“(3) About the date of the inspection the name of an N.C.O. was submitted with a recommendation for the O.B.E., but was withdrawn on compassionate grounds.  I cannot trust my memory, but possibly the justification of this recommendation was the N.C.O.’s zealous care of the property of H.M.  THE KING, in that he sacrificed his own blanket for the welfare of the table.” (On paper, of course, our blankets are issued in the normal way.) “The weather at the time was inclement, either (a) wet and dirty or (b) extremely cold.  The N.C.O. was determined that this table should be protected from the deleterious effects of (a) moisture likely to result from the vicinity of the Q.M.S., damp from out-door duties or (b) very low temperature, which is known to injure such articles of furniture.

“(4) The blanket may have been known to be likely to try to escape from custody, and have been placed conspicuously on the table so as to be directly under the observation of the Q.M.S.

“(5) The table may have intended illegally to absent itself without leave, and have concealed itself beneath the accused blanket in the hope of eluding the vigilance of the sentries, disguised as a civilian table, i.e. covered with a table-cloth.  This theory is unlikely, the table bearing an excellent character and never having been known to attempt desertion or be in any way guilty of conduct contrary to good order and military discipline.

“(6) The Storeman—­now demobilised and dispersed—­may have committed the irregularity suggested, with the idea of increasing the amenity of the stores during the inspection, as a humble compliment to the A.A.L.R.B.G.S.

“(7) No. 55,442, Procter, Mary, a member of the Q.M.A.A.C., may be correct in her statement that the article described as a ‘blanket’ was not a blanket, but a rug, travelling.  She says she is ’in a position to know this,’ as the article is her own property, and supports the claim by demonstrating the presence of her initials embroidered across one corner.

“I await your reply.”  And so we all do.

* * * * *

VICTRIX.

  Here’s a lady come to town
    Puts us all to shame;
  Walking in with noiseless feet,
  Very light and very fleet,
    Over-night she came. 
  Not a beauty in the land,
    Though she knew no peer
  Both for comeliness and grace,
  But must take a second place—­
    The snow is here.

  Never monarch wore, I swear,
    Such a radiant dress;
  All the whitenesses we prize
  Suddenly before our eyes
    Turn to dinginess. 
  Gone are all the shining joys
    That we held so dear;
  Linens, marbles, gleaming plumes
  We must hide in shadowed glooms—­
    The snow is here.

  Veil your brows, you pretty maids,
    With your falling curls;
  Should you venture forth to-day
  Tuck your milky throats away,
    Cover up your pearls. 
  Naught shall match your loveliness
    Later in the year
  (Who so foolish as to dare
  Say the lily is more fair?)
    But—­the snow is here.