SAIREY feel wild.
It's wus than kidnapping, this bizness of picking up 'Fondlings' all
round.
You're nussing a wiper, _I_ say, and you'll soon feel 'is bite, _I'll_
be bound.
Who arsked for 'im, BETSY--I mean Missis G.--who demanded the brat?
_You_'ve altered your mind, and you pet him; you'd much better mind
what you're at.
Drat the boy's bragian imperence! _I_ says. He's a halien, a fondling,
a waif,
And _I_ never knew, for my part, _any_ Brummagem goods as wos _safe!_"

* * * * *

[Illustration: THE ADOPTED CHILD.

MOTHER GOSCHEN. "FOUND 'IM IN BIRMINGHAM, MY DEAR! DIDN'T LIKE 'IM AT
FIRST,--BUT, SOMEHOW, I'VE QUITE TOOK A FANCY TO 'IM!!"

MRS. GAMP. "A FONDLING INDEED!--WHICH ALL I CAN SAY IS I DON'T LIKE
THE LOOKS OF 'IM!!"]

* * * * *

ESSENCE OF PARLIAMENT.

EXTRACTED FROM THE DIARY OF TOBY, M.P.

_House of Commons, Monday, April 27_.--"Well, I never!" said GEORGE
ELLIOT, beaming on House from back bench; "have known HARCOURT man