Papurau Newydd Cymru
Chwiliwch 15 miliwn o erthyglau papurau newydd Cymru
13 erthygl ar y dudalen hon
[COPYRIGHT.] THE TRIALS OF…
[COPYRIGHT.] THE TRIALS OF MADGE MOBERLEY BY FLO..E5CE HOPE. Author of "Tangled Threads," The Brown Rosary," &c., &c. I SYNOPSIS OF PREVIOUS CHAPTERS. 1 CHAPTERS I to III.—Madge Mober ey, plain ,Ing to London to take but fascinating, is travelling to London to take up a position as governess. Her brother Phil is to meet her at St. Pancras. The train stops at Kettering and she is left alone, but on its moving a?u.i a man with a dog whip jumps in. \?hen London is reached he secures a pone!" for hei iu!r-ra,re. Phu is not there, but a geuL ..m? ?mcd Christopher Keane comes up with tne new. that her br?er is unavoidably detained. Madge to see we shops, aad theu th.y  Phil it a. restaurant, and after luncn^n Madge t?e. train to imbledoa, and neanng ine iow?9 ''ru-? home, in a cab, s,es a woma!l's face  I1; her through some bushes. Later on, in her ?n room, SHe hears footsteps stop outside the door ?d opening it sees the figure of a woman ?ust disappearing. Madge faiis asieep in the schoolroom, and wakes up, to hear ^shes'to of a ,mwn al(l the door dosing. She rushes to her bedroom and locks the door just as a scream rings out, followed by a heavy fall. She  not allowed to see tLC mistress, and is depresscd by tle shadow that hangs over the ho me. Entermg the dmfn-room onf night, she £nds the P"'o|rat(> form of a woman, a dark crimson stream trickling  her 'Ps. ?I?T?R9 III. (continued) to V.-Madge AlSv&rs that the dark stream is not blood but mvrf wine In an instant the mystery of the scre,&ml r„n, etc., ;s olear. The mistress of The Towers" i3 a drunkard. The nurse informs M?d? that only Kent Rochford, a cousin of \I re Lovell. can manage her, and also advises her to keep out of his way. In an album Madge discovers P photo of her companion of the train. I  not like his face, and throws the book down as the original of the photo walks m, 'a,- lowed bv Mr. L n? 11, who introduces tnem- It is Kent Rochford. Madge leaves them, and  .going up"tain, when she findi Lo\ell ^peep fnTfnX her bedroom door. In low agonised oL Mrs. Lovell ask3 if Kent Rochford is dDwn- stairs. She says he treats her Uke   and II? bean her. NextdayheandMr Lovell leave for Paris, and in bidding goodbye to Mad.e he puts his hands on her shoulders and ?ays he has a. good mind to kiss her. Madge meets Christopher Keane, who is assistmg; a local doctor. He asks her if he can be her friend, but it is something deeper than friendship he craves. They reluctantly part at "The Towers," where Madge finds Mrs. Lovell at the piano, and is invited to join her. CHAPTER VI. I RESISTING TEMPTATION. I Owing to a rainy aiternoon, it was not uxiui the evening that Madge was able to join Mra. Lovell in the drawing-room, as she had to remain with her pupils. ?'?u"' se?my duty to them must come first," said Madge, making her apologies. But I do hope you will give me a treat now. and she glanced at the open piano and pile of scattered music. Mrs. Lovell wa. seated in a big easy chair drawn up close to the fire, and sat with her elbows -on her knees, her face resting in ner hands. Come and sit down and talk; perhaps 111 play soon. I want to ask you some questions, answered. r Madge obeyed, and pulled up a low chair to the hearth. Why were you kind to me the other mght when I was—like that? Nobody else is; nobody takes the trouble to be. I don't understand it, and I want to know." The woman turned her dark eyes questionably upon Madge. Because I felt sorry for you, I do now; I feel very very sorry why do you do it 7" Madges voice shook a little, and she leaned forward, touching the other woman's hand gently. A rush of tears gathered in Mrs. Lovell s eyes and rolled down her cheeks in great drops. Oh she oried, dashing them away with her hand. "011, you don't know what a miserable woman I am! Why do I do it? To drown thought. To forget misery and sorrow and trouble. It is the only thing, and I am glad of 1t. I love it. I can't do without it-I crave for it and must have it." But think of the degradation-tiie shame and the disgrace," said Madge. What's the use of thinking? I don't want to think, I want to forget." But what trouble and sorrow have you had to make you take to this? Oh, Mrs. Lovell, if I can help you. let me. I am only a girl. but I want so to be of use to you-to help you to fight a"gainst this awful curse," cried Madge. Mrs Lovell laughed bitterly. You can't do that no one -an It tn() late—and the sooner I drink myself to death the better." -N-o! no! Don't say such dreadful things. Tell me about yourself; sometimes it does one good to speak. How did you first begin. "I began before I married-Ah! I knew you would shrink from me. Perhaps I will tell you all one day; I won't yet, thougn, it is too soon to trust you. I have never said as much to any man or woman before as I am saying to you, but there is something about your face that i like. You are true, I think-and good—not a I humbugging goodness, sanctimoniousness and that sort of thing, but straightforward, honest goodness. Still I'll wait and see. Have you met my cousin, Kent Rochford?" The question was so sudden and unexpected that Madge started, and felt her face turn crimson. She was exceedingly annoyed, for Mrs. Lovell was scrutinising her countenance sharply. Yes, I have met Mr. Rochford. He only left this morning, as I daresay you know," she replied. Why do you colour up like that? What is he to you?" Nothing—less than nothing. I dislike him," answered Madge. "Well, listen to me. Don't let him get any influence over you; if you once get into his power your life will be ruined; once give in to him and you are ruined-ruined body and