_The Oxford Mail_, evidently sent from the
office; on the outside was marked, "See page 3."

He picked up the packet, examined it carefully, and replaced it upon
the table. He was in all things studied, having conceived the idea
that to simulate a species of superior boredom was to evidence
good-breeding. Although alone, he would not allow any unseemly haste
to suggest curiosity. Having removed his hat and coat and donned a
smoking-jacket and Turkish fez--he felt that this gave him the right
touch of undergraduate bohemianism--he picked up the paper, once more
read the address, and, with studied indifference, removed, it could not
be said that he tore off, the wrapper. He smoothed out the paper and
turned to the page indicated, where he saw a paragraph heavily marked
in blue pencil that momentarily stripped him of his languorous
self-control. He read and re-read it, looked round the room as if
expecting to find some explanation, and then read it again. The
paragraph ran:

"A DISTINGUISHED VISITOR

"Australia has been brought very closely into touch with this ancient
city by the munificence of the late Mr. Cecil Rhodes and his scheme of
Scholarships, which each year brings to our colleges gifted scholars,
and to the playing-fields and boats magnificent athletes. It is
interesting to note that we are shortly to have a visit from Mr. Josiah
Williams, the Australian millionaire and philanthropist, whose wealth
is said to be almost fabulous, and whose sheep-runs are famous
throughout the Antipodes.

"It would appear that we have often eaten of his mutton--that is, of
the sheep that he has reared to feed the Empire--and now we are to have
the privilege of welcoming him to Oxford.

"We understand that Mr. Williams is to remain in our city for only a
few days, and that his main purpose in coming is to visit his nephew
Mr. Reginald Graves, of St. Joseph's College. Mr. Williams is, we
gather, to be entertained by his nephew's fellow-undergraduates at
Bungem's, so famous for its dinners and suppers, and it is mooted that
the Corporation may extend its hospitality to so distinguished a
citizen of the Empire. Thus are the bonds of Empire cemented.

"It would appear that Mr. Josiah Williams has engaged a suite of rooms
at the Sceptre, where he will experience the traditional hospitality of
that ancient English hostelry.

"Mr. Williams arrives to-morrow, Wednesday, and we wish him a pleasant
stay."

Reginald G