e might have been
her real line; or, better still, a strong-woman turn on the Halls. There
was the episode, for instance, where, having to prostrate herself before
the Baron, she insisted upon a backward exit (with the usual result) and
then made an acrobatic re-entrance on her knees.

Tolerant as he was, even Peter began at last to grow impatient at the
vagaries of his company. Finally, when the Executioner (a mere walker-on
of no importance whatever) had twice brought ridicule upon the ultimate
solemnities of the law by his introduction of comic dives off the
scaffold, the manager rang down the curtain. Not before it was time.

"They're lovely to look at," he observed, surveying the supine cast,
"but awfully difficult to do anything with."

"Peter," I answered gratefully, "as an estimate of the theatrical
profession your last remark could hardly be improved upon."

Of course he didn't understand; but, being dramatist as well as uncle, I
enjoyed saying it.

* * * * *

[Illustration: _Nervous Country Gentleman_ (_as taxi just misses an
island_). "Do drive carefully, please. I'm not accustomed to taxis."

_Driver_ "That's funny! I ain't used to 'em, neither. As a matter o'
fact I've only taken this on for a bet."]

* * * * *

"February 3.--A total eclipse of the sun, partly visible at
Greenwich as a partial eclipse. Eclipse begins to be visible at
Greenwich at 4.31 P. M.; ends after the sun has set."

"February 3.--A partial eclipse of the moon, partly visible at
Greenwich. Begins at 4.31 P. M."--_Churchman's Almanack._

This double obscuration will make navigation very difficult for
sky-pilots.

* * * * *

BADGES.

My companion had the habit of muttering to himself and I was relieved
when he leant over and spoke to me. He was a dry little man of middle
age, with a nervous kindly face and eyes that twinkled with the
voluntary spirit. I had seen him on summer evenings clipping his hedge
and pruning his roses, for we lived nearly opposite to each other.
Suddenly he emerged from his newspaper and said in a quick determined
way, "What this country wants, Sir, is more buttonholes. The best suits
have only two buttonholes; that is to say, only two that are
superfluous, the rest are all needed by buttons. It's a scandal, Sir!"

"Isn't there one at the bottom of the waistcoat?" I asked.

"Quite use