Happy Thought.

   —Sort of place where a Hermit could play Solitaire. And get excited over it. Who invented Solitaire? If it was a Hermit, why didn't the eminent ascetic continue the idea and write a book of games?

    Happy Thought.

   —To call it “Games for Hermits.”

   Milburd exclaims, “Stunning place for fireworks. We might do the storming of the Fortress there.”

    Happy Thought.

   —“Good place,” say, “for a retired study.”

   Cazell says, “I tell you what we ought to do with that; make it into spare rooms. A castle for single gentlemen. They could cross in a boat at night.”

   Chilvern is of opinion it ought to be restored, and made a gem of architectural design.

   Boodels says, if anything, he should like it to be an observatory, or, on second thoughts, a large aquarium.

   Cazell says at once, “If you want to see an aquarium you should go to Havre.”

   Chilvern returns that there's a better one at Boulogne.

   Milburd caps this by quoting the one at the Crystal Palace.

   Cazell observes quickly that

    the

   place for curious marine specimens is Bakstorf in Central Russia.

   “

    You've

   never been to Central Russia,” says Milburd, superciliously. Professing to have travelled considerably himself, he doesn't like the idea of anyone having done the same.

   “I wish,” exclaims Cazell, using a formula of his own, “I wish I had as many sovereigns as I've been in Central Russia.”

 Prev. P 13/168 next