_First Member._ And now, gentlemen, to business. I suppose we may put
down the capital at fifty thousand?
_Second Mem._ Better make it five hundred thousand. Half a million is so
much easier to get.
_Third Mem._ Of course. Who would look at a paltry fifty?
_First Mem._ Perhaps you are right. Five pound shares, eh?
_Fourth Mem._ Better make them sovereigns. Simpler to manipulate.
_First Mem._ I daresay. Then the same solicitors as our last?
_Fifth Mem._ Yes, on the condition that they get a firm to undertake the
underwriting.
_First Mem._ Necessarily. The firm I propose, gentlemen, are men of
business, and quite recognise that nothing purchases nothing.
_Second Mem._ And they could get the secretary with a thousand to
invest.
_First Mem._ Certainly. Our brokers, bankers, and auditors as before.
Eh, gentlemen?
_Fifth Mem._ On the same conditions.
_First Mem._ That is understood. And now the prospectus is getting into
shape. Is there anything else anyone can suggest?
_Fourth Mem._ Oughtn't we to have some object in view?
_First Mem._ Assuredly. Making money.
_Fourth Mem._ Don't be frivolous. But what I mean is, should we not know
for what purpose we are going to expend the half million?
_First Mem._ Oh, you mean the name. Well, that comparatively unimportant
detail we might safely leave until our next pleasant gathering.
[_Meeting adjourned._
_Curtain._
* * * * *
IN EXTREMIS.--That man is indeed hard up who cannot get credit even for
good intentions.
* * * * *
"WALKER!"--How unfair to sneer at the City tradesmen for being above
their business, when so few of them live over their shops!
* * * * *
[Illustration: An early morning snapshot in the suburbs. Mr. Bumpus
dresses his window.]
* * * * *
[Illustration: METROPOLITAN IMPROVEMENTS