THE PARS0N. The mistake they make is in trying to write, andespecially to "stump-speak," like men; next to an effeminate manthere is nothing so disagreeable as a mannish woman.

HERBERT. I heard one once address a legislative committee. Theknowing air, the familiar, jocular, smart manner, the nodding andwinking innuendoes, supposed to be those of a man "up to snuff," andau fait in political wiles, were inexpressibly comical. And yet theexhibition was pathetic, for it had the suggestive vulgarity of awoman in man's clothes. The imitation is always a dreary failure.

THE MISTRESS. Such women are the rare exceptions. I am ready todefend my sex; but I won't attempt to defend both sexes in one.