ded as indicating a coolness between the Colonial
Office and the Council of Education. Lord HALSBURY alighted from a bus
at the bottom of Downing Street, accomplishing the rest of the journey
on foot. He wore a new suit of the latest fashionable cut and a smile.
Mr. STANHOPE, approaching Downing Street from the steps, started
violently when he caught sight of a figure on the steps of the
Treasury fumbling with the door-handle. He thought it was "VETUS," but
recognising the Home Secretary, advanced without further hesitation.
Lord GEORGE HAMILTON walked arm-in-arm as far as the door with Sir
M. HICKS-BEACH. Here they were observed to hastily relieve themselves
from contiguity and enter in single file. As they had up to that
moment been engaged in earnest conversation, this little incident
caused a sensation among the crowd looking on. The new Chief Secretary
was easily recognised as he descended from his hansom with a sprig
of shamrock in his coat and another of shillelagh in his right hand.
Whilst waiting for change out of eighteenpence he softly whistled
"_God Save Ireland_." Mr. RITCHIE did not appear, pleading influenza.
Our reporter informs us that there is more behind, and that before
the Session is far advanced a change may be looked for at the Local
Government Board.

* * * * *

A TRIAL IN NOVEL FORM.

SCENE--_The Interior of Court during a sensational trial.
Bench, Bar, and Jury in a state of wild excitement as to what
will happen next._

_Judge_ (_mysteriously handing note to Bar engaged in the case_). I
have received this letter, which is deeply interesting. It will form
appropriately what I may call our Third Volume. I hand it to Counsel,
but they must keep it entirely to themselves.

_First Leader_ (_after perusal of document_). Did you ever?

_Second Leader_ (_ditto_). No I never!

_Judge_ (_greatly gratified_). I thought I would surprise you! Yes,
it came this afternoon, and I found it too startling to keep all to
myself, so I have revealed the secret, on the condition you tell no
one else.

_First Lead._ You may rely on the discretion of my learned friend, my
Lord.

_Second Lead._ My Lord, on the discretion of my learned friend you may
rely.

_Judge_. Thank you (_dipping his pen in the ink_), and now we will go
on with the case.

[_A Witness is called--he hides his face under a cloak._

_First Leader_ (_in examination-in-chief_). I think you