"We, Titania, Queen of Fairyland, Empress of the Kingdom of Dreams, Grand Dame of the Order of Absolute Darlings, etc., etc., beg to draw the attention of Messrs. M---- to the enclosed paragraph, impinging gravely on the ancient and indisputable rights and prerogatives of ourselves and our loyal subjects, which appeared in their recent seed catalogue. We feel that the inclusion of the aforesaid paragraph must be due to some oversight, since Messrs. M---- can hardly be unaware of the fact that it is only owing to the co-operation of ourselves and our subjects that they are able to carry on their business with success. We are unwilling to resort to extreme measures, but unless the paragraph is immediately withdrawn we shall be obliged to take steps accordingly, in which case Messrs. M---- are warned that the whole of next year's flower crop may prove an utter and complete failure. Given under our Royal Hand and Seal. TITANIA R." The Queen seemed very pleased when I read it over to her. "It's perfectly splendid," she said, clapping her hands. "How silly of me not to have thought of it; but I was so distracted. Won't it make them sit up? And of course we could do it easily, though it would be rather dreadful, wouldn't it? I shall have it copied out the minute I get home and sent off to-night. By the way" (a little anxiously) "there aren't any split infinitives in it, are there? My chamberlain's rather peculiar about them--they make him ill. Extraordinary, isn't it? But--don't tell anyone--I never quite understand myself what they are or where they split, though it certainly does sound very uncomfortable." I reassured her on that point. "Oh, then _that_'s all right," she said; "and I don't think even he would ever have thought of 'impinging'; it's lovely, isn't it? Thank you very much indeed," she added, as she folded up the paper and slipped it under her girdle. "You are a most helpful person. I really think I must--" I felt a touch on my cheek, lighter than the caress of a butterfly's wing, softer than the tip of a baby's finger, sweeter than the perfume of jessamine at night. For a moment the Queen continued to flutter close about me, radiant and shining. I shut my dazzled eyes for an instant. When I opened them she was gone. I can't help wondering what Messrs. M---- will do. They'll be rather rash if they persist. And yet it does seem a little----Well, doesn't it? R. F. * * * * * NEW RHYMES FOR OLD CHILDREN. THE BEE. I never, never could admit The virtues of the bee; I thought she seemed a dreadful prig When I was small, and now I'm big I see she is a hypocrite, And so, of course, are we. It's true she rushes to and fro With business promptitude, But what about the busy ant? Oh, let us clear our minds of cant-- Why _is_ it that we love her so? _She manufactures food._