ful lyrics which sparkle here and
there in the pretty little volume. In fact Mr. LE GALLIENNE is an
artist. I don't say a _genuine_ artist, because he justly dislikes the
qualification.

[Illustration]

OSCAR WILDE has desisted for a space from mere paradox, and gives
us (am I late in thus noticing it?) _Lord Arthur Savile's Crime.
and other Stories_. (London, J.R. OSGOOD, MCILWAINE & Co.) _Macte
virtute_, say I; the tag is old, but 'twill serve. If you want to
laugh heartily, read _Lord Arthur Savile's Crime_, the story of a
deeply conscientious man to whom murder very properly presents itself
as a duty. Then, if you wish to laugh even more violently, read _The
Canterville Ghost_, in which OSCAR goes two or three better than Mr.
W.S. GILBERT. I am specially thankful to OSCAR. When he is on humour
bent, he doesn't dig me in the ribs and ask me to notice what a
wonderfully funny dog he is going to be. He lets his fun take care
of itself, a permission which it uses with great discretion. Please,
OSCAR, give us some more of the same sort, and pray introduce me once
more later on to the _Duchess of Cheshire_. If she continues to be as
delightful as she was in her sweet girlhood, I envy his Grace.

The Baron is taking it easy. He has still by his side as his constant
travelling companion, GEORGE MEREDITH's _One of Our Conquerors_, which
has travelled to Switzerland with him, and was only left behind at
the inn when the Baron had to go by a new route up a lofty mountain.
To make this path known the Baron's assent was necessary, and he gave
it. He had time, however, to read one shilling thrilling story. The
Shilling Thrilling is by two authors, WALTER POLLOCK and ALEXANDER
GALT, and is called _Between the Lines_. A happy title, as it enables
the Baron to recommend everyone to _read between the lines_. A clever
sensation story for which the Baron, now far away in his sea-girt
home, thanks the two clever boys who wrote it. No more at present from

THE BARON DE BOOK-WORMS & Co.

_Peak Castle, Eagle's Nest, N.E.W._

* * * * *

VOX ET PRAETEREA NIHIL!

"Philosophy is essentially the Voice of the Silence."--_A
Disciple of the Mahatmas._

Voice of the Silence? Brotherhood prodigious,
A babble-ridden age might well rejoice
Could you but give instead of talk litigious,
The Silence of the Voice.

* * * * *

"REAL MEAN."--The English Churchm