Believe me, Yours very gravely,
Onesimus Stone (F.R.I.B.A.).
From an American book on "How and What to Read":—
"Other great American short story writers include Bret Harte, Edward Everett Hale, Frank Stockton, and Mary E. Wilkins. With these may be included Thomas Hardy's 'Life's Little Ironies,' which are full of fun."
Mr. Hardy will be glad, no doubt, to add this little irony to his collection.
THE KELPIE.
The scoffer rails at ancient tales
Of lake and stream and river;
The wise man owns that in his bones