The Merthyr Express

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I A | FOR MATRON AND MAID. BEGIN OVER AGAIN. Much that we now regard as failure and affliction proves as the years go by to be quite the contrary; merely a disagreeable remedy that was for our own good and the general good. We must blot out the old tear tracks-the losses, the illnesses, the foolish things we have done, and begin again—all over again, as the children say. Of course, there are mistakes that have a way of sitting by the fire and pretending they will remain, and at times thsv appear moun. tainous. But in spite of all that, life proves that they depart in time if they are put aipong the dead issues. THE ALL-IMPORTANT HOOKS. The pitiable novice in the sewing-room never knows anything about the hook and eye, not- withstanding the amount that has been learned j about this provoking little piece of wire. The very tiniest hooks should be used for collars, on yokes of net and lace, and especially I' for the hooking over of lace flowers or leaves on certain elaborate creations to bring about a perfect smoothness. The eye is rarely used in fine work, but, when necessary for firmness, the long flat eye is chosen. This is at times embroidered over, and again in its stead there is used a tiny brass ring embroidered in buttonhole stitch. It may be_ more readily worked after it has been eewn in place. The ordinary buttonholed loop is more frequent than the wicket-shaped wire eye. A larger sized hook is used for bodice fasten- ings, and still larger ones for skirt bands. IT SHOULD BE REMEMBERED. That the woman who is losing the youthful contours of her face and her delicate girlish complexion can still wear hats in white and light colourings if she will have the under- side of the brim faced with black velvet. That if the underline of the brim at the back where it joins the hair is not satisfac- tory, she should crush into the space some soft tulle, preferably dark brown. Do not use a light shade. The brown tulle looks more like a shadow than any material. This ruling holds good with almost-every shade of hair and al- most every colouring of hat. That the woman whose hair is thin and whose hat wobbles should stuff some soft tissue paper inside the crown, beneath the lining. This seems to steady the hatpins. STEPPING-STONES TO SUCCESS. When we think of some of the things that are allowed to upset and disturb our equanim- ity and the peace of those around us, their triviality and insignificance are too absurd to be tolerated. The foolish nature of the incident often The foolish nature of the incident often makes it scarcely wortb recording. But it is the small things that constitute the day and indicate character. It is delightful to meet one who is big enough not to show the white feather in the face of defeat. A cheery "Better luck next time!" is almoet worth the price of disaster, and its influence- is wonderful upon all who are fortunate enough to cbme under its magical spell. Disappointments have been stepping-stones upon which many have travelled to success, but never when they have stopped to grieve and nurse their wounds. MAKING A BAD HABIT. One's position when reading in bed must be watched. Propped on a pillow or two, there is little danger of straining the optic nerve; lie on back or side with head low, and the dan- ger is great. Do not select books of verv fine print for your bedtime reading, and do not continue to read after you are sleepy. This is harmful to the eyes, and if you are reading with win- dows closed may mean an entire night in a lighted "stuffy" room. Use judgment in your favourite pursuit.' To read until three or four o'clock in the morning is harmful, as no one knows better than thft guilty reader herself next day. o. FASHION NOTES. Lace hat-crowns, puffed and high, carry large brims. Biscuit colour becomes a great favourite as the spring advances. Blue serge costumes still take soutache braid- ing for trimming. "Sand grey" is one of the most up-to-date shades in the wide world of greys. Again does the kimono cut of blouse push its way to the front. All-over lace run with gold thread makes up a handsome blouse. One of lace dyed to match a deep buff cos- tume is worked with dull gold and pewter threads. Golden brown is an excellent colour for children when choosing a serviceable hat. Handsome pieces of broderic anglaise form the knee bands on fine pleated skirts. Other pieces fashion the loose sleeves and upper parts of the bodice. Guimpes of spotted lawn, cotton, and fine linen are smart with tailored pinafore dresses The clown collar frill is repeated at the top and bottom of deep cuffs. Washing eillc blouses are decorated with stitches in Japanese work done with heavy floss. The plaid skirt, the plaid guimpe, and the plain coat Is generally quite attractive. Some new tones of green are shot. with a deep buff which makes them most becoming to many middle-aged women. Millinery bows of lace vary from tiny little butterfly models poised on the brim to huge bows and ends at the back which make almost the sole trimming. Puffs of silk muslin, chiffon, or net are a new form of trimming on evening wraps and gowns. HINTS FOR THE HOME. A squeeze of lemon added to a pot of tea gives a refreshing aroma. If a rag with a little turpentine on it is put 1D the larder it will keep flies away from food. When cleaning a kettle fill it with potato parings and boil it fast till it becomes quite clean. When enamelling the grates, trv coach var- nish instead of Brunswick black. It can be ob- tained at the oil-shop, and has much better effect. For Falling-out Hair.