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[ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.] SAVED BY DEATH; OB, THE SECRET TREASURE OF GAV ASE. By S. AUGUSTA SQUIRES. -Av,thor of "An Eviction and its Consequences" A Brave Little Woman," Marriage," dec. die. CHAPTER XX. THE SECRET MARRIAGW. 'WHEN Gavase had prevailed upon Dolly to accede to his request for an early marriage, he decided to make her Lady Gavase as soon as practicable. This Was not a sudden resolution on his part, for some time he had determined, that if he could gain her consent to become his wife, he would try to induce her to marry him at a very early date. The one dark trouble which had clouded his life had caused him to go doggedly and hopelessly forward, doing his duty and seeking no reward the future loomed before him as blank and cheerless as the past had been, and now that happiness seemed so near of attainment, he had a superstitious dread, that, at the last moment, something would come from out the unseen, and snatch it from his grasp. Though his manner was stern and cold, even at times forbidding, yet he was capable of tenderness, and had felt keenly the terrible loneliness to which a hard fate had doomed him. This bright winsome creature had stirred anew that deep and suscep- tible part of his nature, which, he had imagined could never again respond to the call of human affection. For several reasons, they each desired that their marriage should be a private and secret one. Harold's state of health varied from day to day sometimes he appeared to be stronger, and at others, weak and feverish, so that it was imperative to keep from him all cause of excitement. Then Gavase could not foresee the effect the announce- ment of his alliance with a lady of considerable means might have upon the numerous creditors who were demanding the payment of the late baronet's debts. He wished to gain time, hoping that Harold, upon his restoration to health, would 110 longer put any obstacle in the way of his engage- Silent to Ida, and that her fortune would relieve them from all pecuniary embarrassments. it One cold cloudy morning, when the dew lay thick upon leaf and flower, Sir Philip Marchmont Gavase and Dorothy Grenlow were married in the village church, by the Rev. John Ambrose; Johnson, Gavase's faithful ex-soldier servant, and Mrs. Marshall, the housekeeper, were present at the ceremony. Dolly was not arrayed in the gold •embroidered satin gown, but reserved the costly garment for an occasion of greater state and grandeur-her presentation at Court, when Sir jPhilip assured her, she would have the pleasure of wearing the family jewels, which were some of the finest in the kingdom. ■■ Several weeks passed, and the day arrived pre- ceding the one fixed for Dolly and Ida's departure, lor Doctor Dawson had insisted upon the latter seeking a warmer climate, and Dolly found that she could no longer delay her return to London, where several important things required her personal supervision. It was arranged that she and Ida should subsequently proceed to Bournemouth, and that Sir Philip and Harold should join them there, as soon as the invalid was able to endure the fatigue p of the long journey. It was late one afternoon when Gavase and his wife set out for a walk. The air was keen and exhilarating. In the far west were streaks of colour, dim purple clouds, flushed at their edges with vivid crimson, floating in a sea of pale green light. A robin was perched on one of the top-most spikes of a spreading yew his gorgeous breast showed red as iruddy flame against the sombre foliage. f An eagle, a stray visitant from a more distant northern waste, mounted higher, and higher, until it seemed like a dark speck melting in the blue. The pedestrians left the Castle grounds behind, and entered upon the bleak moor, with its gorse-bushes and tufts of withered fern. "So you leave by the first train in the morning, Dolly?" remarked Gavase. It is unfortunate that I cannot he your escort, but I should not feel at ease to be away from Harold in his present condition; his progress towards recovery is slow, and not altogether satisfactory." Under the circumstances, I think it is better ,that you should not go to London with us. When we meet at Bournemouth, it will be necessary to announce publicly that our marriage has taken place." It shall be as yon wish; and in the meantime, I will break the news to Harold. Our honeymoon is drawing to a close. Have you been happy. D,)Ily ? "Very happy." As he looked down into her shining eyes, he knew that they were no mere conventional words she uttered, but that they expressed the sentiments of her heart. I have hidden nothing from you. You know that I am poor, for your sake I wish I were rich but it is vain to desire the unattainable. Now that j our interests are one, you will aid me to bring about the marriage between Harold and Ida, will you not ? I have told you that my father was reckless and extravagant, and once, when he was In exceptionally pecuniary difficulties-it was just after my unfortunate marriage-he prevailed upon me to consent to an agreement which would cut off the entail, in the event of his not being able to meet his liabilities. In six months' time, unless something happens to avert it, Rowen will pass from the Gavase's for ever. I have robbed Harold of his birthright, and I would make almost any sacrifice to be able to place him in that position to which he is justly entitled." "His marriage with Ida will set all right," she said, cheerfully. She loves him, she has confessed as much to me. What is there