Blameless and wholesome in their way,
At times agreeably subacid,
I love these records of a day
Long dead, but calm and placid;
And with a sigh I now replace
This ancient volume of _Belgravia_
And turn the "latest news" to face
_Mutans amaris suavia_.

* * * * *

[Illustration: _Rector's Daughter._ "HOW SPLENDID OF JOE JARVIS'S SON TO
VOLUNTEER FOR THAT VERY DANGEROUS JOB! I'M SO GLAD HE GOT THE MILITARY
MEDAL."

_Mrs. Mullins_ (_not to be outdone_). "YES, MISS. AND _MY_ BOY COULD HAVE
GOT IT TOO IF HE'D CARED TO HAVE TAKEN THE RISK."]

* * * * *

A SLUMP IN MARIONETTES.

"For the first time for centuries the Old Bailey Sessions were opened
on Tuesday without the customary ceremonies connected with the
summoning of a Grand Judy."--_Lincolnshire Echo._

* * * * *

"Too proud to fight" has now become "Proud to fight too."