PHYLLIS and myself supply, When fortune, long-delayed, shall join us by-and-by.

"Delightful scenery" the spot surrounds Where that "palatial edifice" will stand, Secluded pleasantly in "park-like grounds," (Which means an acre of neglected land,) Shooting and hunting will be "near at hand," (Provided you interpret rightly "near.") The bracing climate, too, is simply grand-- Its title to the epithet is clear, Compared, at least, with this appalling atmosphere!

"Reception halls" there certainly will be, "Elegant boudoirs," too, where we shall sit And entertain acquaintances with tea, A "library"--I doubt my using it, But every mansion has one, you'll admit-- Stabling that's "excellent," but not too big, (A cupboard for my bicycle, to wit,) "Shelter for stock "--a solitary pig-- "And spacious flower-beds"--which I shall have to dig!

So, PHYLLIS, from all murmuring refrain, Nor let the thought of poverty annoy, Although you view a "villa" with disdain, And sigh for riches as your chiefest joy, While monetary pleasures quickly cloy, "Sweet are the uses of advertisement," The magic of my calling I employ, And lo! a home that might a prince content, Though fifty pounds a year may pay its modest rent!

* * * * *

* * * * *

* * * * *

THE FOOL'S VADE MECUM.

(_Excerpts from a Handbook for the Majority._)

If you have reason to suspect a gun of being unloaded, make sure by firing at your friend's head.

If you find Him and Her _tête-à-tête_, join the little party. This will show a sympathetic nature, and take all the awkwardness out of the situation.

If you are a woman, always flop down in a smoking-carriage, without noticing the obvious label and the looks of the occupants. When made aware of the situation, say, "Oh, I don't mind smoking," and consider the question solved.

If a man, select carefully a compartment in which Two Young People are ostentatiously trying to look as if they don't find their own company quite sufficient for a journey of any duration.

If you are hurrying for a train, and want an easy, always slacken just as you catch another person up, and walk close behind him, panting and puffing till you are ready for another spurt.

Always read, or recite, your compositions to your friends. Believe them when they protest they would really like you to do so.

Engage in serious argument with a woman with whom you wish to be on really good terms--a rich relation for choice.

Always curse the waiters if the cook has failed in his treatment of your chop or steak.

Always act contrary to the directions in crowded places of public interest. This shows an imperial spirit, and will make you, for the time, an object of general interest.

Always stay to the very end on any occasion when you have been invited at the last moment.

Always talk loud, and, as far as possible, always talk about yourself.

* * * * *

FROM A CORRESPONDENT.--"Sir,--Seeing the advertisement of a book entitled _Poets on Poets_, I should much like to know what has become of a once much-quoted work entitled _Pelion on Ossa?_ Who was 'Pelion'? and what did 'Ossa' write?--Yours, T. NOODELLE."

* * * * *

FIRST IMPRESSIONS.

Pisa, placid Pisa, only awakened at half-past eleven by the rushing tourist who traverses your sleepy streets. By the half-past two train he starts afresh, and leaves you to doze as peacefully as before. My train arrives with amazing punctuality, and I reach the hotel earlier than was ever known; 11.35 A.M., and apparently nobody up yet. The _vetturino_ loudly cracks his whip, but, to no purpose. Suddenly I notice some electric bell-pushes. Ring one. Ring another. Finally, ring them all. Then at last rushes out an elegant gentleman, probably the manager, who excitedly endeavours to speak, and to apologise, in four languages at once. Reduce him to calmness, and to two languages, with a few words from a third thrown in occasionally, and demand _déjeuner_. Another delay. The elegant gentleman does not explain; but evidently the cook is still asleep, and the waiters only just up. But at last I am served, and excellently too, and go off to see the sights.