soul." There is no danger to me. I shall be only too glad to avoid Mr. Rochford as much as possible. I really do not need any warning against him." And my husband—does he make love to you ?" Mrs. Lovell spoke in a forced, carelessly satirical manner, but she watched Madge's face narrowly. Your husband has been courteous and kind, all that a gentleman should be, Mrs. Lovell. As you have questioned me enough, I think I will go," replied Madge, making a movement to rise. Oh. don't be offended. Come, I am going to play to you." And for an hour or more Mrs. Lovell sat at the piano, wandering from one thing into another, holding her listener entranced under the marvellous spell of her talent. Then, eleven o'clock striking, she finished with her usual abrupt crash of chords, and proposed that they should both go to bed. Madge was wakeful and excited by the music, and Mrs. Lovell's strange personality that interested her intensely, and she lay for hours, thinking about the woman, her weakness and sin, and her strikingly fascinating appearance. She had said nothing to Chris Keane of the shadow that darkened the home of the Lovells with dread, nor did she even intend to mention it to her brother. Somehow she felt that it would be a disloyalty to do so. as she was living under the Lovell's roof, but she felt glad that. in case of need she had a friend near who would come to her if she wanted him. Then her thoughts wandered to Chris, and at last sne fell asleep, with his fair boyish face in her mind, the tone of his voice in her ear. and the diasp of his hand giving her a feeling of conifdence and security. Of the three men who had iajtly come into her life with their distinct personalities, Chris Keane was the only one whom she felt she could trust wholly and entirely. It must have been nearly four o'clock when she was awa*ve;ied by a gentle knock at her door, and startIng up immediately, flinging the clothes off I her, she switched on the electric light and opened | the door. I It was Mrs. Lovell-who stood pale and shiver- ing in the passage. May I (ome in she asked. Madge's reply was to take her by the arm with gentle touch and draw her inside. The woman w.a.s trembling all over and looked wretchedly ill- 1* I-I have tri. ed, —tri. ed ,hard for thi- first time for ye rs. I have been thinking of what you said about degradation and shame. If I sray alone ..ny longer I know I shan't resist." She spoke fal terinlil-. and tottered into the room. Madge's am crept round her, and her itee was full of infinite compassion. Get into my bed. You are cold and shivering; I'll cover you up," she said. Mrs. Lovell obeyed like a child. She felt the strength and comfort of the girl's strong will, and was ready to submit to whatever she thovht • be,t. Then turned out the light and crept into the bed beside her, throwing her arm round the still trembling form and whispering words of hope and consolation in her ear. Presently by the sound of her quiet, regular breathing she knew that Mrs. Lovell was asleep. But there was no more sleep for Madge. Young and ardent, and full of hope. she felt I _1_.L__I u.£]-- etatea at me mnuence sne had already exercised over this weak woman, and looked forward with wonderful faith to inducing her to break off entirely her fatal habit of drink. The girl clasped her hands together and ? praved B? ?,< ??? felt that it would be an easy tisk But ll"?0 not^5S of the terrible cur? or the fat ^.finai10n °fdnn^ for a woman who oonncce e Lhad d ftaallllen under its baneful influence. Alas! < once 1° conquer did not mean always to winquer   and ?-? a backward step, stumble and faU. However, for several dan. with Madge's con- stant companionship, Mrs. Lovell resistrd the temptation that was ever by her side, and even the nurse remarked the perceptible change in her mistress. She went out walks with her children and the governess, and returned honv With a lovely colour in her cheks and brightnho in her eves. Madge was overjoyed; she prayed that Mr. Lovell might stay away longer, so that he mit:rht tw struck with astonishment at the change in his wife's appearance. When another week had passed without his returning Madge felt sure that he would remain away over Sunday. Ha never writes to say when be- is coming back," Mrs. Lovell told her, "but likes to come and go as he chooses." Then Madge told her of her wish to go to town to see her brother. He had written, urging her to come if possible the following Sunday, and Madge did not like to disappoint him. "But why shouldn't you go? Of course you must; nurse will look after tho children," said Mrs. Love rt. Madge hardly liked to say what was in her mind that it was not the children she minded leaving, but Mrs. Lovell herself. However, a few words with the nurse helped to reassure her on that point. She hasn't got a drop o' anything in the house, and I don't see how she can get any thin on a Sunday. So you go and enjoy yourself, niiss—it'll be all right, and you are lookin' that palo yourself that you need a change. She s got on your nerves—that anybody can see; but, bless you, it's no use your worrym'. If she wants it, she'll have it, whether you watch her or you don't, that's my opinion, although I will say she's been a different person the last few days and brighter and more sensible than I've seen her for years." So Madge decided to go, and on the Saturday morning sent off a note to the address Chris Keajie nad given her, telling him she should go up to town by the three o'clock train the follow- ing day, and saying how glad she would be if he coulu go too. Feeling a little like a parlourmaid going for her Sunday out, Madge took speoial pains with her toiiet, and was rather pleased with the effect of a large bunch of Parma violets