And the burglar, helping himself to another silver tea-pot, continued his lucrative work.

* * * * *

THE MUSIC OF THE SPHERES.

  The “true sphere of woman”—­so HARRISON says—­
  In effect—­is the family circle.  Some praise;
  But to geometricians it strange may appear,
  For a “circle” is only a part of a “sphere.” 
  Since woman appeared at the wickets, some think
  (Though male cricketers from the conclusion may shrink),
  That the true “sphere” of woman must be, after all,
  A leathern one—­typed by a new cricket-ball. 
  Young girls think a “Ball” of another guess sort
  Is the sphere in which woman may find truest sport. 
  To harmonise all these opinions, ’tis clear,
  Is hard; but, whatever be woman’s true sphere,
  Whether found in the dictum of “Positive” HARRISON,
  And what ladies call his “degrading comparison,”
  Or otherwhere,—­this will be certainly found,
  If you’ll let angry women alone they’ll “come round.”

* * * * *

“THE MAN FOR THE POST.”—­Sir JAMES FERGUSSON.

* * * * *

TALK FOR TRAVELLERS.

    ["The German officials at the frontier, since the relaxation
    of the passport regulations, have been ordered to treat
    foreign passengers with every politeness.”—­Daily Papers.]

Mein Herr, will you do us the honour to descend from the railway-carriage?  It will be merely a matter of form.  We need not disturb those gracious ladies, your wife and daughters.

This is the best way to the Customs.  You will notice that we have swept the path that leads to the door.

Certainly, these arm-chairs are for the use of passengers.  We have placed them there ourselves, and can recommend them.

Is it asking too great a favour to beg you to lend me the keys of your boxes?  A hundred thousand thanks.

Your explanation is absolutely satisfactory.  You are bringing these sixteen unopened boxes of cigars home for your grandmother.  It is a most proper thing to do, and, under the circumstances, the duty will be remitted.

And these three hundred yards of lace of various makes and ages?  An heir-loom!  Indeed!  Then, of course, the packet must pass duty-free.

As we have found nothing of consequence in this portmanteau of yours, it will be unnecessary to search the nineteen boxes of that gracious lady, your wife.  No doubt she has obeyed your instruction not to smuggle.  We are absolutely satisfied with your explanations, and are greatly obliged to you for your kindness and condescension.

This is the way to the carriage.  We have placed steps before the door, as without a platform it is difficult to ascend.

No, Mein Herr, it is utterly impossible!  We are forbidden by the EMPEROR himself to accept a gratuity.