Mr. W.H. STEAD. The Most Honourable Order of the Golden Scoop. For his
enterprise in reviewing Reviews, and gallantry in storming Magazines.

Mr. MACDOUGALL. The Order of the Free Pass. For services to Morality.
Mr. O'BRIEN. The Order of Retreat. For a short period.

* * * * *

[Illustration: A WAY OF PUTTING IT.

_Author_. "DO YOU LIKE MY VERSES?"

_Pompous Critic_. "OH, IMMENSELY! I OBSERVE THAT THE EXIGENCIES OF
RHYME HAVE OCCASIONALLY LED TO A FELICITY OF EXPRESSION WHICH--WHICH
ALMOST COMPELS ONE TO ASSUME THE ORIGINAL EXISTENCE OF IDEAS!"]

* * * * *

AT THE END OF THE YEAR.

THE FRIEND'S REPLY.

I thought your lines a great success,
(You always did write rather neatly)
Although I must at once confess
I can't agree with you completely.

Of course I recollect quite well
How long we sat and smoked together,
And how our conversation fell