she had sewn into her black toque to freshen it up. The touch of colour suited her, and the knot of real violets that neotled in the fur at her throat seemed to accentuate the pretty colour in her cheeks, and suited her to perfection. It Madge was not a regular beauty, she was pretty and attractive enough to draw attention, and many were the glances of admiration that followed her as she waited on the platform for Chris. He came up breathless. I'm so awfully sorry to be late. but old Lawson kept me jabbering after luncheon," he said, as he joined her. Oh, but we are in time for the train, so it doesn't matter," answered Madge. And to Chris that "we" sounde d delightfully tannliar, linking them togetner, as it were. vv nat a pleasure it was to get her ticket, and to hand I her into the first-clasa compartment which they had to themselves! You are like a tonic," remarked Madge, as she settled herself opposite him. I feel braced ti? and fresh and lively; and, do you know, I was fueling tired, headachy and dull." You've been worrying about something. I saw it at once this little change is sure to do you good. I was awfully afraid you wouldn't go, and I've haunted that common ever since I met you that day at the post-ofiice. I was almost beginning to fear you had left. Where on earth have you hidden yourself said Chris, I've not been out at the usual time, that's why you haven't seen me. We've gone out in the afternoon, and had Mrs. Lovell with us," re- plied Madge. Then she asked him about his life as a doctor's assistant, and grew so interested in ail that he told her that they seemed to have reached the end of their short journey in no time, and there was Phil—dear old Phil—on the plat- form—waiting for them. CHAPTER VII. I A PRESENTIMENT OF COMING EVIL. I ror halt-an-hour atter Madge had gone ivirs. Lovell amused herself by playing on the piano, then becoming tired of playing without an audience, she wandered about the house from one room to another restlessly, in an aimless fashion, finally entering the schoolroom, where the two eider girls were reading some books that Madge had lent them from her own private s:ore- sz I wish I had asked her to lend me a book," said Mrs. Lovell, looking over Adeline's shoulder. "I am sure she would. Miss Moberley is awfully good-natured, and she has lots of books iu her bedroom, mother. Shall I fetch you one:" said Adeline. "Oh. I don't know perhaps there's nothing I'd care for," answered Mrs. Lovell, wearily. "Why not look at them?" suggested Maud. Adeline jumped up from her chair. I'll go with you, mother," she said, with alacrity. For nothing better to do, Mrs. Lovell followed the child down the corridor to Madge's room. She had put up a little hanging bookcase, which was full of her favourite books-from Andersen's fairy tales and Jane Eyre" to a clever novel lately published, that Phil had sent her. When Mrs. Lovell had chosen a book and was turning to leave the room, her glance fell upon the silver-mounted waist-bag that lay on the dressing table—the present that Mr. Lovell had made Madge. How smart!" she exclaimed, looking at it admiringly. "That's what father bought her," said Adeline. Your father! What do you mean child?" exclaimed Mrs. Lovell, turning sharply upon the child. He bought it for Miss Moberley when we went to town to get new hats; but he must have thought of it before, because her initials were already on-aren't they pretty?" said Adeline, touching the decorative letters with the tip of her finger. Mother, you've left the book you wanted," I she called out, as Mrs. Lovell quitted the room hurriedly. I don't want it. Go to the schoolroom, Adeline. I'm going to lie down," replied her mother. Alone in her own room Mrs. Lovell's face became white with anger. She was a very jealous woman, furiously so with regard to her husband, and she felt mad with anger against poor Madge. "She is a humbug after all!" she exclaimed, stamping her foot with passion. A deceitful little hypocrite. Makes up to me and tries to be friends and flirts with my husband, the little wretch 1 She shall leave the house. I won't have her under my roof. Hew do I know that she may not have gone to town to meet him now—is going to dine with him and spend the evening in his com pany'?" Pacing the room backwards and forwards, the infuriated woman worked herself up into a frenzy of jealous fury. Then she went to her cupboard. searched it vainly for something to drink, turned out her wardrobe, her drawers, and finding notn^ ing. stood in the middle of the room biting her finger nails and racking her weakened brain to think how she could get what was to her the solace of life. There was an inn just across the common. She could even see it from her window, and she felt she must have what she hungered for or die but she had no money, and she knew that her husband had given orders at every place in the neighbourhood that neither spirits nor wine were to be supplied to "The Towers" without a written order from himself. How, then, could she get what she wasted? The more she thought and puzzled over the ma.tter the greater the craving became, till her throat felt parcned and her tongue burning with tne longing for the drink that would give her happiness. Sne went to the box where she kept her finest ribbons and laces, and drew out from the dainty finery a long cream lace scarf. \0 ry1: Î.L J ?"