to have everything in common but nothing to say to each other.  For ourselves, I think it made us feel homesick, and the home which Thomas and I felt sick for (if you can believe it of us) was a certain estaminet we know of and a cup of caffy-o-lay.  It was at this moment I first realised that, as between England and France, there are no longer such things as foreigners; either we’ve become French or they’ve become English, or else the two of us have combined into a new mixture which hasn’t yet got a name to it.

I think, though one doesn’t talk much out here about glorious alliances, some deep feelings were being felt all round.  Diversion was ultimately provided by the arrival of an imposing figure in dark blue, with a lot of gilt about him.  The poilu put him down as an Italian cavalry officer, and expressed the further hope that Italy would endure for ever.  The Italian crowd took him for something English, but not being able to judge whether he was greater or less than myself, contented themselves with an attitude of non-committal reverence all round.  Thomas informed me that he was a French Staff Officer and displayed no further interest.  Though I cannot tell you what in the name of goodness he was doing in those parts, he was in fact an American Naval Officer,

In short, Charles, alliances are things as wonderful to see as they are magnificent to read about.  I do, however, regard with something approaching alarm the new language which will be evolved to put the lot of us on complete speaking terms.

Yours ever, HENRY.

* * * * *

[Illustration:  “EXCUSE ME, BUT IS THERE AN AIR-RAID ON?”

“YES, I THINK SO.”

“I’M MUCH OBLIGED. MY FRIEND’S UP FROM THE COUNTRY AND HE’S NEVER SEEN ONE.”]

* * * * *

A LIGHT REPAST.

“Under existing conditions, it is the duty of every citizen to confine his present consumption to an average of six matches a day, which with careful economy ought to suffice for all reasonable meals during the present emergency.”—­Daily Mail.

* * * * *

    “At Leeds Assizes yesterday sentences were passed by Mr. Justice
    Boche ...”—­Times.

Does not this almost amount to contempt of court?

* * * * *

From a speech by the Lord Mayor of DUBLIN:—­

“That would he a crying evil, to leave the poor people in the city without milk.  It would be a wise thing if the Corporation would take the bull by the horns and deal with the matter.”—­Dublin Evening Mail.

It might be still wiser to tackle the cow at the udder end.

* * * * *

THE INCORRUPTIBLES.