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ABOUT PEOPLE.

"No," was the amused answer, "and perhaps we may never meet again; but I hoped I might take the liberty of speaking to you now."

"Yes. I am Mrs. B., of D avenue. And you?"

"I am Miss W., of X street."

"Ah! indeed! The ice is cooling."

And the older lady, satisfied that the person's name and address had a familiar and correct sound to her ears, slowly drifted into a conversation which was more congealing than the ice.

When fame, however, heralds the advent of a stranger, invitations to behold and speak to him are eagerly accepted, clubs and social parties vying with each other in speeches and oysters. But, alas! if one is simply a lady or a gentleman from another city, or a side street of one's own town! Self-consciousness generally rebels at being invited for benevolent reasons, and few have the courage of a certain

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