? "ng?r.empt a girii should think," she aid, opening It <"? to '? full iength. and feeing t?. delicat silky texture. Her ev? s gleamed there was .ometbing of the tigress about her face. Ad her thoughts were now fixed upon the one tthhh-ig. ?She stole to the door and glided down the p?ahagG to the long corridor. It was tea time; she could hear the rattle of cups ana saucers m the schooiroom. The maid wi.o waited on the governess and children would be passing down the corridor directlv; she would catch her before she went downstairs to the ser- )a • She was a new girl, only lately come to "The Towers," and soon came tripping by, swinging an empty tray carelessly in her hand. "Come here I want to speak to vou," said Mrs. Lovell, in a low voice, and signed to the maid to IO.IOW her to her room. A few minutes afterwards the girl stole out of the house with a frightened look on her face, and a costly lace scarf in her pocket. She returned with a bottie hidden beneath her sha.wL "l';hat wall-flowers already! Oh, Phil, what extravagance! exclaimed Madge as she entered his room, and noticed the delicious springlike per- fume. "Oh, but don't you know, Miss Moberlev Phil will spend twopence on his dinner and fourpenee on garnishing; that is his innate refinement-or poetic temperamenr whatever you like to call it, said Chris. "I've found him eating a far from fiosh egg that he'd paid three-halfpence for, and smmngata bunch of Neapolitan violets or a shoaf of daF."Of¡j¡s ?'?' cost him ninepcnce." P? hd.Moberc.y laughed. "It's no -Ood; I can t help ?t, he said. "I hunger for flowers as b?gaj- craves a crust or a drunkard his drink. l f ean t do without them as soon as there is a touch ?f spring in 51o air and tho perfume of bio?om? 111 tne streets. I "Dear old Phil, with his wicked extravagances," said Madge, putting her arm round her brother's neck. and c?ddhng her chcek against his n,?ck-, and cqiddi [Ing her c h ee k aga 1 nst h"*5* nei" al thought he'd have given all 'he possessed for such a caress, and turned away to hide the iongmg in his eyes. Phil had much to tell, for he had obtained the sub-editorship that he had been so anxious about, and was full of plans for moving into unfurnished rooms in a better neighbourhdod, and furnishing them according to his own taste. "Then when everything is done. I shall at last be able to offer you a home. Madge," he said. "It sounds too good to be true," repl ed his sister. "And if only this officious chap, who intrudes upon us so terribly, would get work to do in tov:n, he join us in our housekeeping., he, Madge?" said Phil, stretching out a hand to lay upon Chris Keane's shoulder. Ail! Chris uttered the exclamation and .ooked round at Madge. He t?et her eves, an d Qomet?in,?, in them told him tht the suggestion did not displease her. di ? Well, I'm going now, any way," be said. "I've intruded long enough, and will leave you two to yourselves. Miss Moberley, I'll call for you about eight o'clock, and we can catch a train" back about uine, if that will suit vou." She made a little mouo of dissatisfaction. "Oh dear, I don't want to go at all. Now I've found Phil I want to stick to him," she said. However, when Chris returned later in fhe even- ing she was ready for him. and with a lingering iffectionate farewell she left her brother and got1 into a hansom with Chris. As they walked up the hill from the station at Wimbledon, Madge began to almost dread her return. "Do you believe in presentiments?" she asked Chris. Presentiments No, they are all rot," he re- plied, witti u young feliow's wholesome contempt of such things. "Oh, but i got them at times, and something always happens. I don't why, but I have a hor- rible presentiment now that somothing is going to happen to mo. 1 have a dread of going back," said Madge. "You are too young to indulge in nerves. What's thc-ie to dread or fearY" asked Chris. "1 hardly know; it's my imagination, I sup- pose. "Then don't give way to it. Oh! are we here ,L--rti-aciy Aiiss Moberley—Madge—you are not really frightened, are voti. For her face was pale, and he thought she was trembling. Sho couid not describe the vague feeling of alarm that had come over her, and was ashamed of her weakness. "No, no," she replied, "It is all right. Good- bye, Mr. Keiaie." "I wish you'd call me Chris; your brother does, you know." Madge smiled. "Do you expect me to do every- thing Phii dot's?" "o; only some things. I should like this very much; do you think YOll couid:" "Wed, 1 might perhaps if 1 tried," said Madge, adding, with a soft look of coquetry up in his face, "Good night—Chris." CHAPTER VIII. I 11 AT MIDNIGHT. I On finding that Nirs. lovell had gone to bed, early as it was, and the fire was out in the drawing- room, Madge, feeling tired with her day in town, ate a light, little supper, and went immediately to her room, tailing aö.eep aimost as soon as her head was on tHe pillow. She could not have slept more than an iiour or two when she awoke with a start, fancying she heard someone calling her. She sat up in beci aiert and listening, her heart beat- ing tumultuousiy. No, she could hea.r nothing; sho must hava dreamt sue heard her name called, and was about to lie down again when "Miss Moberley L Miss Moberieyl" fel, distinctly on her ear. It was one of the children calling, and in an instant Madge was out of bed, and, wrapping her dressing-gown round her, she crossed the lauding to the room that Maud and Adeline occupied, the door of which was wide open. "What is the matter?" she asked. "Oh! Miss Moberley, I'm so frightened," an- swered Adeline's voice in the darkness. "Do turn an the light; Maud has got one of her walking fits, and isn't in bed." "Not in bed! Then where is she?" exclaimed Madge, switching on the electric light. "I don't know; it's ever so long since she walked in her sleep; she must have had something to dis- agree with her, I suppose," said Adeline, jumping to a matter-of-fact conclusion, which was probably a right one. "I heard her get up, and she seemed to be feeling about the room. It's so horrid; you never know what she'll do, and the doctor said it would