Unfortunately am seized with an insane wish to ascend the Leaning Tower, when I might have remained comfortably on the beautiful turf at the foot of it. Rouse the official at the door. He says I cannot go up alone. Remember that sort of trick, so tell him he may accompany me. He says he must stay below. Remember also that sort of trick, and offer him a lira. He is still unconvinced! Do not remember any trick of that sort. An extraordinary _custode!_ What will convince him? Am just asking where I can find a companion, when a small, quiet man strolls up. For fifty centesimi he will accompany me. That's cheap enough, so follow him at once. The steps lean first one way and then the other as one goes round the tower. It is like climbing the companion way, as I think one should call it--say the staircase, in plain English--of a steamer in a storm. Begin to dislike the sensation, when my guide suddenly stops. He suggests that the tower is very high and fifty centesimi very low. Tell him I don't mind sixty or seventy, and on we go, round and round. Begin to feel almost giddy--imagine a _circular_ staircase in a steamer in a storm!--when he stops again. Notice in the dim light that he is broad-shouldered and muscular, though short. Pleasant sort of place for a fight with a reckless ruffian! Perhaps he has weapons! He says I ought to pay him a lira. Agree to this at once.

Up again, round and round. Think of all the mysterious murders one reads of, and wish I had never come. Look up at him. He is certainly bigger than I am. And what is that long straight thing which makes his pocket stick out? Oh, horror! It must be a knife, or a dagger in a sheath! Just then he stops, and says he would like a cup of coffee when we get down again. How I wish we were down again! Agree at once. Up a few more steps, and then he stops again and says it is very hot, and he would like a bottle of wine as well. Agree to this also at once. Up again, round and round and round, and at last reach an outside gallery. Peep out through the doorway. Refuse to trust myself beyond. There is only a single iron rail, and that not all round. Guide says I might as well give him five lire, to include the wine and coffee. Agree to this also, and feebly suggest that I have seen enough. But he is inexorable, and on we go again.

At last at the top. Look over at happy, sleepy Pisa, and wish I was down there. So I should be, pretty soon, if he threw me over! Just then he says he would like a few cigars. Tell him I will make it six lire, and that I should now like to go down. No! I must see Livorno. Hang Livorno! But obey him meekly. Then he says he has some antiquities for sale, among them some swords and daggers. Ah! Just what I thought. Glance nervously at the straight thing in his pocket, and say I will look at them. Then he wants me to look over the iron railing at the sloping base below. Hang over in the air? Never! But he will hold my legs. What? Balance myself on a slender bar, while a brigand, as he probably is, tilts me over by the boots? Would sooner buy all the antiquities in Pisa. Good idea. Tell him I will buy his swords if I can go at once to see them. Whereupon he hurries down so fast that I cannot keep pace with him. But I feel happier as I get nearer the outer world, and at last step out safely on to the level earth. Look joyously at the beautiful grass and the road to the railway station. Then perceive the _custode_ and a little man with him. Can that be my guide? Why, I could knock him down easily! What a fool I was to be afraid of him! Still, that dagger--I must pay him the six lire as I have promised them. He reminds me that I also promised to buy his swords. Feel inclined to dispute this, but cannot. So settle it by giving him six lire more. Then, before hurrying to the station, ask him to show me the thing in his pocket. "_Si, signore_," says he, in a meek, deferential tone, and pulls it out. It is a flute.

A FIRST IMPRESSIONIST.

* * * * *

* * * * *

THE SEASONS.

When Winter flies, and sunny skies Invite the lark to sing, my dear, My heart in exultation cries, "Ah! give me balmy Spring, my dear!"

When scented Summer fills the air With zephyrs from the West, my dear, I stretch me on the grass and swear I love the Summer best, my dear.

When gorgeous Autumn paints the wood In red and gold, and green, my dear, I cry delighted, "By the Rood, But Autumn is the Queen, my dear!"

And yet, when through the leafless trees Skirls loud the icy blast, my dear, We, basking by the fire at ease, Do hear it sweeping past, my dear;

And when you mix, as well you know, My tumbler reeking hot, my dear, Why then, what matter ice and snow?-- Bleak Winter beats the lot, my dear!

* * * * *

DIARY OF A DUCK.

