Papurau Newydd Cymru
Chwiliwch 15 miliwn o erthyglau papurau newydd Cymru
10 erthygl ar y dudalen hon
[ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.] THE…
[ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.] THE DARK HOUSE BY THE POND. BY C. J. HAMILTON, Author of "A Poisoned Life," "Cut to the Heart," II A Flash of Youth," &:c. dsc. CHAPTER XXIII. THIS MANUSCRIPT AGAIN FIVE years have passed away since the last tragedy at the house by the pond. Reginald and I are husband and wife-quite staid married people, with two bonny children growing up at our knees. On a lovely fine afternoon, we were all assembled on the Vicarage lawn. It was the first day that we had had tea out of doors that year. I was in the place of honour in a low wicker chair, under the giant horse-chestnut tree, that spreads its liuge branches round like a tent. My hwsband says that I look just as young as I did on that memorable evening, When I walked from Llanfairfechan Station to Caer Newydd. I don't know how that can be, but I am sure that I feel quite as young, or even younger, for happiness, such as has fallen to my lot, renews youth, and makes life a joy too deep and full for ex- pression. Reginald is a shade more portly and dignified, certainly more benignant than he used to be in his bachelor days. He can never be accused now of being a woman- hater, it is quite the other way and as this transformation is principally due to me, I am, of course, rather proud of it. Our boy, Sydney, is playing on the grass with Bruno, now grown old and grey, while little Ina, a Iblonde lassie of three, is making a daisy- chain beside Aunt Sabina's chair. We call her Aunt Sabina." She likes it, and it seems to draw us closer together. Ever since our marriage, she has made her home with us. Her illusions have all vanished, and except with regard to the past—which is better forgotten—her mind is jaovvasclear as it ever was. No one who looks at her sad, sweet face, and at the pathetic ex- pression in her dark eyes, can fail to see that she has had a melancholy romance in her life; but the cleansing fires of sorrow have burnt out, and have left nothing but purity and peace behind them. She is devoted to her namesake and god-daughter, our fair- haired Ina, who seldom leaves her alone. Prominent amongst the group under the chestnut tree, was the tall figure of Mrs. Walton. She has lost none of her energy, and is as intent on parish work as ever. "I really can't wait for another cup It tea," she cried. I have a choir practice at five, and it is ten minutes to the hour now. 5 am training our girls to sing a few glees for the school treat next week. Your sister will be down for it, Margaret, and I want to Show her what we can do." "But you have had so many practices latelv." "Not half enough. The girls never will make a good start unless I lead them and then I have to give a lesson on the har- monium to that poor girl, Alice Wells. She is getting on quite nicely, and in another year, she will be able to get a situation as organist in a country church. Oh there is always plenty to be done, if one looks about for work." As she hurried off, Reginald said "What would our dear Mrs. Walton do without choir practices? They are the very breath of her nostrils. I am afraid I have not half her energy. I ought to go in and write a sermon, but I feel very much more inclined to sit here, look up at the blue sky and now and then, take an admiring glance at ray wife." "You ought to be tired of that amuse- ment I answered, laughing. Not a bit. Well, Syd," as our boy came Came up with a face full of importance, "what is the matter now? Those round blue eyes of yours look as if you had a burden on your small mind. Out with it, my son, we have no secrets here I've got a thing to say," said Syd, I There's a box on the top shelf of the study, on the very, very tip top of the big book- case," putting his finger emphatically on his father's knee. Yes, you are right. I have. What then ? I want to see what's inside, that's all! 11 -1 see. Curiosity is not confined to the daughters of Eve, it seems, eh, Margaret?" 1 wonder," continued Syd, with an air of mystery, "if there's a shelington inside that Jbox ? "A skeleton, you mean "Yes, a skelington, with bones. That's what I want to see." "There certainly is not the sort of skeleton you think there is." "Let me look at it, father, do let me I You've nothing to do. You've visited all the people, and said all the prayers, and now, I want to see that box." "Of all the sharp-witted, troublesome, curious little urchins in the world, this child, certainly is the chief," said Reginald, lifting him up in his arms and perching him on his shoulder. "However, I suppose he must have his way, only for this once, mind that box is not to be made a public exhibition." I Father and son disappeared amongst the trees, and a few minutes afterwards, Sabina Went to her house with little Ina trotting beside her. I was gla.d she had gone. I 'knew what was in that box, and I dreaded that anything would revive the recollections at might bring with it. "We've got it, mother, we've got it!" ried Syd, as he ran on before his father, who Was carrying the mysterious box, and now Well have to open it. My how funny it looks. Was it ever buried ? "Yes!" said Reginald, exchanging an amused glance with me. "It was buried once. Your mother buried it." "Mother! Did you?" Yes. But not very well. It was dug up again." "Oh! I do want to see what's inside, awfully. Do be quick and open it. Have iyou got the key, father ? "I have a key that will do. Now, Srd, prepare. You are going to see what's inside this wonderful box. It's something like SPandora's box." What kind was that ? It contained all the ills in the world, and When it was opened, they all jumped out. ijiow for it I" .) i The lid turned and Syd gazed with all his eyes. "Oh! father, you're only joking. There's nothing inside but a great lot of p.