is opinions upon his chosen subject in broad Scotch.
After a quarter of an hour he re-appears, and receives the usual
applause._) Thank you from the bottom of my heart. And now as I have
shown you Scotland and England, I think you would be pleased with
a glimpse of London. (_Cheers._) You all like London, do you not?
(_Applause._) With your kind permission, I will re-appear as a noted
character in the great tragic comedy of the world's Metropolis.
(_Dives down and comes up as a Costermonger. Prolonged applause._)
What cheer! (_Laughter._) Well, you blokes what are you grinning at?
I am a chickaleary cove, that's what I am. But I know what would knock
you! You would like to 'ear about 'Ome Rule. Eh? What cheer! 'Ere
goes. (_Reveals his Home-Rule scheme with a Cockney twang and dialect.
Then disappears and re-appears in his customary evening dress._) Thank
you most earnestly. (_Loud cheers._) And now I am afraid I must bid
you good-bye. But before leaving, I must confess to you that I have
never had the honour of appearing before a juster, more intelligent,
and more appreciative audience. [_Bows and exit._

_Voices._ Encore! Encore! Encore!

_Mr. Gladstone_ (_returning_). I am deeply touched by this sign
of public confidence. I would willingly continue my character
illustrations indefinitely, but, unfortunately, I am required in
another part of the country to repeat the same performances. I have
only just time to catch my special train. Thank you again and again.

[_Exit hurriedly, after kissing his hand. The Footmen
reappear, and take away the large box. Applause, and Curtain._

There, my dear _Mr. Punch_, is the rough idea. I feel sure it could be
carried through with the greatest possible advantage.

Believe me, yours most truly, AN EARNEST PATRIOT.

* * * * *

THE QUEEN OF MAN-O'ER-BOARD.

_A NOVEL IN LITTLE FROM A DRAMA IN FULL._

CHAPTER I.--_LADY VIOLET MALVERN AT HOME._

It was a gorgeous entertainment, consisting chiefly of recitations
and the "_Intermezzo_." Lady VIOLET MALVERN was _the_ life and soul
of the party. But there were lesser lights in a Baron FINOT, an old
diplomatist, and a Major GARRETT, an officer in retreat. Then came
ARMAND SEVARRO. He was an adventurer, and a friend of Baron FINOT, and
had a solitary anecdote.

"I am going to be married to a young lady of the name of DOROTHY
BLAIR, but cannot reveal the secret, because her mother is not well