to prevent the en- gagement ?" That may be brought about during our visit to Bournemouth," said Gavase, avoiding a direct answer to her question, for he was anxious to keep from her the knowledge of Harold's state of feelings in relation to Jeanie. For the last few minutes, Dolly had been sensible of a woman keeping a short distance from them, oa the moor walking slowly, or quickening her pace, sometimes drawing near, as though seeking to over- hear their conversation, or to scrutinize their features. She was now a few paces in advance with her back towards them. Her figure was tall and slim she wore a black velvet bonnet adorned ■with blue feathers, a plaid cloak, and a bright green dress. She turned suddenly, and confronted the advancing pedestrians. She had raised her thick, black veil, which formed a dark line across her forehead, revealing only part of the face. Her cheeks were white with powder and red with rouge. The brilliance of her bold, black eyes, appeared to be caused by a restless excitement, which also revealed itself in the nervous gestures of her hands, playing with her flowing ribbons, and the twitching of thick, red lips. She advanced unhesitatingly to Gavase, fixing her keen, eagle-like eyes upon his face. "Pardon me, sir," she began, "but can you direct me to some inn, or other place, where I can get lodgings ? I am a stranger in these parts." i. He regarded her with surprise, until she accosted him he had been unconscious of the presence of anyone, except their two selves, upon the moor. "There is the 'Flying Fish' at the village; tfou may find accommodation there." But I do not know the way," she rejoined, Siever taking her eyes from his face, and drawing c Ins gaze to her's by a kind of magnetism. If you follow that path," he said, indicating a narrow track ruiming between the bracken, it Will conduct you to Stormcliffe, where you can jnake further enquiries." Thank you, sir, I've been living in London, and ,JI,m not used to country roads." With another keen, searching look into the fcaronot's face, she took her departure. Gavase consulted his watch. We had better return, it is getting late," ha Remarked to his companion. > They began to retrace their steps. "Did you ever see such a fright!" exclaimed JDoUy. „, I beg your pardon, he returned, abstractedly. Some women never know how to dress they lack the colour-sense, and have no conception of just proportion. That creature is in some respects like a peacock, she has imitated its gorgeous hues, but lacks the harmonious blending of tints which Mature has given to that bird." Where had he seen the stranger before? Hei presence had produced a disturbing sensation, a Wajgue, perplexing memory of the past, wmcu refused to take definite shape. They reached a little latticed gate, which led into the grounds. As he held the wicket open for Dolly to pass through, a sudden revelation came to him—he remembered, now, the face appeared before him, younger and prettier, but wearing the same bold aspect. His hand tightened on the iron latch, his brow contracted, then quickly relaxed, and his companion, looking up and uttering a gay remark, observed no change in his countenance. Arriving at the hall door, he held her hand for a moment, and pressed it. Will you excuse my coming in, Dolly, I want to run round to the stable? I gave Joyce some instructions this morning, but he is a lazy dog, and may not have carried them into ex&eution." Certainly; and I must look after Hortense. She cannot always be trusted with the packing." As soon as the door closed upon Dolly, Gavase passed quickly along the path, and sought the shelter of the shrubbery. Here he paused, and drew a deep breath, throwing a keen, hunted glance around. Then he set off at a swift, swing- ing pace, and, emerging upon the moor, followed the path he and Dolly had lately quitted. There was a dangerous fire in his eyes; he held his head high, and looked in every direction as he advanced. Presently he came in sight of three upright stones, with a fourth shorter one partially buried in the moss at their base. Because of some tradition connected with the pillars, they bore the appella- tion of the Witch's Arm-chair. On this rude seat sat the object of his quest, with a leer upon her face, as she closed her bright green sunshade, and laid it across her knee. A blind terror, a vague, torturing dread urged him forward. He drew nearer and nearer to that grotesquely- attired figure seated on the stone. At length he paused, erect and commanding, a few paces from her. The woman looked up, their eyes met; her's quailed for an instant, but she assumed a certain defiant boldness, and regarded him a second time with an unflinching stare. You are Sir Philip Gavase ? she queried. I am." "I am glad you have the sense to meet me here I was about to call at the Castle, and that might have been awkward for you." You use strange language, madam t "Well, now, I suppose you would not care foi that lady you were walking with to know all about the past, would you ? He remained silent; his thoughts were in a whirl, but he maintained a stern and uncom- promising demeanour. "She might turn you over, you know." What are my affairs to you ? "A good deal, as you will learn presentl What do you want ? Money." That you shall never have from me." She laughed maliciously, and regarded him covertly, seeking, in vain, for some indication of fear in the hard set face that was as impenetrable as a mask. "You were always passionate, but you had to give in at last. Suppose I go and tell her." She is a lady you dare not accost her." "Dare