Except for the masterly precision and perfection of my arrangements, the polling presented few incidents. There were the usual number of people who did not find their names on the register, and who were consequently turned away sorrowing. (By the way, is "and who" right? I am never sure.) Equally, of course, there were some idiots who would put off voting till it was too late, and found themselves shut out by one minute. At nine the poll closed: and the counting immediately commenced. I did not feel equal to the strain of being present, and was represented by Miss PHILL BURTT. I waited at the house in grim suspense. Suddenly I heard wild cheering. Then a minute later Miss PHILL dashed up waving a paper excitedly and shouting, "Hurrah! Top of the poll." And so it proved to be. I, who had been last, was actually now first. Here are the figures:-- TIMOTHY WINKINS, J.P. 219 G. TRAVIS-MERTON (the Squire) 203 ROBERT HEDGER (BLACK BOB) 203 HARRY JORKINS 195 WILLIAM BROWN 189 HENRY SANDFORD (the Vicar) 172 Mrs. LETHAM HAVITT 153 } Tie Mrs. ARBLE MARCH 153 } I had hardly grasped the significance of these figures when the crowd surged up over the lawn. In a few brief, heartfelt words I thanked them. The greatest moment of my life--should never forget this kind appreciation on the part of those amongst whom I had lived, and amidst whom I hoped to die--wished them all a merry Christmas and good night. And so--they went--home. The most curious point remains to be noticed. Mrs. LETHAM HAVITT and Mrs. ARBLE MARCH tied for the last place. The Returning Officer declined to give a casting vote. Oar Parish Council is to consist of seven Members. The first six are easy enough to find out. The latest Mudford puzzle is--Find the seventh. I had nearly forgotten to add that my wife (who comes home to-morrow) has written to say she hopes I'm satisfied now. Well, I am. [Illustration: CAUTIOUS. _Visitor_ (_at out-of-the-way Inn in the North_). "DO YOU KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT SALMON-POACHING IN THIS NEIGHBOURHOOD?" _Landlady_ (_whose son is not above suspicion_). "EH--NO, SIR. MAYBE IT'S A NEW STYLE OF COOKING AS WE HAVEN'T HEARD OF IN THESE PARTS, AS YOU SEE, SIR, WE ONLY DO OUR EGGS THAT WAY; AND"--(_brightening up_)--"IF YOU LIKE 'EM, I CAN GET YOU A DISH AT ONCE!"] * * * * * A YULE GRETYNGE. [Illustration]