Page:Tex; a chapter in the life of Alexander Teixeira de Mattos (IA texchapterinlife00mcke).pdf/107



Polly, which is the most exquisite thing that he has done in that line.

(I have read both down here and prefer Kipps. The phrases underlined, quoted in the Times notice (attached) of Wells' Polly-Kippsian "History of the World" reminds me irresistibly of the old lady who, witnessing a performance of "Anthony and Cleopatra," by your Mr. Shakespeare or our Mr. Shaw, observed: "How different from the home life of our dear queen!")

 Let me offer you—a trifle belatedly perhaps—my congratulations on your new dignity.

("Thanks." A. Kipps)

Certainly you should tell the [Belgian] Ambassador that it is not only inconvenient but impossible for you to be invested in person and that he must send you the warrant and insignia

''Did I ever tell you the story of Mr. G.'s search for a decoration? The Kaiser refused to give him one on any consideration, and he therefore toured Europe, lending or giving money to one government after another in the hope of being ultimately rewarded with the 4th class of the Speckled Pig. In every court he was promised his decoration, but, when he presented himself for the investiture, the court officials turned from him with just that expression of loathing and nausea which he had formerly observed on the''