on a Sunday as a rule, but I went last week. However, might have been
worse fun. Met PEACOCK girls. Rather good form.

_First A. C._ Yes, Jolly. Going to meet 'em next Sunday,--Mulberry
Road.

_Second A. C._ (_lighting a cigarette_). I'm going to the Mulberry
Road too.

_First A. C._ (_also lighting a cigarette_). But why?

_Second A. C._ (_after smoking for two minutes in silence_). Haven't
the faintest idea! Stay! Ah! (_Producing tiny memorandum book._) Here
it is, April 2nd--Mulberry Road--Academy Pictures.

_First A. C._ (_with returning intelligence_). Of course! Why, that's
what we went about. To see the pictures!

_Second A. C._ (_with further intelligence_). Yes. Going next Sunday
to Mulberry Road to see the pictures again. Rather fun, seeing
pictures!

_First C._ (_after a long pause_). Yes, rather.

[_Scene closes in upon their commencing to discuss some other
subject._

* * * * *

[Illustration: FORTUNE'S FOOL.

"WELL, IF THAT DON'T BEAT HEVERYTHINK, 'AVEN'T SET UP 'ERE IN BUSINESS
A MONTH, AND THEY'RE GOIN' TO REDRAIN THE 'OLE PLACE!"]

* * * * *

QUITE A CHIC CARGO!

A GROUP of "World's Women" belonging to all races, has set out from
Southampton in the steamship _Paris_, _en route_ to the World's Fair.
There are English damsels, Scotch lassies, Tyrolese, Hungarian,
Parisian, Chinese, and Japanese ladies. Instead of being called
"World's Women," they ought, of course, to go as "World's Fair-ies."
"Arrangements have been made for bringing them back;" but suppose
they prefer to stay? America is a free country; Chicago is one of the
freest parts of it. So, after their relative powers of fascinating the
American male have been tested, their power of becoming his relatives
may have to be counted with. Let us hope they will be accommodated
with separate buildings at the Exposition; or a "Lady's Battle"
may ensue, under Queensberry Rules. European _versus_ Asiatic,
or--say--Fraeulein _versus_ Mademoiselle. This would be a great hit.

* * * * *

TWEEDLEDUM AND TWEEDLEDEE.

The most cursory eye it must surely strike,
That VOTE and VETO look much alike.
Yet rival ranters are straining throat,
To VOTE the VETO--_or_ VETO the VOTE!
On a slight transposition thus hinges the quarrel
'Twixt the fierce fanatics of Pump and Barrel.

* * * * *

ESSENCE OF PARLIAM