gets more
or less of a stiff neck. The Band stands ready to play "_God Save the
Queen_," but two hours elapse, and HER MAJESTY is nowhere near us, and
never will be; most of the Band are fast asleep, the violoncello, having
gone off first, is nodding over his instrument. The ladies yearn for
five o'clock tea, and gradually disappear to get it. The party watching
the QUEEN dissolves.

Aha! the Tender! The four separatists are to be put on shore, and to do
this a large party, wishing to see the ships of war, the torpedo-boats,
and gun-boats, will accompany us on the tender. We steam down the line,
we dodge in and out, we see all the ships, and this is the liveliest and
most interesting part of the day's proceedings. Then comes the most
melancholy, when we steam back, and allow the other guests to re-embark
for dinner on board ("Wish you'd stop," says ROSSHER, heartily, and I as
heartily wish I could; so do we all), and then the four separatists,
waving their _adieux_, are conveyed on board the tender to Southsea. In
the crowd I lose the other three. I see no illuminations. I am thankful
for what I have seen, and am content to imagine the rest, which I do as,
in a carriage all to myself, I am taken up to London, stopping only
once--at Guildford--_en route_, and am finally at home by 1.30 A.M.,
when I find the card of invitation of the M. & N. Co. on my desk. It is
over. It is an experience. _Vive la Compagnie!_

* * * * *

HENRY MAYHEW.

BORN, 1812. DIED, 1887.

"THE MAYHEW Brothers." A familiar phrase
On all men's lips in _Punch's_ earlier days,
Suggesting pleasant wit and genial mirth.
Green grow the grass and lightly lie the earth
Above the latest of the brilliant band!
_Punch's_ first pages knew that skilful hand.
HENRY the shrewd, and gentle HORACE both
Watched o'er its birth, and helped its budding growth,
Not long indeed, yet lovingly. Farewell!
The record of the age's course will tell
Of him whose name a double honour bore,
Comrade of _Punch_, and champion of the poor.

[Mr. HENRY MAYHEW was never at any time Editor of _Punch_. He
assisted the first Editor, Mr. MARK LEMON, in his work at the
commencement, and made many valuable suggestions. His connection
with _Punch_ was not of long duration.--ED.]

* * * * *

PROFESSIONAL CRICKETERS.

_Fancy Portraits by Dumb Crambo._

[Illustration: Burton.