—Take half-quartern of rum and one tablespoonful of castor oil. Mix well together. To be well rubbed in before go- ing to bed. Sausage Savory.—Place a layer of sausage meat in a piedish, sprinkle over it a little finely shopped onion, sage, also pepper and ealt. Cover this with cold mashed potatoes, then an. other layer of meat and seasoning, and finish with potatoes on the top. Bake a nice brown and serve with apple sauce. "Delightful" Pudding.—Use a piedish, # put a nice layer of golden syrup or apricot jam; sprinkle thickly with currants. Now put a thick layer of bread crumbs, another of cur- rants, then breadcrumbs again. Pour over half-a-pint of hot custard. Ready in half an hour, or can stand until next dav. A Very Tasty Way to Use Up "Cold Meat.— Carefully remove all skin and gristle, and put through a mincing machine, season with pepper and salt, a pinch of ground mace, a little chop- ped parsley, a small onion if liked, a small tea- cupful breadcrumbs, and two well-beaten eggs; mix all well together, and pour lightly into a well-greased basin, cover with a piece of but- tered paper and a saucer, and steam for two hours. This is a well-tested recipe. CAKES AND PUDDrNGS.-No. 24. This recipe makes most delicious sandwiches, and also is very useful for fancy cakes for afternoon tea. The ingredients given are suffi- cient for two ordinary round sandwich tins, about Sin. in diameter and lin. deep. JAM SANDWICHES. j 1 packet of Cakeoma. 1 6 ozs. of Butter. 3 Eggs. 4 or 5 tablespoonfuls of Milk, j MlTTUrtn i Rub the butter into the Cakeoma very line, beat up the eggs and add them, together with the milk, and thoroughly mix altogether. Put half the batter into each of the tins as above, and bake in a rather hot oven. When cold they should be slioed into two pa/rts, and one part spread with jam, lemon cheese curd or fruit jelly, then placed together again and pressed to keep them from coming apart; they can then be cut into any shapes required. Next week a recipe for a Rich Plum Cake. Recipe book will be sent post free on request to Latham aqd Co., Ltd., Liverpool. Cakeoma is sold only in 3id. packets by Grocers and Stores everywhere. =

THE ERUPTION OF ETNA Once again has this historic volcano asserted itself, and the kindly face of Nature in its im- mediate vicinity has been perfectly disfigured by its eruption of molten lava. The greatest consternation has surged those dwelling in its vicinity, and already untold mischief has been caused by the irresistible ad. vance of the fiery currents. What a striking parallel can be found to those physical ills which so constantly assail life, though, luckily, humanity is not quite helpless when thus afflicted. Take stomachic troubles, for instance. Whenever these occur, it is always possible to obtain complete free- dom if Page Woodcock's Pills are called into service. I They have a most remarkable record, extend- ing over sixty years, and have proved, their sterling worth in innumerable cases of In- digestion, Palpitation, Heartburn, Flatulenoe, Chest Pains, Blood Ailments, Nervous Die- digestion, Palpitation, Heartburn, Flatulenoe, Chest Pains, Blood Ailments, Nervous Die- orders and General Debility, and Stomaoh. I Kidney, and Liver Troubles. i They not only check and correct, but cure, j restoring peace and efficiency to every dis- ^rsssed organ and function. A box of Page I I., Pills is a household necessity. Jbta-in one from your chemist, either Is. I^d. ) y~ 2s. 9d.; the latter size holds .three times the t .uoaiity. Have cured curs f

wi _L > 1 ¡;u" '.f', ,$, f Mr. J. Wilson, (aged 80), of 7, Great Russell-Street, Birmingham, has lived in the Capital of the Midlands" over half-a-century. He came to' the city from Castle Bromwich in 1858, and has lived in Great Russell Street ever since 1864. He is a well-known business man in the Midlands at one time he had no less than four businesses running in Birmingham, 1 j Wolverhampton, Kidderminster and West Bromwich. He says I used to stiffer terribly from rheumatism—especially when the weather was damp-and pains in my back. My hand was always on my back* T I couldn't stoop, and was in misery .when lying in bed. The kidney secretions were disorclered and very difficult to pass. The complaint was inherited irom my lather, no doubt, for he used to be a great sufferer from kidney and bladder troubles. Doan's Backache Kidney Pills did me good from the first; they soon put my back right, and relieved the bladdef troubles and rheumatism. They have been worth more than gold to me* and I am always talking about them. I never need any other medicine., (Signed) JAMES WILSON. NEARLY, 9 YEARS LATER Mr." Wilson said" I have celebrated my golden wedding since I wrote you last, and although I am 80 years old now I still enjoy wonderful health for a man of my age. I work every week-dav of my life, and do miles of walking every day." 119 a box, 6 boxes 1319; of all dealers, or from FosUr-McClcllan Co., 8, Wells-St., Oxford-St., Un&n, II W LIKE MR. WILSON HAD. Mirs PIUS. ¡ 'i &fto — W iT S jL THE WORLD'S BEST. J| J) No cycle deserves better of the cycling public than the half. century old "Swift." Its designers are competent cycle Kg engineers, its builders the best mechanics the world "can ff| supply or money command, the material the finest, irrespeo* Bgf tive of cost. Yet despite its high grade qualities, prices are in strict jR keeping with the needs of the age. Kp | From £7 0 0 CASH. Or from 10/9 per month, B See the 1910 Modefe^ajj S J. LEWIS, 354, High Street, Penydarren, K t MERTHYR TYDFIL. W { { The SWIFT CYCLE Co.. Ltd.. COVENTRY. L01mO!iT 15.16, Bolboru Viaduct. jo Ji; CUSTARD B Delicious served Hot as a Sauce t 1 with Rhubarb Puddings or Pies & Stewed Rhubarb. t | BIRD'S CUSTARD softens may V alight acidity of the RhuJbarb. DIRECTIONS.