be dangerous to wake her, but that somebody ought to lead her gently back to bed. So I suppose you'll have to took for her. What's the time? It's striking something now." "It must be twelve. There, lie down, Adeline, and I'll light a candle and go in search of Maud." "Poor child! She'll catch cold, I'm afraid," said Madge, shivering more at the uncanniness of the idea of the sleep-walking child than from any feeling of cold. Adeline cuddled down in her bed, and Madges with a lighted candle, went down the thickly- carpeted corridor to tho schoolroom. As she passed the passage leading to Mrs. Lovell's rooms she heard someone moving about, and wondered if Adeline's cries had disturbed her mother. She hoped not, for she d 'dia't want Mrs. Lovell up as well as the children. Pushing open the door of the schoolroom, she beheld the steep-walker standing by the window, looking out over the moon-lit garden. She had nothing on over her nightdress, and must be frozen, thought Madge. Her eyes were wide open staring into space with the blank look of a person asleep. Madge was in doubt what to do—for she feared to wake her too suddenly, she had heard it was dangerous, and had never had any previous ex- perience of the kind. However, something must be done, and she must get the child back to bed; so gently laying her hand on the girl's arm, she managed to turn her towards the door, and so very slowly and quietly led her back to her room. It was not till she was helping her to get into bed that Maude woke, her face assuming an ex- pression of intense alarm. "What is it? Where am I?" she demanded. "In your own bed, dear. It is all right," replied Madge, holding her hands. "I'm so cold; oh! I'm so cold!" repeated the child, with chattering teeth and shaking as if with ague. Madge heaped some more clothes over her, and telling her to lie still said she would fetch her something to prevent a chill. There was a small medicine chest kept in the library, of which Mr. Lovell had given Madge the key, saying that she might require medicines for herself or the chil- dren, and shewing her which was best to take in case of cold. So returning to her room for the key she hur- ried downstairs and across the dark hall to the library. To her surprise, as she opened the door she saw that the room was not in darkness, as she had expected, but illumined by the reading- lamp that stood on the table, and, seated in an attitude of great dejection by the fire-place, was Mr. Love!] himself. The girl would have withdrawn if she could have done so without being seen, but the light of her candie flashed across the dim room and caused Mr. Lovell to 1-k He looked broken down with trouble, and his eyes were red-rimmed, his face marked with grief. Womanly and sympathetic as Madge was by nature; she could not turn away without a word. "I didn't know you were back, Mr. Lovell. I'm afraid there is something the matter," she said timidly, putting out her hand. "And you came down to comfort me? How sweet of you!" replied Mr. Lovell, retaining her hand in his clasp, that was burning in contrast to tho girl's cool flesh. Then, before Madge could explain her errand, he continued, speaking in a husky voice, broken by emotion. "Yes," he said, it is the old trouble, that seems worse when one has been away and comes back to it; it upsets a man to return to his home and find his wife mad with drink. Now you know how my life and home are blighted and disgraced. God! It is a bell- and that woman, my wife, the worst of devils when she is bitten with this curse." "Has she broken out again, then?" exclaimed Madge, horrified. "Yes, as bad as ever. Did you know about her?" said Mr. Lovell. And Madge related all the circumstances of how she had first seen Mrs. Lovell under the influence of drink; also of her struggle during the last week against the temptation it had for her. "Is there nothing that can be done?" she said, tears of pity gathering in her eyes. "Nothing!" was the hopeless reply. "I have tried every remedy in this world. I have been kind, and affectionate, and patient, and-the re- verse-harsh and cruel e-veii-when my temper was roused and I lost my self-control." "I cannot think that harshness would ever do any good. How was it she began to take it?" asked Madge. "She .was a drunkard when I married her but I knew nothing, and suspected nothing for more than three years. "How was it nobody told you—her cousin, Mr. Rochford—why did he not warn you?" "Kent? Oh, I think he was glad to get her married off his hands. She was his father's ward, who wanted Kent to marry her himso'.f. I be- lieve she had a considerable fortune. He has an immense amount of influence over her; she is afraid of him. He advises flogging her that is his way with his animals, and he would treat a woman in the same way," said Mr. Lovell. "How horrible! Poor thing!" cried Madge. "You pity her?" "How can one help it? She must be a most un- happy woman." "And now you know of this horror in the house, I suppose you will leave us—I must expect it; how can I ask you to stay?" said Mr. Lovell, glancing up at the girl, who stood near him, with one hand resting on the chimney-piece. "No, Mr. Lovell, I won't leave. I am all the more anxious to stay and do all I can for your wife and children," answered Madge. --And for me-by your sweet presence in this dark household; it is indeed good of you." In an impulse of true gratitude Mr. Lovell took Madge's hand, that hung by her side, and raised it to his lips. There was a sound behind t.hem-the rustle of a woman's trailing skirts, the shuffling movement of slippered feet, and, staring at the two with white face distorted with passion, eyes blazing with fury and maddened jealousy, was John Lovell's wife. (To be continued.)
