LORD WILDERMERE'S MOTHER-IN-LAW.

She's as bad as can be, but she's "Precious" to me,

Though her conduct cannot be called free from a flaw;

For in spite of blackmail, I have vowed ne'er to fail

In the duty I owe to my Mother-in-law.

There have been flippant sneers and conventional jeers,

At a worthy relation that I hold in awe;

Though it angers my wife, all the joy of my life

Comes from drawing big cheques—for my Mother-in-law.