-Prepam the-Custard in the usual way and I lsifto's The Original immediately while Hot. j only Genuine 81 )'>:i:} < :< Fits any bicycle jj- -*i TfiH i Makes cycling easy." '—'——————tasaB Make your cycling I doubly enjoyable. FIT THE STURMEYARCHER ,1 3-SPEED GEAR j io ytm bjeyde. Rciu** cUp umtabeM wkkh em IT >rm with the Stwrmer-Avekar iet an- pbcity, bi and niiiwty. Reo that ala. Sfnany Airhar ran* oo frictioalcss bail h<M'iii«i1 ■ not reler bump. Heac* it* silky «| Seod far descriptive bmtiet la Stunney-Archer Gears. Ltd., NOTTINGHAM. Agents Everywhere. t ARCHERD | rlyey ca.4w Wmr (f WH £ M07H £ XS/I a f fl"p\Vy ifinH thousands of TjEsrmoAms. ITOOTHVACHf DL AMD fll B fowetm u MtkHEURAlGIA^ 1 QfJll CMrttsrs 8 [POWDERS Rii1 \/T^ £ Z^| j I HOOPING-COUGH r~ CROUP —I ■ The Celebrated Effectual Cure without B 9 Internal Medicine. I 1 ROCHE'S I B HERBAL EMBROCATION. I 9 Will also be found veiy efficacious B 9 in cases of 9 9 BRONCHITIS, LUMPAGO, and 3 B RHEUMATISM. B gj Price Is. per Bottle, of all Chemists B B W. EDWARDS & SON, 157. Queen Victoria B Street. London, Eng. .Lh. do

——- It pays you to bake at home with Paisley Flour —the sure raising powder The cost is less than shop made, and you know that all the in- gredients are sound and good. By mixing i part Paisley Flour" t with 8 parts ordinary flour you < have a perfect baking flour, much J more economical than cake 8 mixtures.

"OET'S CORNER. FIRST FOOTSTEPS. A little way, more soft and sweet Than fields aflower with may, A babe's feet, venturing, scarce complete 'A little way j Eyes full of dawning day Look up for mother's eyes to meet, Too blithe for song to say. Glad as the golden spring to greet Ll Its first live leaflets play. Love, laughing, leaas the little feet A little way. —A. C SwiNBUKNE. HER DWELLING PLACE. fa a sheltered niche in Evergreen Hedge- In the narrow street is her dwelling-plaoe, ffhrust anglewise, a sunny wedge. To whose green and bloom God lends His grace. Slowly about her and silently Has gathered a gentle company. Sear little maid! In some lost dream sphere Warm and close in my heart she grew, But the drifting years have left her hero In this shadowy isle of peace and dew. Over that small rose face of hers With silken whimpers the young grass stirs. Bwift little butterflies flit about, White as her spirit's wandering star. The frail spring blossoms just coming out Seem faint and sweet as her footprints are! And these airs are a message softly blown From her April life and her fair new zone. —ADA FOSTEB MUBBAY.

THE EARL NECKLACE t (A Story of a Mysterious Robbery), L BY ARTHUR APPLIN, Author of "The Chorus Girl." "The Stage 1\ Door," "Yan Dylk Diamonds," "The Butcher of Bruton-street," etc., etc. I CHAPTER III. Outward! v. at any rate, Abraham Grimmett I was a typical English gamekeeper; he was a lype of man who would have been successiul in any profession because he was cunning, real- ised- the value of money, and was quick to read Character He possessed th* instinct, of the birds and beasts which he slew and protected, he was Hot popular, bu" lie was respected by those who should- have feared him. and feared by he should have respected. He had been in Sir Reginald V service for thirty years and naturally made fuil use of his privi- leges, and wa«s never slow in claiming h:s per- quisites. "A word with you, sir," Grrnmet said, bar- ring palli. "I'm in a hurry, but I wish to CMS you later mylf, this evening after the &hoot." The keeper did nor move. "ow, it you please, :0- "You so rr?* times forget your position," Michael said quietly "I mu.->" beg you to re- member it mere carefully in i-;ture." The keeper noddec ■ "I will do so. air, arcl 1 "rust that y*»u will mors careful in remem- ibering yours. That's why I stopped you, to warn yen—though firet of all I wished to offer my congratulations oo your coming of age. Michael laughed dryly. "Thanks. I would father be withou* your congratulation', Grim- mett. But I would like to know what th« devj you mean by v. a.nung Tne. Grinimet. shitted I is gun from his right to his left shoulder, and looked Michael up and down, almost insolently "It you will liave it, u' bsen making uve to my daughtef-" "You!" adolM daughter." "As you like, but mine, remember. Whilst you were only a boy, and she a girl there 'Wa.sD't much harm in it, and so I've said no- thing But to-day you're* a man, Mr. Villette, and though she's scarcely nineteen years she is a woman, and I'm thinking it's time you stopped runrv.ng after Michael thrust his Lands into his trousars pockets whiLst he sniLiM uuconocrnedly. In- wardly be writhed, and ho knew hi cheeks Were becoming scarlet and his eyes like steel. He hardly knew hctv -I- rop!y it was obvious that Grimmest mean, war to the knife, the ser- vant no lonir^r feared the master nor his son, for he had already heard the clamouring of creditors, anc" knew that ia less than a year's time a stranger would be shooting Sir Regin- Aid"? partri(.'