_Friday._--Met HART DYKE walking about Corridor with contemplative air. Debate on Education Vote going forward in House. "How is it you aren't on Treasury Bench?" I asked. "Can't stand any more of it, TOBY. My hair positively beginning to frizzle under heat of blushes. Never suspected myself of being such Heavenborn Education Minister. But they all say it--MUNDELLA, PLAYFAIR, LUBBOCK, and even SAM SMITH. CRANBORNE and TALBOT not quite so sure; but on other side one chorus of approval. Bore it pretty well for hour or so; but at end of that time grows embarrassing. Just came out for little walk; look in again presently." On Report of Supply, GEORGE CAMPBELL strolled in from the Pacific; proposed to call attention to mission of Sir LINTON SIMMONS to the POPE. No Vote connected therewith happens to be in Estimates; so SPEAKER ruled him out of Order. [Illustration: Minister of Education.] "Oh, very well," said GEORGE; "that's out of order is it? Well, let me see, there's Japan;" and he talked for thirty-five minutes about Japan. _Business done._--Education Vote agreed to. * * * * * THE SCHOOL BOARD BEFORE THE END OF THE CENTURY. (_A Prophecy of the Near Future._) THE children had left the school, and the pianos were closed for the night. The Senior Wranglers who had been conducting the lessons were divesting themselves of their academical robes, and preparing to quit the premises to return to their palatial homes, the outcome of a portion of their princely salaries. In couples they disappeared until only one was left--he was older than his colleagues, and consequently slower in his movements. As he was about to summon his carriage a wild-looking individual suddenly appeared before him, and, sinking in a chair, appealed to him with a gesture that, fraught with weakness, was yet defiant. "What do you want with me, my good man?" asked the Senior Wrangler, who had a kindly nature. "What have you done with my sons?" gasped the visitor. "No doubt, if they were intended for crossing-sweepers, we have instructed them in the rudiments of classical dancing, and if you purposed bringing them up as errand-boys, it is highly probable that we have taught them how to play upon the harpsichord." "That's how it is!" cried the other. "They _have_ been taught how to play on the harpsichord; and, as the instrument is obsolete, I ask you, Sir, how are they to get their living?" "That is no affair of mine, my good fellow," returned the Senior Wrangler, dryly. "It is my duty to teach the child, and not to answer the questions of the parent." "And the rates are doubled!" cried the Board Scholar's father, wringing his hands in despair, "and I am ruined!" The Senior Wrangler was growing impatient. He had to dine at the Club, and go to the Opera. "Well, what do you want with me?" he asked.