rom you. If you will kindly let me have
particulars, name of play, date when forwarded, etc., the matter
shall receive further attention.

Faithfully yours,

BASIL VYNE-PETHERINGTON,

Secretary.

_From G. Sheridan Smith, in answer. A telegram._

Men and munitions comedy fourteen weeks ago kindly wire reply paid.

_Reply to above. A telegram._

No trace comedy entitled fourteen weeks suggest inquire post-office.

_Reply to above_.

Name of comedy men and munitions reply paid urgent.

_Reply to above._

Your play returned last week.

_Reply to above._

Nothing arrived here please look again.

_From Basil Vyne-Petherington to G. Sheridan Smith._

Dear Sir,--In returning herewith your blank-verse tragedy, _Hadrian_,
I am desired by Sir James Benfield to thank you for kindly allowing
him the opportunity of reading it.

Faithfully yours,

BASIL VYNE-PETHERINGTON,

Secretary.

_From Buskin Browne to G. Sheridan Smith._

Dear old Boy,--The A.S.M. told me to-day that our backers won't look
at farce, though the chief simply loves yours. So I'm afraid we can
only say better luck next time.

Yours disappointed,

B.B.

_From Basil Vyne-Petherington to G. Sheridan Smith, five weeks later._

Dear Sir,--Sir James Benfield has been interested to learn that you
have written a comedy of topical interest, called (he understands)
_The Munitioneer_. Should you care to forward it for his consideration
he would be pleased to read it, and, if suitable, to arrange for its
production at this theatre.

Faithfully yours,

BASIL VYNE-PETHERINGTON,

Secretary.

_From G. Sheridan Smith, in reply. A telegram._

Where did you get a name like that?

_From Basil Vyne-Petherington, in final answer, a month later._

Sir,--I am requested by Sir James Benfield to state that he has been
compelled to make a rule never to send his autograph to strangers.

Yours faithfully,

BASIL VYNE-PETHERINGTON,

Secretary.

* * * * *

WHITE MAGIC.

Blind folk see the fairies,
Oh, better far than we,
Who miss the shining of their wings
Because our eyes are filled with things
We do not wish to see.
They need not seek enchantment
From solemn printed books,
For all about them as they go
The fairies flutter to and fro
With smiling, friendly looks.

Deaf folk hear the fairies
However soft their song;
'Tis we who lose the honey sound
Amid the clamour al