<is and paying the wages of Sir Reginald's o.'J servants. "I've no tirr.e to waste on you n<*w, Michael said, trying to steady his voice. "I'll see you later, but as fur as Lila's concerned you've no fright to interfere. And ir may interest you to 'know that rIll going to make her my wife within the net few months." He moved forward as if to brush past the keeper, but the latter again stopped him. "Mr fVillette. Lila. -will never be your wife. She'll never marry whilst ene's under my roof- laever Michael lost his temper. He laughed in Grimmett's faoe "You fool, she'll be my wife before Christmas, and if you don't behave yourself, I'll expose the little game you've been playing here, and you'll find yourself doing six months' hard labour." If he expected the keeper to snow any signs of fear, embarrassment, or surprise, he was disappointed The man's grey eyes fixed him unflinchingly "It's dangerous to make threats of that sort, and remember there's such a thing as defama- tion of character. Stilt. you're free to do as 'you like as far as I'm conceded, but from this moment I forbid you to see my daughter again. "You forbid me, you' Michael cried, stand- ing close to the keeper with clenched fists, his eyes blazing "Do you think I'm going to take any notice of you? I tell you I love her and she loves me, and- nothing will ever keep us apart. You've made her life hard enough as I it is, and if when I see her to.night she tells me you've been worrying her again, I'll take the law into my own hands. So now you un- derstand." He pushed past the keeper, and with hands still clenched together and head thrown back, walked blindly through the long grass. As he reached the lawn he was conscious that some- one followed he hastened his pace. so did his pursuer until he was conscious of the rustle of Ee-t tic oats, then Ruth slipped her hand through his arm. "Mike, they're all waiting for you. I came out to find you and-and I overheard. Oh, Mike, you shouldn't have lost your temper and threatened Grimmett. I'm frightened of that man He hates you now, and he'll do every. thing he can to hurt and to hamper you." "What can he do?" Michael sneered; "he's onlv a servant, our servant, he's a thief, too- he's stolen from us!" They reached the entrance to the hall, and Ruth v-xipp-d her brother's arm tightly "You mustn't say these things, dear, father will ovovbear you." • ■ Ke shall know, Michael fumed; "I'll have him dismissed." He strode poisily across the polished floor of the sTat octagonal hall, scowling at the rows of ancestors who smiled at him from their gilded frames. As he reached the library door be was conscious of his sister's restraining arm. "Don't say anything, Mike," she pleaded. "Remember, whatever hi's done, father can't diiraiic him row-we're- paupers I" Michael hesitated, with his hand on the handle of the door, and he turned and looked at 4,is sister. The wind had made a tangle of her golden hair, her blue eyes were moist as if she had stolen tho dew from the violets in the orchard f "I'm a selfish beast," he whispered putting i hi: arms about her. 'I lo.-t my temper—and j l won't give Lila up. Ruth, I must get some j money somehow to pay my own private debts, i then I'll work; I don't care how hard I work as long as I make Lila my wife." i Ho pushed the dining-room door open, and entered tho room heavy with oak pannelling. It looked clvserful in the morning sunlight with the long ta.blc ready for breakfast, bright with i silver nd flowers. Right down the length of one riclo of the room. the servants sat, waiting for te-ir young ma-ter; whilst rt the table his father stood before the family Bible. Tho maj- ority of the guests staying at the Hall were there, too, and as Michael and Ruth entered the room, Miriam unnoticed silently followed them. As soon as they were all seated, Sir Reginald cleared his throat, and. as was his custom, read a chapter from the Bible, first glancing reprov- ingly at hiT only son. Curiously enough, the chapter chosen was the nO., return of the prodigal, and as Michael lis- t'ied, a cynical smile played about his lips whilst he glanoed at each of the guests in turn. The only one who looked at him was Miriam, and he thought he detected in her glance a sympathetic understanding of his thoughts. He was grateful when prayers were finished and he received the conventional congratulations. But he found it impossible to talk, difficult even to listen to the conversation of others. L His thoughts wandered through the woods he had just traversed they were contred on Lila a.nd would not leave her. He wished now he had not lost his temper, for she might suffer. Perhaps even at that moment Grimmett was bullying her, teTng her that she should never see Miehaei again. The breakfast seemed interminable; he was glad when at last he could escapc to the smoking room and prepare for the morning's sport. Thought i' was the 5ih of October, the pheasants had not as yet been touched, but had been kept for this day. Already the beater;, dogs, and keepers were lining up on the drive outside. Michael looked through the window, and when he saw Grimmett he some slicht. consolation. lie conceived the possibility of escape during on? of the Jriros and paying Lila a clandestine visit. "Well, how do it feel to be twenty one*" John Harvey asked, slapping him on the back. "You don't look as jolly as I should if I ecj d find myself that age again." Michael shrugged his shoulders. He looked at Harvey more critically than he had yet done, remembering the conversation with hE is sister. "How did you feel when you were twenty-one?" he replied. Harvey ran his fingers through his sh-t, crisp hair. He was a tall, powerfully tu:it man, his clean-shaven face sun-burnt, dfrik eyes, almost black, a strong irregular nose, fid a kindly mouth. "I almost forge- he acknow- ledged, "and I'm old enough now to wish I were younger." "Youth isn't much good," Michael growled. "Oh, you're in love," Harvey laughed, as he led the way into the garden. "Who's in love?" Miriam asked, taking th last two steps of the staircase at a jump. "No one in thi? house, or I should have discovered the secret long ago." She was delightfully dressed in a short cor duroy skirt bound with leather and a n.