_She_ (_thankfully, as he has not quite her step._) If you like. And see, the band is bringing things to a conclusion. Don't you hate a _cornet_ in so small a room as this? So dreadfully loud, you know. _He._ Quite. Yes, I think it would have been better to have kept to the piano and the strings. _She._ But the place is prettily decorated. It must have cost them a lot, getting all these flowers. _He._ I daresay. No doubt they managed it by contract. And lots of things come from Algeria nowadays. You can get early vegetables in winter for next to nothing. _She._ Yes, isn't it lovely? All these palms, I suppose, came from the Stores. _He._ No doubt. By the way, do you know the people of the house at all? _She._ Not much. Fact was, I was brought. Couldn't find either the host or hostess. Such a crowd on the staircase, you know. _He._ Yes. Rather silly asking double the number of people the rooms will hold, isn't it? _She._ Awfully. However, I suppose it pleases some folks. I presume they consider it the swagger thing to do? _He._ I suppose they do. Do you know many people here? _She._ Not a soul, or-- _He._ You would not have spoken to me? _She._ Well, no--not exactly that. But-- _He._ You have no better excuse ready. Quite. _She._ How rude you are! You know I didn't quite mean that. _He._ No, not quite. Quite. _She._ By the way, do you know what time it is? _He._ Well, from the rooms getting less crowded, I fancy it must be the supper hour. May I not take you down? _She._ You are most kind! But do you know the way? _He._ I think so. You see, I have learned the geography of the place fairly well. _She._ How fortunate! But if I accept your kindness, I think I should have the honour of knowing your name. _He._ Certainly; my name is SMITH. _She._ Any relation of the people who are giving the dance? _He._ Well, yes. I am giving the dance myself--or rather, my wife is. _She._ Oh, this is quite too delightful! For now you can tell me what to avoid. _He._ Certainly; and I have the pleasure of speaking to--? _She._ You must ask my _chaperon_ for my name. You know, introductions are not the fashion. _He._ And your _chaperon_ is--? _She._ Somewhere or other. In the meanwhile, if you will allow me? _He_ (_offering his arm_). Quite! [_Exeunt to supper._ * * * * * MR. PUNCH'S UP-TO-DATE POETRY FOR CHILDREN. NO. 1.--"LITTLE MISS MUFFIT." [Illustration] Little Miss MUFFIT Reposed on a tuffet, Consuming her curds and whey-- She had dozens of dolls, And some cash in Consols Put by for a rainy day. But though calm and content While she drew Three per Cent., The Conversion unsettled her mien, And she said, "Though they've thrown us This Five-Shilling Bonus, I cannot brook Two pounds fifteen!"