not!" she shrieked; "you don't know what I dare do." Your language is insupportable. We are play- ing at cross purposes you have evidently mistaken me for some other person." She unfastened her veil, and threw it on the ground. "Look Can you say you do not know me ?" "I fail to recognise you," he answered, calmly but a cold thrill passed through his veins. You do know me she cried, in a sudden burst of rage, springing to her feet, and confronting him. "You do know me, but you will not own me you go gadding about with fine ladies, while I am left to starve "Who are you, woman-answer me 1" he cried in a passion as fiery, but far more deep and dangerous, than her's, as he caught the stranger's wrists with so iron-like a grip, that she gave a sharp cry. Release me Not until you have answered my question," he said, between his teeth. Then she turned her face upon him with a diabolical look, and, laughing harshly, cried, "I am your wife CHAPTER XXI. 1. I TWO WIVES. I WHEN she uttered the fateful words, Gavase dropped the woman's wrists, and staggered, as though a bullet had struck him; but he quickly regained command over himself, and confronted her unflinchingly. I thought you were dead." Did you but you see I'm not; I'm very much alive," she declared, in a sarcastic tone, re-seating herself in the Witches' Chair. "I received information-it was reported that you had drowned yourself." I know all ),botit that story. The woman who committed suicide bore a strong resemblance to me, and, strange enough, her name was Gavase. I knew the tale had got about that the drowned woman was your wife, and I didn't contradict it." "Why not?" She laughed harshly. "Because, if you believed your wife to be dead, I thought you would return to England, and I wanted to see you." "For what purpose?" "I want money." You drew your annuity regularly; why have you not applied for it recently ? That would have spoiled my plans; you'd have known that I was living, and then you wouldn't have come home." Well, you had better tell me your business at once I have no time to waste." I suppose you're anxious to get back to that fine lady. I want ten thousand pounds down, ther I'll not trouble you again." Woman, are you mad?" How's Harold she asked, abruptly. He turned hot and cold, but not a muscle of hit face relaxed its stern rigidity. At all cost he must not let his son see this depraved creature, who called herself his mother. "You, who neglected him when an infant, car have no interest in him now," he said, in a tone ol repressed passion. I made a mistake in parting with the child. If I had kept him, I should have more power over you," she returned, with a sudden knitting of hei black brows. It is time this interview drew to a close." 4 6 With all my heart! I'll return with you tc the Castle; I'll go to your home, and take mj place there as its mistress." "Woman!" he cried, fiercely, "if you dare tc set foot within my doors, I will have you turnee out." She quailed beneath his glance, but said, sullenly, "If you'll give me ten thousand pounds I tell you that I'll go away, and you shall nevei see me again." Then she continued in a rapid tone, "I'll not deceive you; I'll tell you what 1 require it for. There's a man as wants to marr] me; you give me the money, and we'll be ot to Australia. Everybody thinks as your wifi drowned herself; well, I ain't a-going to contradici the story. When I'm out of the country, you car marry that fine lady you've just been making lov< to." He made a step forward, as though he woulc strike her to the earth, but restrained the impulse "Nobody need know, but ourselves. I'll giv< you my word I'll never split on you." "Your word!" he cried, contemptuously. "G< back to your QÍ debauchery, aui leave me it Deace." I will, when you've given me the money." You shall not extort anything from me." Very well; then I'll publish in all the papers of the kingdom that Lady Gavase did not commit suicide, as reported, but is living, and is about to take up her residence at Rowen Castle with her fond and devoted husband, who has returned from India for the express purpose of spending the remainder of his days in happiness with the wife of his bosom, from whom he has been so long parted. I've got it all written out ready," she said, with a malignant look at her silent victim. I You dare not!" he cried, with flashing eyes. Dare not I dare do anything. Kill you, even, if you drive me to it I must confess that, believing you to be dead, your sudden presence has been somewhat of a shock to me. I will take a few days to think over your proposal. In the meantime, you will probably find accommodation somewhere in the village. Remember, you are Mrs. Bower, of Bristol; if you reveal your true name, or intimate that you are connected with my family in any way, I will not give you a penny; do you hear-not a penny I understand," she said, nodding her head. "Don't you trouble; your interest happens to be mine in this case, and I know how to take care of myself." He turned and left her, and walked over the moor at a swift pace. The sun had set; there was a deep hush over the land, into which stole the beat and throb of the sounding waves long shadowy beams lay upon the face of the sea, and all around grew the dark. He hurried forwards his brain was on fire, his mind seething in a giddy whirl, where there seemed to be no stay or anchor, but a series of confused visions, amidst which darted wild thoughts and horrible suggestions. He did not wake up to the consciousness of outer things, until he found him- self in the entrance hall of the Castle, and dis- covered that it wanted only ten minutes to the dinner hour. Dolly was more than usually vivacious that evening. She rallied Ida on her depression, caused by the impending separation from Harold, and .v Gavase, in a sudden revulsion of feeling, and partly affected by her spirits, had never been gayer, or displayed more geniality and brilliant conversa- tional powers. Yet there was ever present with him the vision of that solitary figure on the wild moor, sitting in the Witches' Chair, and he was possessed by a secret rage when he gazed upon the enchanting creature by his side, and thought of what was, and what might have been. He would have suffered death rather than have brought her to shame. Should he tell her, or should he pay that woman to keep the secret ? Pay her ?