A solemn man in a high silk hat, attired in decorous black, edges his way along the sidewalk. One would think him some city magnate making his way home, or a clergyman out studying the idiosyncrasies of human nature. He opens his mouth and yells in a high, singsong voice: "What will mamma say when Willie comes home with a mustache just like papa's--buy one right now, boys; you can curl 'em, twist 'em, pull 'em, and comb 'em just like real ones--come on boys!" He fixes below his nose a black mustache with a wonderful curl to the ends and goes his way, occasionally selling one to some smooth-faced boy, who shyly makes his purchase. On the edge of the sidewalk a little man is offering "the most wonderful mechanical toy of the century, causing more comment and excitement than any other article exhibited at the great World's Fair." The public crowds about him and buys with avidity. Not twenty steps away in a Houston toy shop the same kind of toy has been sold for years. * * * * * On a corner stand a group of--well, say young men. They wear new style high turn-down collars and chrysanthemums. Their hats tilt backward and their front hair is brushed down low. They are gazing at the ladies as they pass. How Charles Darwin would have loved to meet these young men! But, alas! he died without completing the chain. Listen at the scraps of alleged conversation that can be distinguished above their simultaneous jabber: "Deuced fine girl, but a little too--cigarette? I'll owe you one--she's a nice girl, but--the loveliest necktie you ever--would have paid my board, but saw that elegant suit at--kicked me clear out of the parlor without--that girl has certainly got a--haven't a cent, old man, or I would--old man said I had to go to work, but--look at that blonde with the smiled right at me, and--the little one with the blue--he struck me in the eye, and I won't speak to him now--no, the brunette in the white--I was real mad, and said, confound it--link buttons, of course." * * * * * At a corner sits a woman with blue goggles, grinding an organ, on which stands a lamp chimney, in which burns a tallow candle. Why the candle, the observer knoweth not. At her side crouches her pale little boy. A philanthropist bends toward her with a nickel between his fingers. Far away, among the wilds near Alvin, he has a little boy about the same age, and his heart is touched. The little boy springs up. He has a cigarette in his mouth, and he hurls a big fire-cracker between the philanthropist's feet. It explodes; the boy yells with delight; and the philanthropist says: "Gol darn the kid" and reserves his nickel for beer. * * * * * Gazing with far off, longing eyes into a show window that glistens with diamonds and jewelry, stands a woman.