WINDBAG JUNIOR blushed.  As OLD MORALITY remarks, Ingenuous youth delights in the Approbation of Seasoned Seniority.

Business done.—­Land at last—­I mean Land Purchase Bill through at last.

* * * * *

THE GENERAL OF THE FUTURE.

    SCENE—­Tent in rear of a Battle-field.  Political Officer in
    attendance upon Army, waiting for Military assistance.

Political Officer (impatiently).  Now then, Orderly, have you not been able to secure a General for me?

Orderly (saluting).  Beg pardon, Sir, but it’s so difficult, since they have passed that new Royal Warrant, to know which is which.

Pol.  Off. (more impatiently).  Nonsense!—­any General Officer will do. Ord.  Very good, Sir.

    [Exit.  Political Officer stamps his foot irritably, when
    enter First General Officer, hurriedly.

First Gen. Off. Well, Sir, how can I assist you?

Pol.  Off. (cordially).  Glad to see you, General.  Fact is, supposing we arrange a treaty, do you think it would be wise to surrender the fortress on the right side of the river, if we retain the redoubt near the wood as a basis of operations?  You see—­

First Gen. Off. (interrupting).  Very sorry, but don’t know anything about it.

Pol.  Off. (annoyed).  But aren’t you a General?

First Gen. Off. Certainly.  General-Surgeon.  Ta, ta! [Exit.

Pol.  Off. Well of all the—­(Enter Second Gen. Off.) Well, Sir, what is it?  Who are you?

Second Gen. Off. I am a General Officer, and I was told you required my poor services.

Pol.  Off. So I do.  The fact is, General, supposing we arrange a treaty, do you think it wise for us to surrender the fortress—­

Second Gen. Off. (interrupting).  Alas! my dear friend, I fear I can be of no help to you—­it is entirely out of my line.

Pol.  Off. (annoyed).  But aren’t you a General?

Second Gen. Off. Certainly.  A General-Chaplain.  Farewell, dear friend. [Exit.

Pol.  Off. Well of all the—­(Enter Third General Officer.) Well, Sir, who and what are you?

Third Gen. Off. (briskly).  A General.  Now then, look sharp!  No time to lose.  Hear you require me.  How can I help you?

Pol.  Off. (aside).  Ah, this is the sort of man I want! (Aloud.) Well then, General, we are arranging a treaty, and I want your advice about retaining a fortress on the right of the river—­

Third Gen. Off. (interrupting).  Sorry.  Can’t help!  Not my province.  Good bye! [Exit.

Pol.  Off. (shouting after him).  But aren’t you a General?