habit.

"JULIA SANBY," I said, "GAZEY has not got golden hair nor blue eyes,
neither is she pretty. _You_ are GAZEY."

"I swear I ain't. I'm a good girl, and knows my colics; GAZEY's
something orful."

"Very well," I answered, and went on finishing the sketch, as though
I took no interest in her. After a few seconds' silence, she added,
quite calmly,

"Owdjer know? I can pretend proper, cawn't I? But I 'adn't never
talked about myself as if I was someone else afore. That pickshur
ain't much like me."

"It will be when it's finished. Come to-morrow at the same time."

"Do you think I'm a liar?"

"You're either a liar or an artist, but I'm not sure which."

GAZEY put on her exceedingly frowsy hat. "The new curick needn't a bin
so cock-sure about it then. G'mornin'."

* * * * *

THE LATEST FROM BOBBY.

(_AN INTERCEPTED LETTER._)

_Schoolhouse, Swishborough._

_Thursday._

[Illustration]

DEAREST DARLING MOTHER,

I was so glad to get the hamper, and it has done me much good, all the
fellows were pleased with the cake, and the sardines were first-rate,
and the potted stuffs were awfully good. I am sorry you forgot the
bottles of acidulated drops, but you can send them in the next
hamper as soon as you like. There are only sixty-two days to the
holidays--1688 hours including nights! Isn't that jolly!

And now, my dear Mother, I want to write most seriously to you upon a
matter of great importance. You know I have been doing "Music" as an
"extra." Well, it does not agree with me. The fact is, it is an hour
every week in my playtime, when the Doctor says it is good for my
health that I should be enjoying myself. And "Music" is an extra,
like "Sausages for breakfast." And, of course, one has to think of
all that. How hard dear Papa works to get his living; and, of course,
I oughtn't to waste anything, ought I? Well, I really think I could
give up "Music." After all, it's awful rot, and only fit for a pack of
girls! So this is the great favour I'm going to ask you--and mind you
say "Yes." May I give up "Music," and take up "Sausages for breakfast"
instead?

Always your most loving Son, BOBBY.

* * * * *

IF THE FASHION SPREADS.

SCENE--_Interior of a Fashionable Church. The Incumbent has
read the Banns of Marriage between JOHN PLANTAGENET DE SMITH
and MARY STUART DE BROWN, and asks the usual question._

_Counsel_ (_rising in