The Capping Ball.

Perhaps the spirit of our age revolts at anything in the nature of a ceremony. Perhaps we knew in our innermost hearts that true scholarship is a rare thing, and so felt vaguely uncomfortable in the sombre cap and gown that are meant to be the outward sign of the inward wisdom and freedom. Or perhaps we had heard too many speeches, too many good wishes and wise injunctions concerning how best to meet life with the weapons at our command.

page 32

At all events it was a relief to drift up Cuba Street away from the grim old Town Hall, and enter the more convivial atmosphere of the May-fair Cabaret. Life, at times is too real, too earnest. Our regard for knowledge and the dispensers thereof is a sneaking one, or, to put it more graciously, we are shy, and hard put to it sometimes to express in fitting terms our sentiments concerning these things. But our modern vocabulary abounds in words such as "snappy," "corker," and "ripping," which somehow are just the words to express our genuine and spontaneous enthusiasm for the colours which assail our eyes, the amazing ragtime produced by the High Hatters, the jostle and movement of the gay and girlish girls and the manly young men.

The little painted tables and chairs look inviting. One sinks to rest thankfully, and a demure maiden places ginger beer and glasses upon the table. Oh marvellous and potent beverage to brighten eyes and revive the spirits of the flagging! The world, forsooth, is a merry place, and once more we see the value of common things. The young men even examine aspidistras and pot-plants with unusual interest.

But it was fine fun, and those guests must have felt grateful to the good souls who had worked for our pleasure and entertainment.

One strange note—not discordant however! In the grey and early hours when the day was yet young a minion of the Law, complete in helmet and uniform, is seen to stroll through the corridors. "Constable," said a young man, "just mind my girl while I go off to get something!" By the benign expression on the face of the minion, we know that our innocent merriment was sanctioned by the might and right of the Law. So what can the public say now!

* * *

And back in Heidelburg ....