M. Worth also stated that "Quality, not quantity," is the right motto for women in matters of dress. For all that, we trust that the irreducible minimum has now been reached. *** According to the calculations of a M. Verronet, the earth has only another two million years to live. We hope that the effect of this statement may not be to encourage jerry-building. *** [Illustration: "Lend us a 'and wiv this, will yer, Mister? Muvver wants 'im 'ome and 'e's that 'eadstrong!"] * * * * * THE CRITIC AT THE R.A. "Talking of treacle pudding," said Felicity, helping that delicacy with a grace and skill that would have demanded the entire concentration of one less gifted--"talking of treacle pudding, I suppose you've done the Academy?" "Not yet," I confessed. She looked at me reproachfully. "Dear, dear," she sighed, "when will the British Public awaken to the claims of Art? We haven't either." "I generally wait a bit and find out which are the pictures I am expected to admire." "And a very sensible plan too," she rejoined; "that is, for you and me and the rest of the common herd. Of course Papa's different. He's a critic." Her father coughed deprecatingly. "When he sees anything really artistic," she went on, "it fills him with delight." "I wish you wouldn't use that horrible word, Felicity," he groaned. "What horrible word?" "Artistic." "Sorry, Papa; I forgot. On the other hand," she continued unabashed, "if you show him anything that _isn't_ it causes him terrible suffering. He will cover his eyes with one hand and shoo it away with the other." "You mustn't mind my little daughter's nonsense," he said. "Someone told her the other day she had a sense of humour. It was a great mistake." "That's one up to you, Papa," she returned cheerfully; "but before the House adjourns I should like to move that we all go to the Academy this afternoon." "I should love it," I replied, "but I'm afraid I must get back to work." "Do you _work_?" she exclaimed with rapture. "How frightfully exciting." *** At a Flapper dance in the evening I met Felicity again and she gave me the second "Hesitation Waltz." Afterwards she led me to some nice basket chairs in the conservatory. "Well, did the Academy come off?" I asked. "Did it come off?" said Felicity. "I should say so. It was the nicest afternoon I've had for weeks. You _ought_ to have been there." "I suppose your father was in hot form criticising the pictures?"