The famous money-lender one evening arrived as usual at the Casino, but
this time only to bid his friends good-bye.
"Not leaving Monte?" they asked.
"Yes, I am," he replied; "I'm going to Rome."
"Rome?"
"Yes, why not? I'm told it's wonderful. I shall be there a month;" and
so saying he hurried to his hotel.
Three days later he walked into the Casino again.
"What," cried his friends--"you here? We thought you were going to be in
Rome a month."
"So I am," said the money-lender, "and more. I came back for my things,
most of which I left here, as it had occurred to me I might not like it.
But I adore it. Rome is beautiful, august, sublime. The simple severe
beauty of the Vatican, the vast solemnity of the Campagna! It is indeed
the eternal city. Let me keep Rome!"
And again he hurried away.
* * * * *
[Illustration: _Excited individual_ (_who has picked up umbrella left in
bar, to despatch rider just leaving_). "Hi! Mister. Is this your
umbrella?"]
* * * * *
A Long Turn.
"To-morrow evening Miss Phyllis Bedells makes her final
appearance at the London Empire, where she has danced without
interruption for nine and a half years."
_Bristol Times and Mirror._
* * * * *
De Mortuis....
"Tired of this much worn physical life Chief George Moshesh
bursted the bands of morality as under Tuesday, November 2nd."
_South African Paper._
"Tenders invited for alterations and additions to the late Mr.
Waata W. Hipango, Pitiki, are hereby cancelled."--_New Zealand
Paper._
* * * * *
[Illustration: _Neighbour._ "And how does your son like his training?"
_Proud Mother of Recruit._ "Oh, he's very happy. But he says they do
take him very long walks."]
* * * * *