I soon made up my mind that I had better ask my way. This I did, and found the country Constabulary most intelligent. As I had come to Aldershot to see the soldiers, rather than to enjoy the pleasures of the table, it would perhaps be out of place to mention here how good lobster salad is when you are really hungry, and how very grateful to the palate claret cup appears when one has had nothing to drink for many hours. Enough to say, I enjoyed myself thoroughly, and catching a train to Waterloo, was once more at home.
On reading my notes I find that I have left unanswered the question with which I commenced this article. I was sent to Aldershot to "deduce from the display, the exact position occupied by England amongst the Powers of Europe as a Military Nation." Quite so. Well--but perhaps on second thoughts I had better get the Editor to send me to another review before I attempt to solve the problem.
The great success of the Gray's Inn _Maske_, has raised in the mind of some of the critics the consideration whether a revival of this form of entertainment could not be established. Ever ready to assist in carrying out a valuable suggestion, _Mr. Punch_ begs to provide a _Scenario_ for a modern _Maske:_--
SCENE I.--_The Exterior of the Castles of_ TORIUS _and_ GLADSTONIUS _with a view of the Palace of Westminster, seen through the gateway. Enter_ SESSIONIUS, _who looks about him and ponders_.
_Sessionius._ This should not be! Such a time as this puts down a thousand pleasant schemes of summer! When a Bill, an Opposition, and a Closure are met within the Hall of great St. Stephen's! Let the Ex-M.P. bless the summer day, but Whigs, Rads, and Tories, needs must nod to the Sessions Reign.
_Sessionius._ What's that I see? How dare you approach. D'ye mean to give the lie to the prophets, who say I shall not be done until October? Away, thou tempting fancy! Begone! Stay not a moment!
_Vacatia._ Nay, be not angry! In days gone by thou used to welcome me! Why is it?
_Sessionius._ Do you not see I cannot move? With Irish Members and Coercion Bills, I may stay here for ever!
VACATIA _weeps, and is appeased by_ TRIPPIUS, _who explains that they can go unto the seaside by the Sunday trains. Then all go out. Then enter the_ EXCURSIONISTS, _who sing strange songs in praise of wine and tobacco. After a while the fun grows fast and furious, and the Scene changes to_,--