*at little jacket to match. "Don't forget we're go- ing" to meet you at Barchamp Woods with lun-jh at one o'clock; if you keep us waiting we shall eat everything up. "I shall be in time," Harvey said, giving Ler a meaning gJajice. And Michael, interpreting it, cursed the bs-1 luck of the Yillettos. If only John Harvey had fallen in love with his sister! The wiYi was not altogether unselfish, for h? was thiuk- ing of himself as well as of Ruth. If she were the wife of a man whose rent- roll was known to exoeed twelve thousand a year, his own prospects would not look so gloomy—nor would Lila seem so far away. Sir Reginald always left it to his keeper to place the guns,' and Michael was sure of being given the worst position. Nevertheless, Hat, morning all the birds seemed to come in direction. And he did not kill a braoe—he h-o never shot so badly before. Once or twice 'ie caught Grimmett's eye, and in it he read a mixture of pity and sarcasm, until he felt J be turning his gun on the keeper. He was grateful when at last a halt w-s called for luncheon and the guns were laid aside, whilst they walked across the hill to the wood where the ladies waited for them. "You must be very hadly in love, young man," John Harvey said, linking his arm in Michael's. "Not.hing but love could have matie you miss so many easy shots. Who is it, eh" Not the lovely Miriam? If it is, I warn you your case is hopeless." "I know that," Michael replied, irritably, as ho gl; "ed through the tress and saw the flutter of his sister's petticoat. "You have a. clear field there." John Harvey frowned. "I! My dear fel- low, I hope you don't think-" he laughed. "That's really rather funn.v-Miriam Michael disengaged his arm. "I'm sorry if I'm wrong. Somehow it seemed rather ob- vious," he replkd, shortly. Again Harvey laughted. "It seemed obvious, did it? And there's your sister hailing us. a bottle in one band and a. game pie in the other" He dashed on ahead of iNi ichael; and. reach- ing Ruth's side, made her sit down whilst he inisted on waiting-on her. But it was Miriam who eventually made room for him between them, and she in turn waited on him, filling his glass, forestalling his every want. "I bad such a shook this morning when I awoke," she said, in her strong deep voice, bending towards Harvey. "I saw someone standing by my bediide stealing my lovely pearl necklace." "Good Lord. wha* bad taste-" Harvey chuckled, "whilst you were there to be stolen Miriam gianoed at him under her long &tee. "I shouted 'Thief!' Then I saw it, was only little Ruth come to wake me and tell me she was twenty-cne." "Little Ruth!" Harvey nodded, whilst he busily attached the game pie. "But there are more precious things to b3 stolen than pearls, don't you think?"' He asked the question generally, but no one replied. Luncheon finished, cigars and pipes were lit, and a few of the women indulged in cigar- ettes Miriam was one. Smoking suited her; she smoked gracefully, lazily, as if she enjoyed it. Harvey lay stretched full length in a bank of moss, a briar pipe between his teeth, watch- ing her furtively She was like a lovely animal, and it certainly was strange that no man had stolen her for a wife. Then he looked across the green sward to- wards the other girl; little Ruth, Miriam had called her. Yes, she was sma'l in comparison, daintily beautiful, slim, long-limbed. She was busy helping the servants to clear the lunch awav. He contrasted the two women toegther, sum- ming them up physically and mentally. "Half an hour for another pipe and then we muit, make a start," Sir Reginald cried. Michael had already disappeared, and his sister guessed where he had gone. One by one the guests paired off, some disappearing into the wood, others walking slowly down the hill in the direction of the next "drive." Sir Reginald was talking to the keepers: Ruth was alone. She glanced at Harvey and Miriam; they were close together, looking very content-ed with the world and one another. So she drifted away by herself. John Harvey watched her until she was out of sight; then slowly he sat upright and knock- ed cut his pipe. John Harvey watched her until she was out of sight; then slowly he sat upright and knock- ed out his pipe. "They've loft us alone," said Miriam, softly. "Give mo another cigarette, will you?" w He obeyed, and, leaning towards her, lit it. Then to her surprise he rose, and picking up his hat walked away Turning her head she watched the direction he took. He was following Ruth's footsteps. Perhaps he was unaware of the fact, but Miriam came to the conclusion she also would follow. She waited until the trees had hidden him; then she too rose, and with the cigarette between her lips very slowly crept after him. CHAPTER IV. John Harvey walked some distance without finding or overtaking Ruth. Yet he followed the path she had taken-no beaten track through the woods, for she had made a way for herself through the bracken, and by their broken fronds and the trampled ferns it was I easy to trace her. At last Harvey stopped, refilled and lit his around. He laughed under his breath; ehe was not like other women—Ruth Villette !i Harvey was not a conceited man, but he could \not help realising that she was about the only woman of his acquaintance who had not attempted a flirtation with him I Perhaps that was why she attracted him so strongly. He had bided his time, refusing to allow his emotions to hurry him, taking the delight of a strong man in subduing his passions and ruling the foroes which