forests or hotel smoking-rooms on the Continent. It always
turns out to be the King of Sweden."

"The restraint must be dreadfully irksome to you. When I was
younger, boys of your age used to be nice and innocent."

"Now we are only nice. One must specialise in these days.
Which reminds me of the man I read of in some sacred book who
was given a choice of what he most desired. And because he
didn't ask for titles and honours and dignities, but only for
immense wealth, these other things came to him also."

"I am sure you didn't read about him in any sacred book."

"Yes; I fancy you will find him in Debrett."



REGINALD'S PEACE POEM



"I'm writing a poem on Peace," said Reginald, emerging from a
sweeping operation through a tin of mixed biscuits, in whose
depths a macaroon or two might yet be lurking.

"Something of the kind seems to have been attempted already,"
said the Other.

"Oh, I know; but I may never have the chance again. Besides,