Bishop. Ahem, I believe it is a synonym for en ribote, with nearly the vulgar connotation of gris or soul—tipsy, you know! (Hastily, to Waiter, aware that he has displayed a rather too close acquaintance with Gallic slang.) Kindly fetch me to-day's number of Punch.
Waiter. They are all engaged, my Lord.
Bishop. Then let me look at last week's issue again.
Head Master of Public School (dubiously). Dare I be seen with Madame Chrysanthème? (Noticing that all the quiet corners are occupied with students of French literature.) No—another time!
Leading Novelist. Here's Leslie Stephen been betraying us! He says, what is only too true, that we've abandoned the standard authors, including myself, for Punch!
Cabinet Minister (as a deus ex machinâ). Well, Mr. Punch IS a classic. To read him is a liberal education!
[They do so, with a general sigh of relief.
ESSENCE OF PARLIAMENT.
EXTRACTED FROM THE DIARY OF TOBY, M.P.