‘It appears that this gentleman having just purchased a phonograph, constructed on a new principle, and being wishful to present it to one of his grand-children, as a scientific plaything, he carried it to Mistress Mercia with a view of obtaining a record of her conversation, which he expected would prove equally instructive, as interesting to his grand-children. ‘It was his intention to ask this favour, as soon as she made her appearance, and in order that her time, usually so valuable, should not be unduly taken up, he opened out his instrument, making it ready for the reception of the sound-waves. Finding, at length, that he would have to wait some little time before seeing her, he took up a book and commenced reading, and finished by dozing off into a light slumber, according to the manner of elderly folk with nothing to occupy their attention. ‘He was awakened from his sleep by the sound of voices,—that of the Emperor, and the fair Astronomer; both evidently in a state of unusual excitement. ‘To his utter annoyance he discovered that the nature of the conversation to which he was being made an unwilling listener, was of a character wholly unsuitable for the presence of a third person. The situation became more and more distressing to him; he knew not what to do. It was impossible to leave the apartment without discovery; it was equally objectionable to reveal his presence at such a moment. With many conflicting thoughts, he finally decided to stay where he was until the termination of the interview, when he would leave the room comfortably; at the same time forming a resolution to keep the affair a dead secret within his own bosom, and let it rest there for ever. ‘This merciful intention on his part towards the Emperor, he was compelled to abandon, on account of the false charge that monarch had so quickly and ingeniously invented against Mercia, whereby he hoped to cover his guilt. ‘I will now call upon Mr. Sadbag to open his instrument, and give us the dialogue that was so unintentionally recorded therein; but which I am afraid will prove more interesting to the company present, than edifying or instructive to that gentleman’s progeny.’ Mr. Sadbag immediately sprang to his feet, and taking up the mysterious parcel proceeded to the witness box, when he requested a few moments’ grace to adjust the mechanism of his unique witness; after which was heard in the most natural tones the voice of the Emperor in lively mood saying—‘Ah, Mistress Mercia, what cheerful looks thou dost carry to-day! Methinks thy face betokens much content: hast thou taken my words to heart, fair lady, ’twas truly excellent advice?’ Then followed Mercia’s musical voice, in this wise—‘Sire, thou saidst something concerning the sun. Thou didst talk of coming to learn more of his condition, I believe.’