CHESTER PEOPLE MUST HEAD THIS.
CHESTER PEOPLE MUST HEAD THIS. And when they have read it they must believe it, because they can prove it, for it is a statement made by a Chester man for tho benefit of Chester people. "Over a year ago I suffered from a bad attack of influenza," said Mr. J. Rodgers, who resides at 2, Little St. John-street, Chester, recently. "This trial left bad back pains behind it. The pains struck me across the small of the back, and I could do no stooping or heavy work, except with difficulty, consequently these backaches worried me greatly. They were accompanied by other evidences of kidney disease." "Hearing so many Chester people speaking of Doan's Backache Kidney Pills, and noticing the good wor k they were doing amongst kidnev sufferers III Chester, I sent down to Boots and procured a quantity of them. Now, after fairly testing them, I feel that they have done me a great deal of good. These pills have completely freed me from those- back pains, and I cam work and walk better since I commenced taking Doan's Backache Kidney Pills." Doan's Backache Kidney PiJIs are guaranteed to cure all forms of kidney and urinary troubles. They are sold by all chemists and drug stores at 2s. M. per box (six boxes 13s. 9d.), or sent direct, post free, on receipt of price, from the Proprietors Foster-McClellan Co., 8, Wells-street, Oxford- street, London, W., formerly 57, Shoe-lane. If you have symptoms of any kidney trouble write us about it fully, we will be glad to reply. As these pills are not purgative you can take them without interfering with your work. Be sure you ask for the same pills that Mr. Rodgers had.
CROQUET.
CROQUET. [ HOOTON PARK CLUB. In anything but propitious weather the first club tournament commenced on Friday, and extended over Saturday and Monday, the weather continuing cold and cheerless throughout, except for an oecasiomal gleam of sunshine on the concluding day. The emtrievS, naturally, were few in consequence, but some good games were played. Mrs. Wilford LLoyd won the singles in class A by the narrow margin of three points, from Mr. H. H. Cox, after she had lowered the colours of Captain Lock (two bisques) by eight points. Mr. Cox had in the previous round knocked out Miss N. J. Beausire (three bisques). In class "B" Miss Duckworth played a strong game throughout, though in the final she only got home by three points, after look- ing almost hopelessly out of it at one period of the game. By her win Miss Duckworth has qualified to plav in the final for the special prize offered by Mrs. Edgar Storey, to be played for at each club tournament by class "B" players, and won out- right at the concluding tournament of the season. In the doubles Mrs. Wilford LLoyd was again to the fore, as with Captain Lock for a partner she won the final from Mrs. W. E S. Tyler and Mrs. J. W. Ffoulkes after a good fight by six points. The win would have been accomplished a bit sooner, but for one of those sensational incidents which some- times occur. Mrs. LLoyd in pegging out, after sticking her partner, failed herself, though less than a foot away, to touch the peg, thus enabling her opponents to notch a point or two before they succumbed j FINALS:— Handicap Singles, Class A, for those having 7 bisques and under :—Mrs. \Vilford LLoyd (7) beat Mr. H. H. Cox (4) by 3 points. Handicap Singles, Class B, for those having over 7 bisques and upwards:—Miss Duckworth (11) beat Mrs E. Beazley (10) by 3 points. Handicap Doubles :-Captain Lock and Mrs. Wilford LLoyd (scratch) beat Mrs. J. W. Ffoulkes and Mrs. W. E. S. Tyler (4)by 6 points.
