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ABOUT PEOPLE.

of sheep, and not always does the first sheep jump the right fence. We are cowards, and neither praise nor blame independently. A little reading-club was studying a certain poem, and one of its members said, "I think it is awfully stupid!" Then went round the whisper, "Isn't she bright, funny?" If each had dared to say her own thought, it would have been just what this lady said; and the universal fun would have been denominated common-sense. There is affectation in euphuistic words and simpering tones which sometimes passes muster for a while, but only to cover the person with final disgrace. The literary criticism of a magazine or newspaper column shows whether the writer is stamped with an irrepressible individuality that puts itself into what he writes, or whether he is fearful, and praises gently all alike.

It is very hard to maintain a graceful but true individuality under the soft pressure of society and frightened friends; but, if the

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