-ip<M- with Writing on it. There isn't any skelinicton at all." "I never said there was. But it is, or father was, a sort of skeleton to one person in the world, wasn't it, Margaret?" "Yes," as I glanced at the yellowing ipaper I of "Which shall it lie, or the Earr's Bride." I remembered Mrs. Monl.»ubon's nervous terror at the sight of it. Tlio first lpages were soiled and creased tii.-ii, wits where it had been grasped in Colonel Mon- J tiaubon's dead hand. ) fancied I could even Snow see the marks of fingers. "It seems to me as if it were itliv( I said, shrinking back. "Why, mother, it is nothing, nothing at aU!" "Yes, Syd," said Reginald, "it is some- thing, my son. Only for that lot of pap<.t- With writing on it," as you call it, you might OOt be here at all." "Why? How?" asked the boy, with wide open eyes. "Only for it, I might never have seen your mother, and if I had not seen her, I should have been living on in this big house, 0,11 by myself, with dust on tfoe teocf-shejves and papers of tobacco on the chairs. I am very much indebted to that manuscript." "What's a, manuscript, father?" "It's something that tells one person's thoughts to another." "But no one knows about this 'cos it's always locked up in a box." "Never mind. Few books have had such a history as this lot of paper with writing on IL. One person's death was hastened by it and this brought on the; death of another." But there isn't any blood on it," said Syd, "not a drop." "No. There are a great many important things in the worfd that have no blood on them. Now we will take the box back again and put it where it was before." And never, never open it again ? asked Sydney as the key turned in the lock. I don't say that." After the box had been replaced, we strolled along towards Caer Newydd, just we two together. The sight of the manuscript had brought back so many recollections, that I had a strange desire to look at the old house again. It was now condemned to be pulled down, the poplar trees were being felled, the pond was filled in, everything was changed. As I looked up at the windows, it seemed to me as if I saw Mrs. Montaubon's pale face and furtive eyes gazing down at me—as if I saw her hands nervously twisting and un- twisting as they used to do. And her voice wailed out as I had once heard it: "No one has any pity on me-no one We turned away silently in the hush of the summer evening, and went back to the lights of home, to the glad music of children's voices, and to the sweet peace that leaves no bitterness behind it, for God has given it His blessing. THE END.
SIX DROWNED. I
SIX DROWNED. I YARMOUTH SAILING BOAT HUN DOWN AND SUNK BY A LONDON STEAMER. Six lives were lost at Yarmouth on Tuesday through the sinking of the pleasure sailing boat the New Skylark, by the London steamer F. E. Webb. The drowned include three boatmen- George Shreeve (who was skipper), James Sut- ton, and Arthur Beckett, all of whom leave wives and families-and three gentlemen pas- sengers. The New Skylark, which was licensed to carry 130 passengers, left Yarmouth Beach with 13 on board, all told. There was a good sail- ing breeze; and the boat, having made the Bell buoy, was returning, when an oncoming steamer was sighted. As she appeared to draw nearer and nearer the boatmen attempted to keep the New Sky- lark off, but could not do so; and the steamer struck her close to the stern, cutting open her side, as though it were paper, and down she went like a stone. Her thirteen occupants were struggling for life the next moment, and that with scarcely any wreckage to cling to. Some Lowestoft fish- ing vessels, however, lowered boats, as did also the colliding steamer, and the gunboat Hearty, with the result that seven passengers, two being ladies, were picked up, but three boatmen and three other passengers perished. Lifeboats went out from Yarmouth and Gorles- ton, but were only able to pick up a little wreckage, including the vessel's name-board, which shows marks of the blow given by the steamer. Walter Carlton, musician, of Row 27, Yar- mouth, one of the survivors, was interviewed by a newspaper correspondent on his arrival at the Sailors' Home, where he was given a complete change of clothing. "We started from the beach," he said, "about a quarter to one with 13 on board, including six men passengers and two ladies, myself, and a vocalist, with three of the crew. "Just before we started a woman came on board and presented a packet cf cigarettes to her son, it being his birthday. We had a very fine sail; there was not much wind and only a little sea on. We went round the Bell buoy, and as it rang one of the crew, Jimmy Sutton, said, That's my Sunday dinner bell.' "I made the remark, 'That's the fishes dinner bell; it is nearly time for us to get back.' Then we turned, and came on at a fine speed. "We saw the steamer F. E. Webb coming, and George Shreeve, the skipper, said to Sut- ton, who was aft, 'She may come into us. Slack away.' We all shouted to the steamer to keep off, but there did not seem to be much notice taken. "The boatmen tried to get the New Sky- lark clear, but their efforts were of no avail, and the steamer came right bang into us and hit us near our tiller. Beckett climbed up the mast, Shreeve