ed her and bought one of the beastly little
papers, and went on my way. But something caused me to look back, and
I beheld Miss Bax seemingly in difficulties with two young
feller-me-lads, who evidently had no intention of going on. There was
no policeman handy--besides, there's a coolness at present between
members of the force and the fair militants--so I went back and dealt
faithfully with Miss Bax's admirers, and they departed, I regret to
say, blaspheming.

Miss Bax seemed rather shaken, the type was evidently new to her, and I
suggested that she should quit her pitch for the moment and come and
have lunch with me; so we went together to the _Petit Riche_, where we
consumed an excellent omelette; and the bundle of papers, which I,
Mary, had nobly carried through the streets of London, sat on a chair
between us and did chaperon.

Personally, I see no reason why women should not have votes if they
want 'em, but I see every reason why no woman, and above all no young
woman, should sell papers anywhere, more especially in Leicester
Square. I'd like to give the Panks, and the Peths, and the Hicemen a
bit of my mind on the subject. The mere thought of you ever indulging
in such unseemly vagaries fills me with horror unspeakable. Talk of
the Squire! Pouncing and pitchforks wouldn't be in it with me, I can
tell you, and yet Miss Bax isn't an orphan.

That very day I met a lugubrious procession of females, encased in
large sandwich-boards proclaiming a meeting somewhere. They were
dismally dodging the traffic, and looked about as dejected as they
could look--ladies every one of them. I begin to think old England's
no place for women when they're reduced to that sort of thing--what do
you say to India for a change?

The story will be out next month, but you won't like it--too technical.

I hope young Grantly's doing some work. This term counts a lot, and he
mustn't pass out low for the honour of the family.

My salaams to the General and Mrs Grantly, and to you--my remembrances.
Do you, by the way, remember "our last ride together" in January? When
shall we have another? Would the General let us ride in the park one
day if I could get off?--Yours,

REGGIE.

P.S.--Why the kind and blameless member for Marlehouse? Has the Squire
changed his politics? It's all very well for you to say the young man
looked at you as if you were a picture. We've another name for that
sort of sheep's eyes where I come from.