["It is even hinted that the London County Council may fill the lakes and ponds of the Metropolitan Parks with sea water."--_Daily Paper._]

_Monday._--Curious what a lot of human beings have come to the water's edge to-day. What's going to happen? St. James's Park crammed with them. We don't mind, of course. The more loafers, the more bits of loaf and biscuit for _us_. Immense amount of quacking going on, too, up at Spring Gardens. What _can_ it all mean?

_Tuesday._--Headache. My liver must have gone wrong, I fancy, as a result of yesterday's unusual supply of eatables. What stale biscuits some people do chuck into the water! Those hard crusts, too, _don't_ agree with me. Same crowd as yesterday. They seem to be waiting for something. Ask a goose what's going on. Goose says, "Dinner," and gobbles up a biscuit. Stupid creature!

_Wednesday._--Appetite all right again--but must be careful. Fortunately can pick and choose _now_. Won't look at a crust. Inclined to insist on fancy bread. Friendly wild-fowl says just the same crowd waiting round Serpentine, _which has been emptied_. Will they empty _us?_

_Thursday._--They will! No doubt about it. Level steadily sinking. Crowd as usual. None of us will touch anything under a bath bun. What a slimy place we _do_ seem to live in, now it's being uncovered! Where's the inspector of nuisances, I wonder?

_Friday._--Water off! What'll be the next move? Offered a Huntley and Palmer with no sugar on it! Scandalous!

_Saturday._--More quacking at Spring Gardens. Then a sort of procession down to the banks by members of the L. C. C. Ask goose what a member of the L. C. C. means. Goose says "Quack!" Idiotic bird. Water really coming in now. Hurrah! Sure to be fresh, anyhow. Have my first dive. How my eyes smart! What funny water it is! Taste some. Why,--_it's salt!_ Just wondering what this means, when a man comes along, claps me into a hamper with all my relations, and takes me off to Leadenhall Market--so he calls it. Told that the L. C. C. has filled all the park ponds with sea-water! No more use for _us_--going to have a lot of sea-gulls instead. What treachery! (_Later._) Sold.

* * * * *

SOUNDING THE ANTITOXIN!

(_See Dr. Robson Roose's excellent article on "The Spread of Diphtheria" in the Fortnightly Review for December, 1894._)

The _Antitoxin_ sounds! "And what the doose Is Antitoxin?" cries the reader, lightly. But he'll not chaff if he reads ROBSON ROOSE Upon Diphtheria in the new _Fortnightly_. There he'll learn how the "Antitoxic serum" Attacks _bacilli_ with a view to queer 'em.

The _Antitoxin_ sounds to a new war On diphtheritic microbes, which are rum 'uns; And Doctor ROOSE, perched on Hygeia's car, Rides forth in battle-rig to spread the summons. Ah! the old conquerors were mere death-dealers, But greatest of Earth's heroes are the healers!

Their war is on man's foes, not on mankind. Hygeia is Humanity's "Little Sister." Funds for her service, though, 'tis hard to find; Hence this appeal of good Sir JOSEPH LISTER[1] For money-aid, successfully to urge The war of the new cure on the new scourge.

It spreads, it strikes, it slays our little ones In legions; deaths in twenty years it doubles; Now LÖFFLER, KLEBS, ROUX, YERSIN, all great guns, Attack the toxic source of dread throat-troubles, As ROBSON ROOSE explains. Read--and remember-- All in the new _Fortnightly_ for December!

[1] Chairman of the Council of the British Institute of Preventive Medicine, who has as yet received only £500 out of the £2000 required to prepare the Antitoxin on an adequate scale.

* * * * *

CHRISTMAS DIARIES.--_Mr. Punch_ suggests that the publisher of these should prefix as an advertisement to these little diaries, dainty diaries, pocket companions, and so forth, all delightful little gifts, _Ophelia's_ words, "Here's (DE LA) RUE for you."

* * * * *

WORDS TO THE WISE WOMEN.

