Messrs. Stanley Paul and Co. have published two little books
of funny stories and anecdotes (Sunbeams and Who Told You That ? 2s. 6d. net). In spite of its unpromising title, Sunbeams is quite amusing ; and though they are partly obscured by the darkness of a fine chestnut grove, the diligent reader will probably here discover a good many stories that are new to him. Here are a few that were new to the present writer :-
" The Comte do Moray called one day on Baron de Rothschild. ' Take a chair,' said the Baron. The Comte de Moray drew himself up at this lack of ceremony. I am the Comte de Morey,' he said. Take two chairs,' said the Baron."
" Gladstone mot Bishop Magee in Pall Mall. I hear, my lord,' said Gladstone, that you don't like my way of dealing with the Irish question.' It's not your dealing I object to, it's your shuffling,' was the answer." " I think I'll chuck journalism,' said the editor, and go in for astronomy.' Why astronomy ? ' ' Because astronomers are about the only people who have enough space."
" What is the best definition of a Parliamentary candidate ? Here is Mr. Winston Churchill's : A man who is asked to stand wants to sit and is expected to lie.' " What is the beet cheese story ? Can any cheesemonger beat this one ? A pitiful voice in a stuffy restaurant was heard whining bitterly to a waiter, The Gorgonzola has eaten my bread I '
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