12 SEPTEMBER 1896, Page 15

THE INTERROGATIVE BORE.

[To THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR."] SIR,-If you are opening your columns to instances of suc- cessful dealing with the interrogative bore, I hope you will find space to recall Charles Lamb's suppression of the coach specimen by his answer to a question as to the probability of its turning out a good turnip season : "I believe it depends very much upon boiled legs of mutton."

Neither ought Toots's answer to the dancing•master at Dr. Blimber's evening party to be forgotten in this connection : " What, sir, are we to do with your raw materials when they come into our ports in return for the drain of gold? " " Cook 'em," gasped Toots, in a moment of inspiration.—I am, Sir, &c.,