and I went down together. He was not a swimmer, and I could not save him. "A spar came up, and I got on to it. Shreeve pulled my coat tails and tried to save himself, but could not. I saw a lady floating on her back, and heard her praying. My spar rolled over with every wave, but I clung to it. I saw Shreeve go down. The two other boatmen I never saw. Presently I was picked up by a boat from one of the Lowes- toft fishing craft about there. They behaved right well to me, and landed me at Britannia Pier. "I had gone out in the New Skylark for five or six years, and no cleverer a man ever steered a beach boat than George Shreeve, her skipper." Mr. Stonewall Jackson* of London-road, Pe- terborough, another of the survivors, said the occupants of the boat were in the water ten to fifteen minutes before help came. He had a marvellous escape, being dragged down by a tope underneath the steamer, and coming up I against her propeller. Though a good swimmer he was almost done up when he grasped a piece of the bottom board. His mother and sister, who could not swim, floated until picked up by boatmen. The following are the names of the survivors Mr. Stonewall Jackson, Deben House, London- road, Peterborough; Mrs. Jackson (mother of the above-named) Miss Ethel Jackson (sister) Mr. Walter Carleton, musician, Row 17, Yar- mouth Mr. John Hill, packer, Archer-road, Runham, Vauxhall, Yarmouth; Mr. Herbert Colley, Portman-road, Notting-hill, London Mr. Alfred Braun,, Norman-square, Notting-hill, London. ° The steamer F. E. Webb proceeded north after the collision.
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Railways in Manila total up to less than 140 miles, and there has been no improvement during the last year. A correspondent states that lime burning ia causing a nuisance at Davos-Platz, and hones that the authorities will put a stop to it. Pasoengers on the Central London Railway numbered during the past half-year 23,179,138, an increase of 299,804 on the corresponding period of last year. Chlorate of potash is said to have exploded spontaneously during the recent hot weather at Marseilles, the explosion being communicated to a line of barrels one after the other. Wall-paper varnishes preserve the paper, says the "Decorator," and the glossy non-porous sur- face produced prevents the absorption of smoke and dust and the adherence of dirt. It also pre- vents the paper being readily scratched or marked. Further, the surface is rendered more cleanly and sanitary by permitting it to be washed or cleaned down with impunity. The varnish should be able to withstand a good deal of mechanical wear and tear. The King has appointed Lord Middleton a member of the Royal Commission on Horse Breeding, in the room of Mr. A. E. Pease, re- signed. The Uruguayan Chambers have been con- voked in extraordinary session for the purpose of discussing the laws providing for the es- tablishment of a High Court, the equilibrium of the Budget, and other important measures.
---I WAR INQUIRY. I
I WAR INQUIRY. I I IMPORTANT EVIDENCE OP MINISTERS AND GENERALS. Three volumes of evidence taken before the com- mission which reported last week have now 1en issued. From these it appears that the Marquis, of Lansdowne, who lield office as Secretary of State for War from 1895 to 1900, was asked if he had seen in 1896 a paper by Sir John Ardagh urging preparations in view. of a Boer war. The marquis could not tell the exact moment when he first saw it. Viscount. Esher: Must there not be something radically wrong.with a system under which a paper of that degree of importance does not automatically go to the Secretary of State? —The question, I think, would be whether the paper was one which the Commander-in-Chief thought it his duty to lay, before his Majesty's Government. In further examination Lord Lansdowne thought the military authorities did not sufficiently realise the fighting value of the Boers, and they never suggested a field force of more than one Army Corps. He thought it was correct to say that no formal plan of campaign was drawn up in the War Office on the other hand, it could not be doubted that the Generals knew perfectly well what they were going to South Africa for. Admitting that the war brought to light a serious, deficiency in reserves of stores, V, the witness put in a memorandum prepared by him in 1900, in which he urged that the Ordnance Department should be placed once and for all on a business footing. As regarded General Buller's allegation that he was not allowed a free hand in the choice of his staff, Lord Lansdowne described it as a complete misapprehension. A list of officers was drawn up and personally submitted to Sir Redvers by the Secretary for War. He took the paper to a standing desk at one of the windows and read it carefully through from end to end taking some time in doing so. He then retuined it to me, saying, Well, if I can't win with that staff 1. ought to be kicked. In reply to further questions, the marquis said Sir William Butler resigned the Cape command because he could not agree with Lord Milner. Mr. Brodrick, in the course of his evidence, made the remark that if the South African war were taking place now the Defence Committee would unquestionably go into all the strategic points, and the Commander-in-Chief would be at first hand sitting there. Sir William Butler denied writing to the War Office that 100,000 men would be needed in case of war. He also made this remark While in June, 1899,1 was severely censured because I had ven- tured to warn the Office in forcible language as to the nature