atives and friends
through the hat!

* * *

Was there ever a character more delightfully detestable than Mrs.
Norris? Was there ever another character presented, so alive and
breathing, in so few pen strokes? Jane Austen had no need of
psychoanalysis.

* * *

As for William Lyons Phelps' remark, which a contrib has quoted, that
"too much modern fiction is concerned with unpleasant characters whom
one would not care to have as friends," how would you like to spend a
week-end with the characters in "The Mayor of Casterbridge"? With the
exception of the lady in "Two on a Tower," and one or two others, Mr.
Hardy's characters are not the sort that one would care to be cast away
with; yet will we sit the night out, book in hand, to follow their
sordid fortunes.

* * *

"What I want to know is," writes Fritillaria, "whether you think Jane
Austen drew Edmund and Fanny for models, or knew them for the
unconscionable prigs they are. I am collecting votes." Well, we think
that Jane knew they were prigs, but nevertheless had, like ourself, a
warm affection for Fanny. Fanny Price, Elizabeth Bennet, and Anne (we
forget her last name) are three of the dearest girls in fiction.

* * *

We are reminded by F. B. T. that the last name of the heroine of
"Persuasion" was Elliott. Anne is our favorite heroine--except when we
think of Clara Middleton.

* * *

Space has been reserved for us in the archaeological department of the
Field Museum for Pre-Dry wheezes, which should be preserved for a
curious posterity. We have filed No. 1, which runs:

"First Comedian: 'Well, what made you get drunk in the first place?'
Second Comedian: 'I didn't get drunk in the first place. I got drunk in
the last place.'"

* * *

Our budding colyumist (who, by the way, has not thanked us for our
efforts in his behalf) will want that popular restaurant gag: "Use one
lump of sugar and stir like hell. We don't mind the noise."

* * *

"What," queries R. W. C., "has become of the little yellow crabs that
floated in the o. f. oyster stew?" Junsaypa. We never found out what
became of the little gold safety pins that used to come with neckties.

* * *

An innovation at the Murdock House in Shawano, Wis., is "Bouillon in
cups," instead of the conventional tin dipper.

* * *