_A._ Because journalists accept the situation of the hour, and make the best of it. _Q._ Is it possible that the candidates who have failed may find their objection to the existence of the office stronger than ever? _A._ It is not only possible, but probable. _Q._ And thus any non-journalist who accepts the appointment may not have a very pleasant time of it? _A._ So it would appear to the casual observer. * * * * * _MY_ INFLUENZA. _Monday._--This is the day I promised to go with my aunt to the first meeting of that new Society for the Propagation of Female Suffrage amongst the Turks. Wish I'd never promised. Don't see how I can escape. Why, yes, good idea--the influenza! I'll have it. Almost fancy I have a slight pain in my back, which would certainly be a symptom. I will decide that I have a pain in my back. Send note, saying, in uncertain weather caution is necessary; fear that I'm attacked by the prevailing epidemic; wish every success to the good cause, and so forth. Then, relieved in my mind, down to the club, and forget all about the old lady. _Tuesday._--Shall have a melancholy time this evening. Mrs. POGSON'S At Home, with recitations. Oh lord! Daren't offend old POGSON by refusing. It would not be so bad if there were not the five Miss POGSONS. Of all the awful, middle-aged young women----! Ha, by Jove! Never thought of it. Of course. The influenza. Telegraph at once. Deeply regret, illness, and so forth. I really have a slight pain in my back. Wonder what it is. Put on my thickest coat when I go out. _Wednesday._--Awful joke this influenza. Shall escape old BLODGETT'S dinner to-night. Should have been bored to death. Now sixpenny telegram settles it all. The only thing is I really have a pain in my back. Reminds me of boy crying "Wolf" in the fable. Shall stay in this evening, and keep warm by the fire. _Thursday._--Do not feel much worse, but pain still there. Shall not venture out. Can therefore, quite truthfully, excuse my absence from BOREHAM'S _matinée_. Good enough fellow, BOREHAM, but can't write a tragedy at all. So shall escape the awful infliction of his mixed imitation of IBSEN and SHELLEY. The worst of it is that, with this beastly pain in my back, I begin to think my influenza is no sham at all. Stop in all day in warm room. In the evening feel headache, as well as pain in back. Fear the worst.