took it.

_Second Well-Informed Politician (brightly)._ Of course. Why that's the
reason France and Russia put the screw on the SULTAN.

_First Well-Informed Politician._ France and Russia put the screw on!
Stuff, Sir! Who cares for France and Russia? SALISBURY knows a trick or
two worth any game they can play.

_Fourth Well-Informed Politician (who has been waiting his chance,
putting down the "Daily News")._ I don't suppose _this_ country will
play any game, at all events, till the Grand Old Man's in again.

_First Well-Informed Politician (hotly)._ What! The Grand Old----! Why,
Sir, what do you mean? Why it's he who's responsible for every blessed
muddle and mess, including this Egyptian business, that has overtaken
the country for the last twenty years. Bless my soul, Sir, I can't
understand your having the face to put forward such an opinion.

_Fourth Well-Informed Politician (doggedly)._ Oh, you may bluster, but
you won't change my view of things, I can tell you. GLADSTONE'S the man
for Egypt, and for everything else.

_First Well-Informed Politician (boiling over)._ Confound it, Sir. Do
you wish to insult me. I'll tell you what it is, Sir, I'll----I'll----
[_Left throwing more light on the situation as scene closes in._

* * * * *

BLESSINGS IN DISGUISE.

[Lord RANDOLPH CHURCHILL said that the loss of the North Paddington
Election might prove a "blessing in disguise" to the Unionist
Party.]

_Unhappy Unionist loquitur_:--

Oh, GRANDOLPH, GRANDOLPH, was it all your chaff?
I for your _real_ thoughts would give a penny.
Of such strange "blessings" we could spare one half;
We have so many.

There's SMITH; no doubt _he_ is a blessed boon;
His dash, his sparkle, and his tact are wonders.
But why _does_ he "disguise" them late and soon
As awkward blunders?

Then BALFOUR; he is courtesy's pure pink,
But why will he persist in masquerading
As cynic rudeness? Such "disguise," I think,
Is most degrading.

MATTHEWS, again! Yes, he _au fond_ would bless
A Cabinet of angels! 'Tis surprising
To see him as a muddler in a mess
Himself "disguising."

Then you yourself, my GRANDOLPH! Blessings flow
From your bold eyes and trim moustache so tufty,
But why, sweet benediction, choose to go
So much in _mufti_?

When you to spot our blunders use those eyes,