s who are interested in the doings of the class
JEAMES calls the "hupper suckles," will perhaps be a little
disappointed, as, truth to tell, the narrative is rather homely. Many
of the characters seem to have that exaggerated awe of rank which used
to be characteristic of the tales in the _London Journal_. The book
should, however, be welcome in the homes of some of the lower middle
class.

BARON DE BOOK-WORMS & Co.

* * * * *

MR. PARKER SMITH, the recently elected M.P., appeared in the House
looking Partickularly happy.

* * * * *

[Illustration: Mr Punch's suggestion for the Betterment of Parliament

The House of Commons altered so as to accommodate all its members.]

ESSENCE OF PARLIAMENT,
EXTRACTED FROM the DIARY of TOBY M.P.

_House of Commons, Tuesday, February 11._--"Rather slow this," said
Commandant (of the Yeomanry Cavalry) Lord BROOKE to Admiral (in black
velvet suit, with silver buckles) ROYDEN.

They were locked up in a room adjoining OLD MORALITY'S private
apartment, at back of SPEAKER's chair. Both dressed in warlike
costumes, both uniforms new, unaccustomed, and uncomfortable. Both
warriors had waked in the morning full of joy and proud anticipation.
"If you're waking call me early," Quartermaster-General Lord BROOKE
had said to his man; "this is the happiest day of all the bright new
year; for I'm to Second the Address. Yes, I'm to Second the Address."

Captain ROYDEN had made a remark of a similar purport to his body
servant, though he had kept more closely to prose. Now here they were
locked in, with a glass of sherry wine and a sponge cake, waiting for
the signal that might never come. Ordinary course on opening night of
Session is, for SPEAKER to take Chair; Notices of Motion to be worked
off; Queen's Speech read; then Mover and Seconder of Address march
into seats immediately behind Ministers, especially kept for them;
dexterously dodge tendency of sword to get between their knees; sit
down with the consciousness that they are the cynosure of every eye,
including those of JOSEPH GILLIS, regarding them across House through
horn-bound spectacles. To-day everything upside down. Instead of
moving the Address, HARCOURT on with question of Privilege--HARCOURT,
a plain man, in civilian costume! Worst of it was, they could not go
away and change their clothes. No one knows what may happen