of a war with the Dutch Republic in South Africa, I am now taken to account for not having made any warning of that time still more emphatic." Lord Kitchener, on October 14, stated it was found on more than one occasion that the reputa- tion of officers acquired in peace time, and even in other wars, was not sustained under the more modern conditions of South Africa. Lord Kitchener added that he had some difficulty in obtaining a sufficient number of competent officers to command the columns in the later stages of the war, and he desired to point out, further, that in the higher ranks also there seemed to be a want of that professionalism which was essential tc thorough efficiency. Lord Roberts gave evidence on December 4. He stated that he was not referred to in any way as to the military preparations before the war. He was then commanding in Ireland. What he realised after he took over the command of the army in South Africa was that indifferent strategy had quite as much, and perhaps even more, to do with our mishaps in the early days of the war as in- adequate numbers. Lord Wolseley, examined on November 27, said that in 1898 and early in 1899 current reports from South Africa impressed him with the convic- tion that a war with the Boers was sooner or later inevitable. He added At the beginning of the business, down as late as June, 1899, the informa- tion given to me officially by word of mouth was to the effect that probably the Orange Free State would remain neutral. I am only giving you my impression on this point, for I was not taken into full confidence by the Cabinet on these points-- in fact, I was very seldom present at any Cabinet meeting during the whole of the business. Sir Redvers Buller said when he was summoned from Aldershot by Lord Lansdowne, and accepted the command in South Africa, military policy was under review, and he maintained that the only practicable route was that through the Orange Free State. Lord Lansdowne declined even to discuss this. In the course of his examination, Sir Redvers Buller was asked by Sir Henry Norman: Do I understand, Sir Redvers, that before your depar- ture for South Africa you received no letter of general instructions as to what the Government wished to be done ?-None.. Sir George White was also called.. He submitted that his resolve to hold Ladysmith and its success- ful accomplishment resulted in the complete over- throw of the Boer plan of campaign, and saved Natal, and that he could not justly be held re- sponsible for the losses incurred in the relief. Amongst other witnesses Colonal Carr declared that the Army boots were distinctly bad in 1900. They were brown paper; at least, they were not very much better. General Kekewich, the defender of Kimberley, said that during the siege he had had very serious trouble with Mr. Rhodes, and read a letter from the chairman of De Beers to Lord Milner, which he thought contained a threat to surrender the town to the Boers failing speedy relief.
NURSE'S ROMANCE.
NURSE'S ROMANCE. GRATEFUL PATIENT LEAVES HER A FORTUNE. I btories of huge fortunes being left to persons in humble circumstances seldom stand the light of, 'nvestigation, but that willed by Mr. Alex. Wynesa, of Warwickshire, to Miss Love, formerly a, music teacher in Underwood-road, Paisley, proves to be substantially true. The story is full of romance. A Glasgow doctor had under his care Mr. Wyness, who had been studying Uw in Glasgow Univer- sity, when he was stricken with smallpox. The doctor secured Miss Love, a former patient, as Mr. Wyness's nurse. Miss Love tended her patient most assiduously, and as she was the same age as Mr. Wyness the professional con- nection ripened into something else. As day passed, and Mr. Wyness realised the futility of battling against destiny, he made his last will and testament, dying soon afterwards. The will showed that Mr. Wyness left his whole estate, which will run into six figures, to Miss Love. The annual income is £ 3000, while in the bank is £ 24,425 payable to Miss Love. Strangely enough. Mr. Wyness has stipulated that Miss Lov&is to receive her fortune on her wedding morn. Since their son's death Mr. and Mrs. Wyness have manifested keen interest in the young woman, and are looking to, the proper upkeep of the estate and house in Warwickshire, so that when Miss Love is ready there need be no delay regarding her entry into her fortune. c
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According to a decision of the courts of Vienna the marriage of a man who declared himself to be of no creed is invalid. For remaining away from h's work withoui leave for six days, a sawyer employed by Messrs. Perry and Co., Limited, Dublin, had to pay £ 1 16s. damages. M. Loubet, the President of the French Republic, has sent five thousand francs as a contribution towards the alleviation of the dis- tress in the districts of Silesia which have been visited by floods. Parties of Russian engineers are engaged, south of the Russo-Persian frontier, in surveying the route for the continuation of the Russian road from Erivan in the direction of Teheran. The "Echo de Paris" announces that General Gallient, Governor-General of Madagascar, with his family, intends to come back to France for good next spring. For the first time a steamer has reached Bale by the Rhine from Strasburg unaided by tugs. Roundhay Park, the chief pleasure ground in Leeds, has up to the present cost the corporation £ 158,389. Owing to deficiency of the apple crop, the price | of cider is expected to advance in Devonshire.
! FOB, THE LITTLE FOLKS.
