to give the bearer a check (in
my wife's name) for the amount of his contributions for the
last two months? Mrs. Thackeray will give you a receipt for
the same. You have already Maginn's authority.

Now comes another and not a very pleasant point on which I
must speak. I hereby give notice that I shall strike for
wages. You pay more to others, I find, than to me, and so I
intend to make some fresh conditions about Yellowplush. I
shall write no more of that gentleman's remarks except at
the rate of twelve guineas a sheet and with a drawing for
each number in which his story appears--the drawing two
guineas.

Pray do not be angry at this decision on my part; it is
simply a bargain which it is my duty to make. Bad as he is,
Mr. Yellowplush is the most popular contributor to your
magazine, and ought to be paid accordingly; if he does not
deserve more than the Monthly Nurse or the Blue Friars, I am
a Dutchman. I have been at work upon his adventures to-day,
and will send them to you or not, as you like; but in common
regard for myself I won't work under prices.

Well, I dare say you will be very indignant, and swear I am
the most mercenary of individuals. Not so. But I am a better
workman than most of your crew, and desire a better price.
You must not, I repeat, be angry or, because we differ as
tradesmen, break off our connection as friends.

Believe me that, whether I write for you or not, I shall
always be glad of your friendship, and anxious to have your
good opinion. I am, ever, my dear Fraser (independent of L
s. d.), very truly yours,

W.M. THACKERAY.

MY LADY ON PARADE.

Verses, Old and New, Dealing With Various Phases of That Highly Important
Subject, the Philosophy of Feminine Costume.

WHAT THE CHOIR SANG.

By Harriette Hammond.

A foolish little maiden bought a foolish little bonnet,
With a ribbon, and a feather, and a bit of lace upon it.
And that the other maidens of the little town might know it,
She thought she'd go to meeting the next Sunday just to show it.

But though the little bonnet was scarce larger than a dime,
The getting of it settled proved to be a work of time;
So when 'twas fairly tied, all the bells had stopped their ringing,
And when she came to meeting, sure enough, the folks were singing.

So this foolish little