threatened, men- tally, to sweep him off his feet. He stood in the midst of the tangled under- I growth and laughed again. If any other woman had thus eluded him he would have believed she did it for the purpose of attract- ing him. But be had discovered it was Ruth'e ,r nature to escape from the crowd and to seek solitude; here in the heart of the wood even the keepers seldom penetrated; here she had flown like a wild creature seeking shelter, leav- ing others to sleep and emoke, to flirt and bill and coo. If he could find her now, he would tell her that which he bad purposely long postponed. This indeed was the hour and the place. Harvey advanced a little further: it was be- ginning to grow difficult to trace Ruth's foot- steps now; again he stopped and listened. No sound but the cooing of a wood pigeon over- head and occasionally the faint rustle of the leaves as the wind kiend them. His lips parted to call her name aloud, but he stopped abruptly as voices suddenly emote his ear. A man's voice and a. woman's; the latter he recognised. He turned to the right and moved in the direction from which the sounds pro- ceeded, then stopped abruptly as he realised that it was Ruth's brother who was pooking- "Unless I'm awfully lucky to-night, I must have the money to-morrow. The Guv'nor's sure to find out, and then it'll be all up as far as Lila's concern-ed 1" John Harvey could not help overhearing; he wajited to escape, but he heard Ruth's reply, and then he caught the sounds of footsteps through the bracken following him. "Ail right, Mike, I'll heip you; but it's dan- gerous; I should be so horribly ashamed if father or anyone found out. But you must pay your debts of honour at any cost." j Harvey swore under his brath as ho flounder- ed through the masses of brambles. why would they talk so loudlvHe felt a meak k but he could not help overhearing—and Michael was speaking again, loudly, for all the world who listened to hear. Had the fool no sense. In desperation and dreading what might be said next, Harvey turned round, and. carelessly whistling a popular tune, again walked boldly in the direction of the voices. He made all the noises he could, and, just before h& saw Ruth's white dress gleaming through the trees, ho knew they heard him, for their conversation ceased abruptly. "Hullo!" Harvey cried, cheerily. "What a start you gave me, Miss Villette! I suppose I was half asleep, and when I saw your white dress through the trees you looked like a pixie or a fairy." Michael laughed awkwardly, but Ruth show- ed no embarrassment, and Harvey was grate- ful. "I suppose the guns will be waiting for us," he said to Michael. And the Latter nodded; he glanced at his sister, then at Harvey. "I'll-I'll run on and tell them you're coming," he said hastily, and I T' before either Harvey or Ruth could say a word he had hurried through the bracken and -he trees and was lost to sight. For a few seconds Harvey trudged stolidly alongside of Ruth. Progress was slow for her, because the bracken was high, and here and there brambles stretched long arms. Present- ly a particularly aggressive tendril made pris- oner of her petticoats, and Harvey, kneeling down, had the pleasure of setting her free. He did not hurry in the process. It would have bY"n unpardonable to tear the white skirt or the lace from her petticoat; moreover, he found his hands trembling; and as he neither drank nor smoked to excess, and was in per- fect health, tho phenomenon was extraordinary. He never remembered it occurring before. He never remembered it occurring before. The scent of the woods and the bracken had txren obliterated by a subtler perfume, one of which he had lately been conscious whenever he approached Ruth; sweet, elusive, yet it seemed to drench his whole being; perhaps, too, the close proximity of the tempestuous petticoat, the long feet and small yet perfectly shaped ankles, were responsible. "Just drag the bramble off-it doesn't mat- ter if you tear the lace," Ruth said quickly, suddenly impatient at Harvey's apparent awk- wardness. "You're free now," he said. He did- not 1 r rise to his feet; he was kneeling beside a. fallen tree and he suggested Ruth should sit down for a little while. "But the other men are waiting for you," she objected, "and I'm in a hurry, too." John Harvey rose slowly and seated himself I on the fallen tr°c, whilst he lazily puffed at h s pipe, looking through the pale smoke at Ruth, an expression in his eyes which she had not, seeb there before and which frightened her and made her more eager to hurry away. "There can't be any hurry on a glorious > autumn day like this. Miss Villette, sit down To her surprise, and quite aga'nst her will, she obeyed. Then Harvey knocked out his pipe and put it in his p&ket. Ruth had seated hersalf about three feet away from him, and he promptly wiped out those three feet. And, sitting close beside her, be fAw the colour flood her cheeks. And he who had doubted, though hope burn- ed high, and had made up his mind long ago, as a strong man will, that he would win the woman he loved no matter what obstacles were in the path, felt relieved. Her face betrayed he-r; she was not indiffer- ent. And indifference i" the only enemy tiqt I a brave lover fears. So John Harvey took one of the long whro hands that were lying ;ly on her lap, and he felt it tremble even s,~ his own had tremo'ed not a moment before. told her quUtlv and in very few words that he loved her, Ni not with the passion in h." voice nor 1he fe z vour which Michael hac exhibited to J.,u« in the orchard c-ariicr in the day. Tlieri. it j been dawn, and now ».1ID was sky-ai^o. But i Harvey epoke as ? tr,a.r\ v-ho weighed his words and his actions. and her heart Ruth kD-v the love offered he- not wane *nl-h time, but rathe" grow in intensity and detail. J Did she love him? Gir:-i.ke, she shied at th.