FOB, THE LITTLE FOLKS. A STORY FOR BOYS. "Wisht! Don't make any noise, Jamie." This in a whisper from Jack Amesbury. The two boys were playing truant. They had strayed beyond the limits of the town into some woods that bordered on the high way. "Whose coat is that on the bush yonder?" whispered ack. "Looks like Ed Nelson's," returned Jamie, in the same low tone. The companions crept stealthily along, now crouching beneath the bushes, now dqdgingTrom tree to tree, both of them cowardly in the con- sciousness of wrong-doing. "Be careful," warned J ack again, as Jamie un- intentionally broke a small branch that cracked in the breaking. "Old Sudbury, the new super- intendent of schools, drives along this road every morning. He'd snatch us up in a twinkling if he should see us." "And he'd have a right to-that's certain. But I don't believe he's coming now, and I am going to have a good look at that coat. It's Ed Nelson's, surely. Gracious! it just fits me! Exjkctly the thing I need when I walk out on cold nights "Wnat'll the old woman say?" "Oh, nothing she won't care." Jamie was an orphan. An uncle paid for his board with Mr-s. Elmer, otherwise called by the boys "the old woman." And about the coat! How did it happen to be hanging in the grove on that cold morning of the early spring when its owner was in school? "Need I wear my coat to-day?" Ed Nelson had asked his mother after breakfast. "Oh, yes, Ned. This isn't the sort of weather for making a change in one's clothing." "But you said last week that you thought I might leave it off now." "So I did, but mother couldn't foresee the state of the weather. Wear it a little longer. Then when there comes a milder day you may go out without it." Ed put on the coat, not without remonstrance8 and complaints. Then he started off for school. The spirit of disobedience was strong within him that morning. It is one of the worst feel- ings that boys and girls have to contend with. This time it conquered Ed, because he allowed himself to be conquered. He didn't fight it hard enough. He went down the road feeling cross and sullen. Soon he must pass the woods in which Jack and Jamie were hiding, though he knew nothing of their presence there. "Take off your coat and hang it on one of these trees," whispered the Bad Spirit in his heart. "Don't do it," said Conscience. "Hurry up," said the Bad Spirit. "You can easily put it where it won't be seen from the road, and get it again on your wav home. Your mother'll never know the difference." Ed yielded to the temptation and went on his way with less weight on his back, but with a burden in his heart. He tried to make things right by saying to himself: "I'm ever so much more comfortable without the horrid old thing. Mother can't know when she's in the house how it feels outdoors. I believe that if she'd come along with me she'd have told me to take it off when she found out how warm it was." Yet all this reasoning failed to bring happiness. Ed was an uncomfortable boy all day. He made trouble for his teachers in school and so brought trouble on himself. That day of Ed's life may be considered a failure. On his way home in the afternoon he stopped for his coat. But where was it? Certainly not where he had left it in the morning. Could he have mistaken the tree? No, he knew the woods too well. It was impossible. Search as he might, the garment was not to be found. He must go home without it. Instead of entering as usual with a call for" mother" at the front door he skulked round in the rear and went into the kitchen. There the cook informed him that Mrs. Nelson had gone for a drive with another lady and would not return until supper- time. Ed considered that he had a fortunate escape from reproof, and went into the sitting- room to amuse himself with a new book. At any other time it would have fascinated him, but on this unhappy day it had no power to charm. He was an only child, and, without any play- mates in the house, was accustomed to fild his principal diversion in books. This resource proving unsatisfactory, he drummedfor a short time on the piano, and then varied the amuse- ment by drumming on the window-pane. The sounds he succeeded in making did not drown the voice of Conscience, which reproached him so loudly that it seemed as though he could almost hear it speak ia tones like those of his own voice. The thing was getting to be almost unbear- able when at length his mother returned, bring- ing her friend in to supper. Soon came his father from business, aad the home-coming was followed by the evening weal. Remarking afterwards that he was tired, Ed went early to bed, while the mother was still chatting with her friend. Somewhat later he heard the shutting of the front door, and knew that his father had gone out. Ed was usually a sound sleeper. He had only to lay his head on the pillow, close his eyes, and float off into dreamland. But on this particular evening the case was different. He tossed and tossed, but slumber would not come. He heard the clock strike. eight, and heard the carriage come for his mother's friend, heard her leave-taking and de- departure. Still the time dragged on, and at last the clock struck nine. Later his father returned. Ed listened guil- tily while Mr. Nelson told his wife a strange tale. "What do you think I have here, Nellie? It's our Ned's coat. I nerognisedit on a boy in the village, and took it from him at once. He owned to having found it in the woods to-day, and appropriated it to his own use. I threatened to have him arrested, but he begged so hard that I finally let him off. How do you suppose he got the thing?" "I'm sure I don"t know," said Mrs. Nelson. "Ed certainly wore it to school, for I buttoned it on him myself." You don't suppose that he would have been guilty of disobeying you by taking it off and leaving it in the woods, do you?" "Oh, no!" replied Mrs. Nelson. The father and mother were just then inter- rupted and startled by a shout from Ned. "I did, father; I did." They, both hurried upstairs to their son's room, where they found a frightened and peni- tent boy. They were ready to forgive him when he begged with tears for their pardon, but it was a long time before he became sufficiently quiet to sleep. The next morning he awoke with a sore throat and fever, and with a sense of having suddenly become a hundred years old. Mrs. Nelson sent for. a physician, who pronounced the case a serious one. Then came days and weeks of suffering, fol- lowed by a feeble condition that tried Ed's patience even more than pain itself. Through all his mother attended him with marvellous sweetness and watchfulness. At length, when the trees were green with foliage, when grass covered the fields, and flowers were all blooming in the garden, when overcoats and all winter wraps were safely packed away from the ravages of moths, Ed took once more the familiar road to school. He was a wiser boy than when he had last trodden that way, for he had learned that it is a very foolish as well as a wicked thing for a boy to disobey his mother. Christian Globe."
