Two young ladies in confidential conversation: "When I think that M. Coquardeau is going to be my husband, I feel sorry for Alexander." "And I for Coquardeau." [Illustration: "He's coming! Take off your hat!"--GAVARNI, _Paris_, 1846.] Two married ladies in conversation: "Yes, my dear, my husband has been guilty of bringing that creature into my house before my very eyes, when he knows that the only man I love in the world is two hundred leagues from here."--"Men are contemptible" (_lâches_). Husband writing a note, and his wife standing behind him: "MY DEAR SIR,--Caroline begs me to remind you of a certain duet, of which she is extravagantly fond, and which you promised to give her. Pray be so good as to dine with her to-day, and bring your music with you. For my part, I shall be deprived of the pleasure of hearing you, for I have an engagement at Versailles. Pity me, my dear sir, and believe me always your affectionate COQUARDEAU." A young man in wild excitement reading a letter: "On receipt of this, mount, fly; overtake in the Avenue de Neuilly a yellow cab, the steps down, gray horse, old coachman, 108, one lantern lighted! Follow it. It will stop at the side door of a house at Sablonville. A man and a woman will get out. That man--he was my lover! And that woman--she is yours!" [Illustration: The Scholastic Hen and her Chickens. (Cruikshank, 1846.) _Miss Thimblebee loquitur._ "Turn your heads the other way, my dears, for here are two horridly handsome officers coming."] Lady fainting, and a man in consternation supporting her head: "Clara, Clara! dearest, look up! Don't! Clara, I say! You don't know _any_ nice young man! I am an ass, with my stupid jealousy. And you shall have your velvet shawl. Come, Clara! Now then, Clara, _please_!" Lady dropping two letters into the post-office. First letter: "MY KIND AMÉDÉE,--This evening, toward eight, at the Red Ball. Mind, now, and don't keep waiting your CLARA." Second letter: "MY HENRY,--Well-beloved, judge of my despair--I have a sore throat that is simply frightful. It will be impossible for me to go out this evening. They even talk of applying twenty leeches. Pity a great deal, and love always, your CLARA."