correspondent writes that telegrams now reach their destination nearly
as soon as letters.

* * * * *

[Illustration: WAR-TIME COMRADESHIP.

_Charlady_ (_"obliging" for the afternoon in the absence of all other
domestic help_). "WELL, I'M OFF NOW. GOOD NIGHT, ALL."]

* * * * *

A CONFESSION.

TO THE RESIDENTS OF CHISWICK MALL.

There is a race of gentle folk
Who dwell in Chiswick, well content
In houses agéd as the oak,
But not unpleasing at the rent;
They look across the sunny stream
As Dr. JOHNSON used to look,
And all their lives are one long dream,
Though _none_ of them has got a cook,
And there are whispers in the camp,
"It's jolly, but it _is_ so damp."

But they are _not_ exciting. No;
And you would find that Chiswick Mall
At half-past nine at night or so