-he had not ten thousand pounds, and no means of raising it. So the dark thoughts wove in and out amidst the sparkle, wit, and brilliance of gay speech, like a sombre thread twined amongst strands of gleaming gold. The ladies went to pay Harold a farewell visit in his room. Ida was flushed and excited, and the invalid was slightly agitated. He and Ida had passed through scenes of trial together; their common sorrow-the tragic death of his grandmother and of her father, by the same calamity-had created a bond between them, which was stronger and more enduring than that of ordinary friendship. "Good-bye," said Ida, holding out a trembling hand to Harold. He raised it to his lips. Not good-bye, but au revoir." She drew her fingers hastily from his clasp, there was a sob in her throat, and the tears flowed down her cheeks as she quitted the room. Harold put his hand over his eyes. If there were no Jeanie he murmured. But there was a Jeanie, and he knew that she was the one and only woman in the world for him. Gavase met Dolly in the hall. "Can you come to the Grey Parlour? I have something to say to you." I will be with you in a very few minutes," she replied, struck by the gravity of his manner, as she followed Ida to her chamber. As Gavase paced the floor awaiting. Dolly's arrival, he could not forsee what the issue of the interview would be whether he should tell her all, or keep the terrible secret. He had no definite plan of action, he was a straw tossed on the surface of a strong current, which bore him whither it would. The door unclosed; Dolly entered, he advanced to meet her. She was dressed in a long flowing robe of pale lilac her neck and arms were bare, save for a necklace and bracelet of pearls; a string of the same glistening beads was entwined in her hair. She approached him with a shy, winsome grace, in- voluntarily holding out her hands, which he took, and drew her to the hearth, where they stood for a few moments in silence. "I hope it will be fine for your journey to. morrow." he began. Shall you miss me ? Miss you The vibrating pain in his voice thrilled her with a strange sense of pleasure. Our desires and our duties sometimes clash. There is no greater happiness for me than to be in your presence, and "—he leaned over her as she stood there with bent head, his breath playing upon her hair-" there could be no misery devised for me greater than to be separated from you for ever." "Nothing but death can part ns now," she- said, softly. "Would to God it were so! "was his inward ejaculation. Her whole nature seemed expanded and intensified, she was swayed by a tremulous emotion. Previous to their marriage she had caught up his tender words on some bright winged arrow of speech, and tossed them aside, wilfully misinterpreting his meaning, and retreating play- fully from before his advances; but now she was penetrated by a new phase of feeling, and exhibited a submissive softness which was enchanting. She stood there, in the soft sweeping gown, with slightly heaving breast, the thick-fringed lids drooping, and he, as a lightning flash of pain crossed his sight, looked down upon her with con- tending passions raging in his heart. Only a few hours ago, he believed her to be his, but now—a sudden fury and anguish possessed him, he could scarcely restrain the impulse to take her in his arms, and defy all the powers of heaven and hell to wrest her from him. There was the one maddening thought that he had wronged her cruelly-that he had placed her in a position of pain and humilia- tion. "There are many things I wish to tell you," he began, my past She raised her hand. "No confessions let us put everything behind as, and begm life again as if we were children-or- first lovers." You are my first love." "Surely you cared for someone before you met me?" "You forget that I was not a free man. That woman, who called herself my wife "—there was a sudden passionate anger in his voice-" won my boyish fancy, but afterwards merited my hatred and contempt." She put her hand gently upon his arm. Let us piece together the broken threads of our lives, dear, and make each other happy. I did not care for the man I married— He waited for her to proceed; his heart was hungry for the words that lingered on her lips- "you were, and you are. the only one I have ever loved." "1 am not worthy," he said, in a low voice. "Indeed, you must not disparage yourself; a woman likes to look up to her husband, to feel that he is her superior." He was not her husband, but that other woman's. Could he tell her, kill the light of love in her eyes, and see a great horror grow there ? If he withheld the knowledge which he had lately acquired-that she was not his wife--until after her departure, would he ever obtain her forgiveness ? would she not despise him for the selfish weakness which had