thoroughly understand. Man I do know--down to his boots; but
woman'--here he sighed and hesitated--'no; I don't know nearly so much
of her.'




_THE CRITIC ON THE HEARTH._


It has often struck me that the relation of two important members of
the social body to one another has never been sufficiently considered,
or treated of, so far as I know, either by the philosopher or the
poet. I allude to that which exists between the omnibus driver and his
conductor. Cultivating literature as I do upon a little oatmeal, and
driving, when in a position to be driven at all, in that humble
vehicle, the 'bus, I have had, perhaps, exceptional opportunities for
observing their mutual position and behaviour; and it is very
peculiar. When the 'bus is empty, these persons are sympathetic and
friendly to one another, almost to tenderness; but when there is much
traffic, a tone of severity is observable upon the side of the
conductor. 'What are yer a-driving on for just as a party's getting
in? Will nothing suit but to break a party's neck?' 'Wake up, will
yer? or do yer want that ere Bayswater to pass us?' are inquiries he
will make in the most peremptory manner. Or he will concentrate
contempt in the laconic but withering observation: 'Now then,
stoopid!'

When we consider that the driver is after all the driver--that the
'bus is under his guidance and management, and may be said _pro tem_,