For some weeks we stood apart, "like cliffs that had been rent asunder," and then one day Wilkinson came up and thumped me on the back. "It's always the unexpected that happens, old thing," he said. "Popplewell's bust was rejected at once, but yours----" "Am I _in_?" In my excitement I forgot my wrongs. "No, not _in_; but you were a _doubtful_. Only think--first doubtful I've ever had! To have a doubtful sculpture is as good as having two or three paintings on the line. You can't be such a bad subject after all. I'll have another touch at you, and next year see if you're not in! Come and have some lunch." * * * * * [Illustration: CANDIDATE FOR MEDICAL DEGREE BEING EXAMINED IN THE SUBJECT OF "BEDSIDE MANNER."] * * * * * "Notable things are done around a table. Corporations are formed...." _Westminster Teacher._ The beginnings of them, anyway. * * * * * [Illustration: AFTER TEN YEARS.] * * * * * [Illustration: THE GREAT EAST AFRICAN PROTECTOR. "Come under de ole umbrella, Come along, piccaninnies, do; Hark to Uncle LULU a-callin', Room for all ob you!"--_Coon Song._ (Mr. HARCOURT.)] * * * * * ESSENCE OF PARLIAMENT. (EXTRACTED FROM THE DIARY OF TOBY, M.P.) _House of Commons, Tuesday, April 14._--Back to grindstone after so-called Easter recess. Divisions reveal presence of aggregate of something less than 200 Members. Watchful Whip, ever suspicious of ambush, succeeded in mustering four-fifths of the whole. Ministerial majority maintained at average of six-score. Increased by a unit consequent on return of PREMIER after re-election by faithful Fife. Towards close of Questions was discovered standing at Bar awaiting SPEAKER'S call. "Members desiring to take their seats will please come to the Table." As he advanced, escorted by CHIEF WHIP and Scottish colleague, Liberals and Irish Nationalists leaped to their feet, waving hats and handkerchiefs in loyal greeting. Only the haughty Labour Member remained seated. Not for him to pay court to chiefs of other parties, howsoever friendly. He is there as representative of the Working Man; is neither to be bought nor sold, cowed nor cajoled. A fine spectacle. Pity Strangers' Galleries almost empty. In process of swearing-in new Member nothing taken for granted. HALSBURY discovered this when, far back in the last century, he, known at the time as HARDINGE GIFFARD, came up to take his seat for Launceston. Challenged by the Clerk for production of writ of return, made painful discovery that it was not at hand. Sure he put it in his pocket when he left home; but which pocket?