But hark! in the distance a weird shrill cry, a kinder mournful,
monotonous yelp--

(_Further irruption of Society Chatter_) ... is it jackal?--bison?--a
cry for help?

_Soc. Chat._ Such a complete _rest_, you know--so perfectly peaceful!
Not a soul to talk to. I _love_ it ... but, to really enjoy a tomato,
you must see it dressed ... in the _sweetest_ little sailor suit!

_Miss F.B._

My horse was a speck on the pampas' verge, for I dropped the rein in
my haste to stoop;
Then I pressed my ear to the baking soil--and caught--ah, horror--the
Indian whoop!

_Soc. Chat._ Some say it _isn't_ infectious, but one can't be too
careful, and, with children in the house, &c., &c.

_Miss F.B._

I rose to my feet with quivering knees, and my face turned white as a
fresh-washed towel;
I had heard a war-cry I knew too well--'twas the murderous band of
Blue-nosed Owl!

_Soc. Chat._ Nice fellow--I'm very fond of him--so fresh--capital
company--met him when I was over there, &c.