> question, refusing a djpcov answer. But Harvey refuser! t.o be put off. He de- j manded all or notlrng', and he wanted it at j that moment. "I love you; IVo loved you for a long time, and I shall alway." iov< you. Everything I j possess is yours. I've taken a long time io speak, but now I have spoken I must have an i answer" j Ruth waited then; shr- knew one word and | one word only wc-ul«i suffice. Yes—or No. j It was Yes, a thou-Kand times yes. Yet she I iz"z It was Yes, a thou-Kand times yes. Yet she I took a delight n herself by hesitat- i ing, almost t.ryinir p-. made herself that it I was not she, but A i a i, ae loved. j "Well?" It was hardiy a question, and itutn Knew tna.t -airear.v jxarvey considered her his.. "You're sure you love me," she said, capitu- I lating gradually. "You foolish child." His arms were about her, drawing her close. I I "I always thought—I balieved it was Mir- I iam," she faltered. 'I The rest he silenced with his lips. Presently from the woods on.tho other side of the valley the sound of and the shouts of keepers came faintly. "You must go bac'r," Ruth whispered, ris- ing "they'll what's happened to you." "They'll all know *<vmphtf" Harvey smiled. "Not to-night," she whispeTed, "let it be I just our secret to-night Wait until to-morrow before you announce cur engagement and don't forget you' m3.rry;n a pauper;" "I was never rich until this moment," he re- plied. "I don't t-hi-nk I'd better let you risk tho! brambles a^ain. Besides, I'm jealous of them, so I'll carry you." Stooping down, ho lifted her, and she put her arms about his neck, and he felt her little cool face touching his. And with at, glad cry he strode through the woods holding her close to him. He had known, poverty, misfortune, and dis- appointment. vain struggles, and hard work; wealth and sucees-r now he knew love. And he knew that of ajj human possessions it was the greatest. Jealousy, half-sister to hatred, he had not I known. But now ;t .'oiiowed in his footsteps. For as he disappeared through the woods, carrying Rui-1 in" Ins arms, Miriam Eggling- ton appeared r^hind the fallen tree where they had lately sat face distorted by grief and anger. She bv.-ried after them, as if to over- take, then a'-V-rrd tier nrind, and threw herself J prone on the trr >nd, burying her face in the 'I bracken, her body shaking with passionate sobs. A long time she lay there whilst the crack of the euns DIp. shouts of the beaters came closer and closer. At iast, conscious that she might be discovered, she rose, dried her eyes and smoothed h ?r hair. Then she cut across the wood to 1-he 'Arte iiri:i she struck the main road which kri fo the hit!. She walked quickly along, entered the house ;-n=een, and, going to her own room, locked herself in. Jealousy had br-d hatred, even hatred of the girl she had ovci-as far as Miriam was cap- able of feeling love for anyone of her own sex. She had made up her mind that John Harvey loved and wanted her for his wife; she had made up her mind that she would acoept him. Merely as a man, physically and mentally, he appealed to her; his popularity and his wealth were attractive, and his prominence in politics, which suggested a seat in the Cabinet one day, appealed to her imagination. And Miriam loved mm. it was that which made the blood course so hotly through her veins, which made the white teeth meet in her lips until they bled, which made her eyes glow with such fierce resentment. She loved him. and the knowledge filled her with shame and anger, and turned everything to bitterness- even her beauty. Many men had loved her, and she had, amused herself with many more, but she had never loved until now. And her love was scorned. Still she could swear he had cared for her; she knew he was not indifferent. Yet he had chosen Ruth, her friend! A chit of a child, a little fair-haired weakling. Miriam looked savageiv in the mirror, looked long and carefully, criticising herself as she had never been criticised by others, weighing in the scales her beauty and her powers of fascination against her friend's. And her lips, scarlet- now where her teeth had met, parted in a smile. It was not too late, she to!d herself—quoting the old proverb that "there many a slip 'twixt the cup and the lip"—and John Harvey was, as she had made it her business to find cut, unaware as yet of the skeleton in the Villetto household. Miriam changed her dress, slipped a com- fortable matineo about her shoulders, and, choosing a novel from the bookcase, lay down on tho Chesterfield. An hour passed, and she was dozing, when she heard voices outside her door, then a faint knock. She did not move, she did not answer, but she listened. She heard the footsteps pass along the corridor and enter Ruth's room. She glanced quickly at the door which joined the two rooms, and she saw that it was ajar; she could neither see nor be seen—but she could hear-and she knew that Ruth and her brother were talking together. At first she was not interested; only the sound of her friend's voice to fan the flames of her jealousy. But presently Michael said something which caused her to sit upright and listen intently, something about his sister's jewels and his gambling debts to John Harvey. "At all costs you must pay him to-night," she heard Ruth say, "and to-morrow monrng one of us must take my jewels up to London and sell or raise money on them." And she heard