Volume 146 — GWENDOLEN'S HOBBIES.

Gwendolen, when we were wed, In her artless manner said, "Dear, I think I'd better Choose a hobby, lest I find Household duties cramp the mind." Foolishly, I let her. Books at first were her delight; Gwendolen grew erudite; Vain were my petitions, Till in scientific terms I dilated on the germs Haunting first editions. Then, for one expensive week, China (guaranteed antique)— Derby, Sèvres and Lustre— Charmed her, till our Abigail Washed them in a kitchen pail, Dried them with a duster! Foreign stamps her time engrossed For a busy month at most; I endured—and waited. Who so proud as Gwendolen Of each gummy specimen Till the craze abated? Later (if I seem severe, Gwendolen, forgive me, dear!) Art proved all-compelling; Post-Impressionist indeed Were the colour-schemes decreed For our modest dwelling. With her last experiment Gwendolen appears content; Heaven grant she may be! For, of all the hobbies run By my wife, there isn't one Suits her like a baby.