"Oh--(_Considering._)--DO YOU THINK GRANDMAMMA WOULD TAKE A PRIZE AT
THE CAT SHOW?"

"ETHEL, DEAR! WHAT _DO_ YOU MEAN?" "WELL, MUMMY DEAR, I HEARD PAPPA
SAY THAT, IN THE WHOLE COURSE OF HIS LIFE HE HAD NEVER COME ACROSS
'SUCH AN OLD TABBY AS HIS MOTHER-IN-LAW'!"]

* * * * *

AWAKENING FATHER CHRISTMAS

OR, THE CALL TO ALMS.

_A TOPSY-TURVEY VERSION OF THE TENNYSONIAN DAY-DREAM._

THE SLEEPING BEAUTY.

All through the year, towards his feet,
He slumbering in his place alone,
Waiting December days to greet
The "Beauty's" snowy beard has grown;
Whilst all about his bulky form
Fir-hedge and holly sprout and twirl.
Sleeping he snoreth, snug and warm,
His breath scarce stirs his beard's crisp curl.

He sleeps: the jolly, brave Old Bird,
Ruddy of phiz as warm of heart,
Who, when he's annually stirred,
Is always good, and game to "part."