"The _Cologne Gazette_, referring to the simplicity of character displayed by King Ferdinand of Bulgaria, says that frequently when walking about the streets of Sofia he purchases a sausage from a stall and eats it with his fingers as he passes along. Latest advices say he is slowly recovering from his illness." _Daily Express._ It might have been much worse if he had eaten the sausage with his mouth. * * * * * A FLAT OVERTURE. I. _3, Fotheringay Court Mansions, S.W. March 1st._ Mrs. Sleight-Spender presents her compliments to Mrs. Crichton and would be obliged if she would prevent what is evidently a schoolroom piano being practised late at night, as it is most disturbing when one has friends. II. _7, Fotheringay Court Mansions, S.W. March 1st._ Mrs. Crichton presents her compliments to Mrs. Sleight-Spender and would willingly oblige her, but having neither a schoolroom nor a piano in her flat she finds a difficulty in doing so. Possibly if Mrs. Sleight-Spender addressed her remonstrance to No. 12, she would discover the cause of her complaint and might thereby earn the thanks of her neighbours by inducing Mr. Bogloffsksy to practise less for his concerts. III. _3, Fotheringay Court Mansions, S.W. March 2nd._ Dear Mr. BOGLOFFSKY,--Please forgive me for writing on the impulse of the moment in this unconventional way, but I have only just discovered that we are neighbours, for the Directory confirms what the unmistakable tones of a certain piano had long led me to suspect. Will you very kindly waive all ceremony and join us at a friendly little dinner on the 10th, at 7.30? Yours sincerely, Editha Sleight-Spender. IV. _12, Fotheringay Court Mansions, S.W. March 2nd._ Dear MRS. SLEIGHT-SPENDER,--Your amiable letter leaves me nothing but pleasure. My poor company shall be agreeable to join your hospitable family. With respect, I am, Yours sincere, Serge Bogloffsky. V. _From Miss Isolt Sleight-Spender to Miss Marjorie Browne._ (Extract.) ... Oh, my dear, don't reproach me for not having run round. We are simply off our heads. Bogloffsky--_the_ Bogloffsky--is coming to dinner on Friday next, and the Mudder and I have been simply _tearing_. Even the Sticklers have accepted, and we hope to get Sir Henry Say, as the Dudder met him once at a City dinner. Of course _I_ shall have to play something first. Pity me!.... VI. _From Mrs. Sleight-Spender to Messrs. Rosewood and Sons. March. 3rd._ Mrs. Sleight-Spender requires the use of a _very_ good piano on the 10th. It must be a _grand_, as it is for Mr. Bogloffsky. Under the circumstances Mrs. Sleight-Spender supposes there will be only a nominal charge, if any. VII. _From Sir Henry Say to Cuthbert Haddington. March 11th._ My dear Bertie,--Last night I skimmed some of the cream of life, and incidentally got an idea for a _lever de rideau_, of which I make you a present.