The parallel that pleases SARK will be found in report of a conversation between _Mrs. Gamp_ and _Mrs. Betsey Prig_ at what should have been a friendly tea-table in the home of the former. This was the historic occasion when _Mrs. Prig_ declared her rooted belief in the non-existence of _Mrs. Gamp's_ friend _Mrs. Harris_. For purpose of comparison it may be convenient to put what followed in the same form as official Parliamentary report:-- _Mrs. Gamp._ What! you bago creetur, have I know'd Mrs. Harris five-and-thirty year, to be told at last that there ain't no sech a person livin'! Go along with you! _Mrs. Prig._ I'm agoin', Ma'am, aint I? _Mrs. Gamp._ You had better, Ma'am! _Mrs. Prig._ Do you know who you're talking to, Ma'am? _Mrs. Gamp._ Aperiently to Betsey Prig. _Business done._--Third night's debate on Second Reading of Home Rule Bill. Intended to divide. On urgent demand of Opposition division deferred till Monday. * * * * * "Then came the resignation of Mr. Asquith, which left the Ministry (temporarily) without its head. Hence another vacant seal in the Government Front Bench."--_Globe._ To prevent self-consciousness among the Cabinet, the name of the Minister who looks like a vacant seal should be given. * * * * * "Mr. Bodkin, opening the case, described Hemmerde for the defence." _North Eastern Daily Gazette._ It is generally towards the end of a case that one wants to describe the opposing counsel in detail. * * * * * PROOF ADDRESSED TO A LADY WHO HAS ASKED FOR IT. Of old, when in the dance's-whirl Or crouched behind a friendly screen I fell in love with any girl (You know the kind of love I mean), I gave the credit to champagne-- And breathed again. When first we met, a more intense Emotion stirred me, I admit, But having dined at great expense I didn't like to mention it, For tribute seemed to Bacchus due As much as you. But love that made a parish hop A sacred feast for both of us Burst into flame without a drop Of alcoholic stimulus; And love that thrives on lemonade Can never fade. * * * * * REVERSIBLE RHETORIC. (_Being the unsigned MS., evidently of a leading article, picked up in Fleet Street last week. What the finder wants to know is--which side is it arguing for?_) THE PLOT THAT FAILED.