ause he didn't believe her, but because he would like to
have his worst suspicions of his Company's inefficiency confirmed.

She handed it to him. He read the announcement, made briefly and without
enthusiasm, of the husband's proposed arrival "by the 6.30 train
to-morrow." The woman smiled with triumph; the station-master referred
to the postmark. He did not smile triumphantly. He was too old a hand
for that.

"Will you allow me to intercede as a friend for all parties?" he asked.
"Give him and us another chance; go away now and give us all twenty-four
hours to think it over. Then call again, and, if your patience is
rewarded, be generous and forgive us all."

After some debate she was induced to see reason in the proposal and
consented to take the lenient course. She rose to go.

"And if," said the station-master, showing her out, "if a train should
arrive at 6.30 from London to-morrow and disgorge this husband of yours,
won't you do us all a little kindness? Won't you make a point of telling
the porter, all the porters, foremen porters, ticket collectors,
inspectors, casual postmen and even myself? You have no idea what a
change it would be for us to hear a lady saying, 'My husband ought to
have come by this train, and he has!'"

* * * * *

Illustration: FINANCIAL STRINGENCY AT THE SEASIDE; A GOOD PENNYWORTH.

* * * * *

OUR LOYAL STATUARY.

"An attempt was made by the fountain in Piccadilly Circus to head a
procession for Buckingham Palace to pay homage to King
George."--_Daily Mail._

* * * * *

ANOTHER SMART ARREST BY THE POLICE.

"Sergt. ---- found Mrs. ---- sitting in a pool of blood in a
semi-conscious condition. The flow of blood was arrested, and a
doctor summoned."--_Northern Echo._

* * * * *

OUR MUSICAL CORRESPONDENCE COLUMN.

(_With acknowledgments to "The Musical Herald."_)

_I THINK I am a tenor, but after taking lessons continuously for six
years from sixteen different masters I am still in doubt, and what is
more, I am not quite certain whether I want to be. Did not somebody once
say that a tenor was not a man but a disease? I am a healthy normal
subject, and recently won the lawn-tennis singles at our local
tournament. What puzzles me is my upper register. After reaching the top
A, if I relax the wind pressure and slant the voice in a