In reply to a question, which is "not a conundrum," at least so says an Inquirer, as to "why the Baron spells 'sherbet' with two 'r's' instead of only one," the Baron would remind his interlocutor that, firstly, "genius is above all rules"; that, secondly, the Baron would rather err with two "r's" than have anything to do with a "bet" when it can possibly be avoided; thirdly, that being of a generous disposition, in this hot weather he loves prodigality in liquids; not ashamed of avowal. Finally, he states that he unconditionally withdraws the "r" in the second syllable of "sherbert," because in "sherbet" there is no 'ert to anyone. So here's to his eminent Inquirer's jolly good health, says
The Bountiful B. de B.-W.
NOBLESSE OBLIGE.
One of the most pleasing incidents at the opening of the Tower Bridge was the introduction by the Lord Chamberlain of the Recorder of London to H.R.H. the Prince of Wales. "Our Own Special" was not sufficiently near to hear the dialogue that passed between them, but he has reasons for believing that Lord Carrington observed to H.R.H., "Sir, I have the honour to present to your notice Sir Charles Hall." Not to be outdone in courtesy, the Recorder immediately added, "And I, Sir, am delighted to make known to your Royal Highness Lord Carrington." Then returned the Prince, with his customary gracious kindliness, "I am rejoiced to meet two officials of so much distinction; but, do you know,—I fancy we have met before! Indeed I am certain that the excellent make-up of Sir Charles' wig and the easy carriage of the Lord Chamberlain could only have been acquired by long practice on the boards of the Cambridge A.D.C. I congratulate you my Lord, and you Mr. Recorder upon the excellent use to which you have put the educational advantages that you and I have derived from our common Alma Mater." At this point the Tower guns began to be fired, and consequently the remainder of the conversation was lost in the reverberations of heavy artillery.
"OLD KASPAR."
(Vide Poem, "The Battle of the Budget.")