I explained that Algiers was in Africa, where the black men come from. Joan was mildly intrigued. She opined that her Uncle Barney would follow the local customs (as she understood them) and wear no clothes. I said I doubted if his medical adviser would approve of his carrying international courtesy to such an extreme. Joan was frankly disappointed. So I tried again. "I expect he'll see some lions in Africa," I suggested. Joan's interest revived. "Great-big-roarin'-lions," she corrected me. Porgie expressed herself, as usual, in precisely similar terms. "Yes," I said feelingly, "great big roarers. I expect they'll eat him up quite soon." Joan looked deeply concerned at this callous prediction, and the corners of Porgie's mouth drooped ominously. "I don't like roarin' lions," said Joan. "Don't nike roarin' nions," said Porgie. "Are they in cages?" suggested Joan hopefully. This was an excellent idea. "Of course they are," I said with great heartiness. Joan was not satisfied. "Will they roar when they see Uncle Barney?" she inquired. This gave me my chance most unexpectedly. "I should just think they will," I said. "If they see him dressed like your black men, they'll roar till the tears pour down their cheeks." "I 'spect they'd be laughing at him," said Joan, gracefully helping me out. "I 'spect so," I replied. "_I_ see," said Joan comfortably. "_I_ see," said Porgie. * * * * * So G.B.R.L. has come to have a new and a more genial significance, thanks to Uncle Barney. * * * * * "Vacant Possession, through sickness.--Capital Chop, with good living accommodation, in best business position."--_Daily Paper._ Purchaser will acquire a steak in the country. * * * * * [Illustration: =ANOTHER CHILD ACTRESS.= _Mrs. Bluff_ (_a popular pauper_). "NOW, FANNY, WHAT'LL YER SAY WHEN I TAKES YER INTO THE KIND LADY'S DRORIN'-ROOM?" _Fanny_ (_thoroughly proficient_). "OH, THAT'S AN EASY ONE. I'LL PUT ON A BEWTIFUL LORST LOOK AN' SAY, 'MUVVER, THIS IS 'EAVEN!'"] * * * * * =Mr. Punch's Misquotations.= Of a prima donna who sang in a private drawing-room: "At a party she gave what was meant for mankind." (GOLDSMITH). * * * * * "FAR-FETCHED HERRING. "The steam drifter Bruces landed at Buckie to-day the furthest-fetched catch of herrings on record. The herrings were caught on the Yarmouth grounds, over 4000 miles distant." _Scotch Paper._ The last detail seems as far-fetched as the fish. * * * * * "Lost, in Paragon Street or Station, Black Dog with purse, money, eyeglass and papers; name and address inside.--Reward returning same."--_Daily Paper._ But suppose the finder is an anti-vivisectionist? * * * * *