Or rather are there enough of these unnaturals, extremists, moral Bolshevists or whatever you like to call them, to justify their presentation as a modern type?  Always an optimist, I think not; and I notice that the author gives a no less clever and a much more convincing impression of the normal, settled and pleasant characters who are incidental to the plot.  Make for yourself the acquaintance of the charming Wilfred Vail and the most amusing and seductive Cockney artiste, Betty Barnfield, and you will admit, however pessimistic your views, that there may be something in mine.

* * * * *

[Illustration:  ROMANCE AND PROSE.

The Youth. “CAN YOU DIRECT ME TO THE CASTLE OF THE BLACK MOUNTAIN?”

The Old Man. “I CAN, YOUNG MAN.  BUT PERCHANCE THOU GOEST TO SEEK THE HAND OF THE PRINCESS?  BEWARE, RASH YOUTH!  IT IS A PERILOUS ADVENTURE.  THOU WILT BE REQUIRED TO ACHIEVE MANY DANGEROUS TASKS.  HAST THOU THOUGHT OF THE RISK?”

The Youth. “NOT MUCH.  I’M GOIN’ TO MEND THE KITCHEN BOILER.”]

* * * * *

PALMAM QUI MERUIT FERAT.

“The Czecho-Slovaks were greeted this afternoon by a committee of Vancouver ladies, representing the Red Cross Society.  The war-worn veterans were presented with a package containing cigarettes, an orange and a chocolate bar, in recognition of valuable services rendered the Allied cause.”—­Canadian Paper.

* * * * *

    “PRINCE GEORGE IN SWEDEN.

    Prince George has been enjoying the sights of Christiania and its
    beautiful surroundings.”—­Morning Paper.

He should now visit Stockholm and give Norway a turn.

* * * * *

    “Gentleman, no ties, will undertake any mission to anywhere.”—­
    Provincial Paper.

But surely not where neck-wear is de rigueur.