The air was littered, an hour or so,

With bits of gingham and calico,

While the old Dutch clock in the chimney-place

Up with its hands before its face,

For it always dreaded a family row!

(Now mind: I'm only telling you

What the old Dutch clock declares is true!)

ELIZABETH WINSLOW, TO WHOM THE POEM OF "THE DUEL" IS DEDICATED.

The Chinese plate looked very blue,