_A small group has collected before Mr. Wyllie's "Davy Jones's
Locker," which they inspect solemnly for some time before
venturing to commit themselves to any opinion._
FIRST VISITOR (_after devoting his whole mind to the subject_). Why,
it's the Bottom of the Sea--at least (_more cautiously_), that's what it
seems to be _intended_ for.
SECOND V. Ah, and very well done, too. I wonder, now, how he managed to
stay down long enough to paint all that?
[Illustration: "CAPTURED BY A DESULTORY ENTHUSIAST."]
THIRD V. Practice, I suppose. I've seen writing done under water myself.
But that was a tank!
FOURTH V. (_presumably in profound allusion to the fishes and
sea-anemones_). Well, they seem to be 'aving it all their own way down
there, don't they?
[_The Group, feeling that this remark sums up the situation, disperses._
THE SUBURBAN LADY (_her pencil in full play_). No. 93. Now what's _that_
about? Oh, "_Forbidden Sweets_,"--yes, to be sure. _Isn't_ that
charming? Those two dear little tots having their tea, and the kitten
with its head stuck in the jam-pot, and the label and all, and the
sticky spoon on the nursery table-cloth--so _natural!_ I really _must_
mark that. (_Awards this distinction._) 97. "_Going up Top._" Yes, _of
course_. Look, Lucy dear, that little fellow has just answered a
question, and his master tells him he may go to the top of the class, do
you _see_? And the big boy looking so sulky, he's wishing he had learnt
his lesson better. I do think it's _so_ clever--all the different
expressions. Yes, I shall _certainly_ mark that!