And so they sat in the boat and looked into one another’s eyes, and found much to read in them.  They ignored the presence of the houseboats, and scarcely remembered that there were such things as launches propelled by steam or electricity.  And they turned deaf ears to the niggers, and did not want their fortunes told by dirty females of a gipsy type.

“This is very pleasant,” said EDWIN.

“Isn’t it?” replied ANGELINA; “and it’s such a good place for seeing all the events.”

“Admirable!” and they talked of other things; and the time sped on, and the dark shadows grew, and still they talked, and talked, and talked.

At length the lanterns on the river began to glow, and Henley put on its best appearance, and broke out violently into fireworks, it was then Mrs. GRUNDY spied them out.  She had been on the look out for scandal all day long, but could find none.  This seemed a pleasant and promising case.

“So you are here?” she exclaimed.  “Why, we thought you must have gone long ago!  And what do you say of the meeting?”

“A most perfect success,” said he.

“And the company?”

“Could not be more charming,” was her reply.

“And what did you think of the racing?” Then they looked at one another and smiled.  They spoke together, and observed:—­

“Oh, we did not think of the racing!”

And Mrs. GRUNDY was not altogether satisfied.

* * * * *

MEM.  BY “ONE WHO MARRIED IN HASTE.”—­“The real ‘Battle of Life’ begins with a short engagement.”

* * * * *

LADY GAY’S SELECTIONS.

The Look-out, Sheepsdoor, Kent.

DEAR MR. PUNCH,

My rest at the seaside has done me such a world of good that I feel more lazy than ever!  But I fear I am in danger of a relapse into excitement, owing to a letter I received a few days ago from an old military friend of mine, General ELECTION, in which he asks me to lend my invaluable assistance in “canvassing” for his nephew, the Hon. CHARLIE HULLOTHERE, who is standing for Sheepsdoor.—­Ah, how little did I think that my reference to “canvas” shoes in my last letter would be so prophetic!  The General is very gallant, and fully appreciates the usefulness of women in canvassing; and, in order to be quite “up to date,” I have ordered in a large supply of gingerbread-nuts and oyster-shells, which I observe (see daily papers) are distributed as marks of respect among Candidates and their wives!

Having also heard that a Brass Band is indispensable (the more brass it is, the better), I have made friendly overtures (musical, of course) to the Sheepsdoor Purveyors of Brassharmony, with the flattering result that they now conclude every performance with my specially composed “Election War Cry”—­the refrain of which is most effective when given by a chorus of trained Constituents!—­