_Blind, Deaf, and Dumb._--We are pleased to be able to reassure you. The fact that you have not lately heard or read speeches by Sir WILLIAM HARCOURT is no evidence that the treble disability under which you unhappily labour is increasing. There is a well known case, cited in Littleton upon Coke, where a man was not able to see the Spanish fleet "because it is not yet in sight." For analogous reason you have not lately heard anything of the CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER. He has not been speaking. The fact is, the SQUIRE OF MALWOOD--to use a title by which he is locally known, and in which he most rejoices--was cut out for a rustic recluse. Circumstances have, unwillingly, dragged him into the front of politics, and he has done the duty that lies to his hand. When opportunity can be made he takes his leisure at his lodge in the New Forest, and meditates on the untimely fate of his pre-Plantagenet forbear WILLIAM RUFUS. Nevertheless, we are not without suspicion that Sir WILLIAM HARCOURT shares the peculiarity of CARLYLE, of whom you will remember his wife shrewdly remarked that "his love for silence is platonic." If you keep your ears open and your mouth shut, you may probably, before long, hear the familiar voice resounding from a public platform. _A Shakspearean Student._--We had not before heard of the incident. It is, however, quite possible, as you have been informed, that when the Marquis of SALISBURY, K.G., heard of the defection of the Earl of BUCKINGHAMSHIRE, who has joined the Liberal forces, the only remark he made was "Off with his head." * * * * * OVERHEARD FRAGMENT OF A DIALOGUE _Lord Illingworth._ My dear GORING, I assure you that a well-tied tie is the first serious step in life. _Lord Goring._ My dear ILLINGWORTH, five well-made button-holes a day are far more essential. They please women, and women rule society. _Lord Illingworth._ I understood you considered women of no importance? _Lord Goring._ My dear GEORGE, a man's life revolves on curves of intellect. It is on the hard lines of the emotions that a woman's life progresses. Both revolve in cycles of masterpieces. They should revolve on bi-cycles; built, if possible, for two. But I am keeping you? [Illustration: "Full of good things!"] _Lord Illingworth._ I wish you were. Nowadays it is only the poor who are kept at the expense of the rich. _Lord Goring._ Yes. It is perfectly comic, the number of young men going about the world nowadays who adopt perfect profiles as a useful profession. _Lord Illingworth._ Surely that must be the next world? How about the Chiltern Thousands? _Lord Goring._ Don't. GEORGE. Have you seen WINDERMERE lately? Dear WINDERMERE! I should like to be exactly unlike WINDERMERE. _Lord Illingworth._ Poor WINDERMERE! He spends his mornings in doing what is possible, and his evenings in saying what is probable. By the way, do you really understand all I say? _Lord Goring._ Yes, when I don't listen attentively.