to Templemore, County
Tipperary."--_Newcastle Daily Journal._

It's a long, long way, but they've got there at last.

* * * * *

UNINTELLIGENT ANTICIPATION.

"My dear," I said, "you are always proposing things, and then, when they
are carried _nem. con._, you argue against your own proposal."

"It's unfair to use Greek to me."

"_'Nem. con._,'" I said, "is rich old Castilian and, put simply, means
that nobody--I am nobody--objects."

"But we can't afford a new tea-set."

"Then why did you ask so many to tea at once?"

"I didn't think," said Alison. "They are coming to make pyjamas for our
soldiers in the trenches, and I simply thought that the more people came
the more pyjamas there would be."

"How many cups have we?"

"Only five tea-cups. Jessie broke two more yesterday, and there's one
with a piece out that you or I could use. Oh! and there are the two
breakfast cups and two odd ones which would make up the number, but
they're such a mixed lot."

Jessie is our domestic staff and a champion china-breaker.

"If Jessie," I said, "were not so good to young Peter I should insist on
handing her back her credentials. Hold! I have the germ of an idea.
Leave me to work it out, please. I see credit, nay kudos, in it."

At the end of ten minutes Alison looked in again.

"I'm just putting the finishing touches," I said. "Kindly ask Peter to
spare me a few moments. He's sailing his boats in the bath, I imagine.
By the way, what time are these people coming?"

"Half-past four," said Alison, "and it's now nearly four."

"Then please see that Jessie brings in tea at five exactly."

"Why exactly?" said Alison.

"Why not?" I said. "Five is a very good hour, and it's part of my
scheme."

"It's most mysterious," said Alison.

"It's particularly ingenious," I said. "Everything dovetails in
beautifully, and if you'll carry out your small share all will be well.
By the way, if I make any remark to the company before tea which is
not--er--strictly true, you will please to take no notice of it."

"I'll try not to," said Alison, "if it isn't too outrageous."

"Oh, no," I said, "nothing to shy at. But I might find it necessary to
say something about a Worcester tea-set. Listen," I said before she
could interrupt. "When you hear me say, 'Worcester tea-set' you say
'Great heavens!' or whatever women say under stress of great emotion.
But sit tight. Don't go and see about it."

"S