"Yes, yes?" cried the lady eagerly.--"but," he continued, "from what they spill in mixing poultices." VII. The famous money-lender one evening arrived as usual at the Casino, but this time only to bid his friends good-bye. "Not leaving Monte?" they asked. "Yes, I am," he replied; "I'm going to Rome." "Rome?" "Yes, why not? I'm told it's wonderful. I shall be there a month;" and so saying he hurried to his hotel. Three days later he walked into the Casino again. "What," cried his friends--"you here? We thought you were going to be in Rome a month." "So I am," said the money-lender, "and more. I came back for my things, most of which I left here, as it had occurred to me I might not like it. But I adore it. Rome is beautiful, august, sublime. The simple severe beauty of the Vatican, the vast solemnity of the Campagna! It is indeed the eternal city. Let me keep Rome!" And again he hurried away. * * * * * [Illustration: _Excited individual_ (_who has picked up umbrella left in bar, to despatch rider just leaving_). "Hi! Mister. Is this your umbrella?"] * * * * * A Long Turn. "To-morrow evening Miss Phyllis Bedells makes her final appearance at the London Empire, where she has danced without interruption for nine and a half years." _Bristol Times and Mirror._ * * * * * De Mortuis.... "Tired of this much worn physical life Chief George Moshesh bursted the bands of morality as under Tuesday, November 2nd." _South African Paper._ "Tenders invited for alterations and additions to the late Mr. Waata W. Hipango, Pitiki, are hereby cancelled."--_New Zealand Paper._ * * * * * [Illustration: _Neighbour._ "And how does your son like his training?" _Proud Mother of Recruit._ "Oh, he's very happy. But he says they do take him very long walks."] * * * * * THE XMAS ADVENTURES OF A DRAWING. _From Robert Simpson, Edinburgh, to Joan Dalgleish, London._ _December_ 15. Dear Miss Dalgleish,--I send you as promised, when we parted in Skye, one of my little drawings. I am sorry I have had no time to get it framed. I am off in ten days to India to resume my work. If you have no room for this little picture on your walls it will do for a Red Cross Bazaar. Hoping to meet you some other summer, Yours sincerely, R. Simpson. _From Joan Dalgleish to Robert Simpson._ _London, December_ 17. Dear Mr. Simpson,--So many thanks for the drawing of the bay. It will always remind me of our delightful holiday in the North, and in the murky days of December it will make me feel again in the fresh air of Scotland. With best wishes for a pleasant journey, Yours sincerely, Joan Dalgleish. _From Joan Dalgleish to Mary Morris, Manchester._ _December_ 23.