Flowers Wilt

Viands, wine, cigars and flowers had been ordered. Their Britannic Majesties were prepared to receive in splendor last week a state visit from President Doumergue and Premier Briand of France. M. Doumergue's valet pondered again the advisability of a corset. Bachelor Briand submitted to a deft clipping of his (as usual) too exuberant mop of hair. All was in readiness. . . .

Suddenly a despatch clicked from Paris to London. His Majesty, the King Emperor, was informed that His Excellency, M. le President, could not leave France because MM. les Deputes had upset the Cabinet of M. Briand (See FRANCE.)

Forthwith, the British Foreign Office issued an announcement: the President of France had postponed his visit because of the political crisis at Paris. Simultaneously all semi-official French news organs carried a statement: the President of France had postponed his visit because of the British Coal Strike.

Copies of this latter version caught the eye of George V, Rex et Imperator. An hour later commotion ensued at the French Foreign office. Someone had blundered. Apologies to the King-Emperor were forthcoming, retractions in the press, honeyed words anent the coal strike. . . .