“FLORA, darling,” he said to the fair girl, as he paced by her side in the Lobby, “believe me, I will do anything to help you; but what can I do?”

Sporting Writer continues.—­“What can you do?” she echoed, with a hearty laugh, as she struck her riding-habit smartly with her whip; “why, tell me the horse you fancy for the Cambridgeshire!”

He thought for a moment.  He knew the good points of Bobby, and was rather partial to Rosina; but nothing wrong with Snuffbox, the stable reports were favourable.  Still, you can’t always rely upon what you see, much less what you hear.

“Lady,” said he, at length, “if you take my advice, you will back nothing until they go to the post.”

Continuation by French Correspondent.—­They had no further time for parley, because the mail train left for Dover within the hour.  So they hurried to Victoria, and in less than eight hours were in the Capital of the World.

Ah, Paris, beautiful Paris!  They enjoyed the balmy air as they drove through the awaking streets to the Grand Hotel.  As they entered the courtyard they met the President.

“Is it really true that the Germans refuse to take up the Russian Loan?” asked EUSTACE of the First Frenchman in France.

“I would not say this to anyone but yourself,” replied M. CARNOT, looking round to see that no one was listening; “but those who wait longest will see best!”

And with his finger to his mouth in token of discretion and silence, he disappeared.  EUSTACE and his fair companion hastened to the telegraph office.

Scientific Writer takes it up.—­They were, of course, desirous of transmitting their important despatch to head-quarters.

“You want to know upon what system the telephone is worked?” queried the operator, as he prepared a black-board, and took up a piece of chalk.  They bowed acquiescence.  “You must know,” said he, “that if we represent the motive-power by x, we shall—.”

Lady Correspondent turned on.—­Before he could complete his sentence, Lady FLORA uttered a cry.

“What a charming gown!  Why, it is the prettiest I have seen in my life!” and she gazed with increasing delight at the lady beneath on the boulevard.  Then she began to explain the costume to her two male companions.  She showed them that an under-skirt of snuff, with a waist of orange-blue, both made of some soft fluffy material (which can be obtained, by the way, at Messrs. SOWE AND SOWE), made an admirable contrast.

Naval Correspondent puts finishing touch.—­[Please end up briskly.—­ED.].—­And they left Paris, and embarking on H.M.S. Ramrod, met a gale, and foundered.  When they were picked up they were both dead.—­[THE END.]

* * * * *

LETTERS TO ABSTRACTIONS.

NO.  IV.—­TO POMPOSITY.

YOUR EXCELLENCY,