to this paragraph out of this morning's paper."

The Writer actually appeared to enjoy eating his breakfast unabashed,
whilst Father proceeded to read.

"'The amusing action which took place yesterday in Court X---- has been
the cause of unprecedented scenes in London. Thousands of children,
both boys and girls, throng Trafalgar Square in order to see if the
Pleasant-Faced Lion intends to speak, or give another children's party.

"'Hundreds of children congregate every minute round the Griffin's
statue, waiting for it to sing, and have to be moved on good-naturedly
but firmly by the police.'"

"A nice state of things," commented Father, during a pause in the
reading.

"'There can be no doubt whatever that the extraordinary story of Lal
has interested all London, and everybody is laughing at the idea.

"'Sir Simon Gold, the Lord Mayor of London, with the usual
thoughtfulness that always distinguishes him, has resolved that the
London children shall not be disappointed with regard to a party. Sir
Simon has therefore taken the four biggest public halls, in the four
quarters of London, north, south, east, and west, and all the children
of London in each district will be entertained upon behalf of the
Pleasant-Faced Lion by the Lord Mayor to a delightful evening party the
same evening that the Lord Mayor gives his usual children's party at
the Mansion House.'"

"I can add something to that piece of news," observed the Writer, as he
continued eating his breakfast happily, and totally unconscious,
seemingly, of his many misdoings. "In those two big cardboard boxes
are two costumes; they are presents from Mum, one for Ridgwell, and the
other for Christine. Oh, no!--not to be opened until after breakfast.
Now, upon the night of the parties an event is going to take place that
will please everybody. The Lord Mayor wants both Ridgwell and
Christine to tell the story of Lal at each party after the dancing. It
will be the event of the evening, and will be illustrated on the
cinematograph."

"Oh!" echoed Ridgwell and Christine, "what fun!"

"All very fine for all of you," protested Father, "but I have to go to
town to-day on business, and if I cannot get past Fleet Street or the
Griffin on account of all the children round it, what am I to do, and
how am I to get along with my work?"

Christine and Ridgwell sidled up, one upon either side of Father's
chair.

"Don't you know you ought to be very pleased?" they said