"There's a smut on your nose, dear," was all she replied. I rubbed my nose; I also ground my teeth.... I was still wrestling on the pavement with the pram, the cot and the rest of it, when Billie's cries from within the house suddenly ceased. Had the poor little chap burst something? I hurried indoors and found him--all sunshine after showers--seated on the floor with rocking-horse and Noah's ark and butcher's shop grouped around him. "He's quite good now he's got his toys," he assured me, no doubt echoing something Miriam had just said. * * * * * I reached my study and collapsed into a chair. What a day! But little by little, shelf upon shelf, I became aware of the books I had not seen for a whole month: LAMB, my Elizabethans, a row of STEVENSON. I did not want to read; it was enough to feast one's eyes on their backs, to take down a volume and handle it my old green-jacketed BROWNING, for instance. And the small red MEREDITHS all needed rearranging. A little later I turned round to see Miriam standing in the doorway. Remorse seized me; I put an arm about her, with--"Tired, old thing?" She looked down at my books and, half-smiling, she looked up again. "He's quite good now he's got his toys," she said, and kissed me. * * * * * VERY PERSONAL. Just to see what it looks like with my name in it, I have been making a diary of my doings (some real, some imaginary) in the approved language of the Society and Personal column. I am Mr. James Milfly. This is how it looks:-- "Yesterday was the fortieth birthday of Mr. James Milfly. He passed it quietly at the office and at home. No congratulatory messages were received and no replies will be sent." "Among the outgoing passengers on the paddle steamer _Solent Tortoise_, on Tuesday, was Mr. James Milfly. He returned to the mainland the same evening, and will be at Southsea four days longer, after which, unless he can think of an adequate excuse, he will return to town." "Mr. James Milfly, who recently sustained a laceration of the finger while cleaning his safety razor after use, passed another good night. The injured member is healing satisfactorily, and no further bulletins will be issued." "The performance of _The Bibulous Butler_ at the Corinthian Theatre last night was witnessed by Mr. James Milfly and party, who occupied two seats in the eighth row of the pit." "Mr. James Milfly is a guest for the week-end at Acacia Lodge, Clumpton, the residence of his old friend, Mr. Albert Purges. Excellent sparrow- shooting was enjoyed after tea on Saturday in the famous home coverts from which the lodge derives its title." "Among those unable to be present at the Duchess of Dibdale's reception on Friday was Mr. James Milfly, no invitation having reached him."