* * * * * We have long waited for a good definition of "tact," and here it is in _The Transvaal Leader_:-- "The police handled the large crowds who assembled at the station with considerable tact. One obstreperous fellow who appeared to be the worse for liquor got the butt-end of a rifle in his jaw after grossly insulting a constable, and he was then chased off by the crowd, who appeared to appreciate the tact of the police." * * * * * A chance for Mr. LLOYD GEORGE:--The Deforestation of Bootle. * * * * * [Illustration: _Instructor._ "Now then, none of that hupside down flying 'ere; you ain't in the haviation corps."] * * * * * "FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES." "You know this sort of thing isn't good enough," said I, returning the document to Minerva. "His charges are certainly high," observed the lady of the house; "but I don't think, Jack, we could get as good a doctor anywhere for less money." "I don't complain about the charges; I suppose they are all right. What I object to is this pompous way of telling me I am in his debt: '_Mr. John Spratt to Dr. Thom. For Professional Services to date, Ten Guineas_.'" "But, my dear, they all do it like that." "Then they shouldn't. Tradesmen give full particulars of all charges made for their services: why not doctors?" "Oh, they would never agree to _that_, Jack!" said Minerva in surprise. "It isn't etiquette. After all, a doctor is a doctor!" "Let us hope so. At times I doubt it. But that is not the story. How do you suppose I am to check this account without the necessary details?" "My dear," exclaimed Minerva, "how positively quaint you are! One never dreams of checking a doctor's account; one simply pays. Imagine asking a doctor for an invoice! The idea!" "And a jolly good idea too," I said. "Then we should know where we were. Would you pass your butcher's bills if they merely said, '_For Commercial Services to date_'?" "That is quite a different matter. Doctors are not butchers." "Sometimes surgeons are, so it comes to much the same. Anyhow, I object to paying money without knowing what for. Let's apply for an invoice, if only for the principle of the thing." "We'll do nothing of the sort," said Minerva rather sharply. "It sounds so mean, Jack, to ask a doctor for a detailed account--almost as if we didn't trust him." "I shall mention that to the butcher next time I see him, and to the other tradesmen. It will save you a lot of trouble about the domestic accounts." "Don't be absurd. If you're so anxious to have those petty details I think I can remember all the doctor's visits for you, without worrying him." I drew out a sheet of account-paper. "The first time he came this year," she began, "was to attend Tommy. You remember--after that New Year party. He called twice--no, three times to see him."