The variety of individuality in the children, to whom we are here introduced, is noteworthy. In the days of Leech, downright impudence seems to have been a characteristic of the young; to-day it would seem children are better mannered, even if the _enfant terrible_ is still thriving and likely to do so. There are nice children here, and naughty ones; clever and dull children; pretty and ugly children--the mischievous are chiefly memories of last generation! Phil May's children are all clearly of the "gutter snipe" order, in which he delighted, full of character and a somewhat pathetic humour; but how clean and sweet and lovable are Du Maurier's or Mr. Lewis Baumer's! Mr. Raven-Hill seems to be attracted somewhat in the same direction as Phil May; but all are interesting, and their sayings and doings are eminently worthy to be thus permanently gathered into one volume. * * * * * [Illustration: Boy (_looking forward to a party in the evening_). "Oh, mummy, baby _is_ naughty! He has taken two things off the calendar, and made it to-morrow!"] * * * * * MR. PUNCH WITH THE CHILDREN [Illustration: A STUDY IN EXPRESSION] A SERIOUS MATTER.--_Grandfather_ (_to Miss Pansy, who is somewhat flushed and excited_). What's the matter, my pet? _Miss Pansy_ (_aged eight_). Oh, grandpa, me and my kitten have been having the most awful row. We've often quarrelled before and made it up again, but this time we're not on speaking terms. * * * * * [Illustration: _Bobbie_ (_dictating letter to his sister, whom he has "squared" into writing for him_). "Dear Miss Brown, please xcuse Bobbie for not bean at school sinse Tewsday has he as add twothake on Tewsday and on Wednesday he broke is harm and he ad to go to a party yesterday afternoon. If he does not come to-morrow it will be because a boy thrue a stoan at is i.--Yours trooly, Bobbie's mother."] * * * * * [Illustration: PRESENCE OF MIND.--_Little Girl_ (_who has been disturbed by a mouse, in a stage-whisper to her sleeping sister_). "Wake up! Oh, wake up and mew, Amy; mew for your life!!"] * * * * * [Illustration: UNIMAGINATIVE _Auntie._ "Do you see the hair in this old brooch, Cyril? It was your great-grandfather's." _Cyril._ "I say, Auntie, he didn't have much!"] * * * * * _Auntie._ Well, Effie, did you enjoy your party last night? _Effie._ Very much, thank you, auntie. _Auntie._ And I suppose mamma was there to look after you? _Effie._ Oh no! Mamma and I _don't belong_ to the same set! * * * * * [Illustration: NICE NEPHEW! _Tommy._ "Talking of riddles, Uncle, do you know the difference between an apple and a elephant?" _Uncle_ (_benignly_). "No, my lad, I don't." _Tommy._ "You'd be a smart chap to send out to buy apples, wouldn't you?"]