Michael acquiesce. "If you'll have them ready for me in the morning I'll take them up; I can make some excuse. Only no ono must know, not a living soul." "No one shall know," Ruth replied. "But I can't announce our engagement until Mr. Harvey is paid." Miriam waited until she heard Michael leave his sister's room, then very slowly she roso from the Chesterfield, criopt noiselessly isteio by step towards the door which united the rooms, Reaching she hold her breath, turned tiso handle inen l-y inch, dosed the door, cud le&dy turned tl-e k«y. Again she iiscencd, Ler ear pressed agaauc the panels. She was xt<y>&b:iU £ aow, with thame, with But heaxd no 1 J sound, and she knew Ruth had not guessed her presence. She opened her jewei-box and looked at her jewels, perhaps for the first time in her life really gloating over them. Not their beauty, but their value she considered. Diamonds—there were not many, but they were good; turquoises, old paste, and the long rope of pearls, most precious of all. She held them to the iight, she fastened tl;m around her throat, and looked at their pearly grey against the white of her bosom. They were tempting — perhaps because of their purity; they did not suggest evil as did some other stones; but always those who saw them desired possession. She held the pearls in her hand, weighing them she laid them on the black velvet of her evening gown, where they shone. Even Ruth desired them, and envied her their possession. Perhaps they had tempted her? They were tempting Miriam? An evil thought had found its way to her heart; not pearls, but love, the only jewel she des:red now, and, like- an animal trapped and kept from its legitimate prey, she was seeking the means to win the Jove she had lost. Any means for the end desired; and those pearls, so pure and beautiful and cold, sug- gested a means. A way contemptible and despicable, but she could find no other way. And 1" John Harvey valued honour above all d.x. She took unusLia pains over her toilet that evening, choosing her black velvet dress, the most simple and severe she possessed, and one that emphasised her beauty and helped to dis- play the splendour of hot- figure. She tried on all her i but one by one she discarded them, her rings, wearing only the long string oc I" and in her dark hair a large barbaric i-ih. Leaning out of her window, she plucked three red roses, and with the evening dew still on their petals, she placed them in her bosom, a splash of red against the white And looked a.t. herself in the long mirror Miriam was satisfied. She waited until the gong had rung a second time. When she entered the drawing-room she heard a subdued murmur of admiration, and she saw Harvey's eyes fixed on her. She did not look at him. She until dinner was announced, and she found him by her side offering his arm. "May I tell you how beautiful-" "My pearls are?" Miriam interrupted, lifting one end of the necklet a.nd holding it up. "Yes, I love them. But I always live in con- stant dread of losing them; they are my one really valuable possession, you know!" (To be continued.)

Make your Own Hair Tonic. A SPECIALIST'S ADVICE. In a recent issue the Daily Mail of London published a special article on the care of the hair in which was given the formula for a home-made hair tonic that was highly recommended for its remarkable hair-growing properties, as well as for stopping falling hair, revitalising the hair roots, and destroying the dandruff germ. This article was of special interest to me, as the formula was one which I, myself, have seen used in countless cases with most astonishing benefit, thus con- firming my belief that home-made hair prepar- ations are the best. For the benefit of those who have not seen it before, I give the formula herewith. Procure from your chemist a four-ounce bottle containing three ounces of Bay Rum, one ounce of Lavona de Composee (Smith's) and 1 dram Menthol Crystals. Dissolve the crystals in the Bay Rum, and then add the Lavona de Com- posee shake thoroughly and apply night and morning to the roots of the pair, rubbing into the scalp with the finger tips. This preparation contains no colouring matter, but restores grey hair to its original colour by its action on the hair roots. If you desire it perfumed, add half a spoonful of French Fon Fleur perfume, which combines perfectly with the other ingredients, and imparts a most pleasing scent. (Do not apply where hair is not desired.) —-

FOR THE YOUNG FOLKS, THE LITTLE COWSLIP.: Suppose the little cowslip Should hang its golden cup, And say: "I'm such a tiny flower" I'd better not grow up!" How many a weary traveller I Would miss its fragrant amelU How many a little child would To miss it from the dell: How many deeds of kindness A little child may do, Although it has so little strength, And little wisdom, tool It wants a loving spirit Much more than strength, to prove How many things a child may dc For others by ita love. —Fanny Van Alstyne T7P IN THE TREES. Millions of cradles up in the trees Rock to and fro in the gentle breeze; Tucked in these bud-cradles snug and warm The little green leaves eleep, safe from. harm. April. sings low as she passes by, "Dear little leaves, the summer is nigh: Open your eyes. from your cradles creep, Wake up, little leaves, wake up from sleep!" Millions of leaves from their cradle-beds Slowly and timidly raise their heads; They see the sun, and they love it so, They back no more to their cradles go. Stronger and stronger they grow each how, Bathing in sunshine and soft spring shower; They stretch themselves out on every side, Sayipg, "Dear me! but this world is wide."