* * * * *

It is announced that Lord SALISBURY's new house at Beaulieu is to
be let furnished for the winter months, the PREMIER not intending
to return till the Spring. We understand that one of Mr. GLADSTONE's
friends and admirers is in treaty for the residence, intending
to place it for a few weeks at the disposal of the Leader of the
Opposition. We have not yet heard how far this happily-conceived
scheme has progressed.

* * * * *

THE TRAVELLING COMPANIONS.

NO. XVIII.

SCENE--_The roof of Milan Cathedral; the innumerable statues
and fretted pinnacles show in dazzling relief against the
intense blue sky. Through the open-work of the parapet is seen
the vast Piazza, with its yellow toy tram-cars, and the small
crawling figures which cast inordinately long shadows. All
around is a maze of pale brown roofs, and beyond, the green
plain blending on the horizon with dove-coloured clouds in
a quivering violet haze. CULCHARD is sitting by a small
doorway at the foot of a flight of steps leading to the
Spire._

[Illustration: "She passes on with her chin in the air!"]