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"I must say," remarked the physician, "your husband is in a bad way. Any arrangements you may want to make- "Oh, doctor," she cried, "I could never think of marrying again." "My son," said the irate parent, "I am sur- prised, mortified, and amazed to find that you stand at the foot of the class. I can ha'dly believe it possible." Why, father," replied he son, "it is the easiest thing in the world.>' "Is every hair in your head numbered, grandpa? Yes, my child." Well, grand- pa," said the little fellow, as he contemplated the great bald spot, "you haven't got much of a head for figures."
I WOMAN'S WORLD.I
I WOMAN'S WORLD. CONCERNING SHOBS. Patent leather Oxfords no lorger rank as the most desirable of shoes. Their place has been taken by the dull kid princess ties. This dull kid cannot be polished, of course, but there is a dressing, sold for use on them, warranted to keep the kid in good condition. Cardinal red doeskin evening shoes are being made to wear with red gowns. < < NEW I GOWNS. Nearly all of the black lace and net gowns for evening wear this season are made up over white. An interlining of white chiffon adds to the beauty of transparent black materials, and takes away any suggestion of sombreness. White lace is used in the trimming very largely to the exclusion of black lace, and even when black is used there is a touch of white somewhere. White lace berthas are very popular. Indeed, an all- black evening gown is hardly ever seen now. A pretty but simple white gown recently worn by an acknowledged belle has the front gay with sweet peas. They are in different shades of pink and white, and fall in two long strings from the centre of the front of the bodice and from the belt, the one cluster of blossoms falling to the waist line and the other halfway down the skirt. They are made of ribbon. FASHION'S FOIBLES. Very long veils to twine around large hats and fall almost to the waist are seen on the fashionable thoroughfares, especially for car- riage wear. An all-black costume was completed by a pearl-gray veil quite two yards and a half in length, tied loosely at the back of the hat, and allowed to float behind. The wearer was driving her own trap, a high Stanhope. Plain. black silk parasols with applications of white lace, the design being repeated in hand embroidery, are attractive. Black silk parasols with fitted covers of very heavy white and cream lace are also seen. A pretty stick is a slender rod of brown wood, with a brilliant crystal ball of clear or iridescent glass. Among the wide belts to be seen are some made of many lengths of silk cord, these held in place in the back by a broad piece of metal chain- work in gilt extending almost across the back, and by a shorter piece in the front. There are long, ends of cord in front with small tassels. it AN INDIAN WEDDING. A modern Indian wedding in the United States contains a gro- tesque combination of civilisation and barbarism, as will be seen from the following account of a marriage ceremony which recently occurred in Oklahoma: The bride was 'hand somely attired' in pink silk foulard, with a pink ribbon sash, blue collar and cuffs, black hat with yellow and lavender trimmings, a green veil, and black gloves. The bridegroom wore the con- ventional black, except his coat, which, it being a warm day, he had left at home. He carried an immense eagle wing." WOMEN WORKERS. According to a French journal women are mort than ever taking the place of men in the indus- trial, commercial, artistic, and scientific world. In the German factories, we are told, 6,500,000 women are employed. In Great Britain the number is given at 4,000,000; in France, 3.775,000; and Italy and Austria-Hungary each employ 3,500,000 operators. In Valparaiso oil the tramway conductors are women. WARNING WORDS. In "Chambers's Journal "in an I article on Women's Work and > article on "\Vomen's 'Vork and Wages," the writer earnestly j recommends women about to choose an occupation to study the question of supply and demand. There is very little demand and very small remuneration for untrained and un- skilled women of any class. Particulars must be sought elsewhere; but, as an example, it may be mentioned that at present there is no demaud for companions, and very little demand for housekeepers in small establishments while for children's nurses (especially those who have received some training) there is a very large and constant demand. There is little demand, again, for needlewomen working at home or in work- rooms, and, as we have seen, their earnings are often miserably small; but a good needlewoman who goes out to sew in pri 7ate houses, especially if she knows something of dressmaking or up- holstery, can get, at least in large towns, constant employment, and earn from 2s. 6d. to 3s. 6d. a day, For well-trained teachers there is a large and constant demand, especially in elementary schools, GUIDE GIRL GRADUATES. A new profession for well- educated young women has been developed in recent years, and the courier maid is now met in all the interesting cities of Europe. Her study of languages enables her to travel the Continent piloting big parties of Americans through the Italian towns, and explaining the former glories of Greece and Rome to people who know little of the history oF Southern Europe. These girls are usually the daughters of good families who have already travelled a great deal and studied various