It was proved that the detective part of divorce (if I may use the expression) may be conducted in a fashion, to say the least, of not the most entirely satisfactory character.  A talented family were called before us, whose performances were, from one point of view, extremely amusing.  But, Sir, although (as you will be the first to admit) laughter is a most excellent thing in its proper place, the sound of cachinnation is seldom pleasing in the Divorce Court.  Under these circumstances I would propose that, in future, Divorce Shadowing should be put under the protection of the State.  There should be a special department, and the Shadowers should be of the distinguished position of Mr. MCDOUGALL of the London County Council, and the like.  The office of the rank and file of the Shadowers should be honorary, as the pleasure of following in (possibly) unsavoury steps in the cause of virtue, would be to them, I presume, ample reward for any trouble the labour might entail.  I would willingly myself undertake the responsibilities attaching to the post of Director-General, of course on the understanding that a suitable provision were made, not only as compensation for the loss of my practice, but also that I might perform the duties of the office with suitable dignity.  But when I say this, I would add, that I should reserve to myself the right of seeking the supplementary services of the Archbishop of CANTERBURY, and Mr. Sheriff AUGUSTUS HARRIS, as assessors in assisting me to distinguish between innocence and vice, and guilt and virtue.

Believe me, with an expression of all necessary respect for “the Nobility” connected with the case to which I have referred, and admiration for the courage of a certain Militiaman, exhibited by his entering the witness-box, and there facing the cross-examination he so richly deserved, I remain, Yours truly,

(Signed) A BRIEFLESS, JUNIOR.

Pump-handle Court, July 29, 1890.

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OUR BOOKING-OFFICE.

[Illustration]

Poet and Prophet are nearly allied.  Mr. ALFRED AUSTIN is an illustration of this, in his recently published English Lyrics (MACMILLAN) all of which he must have written in utter ignorance of the doings of the Chairman of the County Council.  Yet, hath the Prophetic Poet these lines:—­

  “Primrose, why do you pass away?”

And the Primrose’s return: 

  “Nay, rather, why should we longer stay?”

But the Conservative bias of the Poet is shown in the next line: 

  “We are not needed,” &c.