allowed her to remain in a false relation to him and yet, if he did not speak, could he treat her with studied coolness on this, the last night of her stay under his roof ? These thoughts were passing swiftly through his mind, when the door opened, and Johnson appeared with a message from old Mary, Gavase's nurse, who had been taken ill suddenly, and had expressed an anxious desire to see him. Such a request could not be refused. Gavase bade Dolly a tender good-night," and, putting on his great coat, went out into the dark. He found Mary even worse than he had anticipated. The old woman begged the master" to write a "little bit of a will" and make it in favour of her only daughter, Jane, to whom she wished to leave the whole of her small savings, disinheriting her only son, who for many years had been a source of sorrow to her. Gavase complied with her request, then walked up and down outside the cottage for long hours, when the stars shone overhead, and the voice of the sea came through the dark, like the voice of the great Eternal speaking from the unknown. As the grey dawn broke, he lifted up his face. He looked ten years older; it seemed as though the light had gone out of his life for ever. He entered the cottage, and sat by the bedside until Mary's spirit had passed away. Then, he went back to Rowen, and met the look of mute reproach in Dolly's dark eyes. (To be continued.)
HUMOUR OF THE WEEK.
HUMOUR OF THE WEEK. 0- Mr. Herring's gift is not a sprat to catch a mackerel. He is not a plaice-seeker. In the window of a South London fried fish shop is to be seen the following notice: Step inside and try our Celebrated Fish Suppers. After one of ours you will never want to eat anything else." Complaints are heard on all sides that modern dances generally end in rags. This is especially true as regards the ladies' dresses. Only Two Ways. Had a good day ?" said one to another, as Throgmorton-street faded into the fog behind them. The other shrugged his shoulders with a gesture of depression. Everything I sold went up, everything I bought went down," he answered in a tone of deepest gloom. Then the bright side of the situation occurred to him. "Thank God, they can't go sideways," he added, with heartfelt thankfulness. Crushing the Judge. "Isn't that a peculiar way of spelling your name ?" asked Judge Addison of a witness at the Southwarlc County-court. Well," replied the witness tartly, that's the way I've spelt it ever since my birth!" Called for Drinks. When the name of William Robinson, of Fillier. ton-road, Kensington, was called at Croydon Poliee-court on a charge of being drunk while in charge of a trap he failed to appear. A police officer said defendant was so drunk that when taken to the police-station he took the lattet place for a public-house, and called for drinks all round. Throwing down a sovereign when the doctor appeared, Robinson offered to toss him for drinks round. "The doctor is a staunch teetotaler, youi worship, and he declined," the constable madi haste to add. Answered. Ellesmere (Shropshire) Guardian (to epileptic and drinker): Would you rather have beer and fits, or no beer and no fits ? Epileptic (promptly): Beer and fits! Funny Mr. Plowden." A very stout woman, who was charged before Mr. Plowden with drunkenness, said at the end of the evidence, Well, what do you fine me ?" Mr. Plowden: I am thinking. Prisoner: I know you always do think, and you think funny things. I can pay 2s. 6d. You fine me 2s. 6d., Mr. Plowden. Mr. PIowden No, I think it is too much. Ifine you 2s. A Block Eye. Asked where he received his "black eye* Richard Jones, skipper of a schooner, and a wit- ness in the 'Greenwich Police-court, replied. "Oh, that's an old one. I've had it for two years." Judicial Ignorance. The Lord Chief Justice (in a recent case in fcht King's Bench): What is brandy ? (Laughter.) Mr. Pickford: That is a question which the Court may have to answer. (Renewed laugiter.) The Lord Chief Justice: Well, what is it? Mr. Pickford: I should say that it is spirit made from the juice of the grape. The Lord Chief Justice: Then peach brandy would not be brandy ? Mr. Pickford: No if it did not come from the grape. (Laughter.) The Lord Chief Justice: I do not understand all this about silent spirit. (Laughter.) Mr. Bankes It is silent spirit because it does not speak as to its parentage. (Renewed lal-, gliter.' Mr. Justice Ridley: What about sloe gin: (Laughter.) Mr. Pickford: The sloes are added to the gin. and, therefore, no question arises about that (Ijaughter.) Mistaken I In the Shoreditch County Court, before hia Honour Judge Smyly, K.C., a plaintiff said that he could swear the defendant, who was in the box. and his brother called upon him. The Solicitor: Can you see the brother in court? Plaintiff: Yes, sitting behind you (pointing to a gentleman). The Solicitor Will you swear that? Plaintiff: I solemnly swear that. The Solicitor: Well, that gentleman is my clerk, and has never been near you in his life. (Roars of laughter.) The Infant. Infant Teacher (giving a lesson on The Bear,' and speaking of bis thick, warm coat) And can the bear take off his coat like you can ?" No teacher." Why cannot the bear take off his coat?" "Please, teacher, because only God knows where the buttons are." Lord Durham Misreported. The Earl of Durham, speaking near Newcastle, said he had the misfortune to make a political speech a few days before, and to his horror he saw that morning in a local paper that he described a distinguished statesman as Joseph and -1 Joey." (Laughter.) It was far from his habit, either of courtesy