gh it's unusual. Then I
suppose it is the intolerable dulness of the country that drives you
away from it.

_Rural Labourer_. 'Tisn't that either. Things be a bit dull in
winter-time, cert'nly. But there--we've a Public, also a Free Reading
Room, and--

_Radical Reformer_ (_disappointed_). Glad to hear it, again, I'm sure,
though that also is unusual. Your house, now--rather, I ought to call
it, your hovel, perhaps--lets in the rain badly--reeks with damp--only
one room, and that a pigstye, eh?

_Rural Labourer_ (_offended_). Come now, don't you call my house a
pigstye! Three good rooms, and not a bit o' damp or dirt about it.

_Radical Reformer_. Then the wages are low, and a tyrannical landlord
refuses allotments, eh?

_Rural Labourer_. Allotments! I could have as many as I wanted for the
asking. But there--I _didn't_ want 'em, y'see, and I _didn't_ ask.

_Radical Reformer_ (_gravelled_). Then would you explain to me what is
the _real_ reason of your determination to quit the country for Town?

_Rural Labourer_ (_surprised_). Why, don't you know? _There was only
one collection and one delivery of letters daily!_ I couldn't stand
_that_, of course. I expect I shall find more in Lunnon. Good-day!

* * * * *

[Illustration: LE KHEDIVE EST MORT! VIVE LE KHEDIVE!

_British Lion_. "I HELPED YOUR FATHER AND I'LL STAND BY _YOU_."]

* * * * *

[Illustration: Cardinal Manning.]

BORN, JULY 15, 1808. DIED, JAN. 14, 1892.

One more great Voice gone silent! Friends or foes,
None well could watch that long life's gentle close
Without a softening thrill.
A valiant champion of the faith he held,
No conflict ever his strong courage quelled,
Or shook his steadfast will.

Yet, were that all, some well might turn away
With custom's passing courtliness, to-day,
And bid a cold farewell
To the great priest, shrewd marshaller of men,
Subtle of verbal fence with tongue or pen,
Ascetic of the cell.

But there was more; and many a hundred hearts,
Who not in cleric conflict played their parts,
Will mourn him well and long,
Friend of the poor, apart from creed or clique,
And ardent champion of the struggling weak
Against the selfish strong.

Toiler for Temperance, hastener on of Light,
In many a fray where right's at odds with might,
Might's foes will miss their friend.
Farewell! It move