which is full of beautiful things.  “I deprecated,” says Lord HENRY, reviewing his distinguished Parliamentary career, “the surrendering of an ancient dependency like Heligoland, and which has since been strongly fortified, to satiate a shadowy claim of the GERMAN EMPEROR to the Island of Zanzibar.”  To satiate a shadowy claim is good.  Space forbids quotation of more than one additional sentence from this masterpiece.  “Let me conclude by saying, that I trust whoever may succeed me in North-West Wilts will wear ELIJAH’s mantle with the same pleasure as I have already done.”  What that means no man can say.

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[Illustration:  The Editor of the “Welsh Review.”]

We are glad to learn that Lord HENRY BRUCE’s retirement from Parliamentary life does not imply absolute withdrawal from public affairs.  Since the appearance of his letter, there has been a rush upon him by able Editors and Magazines.  He has undertaken to write to the Twentieth Century an Article on “Recent Ministerial Appointments.”  Mr. BOWEN ROWLANDS, M.P., Q.C., has also been in communication with him.  “The very man for the Welsh Review,” says the enthusiastic Editor.

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We learn from a reliable source that LORD HENRY BRUCE has intimated to Mr. AKERS-DOUGLAS that, in the event of his being selected to Move or Second the Address at the opening of the New Session, he will appear in Elijah’s mantle.  It is to be hoped Lord SALISBURY, offended, as he is understood to be, at Lord HENRY’s frank criticism, will not ignore this proposal.  The House of Commons will be much gratified to find itself relieved from the monotony of the uniform—­alternately Militia Colonel and Post-Captain—­which mars the success of an interesting ceremonial.

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The heading, “The Royal Engagement,” which appears daily in two of the morning papers does, not, as appears at first sight, indicate warlike preparations in Royal circles.  The allusion meant is to the Royal Betrothal.

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NAME WANTED.—­There are a considerable number of Ladies’ Clubs, where matrons and spinsters can commingle.  Now ’tis proposed to start a Spinsters’ Club, only Spinsters eligible.  What shall it be called?  Spinning is associated with Spinster, but recent events at Cambridge make the use of the word somewhat objectionable.  How would “The Arachne” do?  Or as Omphale assumed the attire of Hercules, and tried to wield the club, why not call one of these the Omphale?

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OLD SONG, ADAPTED TO THE OCCASION (by one who wasn’t asked to the Marquis of Salisbury’s party).—­“I dreamt that I supp’d in Marble Halls,” &c., &c.

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[Illustration:  IN CONFIDENCE.

“MUMMY DEAR, WHO’S PAPPA’S MOTHER-IN-LAW?” “MY MOTHER, DEAR,—­YOUR GRANDMAMMA.”