or good feeling, to describe gentlemen in such familiar terms. If he had to mention Mr. Chamberlain's name, he used that name in a proper manner. But Joseph and Joey" were extremely repugnant to him. When he complained to his sister, Lady Anne Lambton. about the matter, she suggested that the reporters had become so accustomed to the name of Mr. Chamberlain that for the sake of brevity in their shorthand notes they always put down "Joe"—(laughter)—and when the report was sent into the office the sub-editor possibly added a y," and called it Joey." (Loud laughter.) The Schoolboy. Hear, then, what words Dr. Macnamara saith anent the schoolboy:—Boy (translating): "She threw herself into the river. Her husband, horror-stricken, rushed to the bank- Teacher (interposing): "What did he run to the bank for ?" Boy: To get the insurance money." Equal to the Occasion. A young motorist, endeavouring to comvince a country innkeeper that the decay of coaching was more than compensated for by the spread of motor- ing as a pastime, exclaimed, as a final argument, that his car was of forty horse-power, the equal, sir, of ten relays of coach-horses." The next morning he read in his bill, "To feeding and Stabling, eighty shillings." He asked the landlord for an explanation. The charge for 'osses is two shillin' a head, sir," was the reply. That machine of yours is equal to forty losses, which is eighty shillin' What is a Prophet? At a big educational establishment in Bristol, one of the questions in a recent annual examina- tion was What is a prophet!" and one of the answers was 11 A man they put in a fiery furnace, and he won't burn." An Absentee. One morning a note was brought to a teacher from the parents of one of the poorest boys in his class. It was as follows: Mr. Sir,—My boy will be unable to occupy his usual position in the class this morning, as unavoidable circum- stances, over which I have no control, render his absence necessary and imperative.—With compli- ments, yours, &c." (It afterwards transpired that his boots had gone to be mended.) A Sheep Story. Giving evidence in a sheep-stealing case at Buck- ingham, a police-sergeant referred to "the three sheep which I now produce in the market-square.'
HOME HINTS. I
HOME HINTS. I When placing a child in bed ms that his face I is not covered with the clothes, or he will poison himeeif with cailbonic acid gas from his own breach. Add a little caster eugar to tomatoes for serv- ing raw, or cooked, as it imipnovea the flavour in a wonderful manner. Pipeclay for the this in pre- ference to whiting when cleaning the steps; for it does not come off on the and it will keep clean for several d&ys in dry weather if carefully swept. Fireproof paper for a fire-blower should be made as follows: Take some thick paper, satu- rate it with alum, and dry in the air. To clean waitcih chains, etc., dissolve a little sail ammoniac in win; put the soiled gold in it. Tih'is thoroughly clea-ises the gold and makes it quite bright. remove ^pamit stains from windows mo in ten a little common so-da, and lay it on the spots, taking great care that it do-er, not touch the painted window frames in a short time waeih it off, and the paint will be found to be loosened. Glovee may be cleaned at home by giving them a biatih of beozolifne. Afterwards a cool iron should be passed over them. In this way they will keep clean much longer 'than if the ironing is omitted, and the smell of benzoline will wear off more quickly. Many thin, pallid lips are due to tigpt lacing, as thie impairs the circulation. Nervously biting and pulling the lips is also responsible for many ugly mouths. Thin lips can be developed by massiaiging with iskin food and they should be ikept soft iand smooth by' ruibbing in a good cream at night. A good hair-wash is made as follows: Mix together thoroughly half an ounce of glycerine, half an oun3e of spirits of rosemary, and five ounces) of water. When well mixed shake before using, and apply night and morning. If only people could be induced never to sit or sleep in a room in which a.11 the windows are closed there would be far fewer colds caught. The idea is n4otsomuch thiat you will grow used to the air, but that through constantly breathing fresh air your lungs will grow stronger and healifcbier, and your body will therefore be in a moire fit eomdliltioin to withstand disease of any kind-calds among the rest. How to Choose Apples.—When buying apples always be guided in your purchasesi by weight. Tihe heaviest are beb-tt, and especially those which, on being pressed by the thumb, yield to it with a slight crackling noise. Preifei tw-ge &Pples to email, for waste is saved in peel- ing and coring the fruit. When storing apples arrange them on dry straw in a dry place. Clean your white felt hat as follows: Brush; the surface quite free of dust, get some powdered magnesia, and, with some waiter, make it into a sitiff paste. With a small brush smear the whole hat with this paste. Dry thoroughly and lbrueh off the powder with a clean clothes brush, If necessary, repeat the process once or twice. Hats cleaned in this way will look as good as new. SPECIAL RECIPES. To Cleanse Lace CuiJta/ins.—Sha«ke the eur- taine free from duist and xaend breaks with No. 40 thread. Fold and soak in a tub of water for about two hoiunsi. Remove and place in a strong suds, of WTarm soft -water and soap. Squeeze and work curtains about until clean. Rinse in two waitersi and starch thinly, using bluing if clear white is desired. Saffron tea (the saffron can be bougM alt any drug store) added to the starch gives a cream tint, and coffee gives an ecru shade. If you have no stretcher, curtains should be stretched on a clean sheet on the floor until dry. Aiftter drying, the scollop's may be pressed with a hot iron before removing the curtains from the floor. Rabbit Soup.