Puppet Number Two (with a groan). What about truth in Art then?
Puppet Number One. Ah! Truth is that one infirmity of a noble mind.
Puppet Number Two. Truth is nothing if not respectable.
Puppet Number One. Remember, respectability is an affectation, of cynics, dramatic authors—and other people of no importance generally. [Exeunt severally. Curtain.
Mrs. R. observes, "it is only too true that Summer pleasures, as the poet says, are nearly always effervescent."
ESSENCE OF PARLIAMENT.
EXTRACTED FROM THE DIARY OF TOBY, M.P.
House of Commons, Monday, August 14.—Quite shocked to see Asher to-day. Strong constitution and a happy disposition united to make him a picture of buoyant health. Observing him walk up floor of House just now, hardly knew him. Shoulders bowed; arms hanging limp; cheeks sallow; an unspeakable sorrow in his dimmed eyes.