these
impostors, these amateurs;" and he bit a large piece out of a glass,
which was standing handy.

"Is there no way of escaping from this persecution?" I asked, with
sympathy.

"None--none! I have written to the _Times_; I have applied to the
Magistrates; I have penned letters which might melt the heart of a
stone; I have even been unmannerly, I fear, now and then, for I cannot
_always_ dissemble! No!" he cried, "I am doomed,--

'Presentation copies sore Long time he bore'--

write that on my sepulchre."

Here he broke down, and wept like a child. Poor fellow! he is now under
restraint, and I expect soon to hear that we have lost ST. BARBE, at
heart a kind, benevolent man, but sorely treated by authors. Such are
the dangers of a critical career, and so wearing are the facilities of
the Parcels Post. Others may perish like him, men deserving of a better
fate. But to appeal to authors for mercy is vain, I know; far from
sympathising with taste and culture in distress, they actually complain
that they are harshly treated by critics. They little know what they
themselves inflict.

* * * * *

DIARY OF A STATESMAN.

("_Made in France._")

_Monday._--Immense enthusiasm. The Ministry never so strong. When asked
my intentions, replied, "My intentions are the intentions of my
country." They nearly shook my hand off in their delight. Grand official
reception in the evening. Everyone there. All the Diplomatic body
offered congratulations.

_Tuesday._--Ministry suddenly threatened by an unseen danger. Everything
going smoothly, when someone in the back benches interrogated us about
an open window in the corridors. Considering the question frivolous,
declined to answer. Enormous excitement, all the Members shaking their
fists, and gesticulating. "Urgency" asked for. We protested; and, after
a heated debate, secured the passing to the Order of the Day _pur et
simple_ by a majority of two! Too close to be pleasant.

_Wednesday._--We have been defeated! The window incident was renewed.
The Minister of Justice explained that it was the accidental
carelessness of a Commissionnaire of Police. Although the man was brave,
and crippled by a wound, the Chamber demanded his immediate dismissal.
We protested. "Urgency" was voted by a majority of 343, and we
immediately resigned. Bore to have to pack up!

_Thursday._--Have refused to join no less than five combinations. Too
dangerous. None of