THE OUTLOOK. I
THE OUTLOOK. I It is to be feared that the term "a promising season which headed this column last week has to be somewhat discounted on account of the cold winds and frosts which have continued with such pertinacity. The remark applies more particularly to the promise of the fruit crop, which there is little reason to doubt has suffered considerably, so far as all early-blossoming varieties of pears and stone- fruit are concerned, and not a few early apples, cherries and the smaller bush fruits such as red and white currants An examination shews that not only has the wind destroyed a great deal, but that the frosts have irretrievably ruined a majority of I the blooms which have had little or no chance of "setting." It is just posible, however, should milder influences be forthcoming, that sufficient blossom may remain to yet produce fair crops, but at the time of writing the prospect, to say the least, is dubious. Although the country to the unpractical eye presents a charm- ing appearance in its fresh verdure, the complaint is loud amowg agriculturists that nothing grows." This, of course, refers principally to the pastures, which, together with nearly all vegetation, have been held in check by the cold after a trying winter in which shortages of hay and roots from last year have been too severely conspicuous. The season we have been passing through has been very favourable for farm work, which is well forward; but" seven months of winter" has put a severe strain on all concerned in the cultivation of the land, which weekly becomes more desirable should be broken, and that can only be done by a plentiful growth of grass. A fair amount of rain has fallen locally recently, but in the South where the frosts are reported not to have done so much damage, more moisture is needed to render the prospect hopeful. There has not been much animation in the oheese markets during the week, but prices have ruled Strang, with an upward tendency of Is. to 2s., in view of the reduotion of stocks. Some new cheese is coming to hand, but the quality is as yet indifferent for want of maturity. Autumn made Cheshire of the finest quality is about played out, and the best to markot realises from 67s. to 72s.; fine, 62s. to 65s.; and medium and lower grades from 60s. to 40s. per 1201b. Other English makes of all grades meet a good inquiry. Canadian also in demand as to best brands, and Is. to 2s. highor in value; September, October, coloured, 52s. to 63s. white, 59s. to 60s.; fine to finest, 58s. to 60s. There is a demand for avail- able small lots of Now Zealand at 59s. to 60s. THE LAMB CROP. inow that the lambing season is over, except per- haps in some remote northern, localities, the dis- position becomes natural to take a retrospective estimate, as far as possible, of the situation, as regards the crop, so-called, from the reports that have been furnished as the time of lambing has passed. And principally it may bo said that there has been little or nothing to complain of in the number of iambs dropped or mortality among the ewes. But, as the "Times" remarks, the question arises as to how many of the ewes re- turned as kept for breeding purposes in 1901 were really put into the broeding flock in the suc- ceeding autumn. The number of such ewes last year was returned at 10,161,830; but the shortness of hay and straw, tho discouraging prospects of the root crops, and the autumn drought, were all factors the tendency of which would be to reduce the proportion of ewes turned out at tupping time, and to swell the number sent to the butcher. As against this it is necessary to remember, how- ever, that twin lambs have probably been above the average, and this should tend to keep up the numbers when the annual census is taken a month hence. In making any estimate the varying per- centage of twins is a factor by no moans to be neglected, for the annual returns shew that whereas in 1897 every 100 ewes left 104 lambs, in 1899 the same number of ewes left only 98 lambs. Up to 1893 no return was made of the ewes. kept for breeding, so there are no means for instituting a comparison between ewes and lambs in the period prior to 1893. As to the dimensions of the crop of lambs in Great Britain this season, there is no apparent reason for estimating the total fall to be less than ten million head. The annual ad- dition to our flocks has not sunk below this level in any year since 1895, while over the six inter- vening years tho number of lambs has varied be- tween 10,737,317 in 1899 and 10,114,742 in 1897. A PROSPECTIVE DROUGHT. Notwithstanding the fair fall of rain experienced in the Cheshire district recently, there is much complaint of feared drought and consequently dry and unproductive summer in the southern half of the country, and many correspondents are already writing in anything but a cheerful tone respecting the future outlook. Says one, writing I from the Midlands: Unfortunately warmth and moisture, at any rate in adequate proportions, are just the things that have been lacking, and tho deficiency in the latter becomes more threaten- ing each week. In London the fall was only 0.48in. in April, and for the four months no more than 3.57in., or 3.27in. below the 35 years' average, although that period covered several of the recent dry seasonS. Then again, the writer on agricul- ture in "The Field" takes a most lugubrious view of the aspect of affairs. He says: The shortage in the year's rainfall, is unpleasantly, but cor- rectly, reflected in the enfeebled state of the springs and the shrunken condition of the ponds. From all quarters, particularly in the southern counties, the same story is told of the scarcity of surface water, the flow from the springs and the reserves in the ponds not having been so low at this season of the year within living memory. Little wonder that the summer is being anticipated with con- siderable misgiving, for experience does not war- rant the hope that spring deficiencies will be made good, or even that the position will be maintained, in the summer months. The accumulated evidences of many years suggest rather that the position will bo worse before it can be better. He points out that, obviously, the duty of all stockowners who consider their ordinary sources of feed supplies menaced by deficient moisture is to fortify their position by planting what areas they can with one or other of the deep rooting crops that are prac- tically unaffected by drought, and that prosper to best advantage in seasons of intense and sus- tained heat. Cheshire agriculturists might take tho hint with advantage by studying the probable future and acting accordingly. INFLUENCE OF WARBLES ON CATTLE. I A most instructive article with regard to tne rearing and feeding of cattle is furnished from the pen of Mr. J. C. Hurle in the journal of the Bath and West of