_Q._ What is a good set?--_A._ A clique that prefers modes to morality, _chic_ to comfort, and frivolity to family ties. _Q._ What is _chic_?--_A._ An indefinable something, implying "go," "fast and loose style," "slap-dash." _Q._ What is a dinner-party? _A._ A large subject, that cannot be disposed of in a paragraph. _Q._ What is a subject?--_A._ Something distinct from Royalty. _Q._ Can one be distinct after dinner?--_A._ Yes,--with difficulty. _Q._ What is a difficulty? _A._ When of a pecuniary character--the time following the using up of the pecuniary resources of your friends. _Q._ What is a friend? _A._ A man who dines with you--a past enemy or a future foe. _Q._ What is bad champagne?--_A._ A fruity effervescing beverage costing about thirty shillings the dozen. _Q._ What is good?--_A._ Cannot reply until I have received samples. _Q._ How can an inexperienced diner discover that he has taken bad champagne? _A._ By the condition of his head on the following morning. _Q._ What is a head?--_A._ A necessary alternative to money. _Q._ What is money? _A._ The only satisfactory representative of credit. _Q._ What are representatives? _A._ The mouthpieces of voters mustered in the House of Commons. _Q._ What is mustard? _A._ The chief ingredient of breakfast, after a night of it with your friends, when your appetite requires coaxing. _Q._ What is the future?--_A._ To-morrow, and the coming centuries. _Q._ And the past?--_A._ Two minutes ago, and all that went before. _Q._ And the present?--_A._ The right time for bringing the current instalment of the Infant's Guide to a prompt conclusion. * * * * * "ENCORE, ALADDIN!" [Illustration: Notes for the _Storey_ of _Aladdin_, supplied by M. Jacobi.] [Illustration: Marie-Aladdin and the Electric Light Pollini.]