THE SPIDER AND THE FLY It is to be feared that there is a lamentable lack of local color in the present narrative.

Having safely arrived at Petersburg, we have nothing to tell of that romantic city--no hints at deep-laid plots, no prison, nor tales of jail-birds--tales with salt on them, bien entendu--the usual grain.

We have hardly mentioned the Nevski Prospekt, which street by ancient right must needs figure in all Russian romance.

We have instead been prating of drawing-rooms and mere interiors of houses, which to-day are the same all the world over.

A Japanese fan is but a Japanese fan, whether it hang on the wall of a Canadian drawing-room or the matting of an Indian bungalow.