One finds it difficult to learn the language fluently because of a peculiar second language called "slang," which is in use even among the fashionable classes. I despair of conveying any clear idea of it, as we have no exact equivalent. As near as I can judge, it is first composed by professional actors on the stage. Some funny remark being constantly repeated, as a part of a taking song, becomes slang, conveying a certain meaning, and is at once adopted by the people, especially by a class who pose as leaders in all towns, but who are not exactly the best, but charming imitations of the best, we may say. To illustrate this "jargon," I took a drive with a young lady at Manchester--a seaside resort. Her father was a man of good family, an official, and she was an attendant at a fashionable school. The following occurred in the conversation. Her slang is italicized: Heathen Chinee: "It is very dull this week, Miss ----." Young lady, sententiously: "_Bum._" Heathen Chinee: "I hope it will be less bum soon." Young lady: "_It's all off with me all right_, if it don't change soon, _and don't you forget it_!" Heathen Chinee: "I wish I could do something." Young lady: "Well, you'll have to _get a move on you_, as I go back to school to-morrow; then there'll be _something doing_." Heathen Chinee: "Have you seen ---- lately?" Young lady: "Yes, and isn't he _a peach_? Ah, he's a _peacharina_, and _don't you forget it_!" Young lady (passing a friend): "_Ah, there_! why _so toppy_? _Nay, nay, Pauline_," this in reply to remarks from a friend; then turning to me, "Isn't she a _jim dandy_? _Say_, have you any girls in China that can _top_ her?"