_July, 1895_.--Members of both Houses of Parliament, invited to take part in a State function at Calais, having been put to considerable inconvenience, immediate orders are given for the prompt commencement of the much-needed adequate harbour at Dover. _August, 19--_.--Proposed adequate harbour having employed the hands, night and day, of thousands of workmen, at enormous expense (owing to urgent pressure), is at length opened to the public, amidst universal rejoicing. * * * * * MR. PUNCH'S POCKET IBSEN. (_CONDENSED AND REVISED VERSION BY MR. P.'S OWN HARMLESS IBSENITE._) NO. I.--ROSMERSHÖLM. ACT I. _Sitting-room at Rosmershölm, with a stove, flower-stand, windows, ancient and modern ancestors, doors, and everything handsome about it, REBECCA WEST is sitting knitting a large antimacassar which is nearly finished. Now and then she looks out of a window, and smiles and nods expectantly to someone outside. Madam HELSETH is laying the table for supper._ _Rebecca_ (_folding up her work slowly_). But tell me precisely, what about this White Horse? [_Smiling quietly._ _Madam Helseth_. Lord forgive you, Miss!--(_fetching cruet-stand, and placing it on table_)--but you're making fun of me! _Rebecca_ (_gravely_). No, indeed. Nobody makes fun at Rosmershölm. Mr. ROSMER would not understand it. (_Shutting window._) Ah, here is Rector KROLL. (_Opening door_.) You will stay to supper, will you not, Rector, and I will tell them to give us some little extra dish. _Kroll_ (_hanging up his hat in the hall_). Many thanks. (_Wipes his boots._) May I come in? (_Comes in, puts down his stick, sits down, and looks about him._) And how do you and ROSMER get on together, eh? _Reb._ Ever since your sister, BEATA, went mad and jumped into the mill-race, we have been as happy as two little birds together. (_After a pause, sitting down in arm-chair._) So you don't really mind my living here all alone with ROSMER? We were afraid you might, perhaps. _Kroll_. Why, how on earth--on the contrary, I shouldn't object at all if you--(_looks at her meaningly_)--h'm! _Reb._ (_interrupting, gravely_). For shame, Rector; how can you make such jokes! _Kroll_ (_as if surprised_). Jokes? We do not joke in these parts--but here is ROSMER. [Illustration: "Taking off his gloves meaningly."] [_Enter ROSMER, gently and softly._ _Rosmer_. So, my dear old friend, you have come again, after a year's absence. (_Sits down._) We almost thought that-- _Kroll_ (_nods_). So Miss WEST was saying--but you are quite mistaken. I merely thought I might remind you, if I came, of our poor BEATA's suicide, so I kept away. We Norwegians are not without our simple tact. _Rosmer_. It was considerate--but unnecessary. REB--I _mean_, Miss WEST and I often allude to the incident, do we not? _Reb._ (_strikes Tändstickor_). Oh, yes, indeed. (_Lighting lamp_.) Whenever we feel a little more cheerful than usual.