admitted in spite of their dissolute and unhygienic tendencies. Yes,"

Mrs. Haggage added, meditatively, "our literature is undoubtedly

acquiring a more elevated tone; at last we are shaking off the

scintillant and unwholesome influence of the French."

"Ah, the French!" sighed Mr. Kennaston; "a people who think depravity

the soul of wit! Their art is mere artfulness. They care nothing for

Nature."

"No," Mrs. Haggage assented; "they prefer nastiness.

All

French