accomplishments abroad. Wanting change and adventure, and being dissatisfied with home life, they have selected this means of seeing and keep- ing in toneh,with the world. It is said that the best lady couriers are American girls, but some Newnham graduates have distinguished themselves by piloting big parties through Spain, Russia, and even parts* of China, after mastering the language of each country. One lady now in London who teaches in Cambridge and holds medical degrees takes lasge parties up the Rhine every year in tke Long," and knows every corner of that part of Germany. There is hardly a castle or a hotel or an inn that she does not know, with the respective tariff of each,"the drives and excursions of each neighbourhood, the train and cab fares. Many of the wealthy Americans who came to London this season seat couriers beforehand to secure comfort- able accommodation at their favourite hotels. Miss Rockefeller, the daughter of the oil kiIJg made arrangements for spending a month in London. Her courier who arrived here in June. could not find room at her favourite hotel. She therefore took a suite at a Tunbridge Wells hotel. More lady couriers qualify in New York and the States generally than in Europe, the reason being that American girls travel much more than English girls.. 0 DxxsS AND I CHARACTER. The importance of, dress is not, even yet appreciated at its proper value. True and lucky members of the younger generation are no I longer condemned to the shapeless, hideous dress and pinafore, the tightly-braided locks, short socks, m,ncl curiously-long undergarments of thirty or forty years back; but in all and every of our eharitable institutions the same appalling ugliness still reigns, crushing out the personal pride and self-respect that must be cultivated ere such in- stitutions turn out useful men and women. The heads of our army well understand the power of a smart and becoming uniform iin forming smart, soldier-like wearers. The church that compels a devotee to don a disfiguring garb as a proof of her withdrawal from the outer world knows well the subtle power of dress. It is the duty of Qvery mother to foster a love of dainty, suitable garments in her offspring. The boy whose linen is spotless, whose clothes are4 well chosen and scrupulously brushed, not only gets credit for being a smarter, more dependable boy than the careless sloven, but t actually is, for well ordered dress bespeaks a well- ordered mind. With girls, fortunately, dress is a sort of instinct. Yet the down-at-heel, pinned to- gether young personage is known to all men, and carefully avoided. Does dress affect character ? Indeed it does. Neat, careful dressing, no matter how humble the material, confers a feeling of self- respect, the power to look the whole world in the face with pluck and determination. The hangdog air of conscious shabbiness shows its deteriorating moral effect: and to see a pretty woman prettily dressed is to be made at once aware that much of her charm lies in her consciousness of power to please. Dress-never good looks-alone eirea that.
--w I HOME HINTS.
-w I HOME HINTS. Young housekeepers often buy their groceries in too b, quantities, not knowing vvhion urtie.tsd will keep. iiere are a few valua1 te hiula on tita subject. Candles burls better and roorc slowly if they have Ltea stored in a dry place six or seven weeks before using. Soap will go twice as far if it is well f;i led. it should be cut into small blocks, and these are arranged in tiers with spaces between to allow them to dry. Sugar should be bought in small quantities, as it dries and loses flavour if kept; raisins, currants, and candied peel will not keep long. Vinegar soon „ loses its flavour if kept, and so does Lucca oiL Macaroni will not keep, and spice, pepper, and roasted coffee, too, soon deteriorate. When buying bacon, remember that streaky bacon is best for rashers, and the fore end of the shoulder is the most economical piece for a large family. HOT-WATER CANS.—These should be turned upside down to drain each time after using. It is the little drop of water which causes rust, and the rust spot is soon followed by a hole. To thicken the eyebrows, bathe them once a day with warm water and salt; about one half-tea- spoonful of salt to one half-pint of water, and after drying them, rub lightly with sweet oil. This treatment is also good for eyelashes to make them thicker. They seldom grow longer naturally after youth is passed. Glycerine and oatm eal made into a paste with rosewater constitute an ideal face lotion to remove the effects of cold winds. As an addition to the bath, glycerine, scented with rose perfume, will impart a delightful freshness and delicacy to the skin, the proportions being 4oz. of glycerine to one gallon of water. Rusty flat-irons can be made clean and as smooth as glass by the use of beeswax and salt. Tie a lump of wax in a piece of cloth, and keep it for the pur- pose. When the iron is hot, rub it with the wax, and then scour with a paper or cloth sprinkled with salt. Wax the iron again before putting it away, for a little film of wax will prevent the forma- tion of rust. To PRESERVE GREEN PEAS.—To every quart of shelled green peas allow half a pint of salt. Mix well together, and leave in a dish all night. Next day fill bottles with the fait and peas, cork up, cover with wax and lay flat. When the peas are required for use they should be steeped overnight in cold water, and thoroughly washed before being cooked in the usual way in a large saucepan. RHUBARB AND TAPIOCA PUDDING.