BRITANNIA. "NOW, FROM MY WESTERN CLIFFS THAT FRONT THE DEEP TO WHERE THE WARM PACIFIC WATERS SWEEP AROUND CATHAY AND OLD ZIPANGU'S SHORE, MY COURSE IS CLEAR. WHAT CAN I WISH FOR MORE?" * * * * * SOME NOTES AT STARMOUTH. ETHEL DERING has not recognised me yet. Naturally she would not expect to find me being photographed on the beach with such a crew as this--but she _will_ in another instant, unless,--ah, LOUISE'S sunshade! my presence of mind never _quite_ deserts me. There is a slit in the silk--through which I can see ETHEL. As soon as she discovers what the excitement is all about, she turns away.... Thank goodness, she is gone! I have saved the situation--but ruined the group ... they are all annoyed with me. I had really no idea LOUISE looked so plain when out of temper! As we go back, ALF wants to know whether I noticed that "clipping girl." He means ETHEL. LOUISE says, he "ought to know better than to ask me such things, considering my situation." Agree with LOUISE. _Evening_. I am staying at home; _nominally_, to work at the Drama (still in very elementary stage) _really_, to think out the situation. Remember now the DERINGS have a yacht; they _may_ only have put in here for a day or two--if not, can I avoid being seen by her sooner or later? The mere idea of meeting _her_ when I am with ALF or PONKING, and my Blazer acquaintances, makes me ill. (Not that I need distress myself, for she would probably cut me!) Can't think in Mrs. SURGE'S little front parlour. I must get out, into the air! Let me see, LOUISE and her Aunt (and no doubt PONKING and ALF) will be at the Music Hall this evening, as there is a "benefit" with the usual "galaxy of talent." If I keep away from the sands (where I might see ETHEL), I shall be safe enough. [Illustration: "Why, he's a man of whacks!" _Shakspeare_.]