* * * * *

When Sir AUGUSTUS DRURIOLANUS read in the _Times_ that Signor LAGO
had been granted the QUEEN's permission to prefix "Royal" to his opera
entertainment at the Shaftesbury Theatre, it gave him so great a shock
that, but for the opportune ("opera-tune," Sir AUGUSTUS jocosely put
it) arrival of Dr. ROBSON ROUSTEM PASHA, the shock might have had a
serious effect.

* * * * *

On Monday last, at half-past three, the King of SPAIN cut a new tooth,
His Majesty's seventh acquisition in this class of property. The happy
event was celebrated by a salute of seventeen guns.

"What's that?" asked His Majesty, awakened by the roar from his
siesta.

"Sire," said the Field-Marshal commanding the troops, bringing his
trusty Toledo to the salute, "your Majesty has condescended to cut a
tooth."

"That's all very well to begin with," said the King; "but, when I grow
a little older, I mean to cut a dash."

* * * * *

Previous to the appointment of Mr. ARTHUR BALFOUR, much speculation
was indulged in as to the succession to the Leadership of the House of
Commons. In Conservative circles there was an almost universal desire