[_Lunch is announced._ MURIEL _stoops to collect_ VIOLA'S _handkerchief, &c._ _Alan_ (_to_ VIOLA). Oh, what a _sweet_ scarlet parasol! _Curtain. End of Scene 1._ (_To be continued._) * * * * * NEITHER FREE NOR EASY.--The Larne Town Commissioners cannot make up their minds whether they shall acquire the McGarel Town Hall which apparently (to judge from a report in the _Northern Whig_) appears to be in the market. The room, it seems, would be used for a free library. The Committee, after a very lengthy discussion, have adjourned the consideration of the question to some distant date for further information. In the meanwhile, no doubt, they will appropriately adopt for the municipal motto "Live and Larne." * * * * * CYNIC TO POET. [The great lack of the Age is its want of distinction." COVENTRY PATMORE.] Alas, our poor Age! How against it we rage! In the seat of the scorner the critics ne'er sat more. If the pessimist bore would master her lore, We've only to send him to Coventry--PATMORE! The bards do not love it. But how to improve it? That question the poets, like that of the Sphinx, shun. Distinction my lad? If the Age is so bad, I think its "great lack" is not that, but _extinction!_ 'Tis easier far to abuse it than mend it, Must we try MORLEY'S other alternative--end it? * * * * * A MUSICAL NOTE.--Such has been the success of Mlle. YVETTE GUILBERT, that, _on dit_ (French must be used when speaking of this _lionne comique_), it is not improbable she will be engaged to appear in a part in the forthcoming Sullivan Savoy Opera, in which the relation of librettists to composer is to be as two to one. If this be so, then once more at the Savoy will there be a Sullivan-and-Guilbert Combination. * * * * * "WHITAKER." [Mr. JOSEPH WHITAKER, founder and chief proprietor of _Whitaker's Almanack_, died on the 15th May, aged 75.] Gone! His praises to rehearse Might engage a friendly verse. Time, for whom he did so much, Surely dealt with gentle touch With this man, of lucky star, Who the famous calendar, Schemed on an ingenious plan, Gave to ever-grateful man. Millions now would feel the lack Of the wondrous Almanack. To adapt BEN JONSON'S phrase To a worthy of our days, One might say of our lost brother, Death; ere thou hast slain another Good and useful as was he, "Time shall throw his dart at thee." * * * * *