DEAR FREDDY,--The bird itself has at last provided me with the proof which you were unable or unwilling to supply. Among a string of other rather fruity remarks which it made while we were at breakfast this morning it indulged--vicariously, one assumes--in a hope as to my future which has removed any traces of doubt lingering in my mind as to the bird's ownership. My wife and maid-servant were present, and as the remark was a very comprehensive one and indicated me by name I am not sure that an action for libel would not lie against you. But I am not vindictive, so return the bird to a more fitting _milieu_. Yours, HARRY. I am still waiting for Petherton's letter of thanks. * * * * * [Illustration: _P.C._ "WHAT'S BECOME OF THE LITTLE 'OUSEMAID?" _The Latest Thing in Domestics._ "OH, SHE'S WORKING ON MUNITIONS. YOU'LL HAVE TO TALK TO ME NOW."] * * * * * Another Impending Apology. "The majority of the blockading officers are drawn from the Royal Naval Reserve, whose skill in seamanship is a byeword." _Bournemouth Daily Echo._ * * * * * From "Mrs. Gossip's" account, in _The Daily Sketch_, of the audience at the Serbian matinee at Drury Lane:-- "Every one I knew was there. Queen Alexandra looked dignified and gracious in black and white. With her were the Princess Royal, Princess Victoria, Princess Maud of Fife ... and Princess Arthur of Connaught." We trust that Her Majesty and the four Princesses were conscious of this friendly recognition. * * * * * From a description of Mr. LLOYD GEORGE'S meeting at Conway:-- "This gathering was originally fixed for Saturday, the 29th ult., but was postponed for a week to meet the right hon. gentleman's convenience. The interval of waiting was spent in listening to songs and choruses." What lungs these Welsh folk have! * * * * * "The Gardens and Deer Park will be thrown open to the Public ... Children under 14 unaccompanied by their Parents and Dogs not admitted."--_Gloucester Citizen._ We understand that some parents consider the wording of this notice a little derogatory. * * * * * AT THE PLAY. "HAMLET." Mr. MARTIN HARVEY has evidently approached this high matter of the SHAKSPEARE Tercentenary celebration with the sincerity and thoughtfulness which have so often laid us under debt to him. He makes you feel that his heart is more with his "darling" author than with any other lesser man. It is only an implacable public that has attached him so persistently to the steps of a guillotine against a blood-red sky.