—Two onions, one teacup of tinned tomato, a small carrot cut into pieces, and' a slice or two of turnip, a little celery cut small, a ham bone, and a tablespoonful of 1 grated cheese. Thoroughly clean and soak the rabbit, and truss it int-o a round form. Put it into a deep saucepan, and add two quarts of boiling water, the vegetables, and the ham bone. Boil for an hour and a-half. Take out the rabbit; keep it hot; strain the soup; return it to the saucepan, and thicken with flour made into a thin paste with water or milk, adding the grated cheese to the dry flour. Boil gently for a few minutes, and season to taste. The rabbit can be served after the soup. Cornish Pasties.-Required: Half a pound of buttock steak, half a pound of peeled potatoes, a small onion, pepper, and salt, and some short pastry. First peel the .potatoes and cut into small pieces; then add the steak, cut finely, a chopped onion, and season all with pepper and salt. Roll out the pastry into six or seven inch squares about a quarter of an inch thick. Place a little of the meat, potato, etc., in the centre, fold the .pastry over the meat, wet the edges, join it by pressing the edges together with the thumb and finger. Grease a baking sheet, put the pasties on it, and bake in a. steady oven for three-quarters of an hour. Serve hot. Tomato Rabbit.—Tomato rabbit is a change from the ordinary Welsh rabbit if one is fond of the flavour of tomatoes. Stew one cup of tomatoes, and when they have simmered for ten minutes, add one teaspoonful of fine-chopped; onion; let this cook for five minutes, and then add one cupful of cheese that has been cut into coarse pieces. Let the mixture cook until the cheese softens, then pour over hot slices of buttered toast. This may be cooked in a chaiing dish on the table. Plum Tart.-Make, a short crust thus: Mix together four ounces of flour, one tablespoonful of ground rice., one of caster sugar and half a teaspoonful of baking powder; rub into this two ounces of butter, make a well in the centre, break into it a fresh egg, and work it all together, moistening it with about one table- spoonful of milk or water. Roll this paste out and lay it on a pudding, plate; trim the edges, and with the remains of the paste make a neat t roll round the edge of the plate, place some small cruets of bread in the paste, and bake in a modera,te oven. Now make a, syrup with one-half pound) of lump sugar and a little water, and let it boil for five minutes, then lay in about two pounds of large plums, and simmer them gently till soft, but without allowing them to lose their shape. Remove the crusts from the tart, and when this and1 the fruit are both cold arrange the latter carefully in the tart, standing the plums on end if not too soft. Just boil up the syrup if not sufficiently thick, pour it carefully over the plums when cold, and serve with cream or thin custard. Oyster Sauce.—Drain and! wash twenty-five oysters, and) stir in a saucepan until the gills curl. Drain and save the liquor, to which add one-half cup of milk. Thicken with one table- spoonful of flour and add one teaspoonful. of onion juice. Stir until boiling. Season with one salfspoonful of pepper and a level teaspoon- ful of salt. White Soup.—Peel and slice two onions, one carrot, one turnip, and four or five potatoes; put them in a saucepan with an ounce Gf butter, keep the lid on, and toss the vegeta-bles until they have absorbed the butter. Pour over them three pints of cold water, add! one small head of celery, pepper, and salt, boil for one hour. Strain the soup, etc., through a sieve, put ail back in the saucepan, add one pint skimmed) milk with a dessertspoonful of flour mixed' in it, and' one teaspoonful of chopped paniley; boil up, and serve.
INTERESTING ITEMS.
INTERESTING ITEMS. Mr. J. A. McCall, president of the New York" Life Insurance Company, resigned, and his successor was appointed at a much smaller salary. In the New York State Legislature the Governor made a vigorous pronouncement on the diclosure of the Insurance Investigation Committee. Four lives were lost by the wreck of the three- masted schooner Annie Park, of Barrow, which was driven on the rocks off St. Govan's Head, Pembrokeshire. Staff Sergeant-Major Hilton, A.S.C., who was summoned to England from South Africa to give evidence in the War Stores inquiry, waa tried by court-martial at Chelsea on a charge of desertion. He was arrested while going aboard a steamer bound for New York. He pleaded not guilty. Judgment was deferred. The Harlequin King," produced at the Im- perial Theatre by Mr. Lewis Waller, was a great success. The little girl of an unemployed shoemaker named Price, of Stoke-on-Trent, was burnt to death through her dress catching alight at the kitchen fire. May Waite, of Preston, who spent her dress allowance on music, and confessed to stealing £ 15 to settle dressmakers' bills, was bound over. She repaid £8. A Barndack woman, charged at Peterborough with throwing her baby out of a bedroom win- dow soon after it was born, was bound over. The infant sustained no injury. John Upton, naval pensioner, fell overboard when attempting to rejoin a vessel at Ports- mouth on the evening of Boxing Day. He was rescued with a fractured skull, and died on Saturday. A verdict of "Accidental death" was returned. Driver William 'Smith, R.F.A., with some comrades