o listen to the howls of the crowd outside!
But I am not sure _he_ cared for them! We got away in _excellent_
time, and I hope to go again. I am trying _very hard_ (should it come
to anything) to be present at the _last scene of all!_ Wouldn't that
be _lovely_? I should have to be at the place, though, at _ten minutes
to eight o'clock!_ I don't think I should go to bed that night _at
all!_ If I did, I am _sure_ I should not sleep! It would be so very,
_very_ interesting! And now, my _dearest_, good-bye. Your ever _most_
affectionate friend,

LUCRETIA.

* * * * *

"MINE EASE AT MY CLUB."--In its most useful and instructive theatrical
column last Sunday's _Observer_ (the only Observer of a Sunday in
London!) inserted this notice:--

"Mr. H.A. JONES is to read a paper at the Playgoers' Club,
Henrietta Street, Tuesday next."

Why announce it? Why not let the hard-worked HENRY AUTHOR JONES read
his paper at his Club in peace and quietness? Very hard on poor HENRY
DRAMATIC AUTHOR JONES, if he can't have a few minutes of peace (not
"piece," _bien entendu_) to himself. Leave him alone to take his ease
at his Club.

* * * * *

UNSATISFACTORY FOR LAW-ABIDING CITIZENS.--At a recent meeting of
Anarchists at New Jersey some were arrested, but MOST escaped.

* * * * *

[Illustration: A LAMENT FROM THE NORTH.

"AND THEN THE WEATHER'S BEEN SO BAD, DONALD!"

"OU AY, SIR. ONLY THREE FINE DAYS--AND TWA OF THEM SNAPPIT UP BY THE
SAWBATH!"]

* * * * *

THE "LAIDLY WORM" OF LONDON;

_Or, The Great Slum Dragon and Little Master County Council_.

["The Worm (at first neglected) grew till it was too large for
its habitation.... It became the terror of the country, and,
among other enormities, levied a daily contribution ... in
default of which it would devour both man and beast.... Young
LAMBTON was extremely shocked at witnessing the effects of
his youthful imprudence, and immediately undertook the
adventure."--_Legend of "The Lambton Worm," as related by
Surtees._]

Old stories tell how Hercules
At Lerna slew a "Dragon;"
And the "Lambton Worm" (told by SURTEES)
The Durham men still brag on.
How the "Laidly Worm" was made to squirm
Old legends tell (they _can't_ lie!);
And of MORE, of More-hall, when, "with nothing at all,"
He slew the