On hearing the news we at once reported our achievement to the Staff and asked what we were to do about it. We were informed that, as far as we were concerned, the War stood adjourned for eight days. Later, as we stood in the street trying to think it all out and to remodel our demeanour so as to suggest the responsibility and respectability of a father, we were asked severely why we were standing idle, and told that, unless we were seen forthwith moving off for England at the double, action would be taken. So home, where we were very respectfully saluted by the New Draft. A strange but nice woman who had the parade in hand invited us to come a little closer, but this we refused to do, giving as our reason that we were beginning as we meant to go on and that undue familiarity is bad for discipline. We then addressed a few kind words to the Lady in the Case, who appeared to take it all very much as a matter of course, and with her discussed future dispositions. The Army and the Bar were negatived at once; it was suggested (not by us) that we have already in our small family an example sufficiently fortunate of both. He will be a sailor or a financier. There is something about sailors; it is always a pleasure and a pride to take one of them out to dinner in a public place, especially if he's your own. On the other hand the financier alternative is suggested with a view to the possibility (as things tend) that it may be he who has to take us out to dinner. Yours ever, HENRY. * * * * * [Illustration: _Mistress._ "WELL, JANE, WHAT SORT OF NEWS HAVE YOU FROM YOUR YOUNG MAN AT THE FRONT?" _Jane._ "FATAL, MUM." _Mistress._ "DEAR, DEAR! I'M VERY SORRY----" _Jane._ "YES, MUM. 'E'S BROKE IT OFF, MUM."] * * * * * "The fall of rain during February in Exeter amounted to 5.39 inches. During the same month 80 hours 58 mins. of sunshine were recorded, being an average of 2 hours 42 mins. per day. The chief tradesmen of the district are responsible for this gratifying result." _Express and Echo (Exeter)._ They seem to be easily satisfied down in the West. If London tradesmen take to purveying the weather we shall want a little less rain and a good deal more sunshine. * * * * * IN PRAISE OF PUSSY. [Professor ROBERT WALLACE, of Edinburgh University, has been defending the cat as a useful member of society and a defence against the ravages of plague, and encourages the breeding, collecting and distributing of types of cats known to be "superior ratters."] In these days of stress and passion Feline charms are out of fashion, And the cult of Pasht is coldly looked upon; But cat-lovers may take solace From the words of ROBERT WALLACE, Who's a scientific Edinboro' don.