lows in the train of what we have
seen,--and it is going on all over London.'

'You can't put down vice by Act of Parliament,' I replied.

'No, but a great deal more can be done than is done,' was his answer.
'People don't talk about these things in their drawing-rooms, or in their
social circles, but they exist,--my God, they exist! And this is
supposed to be a holy war! Still, thank God for the good that is being
done, for the organizations which exist for men's comfort and salvation.'

And then he did not speak another word until we reached the hotel.

The next day was Saturday, and directly after lunch we started to go
together to a matinee, for Edgecumbe had stated his determination to
visit the places of amusement and see how London enjoyed itself.

We begun by going to one of the largest and most popular music-halls in
the City, where a revue which was much commented on was produced for the
delectation of all who cared to see it.

I was informed that this particular place was much patronized by
soldiers, and that the entertainment was one of the most popular in
London. The prices of the seats varied from half a guinea, plus the War
tax, to a shilling, and as we entered we found a vast concourse of
people, among whom were many men in khaki. I discovered too that the
management had been generous, for there were numbers of wounded soldiers,
many of them in the stalls, and who had been given free admission.

'After all, it is fine,' I said, as we waited for the curtain to rise,
'that these lads should have a place of brightness and amusement to go
to.'

'Yes,' replied Edgecumbe, 'in a way it is splendid.'

'The people of the country are wonderfully good,' I went on; 'soldiers in
the hospitals, as well as others home on leave, are constantly being
given hospitality by the best and kindest people in England. I hope
these chaps'll have a good laugh this afternoon, and be able to forget
the horrors through which they have passed. They have had enough of the
tragedy of life, poor chaps. I hope they'll get some comedy this
afternoon.'

'I hope they will,' he replied.

I will not attempt to give a description of the revue they witnessed that
afternoon. I suppose it was similar to a score of others that might be
seen in various parts of the metropolis. There was an excellent
orchestra, the music was light and pleasing, the whole atmosphere of the
place was merry. The lights were dazzling, the dresses we