_Later from Pythias._--"After all, Devonshire _is_ sometimes a little damp. Yes, I _have_ heard of Monte Carlo Casino, and I wish there was anything of the sort at Torquay. Walks and drives pretty, but monotonous. Hills annoying. Still, evidently far superior to any part of Riviera. _Still later from Damon._--"Glorious place, Monte Carlo. Superb grounds! Scenery lovely, and Casinery still lovelier! And, between ourselves, I have already more than paid for expenses of my trip by my winnings at the Tables. No time for more just now. Must back the red!" _Reply to above from Pythias._--"Very sorry to hear you have been playing at the Tables. Sure to end in ruin. By the bye, what system do you use? The subject interests me merely as a mathematical problem, of course. Wish _I_ could pay expenses of my Devonshire hotel so easily. But then one ought to have _some_ reward for visiting such a dreary place as the Riviera, with its Mistrals, and diseased olive-trees, and all that." _Latest from Damon._--"Since writing my last letter, my views of the Riviera have altered. The climate, I find, does not suit me. Sun doesn't shine as much as I expected--not at night, for instance. Then the existence of an olive disease anywhere near is naturally very _degoutant_ (as they say here). And the Casino at Monte Carlo is simply an organised swindle. It ought to be put down! After staking ten times in succession on "Zero," and doubling my stake each time, I was absolutely cleared out! Only just enough money to take me home. Shall follow your example, and try Torquay for the rest of the winter." _Latest from Pythias._--"Just a hasty line to say--_don't_ come to Torquay! I am leaving it. Since I last wrote, my views of Devonshire have also altered. Can't conceal from myself that the climate is a mistake. Damp, dull, and depressing. Your account of Monte Carlo--_not_ the Casino, of course--so enchanting, that I've determined to try it. Just off to London to catch '_train de luxe!_'" * * * * * THE MISSING WORD. (_By a much-badgered Barmaid._) Each boobyish bar-lounger calls me "dear," And "Misses" me in manner most absurd. I should not miss _him_! But the boss, I fear, Would miss his custom; so I still must hear His odious "Miss-ing" word! But oh! I'd sooner bear a monkey's kisses, Than some of these cheap mashers' mincing "Misses"! And there is one young ape!--I'd stand "two d" Could I hit him each time he "Misses" me! * * * * * QUEER QUERIES. [Illustration: Notes]