And so, with a dubious glance,
He essays this untried "Light Fantastic."
From bottle to bottle slow picking his way,
As an overture forced to the programme he'd play!
THE HARD FROST.
(Communications Intercepted in Transit.)
From a School Boy to his Younger Brother.—My dear Bobbie,—How are you getting on at home? We are having a high old time at Swishers'. All the pipes frozen, and no water to be got anywhere! And it is so comfortable!
Yours, &c.,
Jackie.
From a Firm of Coachbuilders to one of their Customers.—Dear Sir,—As there is every reason to believe that the present severe weather will last for a considerable time, may we have the honour of building for you a sleigh? We shall be pleased to have the vehicle ready for you in the course of a month, or at the latest six weeks. Should the weather break in the meanwhile, it will be available under similar conditions next year or the year after. It will also be quite possible to carry the sleigh to Siberia, where it will at all times be found, not only a luxury, but a necessity. We are, dear Sir, awaiting your esteemed order,