PULLER tells me that there's one London Doctor, describing himself as a Gynaecologist ("A guinea-cologist," parenthetically remarks PULLER), who always sends his patients here. I think he says his name is Dr. BARNES. "He sends so many," says PULLER, "that I propose changing the name of the place from Royat-les-Bains into Royat-les-Barnes." I see why he introduced the name of BARNES. Fortunately he is so delighted with this _jeu de mot_, which I fancy I've heard before, that he is off to tell his friends in the Parc, and, as I pass a group, I overhear him explaining the point of it to a French lady and her husband, with whom he has a speaking acquaintance. For PULLER likes what he calls "airing his French," and is not a bit shy. * * * The Band is performing another new tune! How is this? I can account for it. It rained nearly all yesterday, and so the musicians didn't come out. How did they occupy themselves? In rehearsal. Well here's one good effect of rain at Royat, it brings out the new tunes. * * * * * [Illustration: MR. PUNCH'S HISTORICAL PARALLELS. No. 2. THE LORDLY CECIL ENTERTAINS HIS SOVEREIGN. HATFIELD, 1573 AND 1887.] * * * * * A Pretty Plate to Set Before the Queen. "The Queen's Plates are henceforth to be devoted to improving the breed of horses." A MOST wise change that sense for long has wished, But, Phoebus! how the "Platers" will be dished! * * * * * AN INVITATION. (_To a well-known Air._) "Mr. FREDERICK MAUDE, Honorary Secretary of the 'Liberal Union,' has resigned that post in consequence of his disapproval of the attitude taken up by the leaders of the 'Liberal Unionist' party towards the leaders of the Liberal party, and of his inability to support the programme of a Tory Government." COME back to Hawarden, MAUDE, For the Tory black flag's flown! Come back to Hawarden, MAUDE, Leave HARTY and JOE alone; For the Government plainly is all abroad, And the Unionist game is blown. * * * * * A "CHEF DOUVRES."--The L. C. & D.'s new steamer _Empress_. * * * * * ALL IN PLAY. DEAR MR. PUNCH,--Town is supposed to be empty, except of the poor persons who are forced to attend the Houses of Parliament, and the toiling millions of the East End, who are, however, of no account in the West. In spite of this dearth of population, the Gaiety (which I attended on your behalf, looking and feeling as much like you as I possibly could) was very full on the first night of _Loyal Love_, a play which has apparently been put upon the stage for the personal and exclusive benefit of Mrs. BROWN-POTTER. [Illustration: Saved by the Bottle.]