ir_ is good enough to leaven
the lump. GORDON ROY is evidently a _nom de plume_ that might belong
to man or woman. My "Co." is inclined to think, from certain subtle
touches, that he has been entertained through three volumes by a lady.

BARON DE BOOK-WORMS & Co.

[Illustration: A Puff to swell the Sale.]

* * * * *

WHAT'S IN A TITLE?

(_TO THE AUTHOR OF "VIOLET MOSES."_)

With a title so lucky (though luck's all my eye),
Your book's sure of readers I'll wager my head.
For not even a Critic will dare to reply,
When he's asked to review it, "I'll take it as re(a)d."

* * * * *

FROM THE LATEST COLWELL-HATCHNEY EXAMINATION PAPER IN FOREIGN
LANGUAGES FOR THE CAKE SCHOLARSHIP.--_Question_. What is the feminine
of _Beau temps? Answer_ (_immediately given_). Belle-Wether.

* * * * *

THE TRAVELLING COMPANIONS.

NO. VIII.

SCENE--_A Bridge over the Pegnitz, at Nuremberg. Time,
afternoon. The shadows of the old gabled and balconied houses
are thrown sharply on the reddish-yellow water. Above the
steep speckled roofs, the spires of St. Lorenz glitter against
the blue sky. CULCHARD is leaning listlessly upon the
parapet of the bridge_.

_Culchard_ (_to himself_). How mediaeval it all is, and how infinitely
restful! (_He yawns._) What a blessed relief to be without that fellow
PODBURY! He's very careful to keep out of my way--I've scarcely
seen him since I've been here. He must find it dreadfully dull. (_He
sighs._) I ought to find material for a colour-sonnet here, with these
subdued grey tones, those dull coppery-greens, and the glowing reds of
the conical caps of those towers. I _ought_--but I don't. I fancy that
half-engagement to MAUD TROTTER must have, scared away the Muse. I
wonder if PODBURY has really gone yet? (_Here a thump on the back
disposes of any doubt as to this._) Er--so you're still at Nuremberg?
[Awkwardly.

[Illustration: "Er--I have brought you the philosophical work I
mentioned."]

_Podbury_ (_cheerfully_). Rather! Regular ripping old place
this--suits me down to the ground. And how are _you_ getting on?

_Culch._ Perfectly, thanks. My mind is being--er--stimulated here in
the direction most congenial to it.

_Podb._ So's mine. By the way, have you got a book--don't mean a
novel, but a regular improving book--the stodgier the better--to lend
a fellow?

_