(_A JOINT STOCK MYSTERY._)
_Political Writer commences_.--Yes, EUSTACE entered the House prepared
to vote for the Government. He knew that Lady FLORA had counted upon
his vote in support of her father, the Duke, and the other Members of
the Opposition. But when did love outweigh duty? EUSTACE knew that
the prosperity of the entire country depended upon his views. With
the price of corn falling, with the Russian Bear on the prowl, growing
nearer and nearer to our Afghan frontier, with the unsettled state of
the South American Republics, he knew that only one course was open to
him.
"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.]
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