—Soak some tapioca in cold water overnight. Pour off any water that is not absorbed; add sugar to taste, and beat well together with a fork. Line a piedish with puff paste, and fill it up with alternate layers of tapioca and stewed rhubarb, adding seasoning to taste. Finish off with a thick layer of tapioca. Place a few pieces of butter on the top, and bake in a rather quick oven. CHOCOLATE CHEESECAKES.—Dissolve half a. cake of the best chocolate in a little milk, add to this half an ounce of caster sugar, a small piece of butter, and the yolks of two eggs. Stir this over a slow fire until it is as smooth as thick cream if likely to become thicker add more milk. Pour this mixture into shells of good short pastry; when done, spread on the top of each a spoonful of the whites of egg whipped to a stiff troth with sugar and cream, and bake a minute longer. RENEWING OILCLOTH. When oilcloth haa been down for a few months, and is losing the shiny surface, it can be renewed easily, and it will last twice as long. Melt a little ordinary glue in a pint of water, letting it stand on the top of the oven till dissolved. Wash the oilcloth thoroughly and let it dry. Then at night, when the traffic of the day is over, go over the whole thing carefully with a flannel dipped in the glue water. Choose a dry day for it, and by morning the glue will be hard, and will have put a fine gloss, as good as new, on your floor. Spare Moments." CHOCOLATE JELLY.—Mix 3oz. of cornflour with a little water and set this aside. Take a little more of the water and use it to mix 4oz. of cocoa smoothly with, then add the aest of the quart of water and 4oz. of sugar, and ring all to the boil. Remove from the fire and add the mixed cornflour, stirring well. Boil for eight minutes, stirring all the time, stir in a few drops of vanilla essence, and pour into a shape rinsed with cold water. When cold turn out and serve with whipped cream, or whites of eggs, or the following custard sauce is delicious with chocolate jelly as well as many other things. CUSTARD SAUCE.—Blend loz. of cornflour with 4 half a pint of milk and boil together for three minutes with an inch of cinnamon stick, stirring all the time. Take off the fire and stir in the yolks of the eggs. Cook for one minute, add Joz. of caster sugar, remove the piece of cinnamon, and serve at once for a hot sauce. If wanted for a cold one, allow the sauce to cool, remove the skin, and beat up smooth before serving. CORNFLOUR CUITARD.-This is the best when a cold sauce is wanted either for moulds or to serve with stewed fruits and fruit tarts. For it, mix foz. of cornflour with a little milk taken from a pint of milk, the rest of which bring to the boil, then add it to the mixed cornflour, stirring vigorously. Add oz. butter and boil for six minutes, stirring all the time, then remove from the fire and add the yolks of two fresh eggs which have been well beaten up with loz. of caster sugar, and stir with the cornflour then beat up the whites of the two eggs to a stiff snow and stir lightly into the cornflour and egg mixture, and boil again for one minute, then allow the custard to cool. Remove any skin when it is cold, and beat up well before serving in custard saucer or in a gauce-boat. COLD BANANA PUDDING.-Peel and slice two bananas and put them in the bottom of a glass dish, sprinkle with an ounce of loaf sugar which has been well rubbed on the rind of a lemon and then dissolved in half a wineglass of brandy. Mix l!oz. of cornflour with a pint of milk and boil it, for eight minutes, stirring all the time, and add an. ounce of caster sugar. When the cornflour cools, put over the bananas and serve when it has set. A jmg of cream should be handed with it. This same recipe can be varied by lining a mould with any nice jelly, then filling it with the banana and corn- flour mixture, and covering with a fairly thick layer of jelly. Turn out carefully, so that the filling does not break though the jelly casing. IIPLUH JELLY.—French plums, prepared in the following manner, make a delicious and wholesome after-dinner sweet. Wash one pound of the plums well in two or three waters put them in a stew- pan with a pint of water, an inch of lemon-rind, and a few cloves, and let them gently simmer till the plums are tender. Soak half an ounce of gelatine in a teacupful of cold water for half an hour, then dissolve it by adding a little boiling water. When the plums are tender, strain them through a colander into a basin; add the gelatine, pour into a wetted mould, leave it to set, savl after a few hours, it will form into a jelly. CELERY AND RHEUMATISM.—Ore ot the latest ideas is that celery is a cure for rheumatism. It is asserted that the disease is impossible if the vegetable be cooked and freely eaten. The celery should be cut into pieces and boiled in water until soft, and the water drunk by the patient. Put new milk, with a little flour and nutmeg, into a sauce- pan with the boiled celery, serve it warm with pieces of toast, eat it with potatoes, and the pain- ful itilment will soon yield. Such is the declaration of a. physician who has again and again tried the experiment, and with uniform success. He adds that cold or damp never produces, but simply develops, the disease of which acid blood is the primary and sustaining cause, and that while the blood is alkaline, there can be neither rheumatic nor gout.