_From Editor to Contributor._--You are such a good-natured fellow, it's a shame to bother you. Find I had promised another chap those revolutionary subjects. He has written a story up to them, called "Nettleby's Nightmare." Have sent you a heap more in exchange. _From Contributor to Editor._--It's really too bad! I had put EDWIN in the Conciergerie and ANGELINA was trying to bribe ROBESPIERRE. And now you have altered it all! And what am I to do with a picture which seems to be an advertisement of somebody's shirts? Haven't you made another mistake. However, I have got on as fast as I can, and put a heap of subjects in a mad scene. EDWIN'S brain breaks down, and he has visions of lots of things, inclusive of some wedding-cakes. _From Editor to Contributor._--You are quite right. I _did_ make a mistake. The last packet of blocks were put into my room by mistake. Please return them at once--they are required for the advertisements. Better send in your story as it is, and then I will find something appropriate. Why _will_ you live in the country? If you were here, you could settle the whole matter in two twos. _From Contributor to Editor._--I stay in the country because I can't get inspiration in town. And that's my affair, and not your's. Pardon this tone of irritation, but I hate altering a story after once panning out the plot. However, I have obeyed your orders. EDWIN and ANGELINA are born in Burmah (they are cousins), and are taken to an old English country-house. Then they are told by an old crone the story of their parents' past. That brings in all the French revolutionary business. Then I get in the detective part, with a reference to the undiscovered crime in Cannon Street. You will see it is all right. _From Editor to Contributor._--I have read it, and heartily congratulate you. Just what we wanted. What do you call it? _From Contributor to Editor._--"A Lovely Devonshire Rose." It seems to me neat and appropriate; or, as it is a story for Christmas, how will "A Ray of Arctic Sunlight" do? _From Editor to Contributor._--"A Ray of Arctic Sunlight" is better for Yule Tide. I have got the very blocks for the illustrations. Belonged to a book called _Travels in the Soudan and Syria_. Could not have found anything more appropriate if I had searched for centuries. I enclose a little cheque, and offer thousands of thanks for all the trouble you have taken. It is no idle form when I wish you the happiest of Christmasses and the most prosperous of New Years! _From Contributor to Editor._--Reciprocation of seasonable compliments. But I say--hang it--you might have made it guineas! * * * * * [Illustration: PARLIAMENTARY FOOTBALL MATCH.--"FOWLER'S FINE SINGLE-HANDED RUN."--(_See page 267._)] * * * * * [Illustration: A DILEMMA.