THE LAST STRAW.

["The way in which individual taste is allowed to assert itself lends a curious charm to the present modes."—Fashion Note.]

This is the finish, Josephine.

Through every swift sartorial change

Constant and true my love has been,

Nor showed the least desire to range.

The hobble only brought to me

These thoughts with consolation laden:—

"Lo, this is Fashion's fell decree;

One must not blame the maiden.

"It is not hers this hideous choice;

She blindly follows Fashion's lead,

And deference to a ruling voice

Proclaims her just the wife I need.

Nought questioning, she answers to

That voice, as soldiers to a trumpet;"

And thus I choked the thought that you

Were barmy on the crumpet.

But now unhappy doubts intrude

To bid my satisfaction shrink;

For Fashion in a gracious mood

Allows her devotees to think.

Since for your present garb, it seems,

The mode is not to blame in toto,

This is the end of love's young dreams

(Dear, you may keep my photo).


"Of course, there is a dress parade, with some wonderful dresses, but if it had been only a parade it would not have been less interesting."—Daily News.

It would have been more interesting—but we hardly expected The Daily News to say so.