Volume 103 — ADAPTED FROM THE FRENCH.

(Being a Parisian Parliamentary Procedure as "She Might be Spoke in England.")

SCENE—The House of Commons at question-time. Ministers in attendance, excited Members regarding them with derision.

First Member. I claim the word, Mr. Speaker. I would ask Esquire Harcourt, does he propose to make his Budget popular?

["Very well! very well!" from the Conservatives.

Esquire Harcourt. I tell the Hon. Gentleman that by such a question he insults the world! (Cheers.) Nay, he insults England!

[Loud applause, in which all join.

First Mem. (after a pause). Still, you have not answered my question. Is your Budget to be popular?

[Murmurs.

Esquire Har. (with spirit). I consider such a question twice repeated an infamy!

[Enthusiastic cheering.

Second Mem. Then it is you who are infamous!

[Uproar.

The Speaker. Gentlemen, Ministers, do not force me to put on my hat—do not cause me to suspend the sitting.

First Mem. Surely a civil question deserves a civil answer?

Esquire Harcourt. Not in a nation that has bled on the field of battle.

[Roars of applause.

First Mem. (after a pause). And yet what I required to know was reasonable. I wished to know whether Esquire Harcourt proposed to name a popular Budget?

Esquire Harcourt. He repeats the calumny!

[Uproar.

First Mem. (after a pause). But is there no reply? I would ask Sir Gladstone—is there no reply?

Sir Gladstone (springing to his feet). It is for the honour of England! (Immense enthusiasm.) And now, Sir, you are answered!

[Roars of applause. Scene closes in upon Ministers receiving the hand-shakes of supporters and opponents.

SPORT AS A MATTER OF COURSE-ING.

LADIES IN THE HUNTING FIELD.

It is The Opinion of Mr. Phunkie "that the Fair Sex is all very well at the Covert Side, and he has no objection to a little quiet Flirtation there; but if a Man is expected to go hanging round a Girl when Hounds are running, the thing is apt to become a dooce of a Nuisance!"