Woman, in unmeet subjects crudely taught, Stung by the splendour of a well-worn thought, First shrieks, as she had sat upon a pin, Then, like a hen amid her cackling kin, Fills a bewildered world with loud, officious din. In time inconstant even to abuse Our rebel sisters hoist a flag of truce, Through deafen'd ears steals Nature's saner voice, Bending the will to Mrs. HOBSON'S choice, And, half-ashamed, with truer glance they scan The fancy-monster they have made of Man. Left to herself, with ample length of rope, The Pioneer, relenting, bids him hope, And Man, though of his manhood nowise cured. Learns that by women he may be endured. But still, ungrateful or accustom'd grown, He leaves the thorny sisterhood alone, And, bold because his conscience knows no fear, Whispers soft counsel to the Pioneer. First, your _soi-disant_ woman-slaves to raise, You copy silly men's most silly ways, As the rich upstart who to _ton_ aspires Reveals the sordid source of his desires By shunning culture, dignity, and grace, To follow Folly's lead, and go the pace. So boys, first freed from tutelage and rules, Set forth to paint the city total gules, With this excuse for draining Folly's cup, "Boys will be boys,"--but _you_ are _quite_ grown up. Too conscious still, and still the slaves of fuss, You take example by the dregs of us, The lantern-jaw'd Effeminates, who tell How Truth lies wallowing in the foulest well; The critic Zanies, who admire a poet, Only, it seems, for other fools to know it, And found Societies of glorious name That a prig President may filch some fame. Man, still more human as he learns the more, Seeks, like a sportsman true, new tasks to floor. Large wisdom gathers as he cracks a bottle With Sages who've ne'er heard of ARISTOTLE, Rates at their proper low stage in creation The prim apostles of Examination, And whether learning brings him fame, or no, Is happier, humbler, gentler, wiser so. Ah, learn whate'er you will, yet spare our hearts A home-grown, feminine Baboo of Arts. Believe it, envious maids, the men you spurn, Think little of the honours that they earn. Too well they're taught in common sense's rules To dwell upon their triumphs in the Schools, And chiefly prize the Baccalaureate fur Because, in love's young days, it pleases Her. But you, in purpose tyrannously strong, Get, in each effort, your perspective wrong. Learn all you wish to learn, exult in learning, For Hymen's torch keep midnight oil a-burning, Bulge your fair foreheads with those threatening bumps, Ungraceful as an intellectual mumps, Be blatant, rude, self-conscious as you can, Be all you feign--and imitate--in Man. Spurn all the fine traditions of the past, Be New or nothing--what's the gain at last?

You know as much, with hard-eyed, harsh-voiced joy, As the shock-headed, shambling fifth-form boy; Adding, what his sound mind would never please, An Asiatic hunger for degrees. True learning's that alone whereon are based Clear insight, reason, sympathy, and taste. Not relic-worshipping of bones long dry, Not giving puppet-life to _x_ and _y_, And walking haughtily a fair world through Because some girls can't do the sums you do. Still less, the little, little world of cliques, Where Mutual Admiration dons the breeks, And then proceeds kind tolerant man to flout-- A petulant, unresented Barring-out. Meanwhile our faith looks on, devoid of fear, Facing the hatchet of the Pioneer. Still will the storm, in Nature's potent plan, Be temper'd to the shorn, or bearded, man. Your sex will still be perfect in its place, With voice of melody and soul of grace. Pose, lecture, worry, copy as you will, Man will be man, and woman woman still!

* * * * *

* * * * *

THE GAME OF CHRISTMAS CARDS.--That Father Christmas is coming to town with his usual entertainment is evident from the cards and advertisements sent everywhere in advance. What is the impossible future of the Christmas card? This is a question suggested by the modern way of looking at things, and especially at the marvellous ingenuity with which RAPHAEL TUCK AND SON have saved their cards from dwindling into the obscurity of dull _averageness_. They are in their pristine freshness scintillating with that adhesive frost on simple summer flowers so entirely metaphorical of the season. Their dainty, artistic, and useful calendars inspire one with a cheerful fascination to begin the New Year.

* * * * *

MORE SHE-NOTES.

(_By_ IÕPNA, _Author of "A Yellow Plaster."_)