who have a wide circle of friends.

* * * * *

THEORY AND PRACTICE.

SCENE--_Interior of a First-class Railway Carriage.
Theoretical Passenger and Practical Passenger discussing the
"Unreadiness of England."_

_Theoretical Passenger_ (_at the conclusion of a long account of the
national shortcomings_). Yes, my dear Sir, France has only to declare
war to-morrow, and we are completely ruined! We cease to exist as a
nation!

_Practical Passenger_ (_with a smile_). But hasn't this been said
about us--by ourselves--for any number of years?

_Theo. Pas._ Doubtless, but that does not make it the less true.

_Prac. Pas._ Possibly; still, it is encouraging to find that we _do_
exist in spite of the "temptation to belong to other nations."

_Theo. Pas._ (_annoyed_). Ah! you treat the matter with levity; but
I assure you it is a most serious thing! How would you like to be
bombarded?

_Prac. Pas._ Not at all. The more especially as it would be a great
expense to the enemy.