does not show me the book of dried flowers nearly so often now, and has written some verses about me, he is going to show them to me to-night. ARTHUR is very interesting when he talks of _me_; it is when he discusses abstract subjects--such as chemistry, or big sleeves--that he is not quite so amusing. He _is_ dreadfully prejudiced about sleeves. Do you think he will gradually get accustomed to them? I think he will by the time they have quite gone out! I am sure you will like dear ARTHUR. Of course one has to understand him. When he came down to stay with us, I said, "You must be very tired after your short journey," and I was surprised how much it annoyed him! Don't say anything of that sort to him--_at first_. He is apt to take things--just a little--seriously. It is rather a charming quality in a man to whom one is engaged--don't you think so? Such a love as ours cannot fail to have an ennobling effect: as ARTHUR says, it seems to lift us above all thoughts of this world. Write soon. I am longing to hear about the new skirts, and to show you my sapphire ring. Your affectionate friend, GLADYS. * * * * * FROM OUR OWN SCHOOLBOY, A STUDENT OF LEMPRIÈRE.--SIR,--I have heard Mr. ARTHUR BALFOUR spoken of as "the _Loeda_ of the House of Commons." Who is its Jupiter? * * * * * AT CROMER. What middle-aged frequenter of the Old Ship, Brighton, does not recall the bland personality of ARTHUR BACON, part proprietor and principal representative of the landlordism of the excellent ancient hostelrie:-- O don't you remember A. BACON BEN BOLT? So smiling, so shiney, and brown? How he chortled with glee when he saw us BEN BOLT, And charged us an extra half-crown. The gammon of BACON was admirable; and his strict attention to the duties of servants towards visitors to the hotel was "aside of BACON" not to be forgotten. A. B. was an ideal landlord, ever ready at his door to welcome the coming and speed the parting guest. * * * [Illustration]