attempted to row to a Spithead fort, and in trying to recover a lost oar fell over- board, his comrades, with only one oar, being unable to reach him. A verdict of "Accidental death" was returned at the Portsmouth inquest. By the will of the late Miss Grace Sanders, of Jixeter, the Liberator Relief Fund receives a legacy of £200. Mr. Justice Grantham has completed twenty years' service on the Bench, having been ap- pointed a judge on January 4, 1886. For obtaining a supply of gas from a penny- in-the-silot meter by inserting cardboard discs, Henry Sanders was fined El at Norwich. After watching a butcher kill a pig, a four- year-old child at Chulmleigh (Devon) picked up a knife and cut off one of his little brother's fingers. The King has sent a donation of £30 to the Slough Nursing Fund out of the money received for admission to the State apartments at Windsor Castle. Churches, houses, and railway buildings have been partly demolished by an earthquake at Lagrah, in Hungary. Of the crew of six of the schooner Annie Park, which has been totally wrecked near Stackpole, on the Pembrokeshire coast, four were drowned and two saved. Towards the Bishop of London's fund for the increase of endowment in poor parishes, an old supporter has sent P.1,200, and Lord Iveagh hu contributed ;ci,ooo. From a speech made by M. Yalle, former Minister of Justice, it appears that M. Leon Bourgeois will not stand as a candidate for the Presidency of France. There were a number of pedestrians and tramway cars and omnibuses, but no vehicular traffic," said a witness in an obstruction case at Nottingham Police-court. For the families of the English sailors who perished in the wreck of the Hilda, the sum of £80 raised by subscription in Brest has been sent to the London and South-Western Railway Company. Special express trains are to be run by the Great Northern Railway Company, from this month onward, from the Garden City and Hitchin districts, leaving about 8 a.m., and leaching London before 9 a.m. Messrs. Elders and Fyffes, Limited, state that during 1905 4,722,796 bunches of bananas were imported into the United Kingdom, which is an increase of 1,749,688 bunches as compared with the previous year. At the first meeting of his creditors, Mr. S. Harrison, a Colonial broker, of Mincing-lane, E.C., who attributed his failure to losses on the Stock Exchange and speculations in produce, stated that his liabilities were £ 4,086. It is believed that the Ramsgate smack Victor, which was seen to founder on Monday, had been in collision, and that the crew jumped over- board, as her small boat was brought into Lowestoft without any trace of the men. Worried because his wife had obtained a separation order, William Walters, a labourer, attempted to cut his throat on her doorstep, but on promising the Stratford magistrate that he would never do it again, he was discharged. It was stated at the opening of the inquest on Arthur Skinner, aged four and a half years, that the child, who was taken ill four weeks ago with measles and bronchitis, was in the charge of a girl aged twelve in a room without a fire. Though in Dutch territory, the shoals on the northern side of the Scheldt entrance to the harbour of Antwerp are being removed by the Belgian Government, without the permission of the Dutch authorities. As the result of Christmas week there are nearly three hundred thousand parcels aban- doned or to be inquired about at the Lost Parcels'' Office at Mount Pleasant, the fault being mainly due to the senders having failed to write fiie address on the paper cover. Lieutenant-General Sir N. G. Lyttelton, Chief of the General Staff and First Military Member of the Army Council, has appointed Major Sir W. Stewart Dick Cunyngham, ol the Scottish Horse I.Y., to the his assistant private secretary (unpaid). Three members of the Royal Family were pre- sent at the Comedy Theatre rto witness the per- formance of "The Mountain Climber." Princess Louise came with the Duke of Argyll, and Princess Henry of Battenberg brought Princess Ena. Sir Charles Hardinge, lately the British Ambassador to Russia, left London for St. Petersburg, to present his letters of recall. He will take up his new duties as Permanent Under-Secretary of State at the Foreign Office at an early diate. The London and South-Western Railway Company hae ordiered two fast passenger etermers, one from Messrs. Vickers, Sons, and Maxim, Barrow-in-Furness, and the other from Messrs. Gourlay Brothers and Co., Dundee. One is to replace the Hildia. At a meeting of the East Ham Distress: Com- mittee, it was reported that the total number of unemployed registered was 1,026, of whom 765 are married. The total number of persons affected by the applications is 3,548, of whom 1,421 are children. The cha-irman (Lord Invorclyde), and several directors- of the London and North-Western Railway Company arrived at Queenstown by the White Star liner Baltic from Liverpool, and proceeded; -by special train to Cork. The object of their visit was not disclosed. On being admitted to the Limerick Work- house recently. James Mack sent for the assistant-master and handed over to him the sum of £ 102 15s. 9d. Professor Charles J. Joly, the Astronomer Royal for Ireland, died at the Observatory at Dunsink, County Dublin, in hie forty-first year. The exhibition which it was proposed should be held in Edinburgh in 1907 has teen post- poned until 1908 in coneequence of whei strong "representations made by the Dublin Exhibition Committee as to the injurious effects that wouild-, result from the holding of two exhibitionel ia the same New.