_Lady Maisie_ (_alone, as she gazes dreamily into the fire_). She doesn't in the _least_ understand! She actually suspects me of---- As if I could possibly--or as if Mamma would ever--even if _he_---- Oh, how _silly_ I am!... I don't care! I _am_ glad I haven't had to give up my ideal. I _should_ like to know him better. What harm is there in that? And if GERALD chooses to go to-morrow, he must--that's all. He isn't nearly so nice as he used to be; and he has even _less_ imagination than ever! I don't think I _could_ care for anybody so absolutely matter-of-fact. And yet, only an hour ago I almost----But that was _before_! * * * * * BY BEN TROVATO.--Mr. ARTHUR ROBERTS is always interested in current events, with a view to new verses for his topical songs. A friend came up to him one day last week with the latest _Globe_ in his hand, just as the Eminent One was ordering dinner for a party of four. "They're sure to take Port Arthur!" cried the friend, excitedly. "I never touch it myself," said Mr. ROBERTS, "but I'll order a bottle." * * * * * WITH A DIFFERENCE.--It is common enough, alas! for a man of high aspirations to be "sorely disappointed," but it is quite a new thing to be "sorely appointed," which is the case with Professor W. R. SORLEY, who has recently been placed in the Moral Philosopher's Chair at the University of Aberdeen. * * * * * THE NEW BROOM.--The Republican Party in the United States declare--apparently with some show of likelihood--that they will "sweep the country." All honest citizens and anti-Tammany patriots must heartily hope that they will sweep it _clean_. * * * * * GILBERT AND CARR-ICATURE. [Illustration]