England Agricultural Society. which might be perused with profitable interest by stockbreeders in relation to the approaching season. Incidentally he refers to the attack of warble filet; in the summer ot Ibdl, and to reiiet experienced through acting on advice sent him by the late Miss Ormerod. As an outcome of this advice in subsequent years the warble grubs were extracted from the backs of animals in May. and other flies were kept off by using the "smear" recommended, prevention and remedy being both inexpensive. As evidence of the capubilities of cattle under favourable conditions in adding to their weight records, Mr. Hurle states that in the twelve days from May 13 to 25 last year seven steers made the aggregate gain of 5^ owt., which works out at about 741b. per head per day, on grass alone. The animals were shorthorns, and were kept on bare grass and hay from March 26 until Anril 27, during the first half of which they lost lllb. a head, and in the second, when they received chaff and 41b. maize meal each daily in addition, gained nearly 6^1b. per day eacii. From April 27 to May 7 they were on strong young grass, and received 41b. undecorticated cotton cake each to prevent scouring, but from May 7 they were on grass alone. From 31b. to 51b. per head daily- seems to quite a common rate of gain on Mr. Hurlo's pastures in good seasons. THE BUTTER STANDARD. The fixing of lb per cent. as the maximum of water to be legally accepted in butter still con- tinues to give rise to much discussion, and, it may be added, dissatisfaction among those interested in the manufacture. Especially is this the case in regard to Welsh and Irish salted butters, which in a large number of instances are made in remote country districts for which ready markets are not very accessible. A pertinent illustration is furnished in a resolntion passed, unanimously at a recent meeting- of dairymen at Limerick, as follows:—"That we, the members of the South of Ireland Butter Merchants' Association, having had long and practical experience of the manu- facture and sale of salt firkin butter in the South and West of Ireland, feel convinced that the enforcing of a 16 per cent, standard will assuredly destroy this particular industry. That neither by dry salting- nor any other process can a com- mercial keeping article be provided which will comply with the requirements of this standard. If a 10 per cent. standard be persisted m, the mem- bers of this. association will be compelled to dis- continue trading in this article, which at present forms a leading industry in the South and West of Ireland, and will entail most serious results to tho farming community and the consumers in certain districts where this class of butter is in much favour Copies of the resolution to be for- warded to Mr. Hanbury and our M.P.'s with a special request for information as to whether the sale of this butter can be continued under the declaration as recommended by the Departmental Committee. Questioned on the latter clause of the resolu- tion in the House of Commons, the President of the Board of Agriculture declined to express any opinion as to the view the Courts were likely to adopt, as to whether the regulations may be evaded by the vendor merely disclosing the faer i1 that the article contains water in excess of the limit fixed by the regulations. It is significant, J however, that the Cork Butter Market Trustees have decided to refuse to brand butter containing an excess of 16 per cent. of moisture, and urge Irish dairy farmers to discontinue the use of pickle and adopt the system of dry salting. THE DESTRUCTION OF CHARLOCK. í Mr. U. r. otrawson, who may De regaruea as the first pioneer in the crusade against this agri- cultural pest, writes in the Press:—The height of charlock is not a safe gaide as to the best time to spray it. In many districts, both in England and Scotland, last season, I saw charlock only about two or three inches high, but that was old and tough as wire, and just coming into flower. Owing to the cold and unfavourable season, it had grown slowly, and should have been sprayed weeks earlier. When the weather is favourable and the plant grows away quickly, it may be successfully destroyed up to six or eight inches high. The only safe guide that I know of at present as to the best time to kill the charlock is when the plant is young and in soft fibre, after it had put out a few rough leaves. Under such conditions every plant that receives its proportionate share of 50 gallons of 3 per cent. solution of copper sulphate per acre will be destroyed (i.e., 151b. in 50 gallons of water). I have just had an opportunity of superintending some field spraying under these conditions, and am now informed that 95 per cent. of the charlock is already dead. I have adopted a practice which I would recommend to all who spray charlock. Have two or three old manure bags, and lay them down over the charlock in the track of the spray- ing machine. The plants oovered by the bags will have been protected from the spray. These plots will shew a sharply-defined contrast between the sprayed and unsprayed charlock, and give a clear, decided lesson as to the value received from spraying.
Advertising
i |  a i Mr. J. H. CARULN G, Grocer, iliyh I Street, Ryde, writes" The Cambridge Lemonade, I may say, is far and away I | the best. I have sold yet. It has quite a flavour, itl.d is without that g horrid aciu. A customer to whom I H introduced it has, wit,Lin the last fix fij "weeks, used four dozen. »5he said she P had used every other Leinona.de she H could get, but Cambridge beats all." The CAMBKlDG'ELE^rOSA.rjS scp.reftflly II • prepared from selected^ <1l:'¡ is guaranteed to con talc the s i-rU "<1:"f1;hing IB I constituents of the fr"h Ii p fr :>ee from 89 any adde-i acid, or ot&er 0- jn -u T:rr(,dÜ;t. E9 PURE APH) WHCL!TOME, | 8 The Lancet :-Tilø inu en. r:, any. IB wholesome, bein* obtained VQ |gj lemons. It poseesfes tho =, ■ ••«! 1 18 aci't tij-te of the fre^li rur I" f .• || refreshing and agreeable ;><■■■ .T: { t 5id. per bottle sufficient to make 2 gallons delicious Lemonade. niVtR. & SONS, LTD., HISTON, CAMBK H' L"roprietors of the First English Fruit Growers' Jam JB  ?——— .——————- m mm?!t!M?M.!t?-?-?  _!B
I CHESHIREAGRICULTURAL SOCIETY…
I CHESHIREAGRICULTURAL SOCIETY I THE FORTHCOMING SHOW. I The General Committee of the Cheshire Agri- cultural Society, whose annual show will be held at Hyde next August, announced on Monday night the following additional prizes:-Offered by the Tarporley Hunt Steeplechase Fund, £ 5 for first, and £ 2 for second, for brood mare suitable for breeding hunters; same for the best cart mare and the best cart foal. Two silver cups, value not less than five guineas cash, offered by Mr. Edward Chapman, M.P. for the Hyde Division, for the best bull in the show, within a radius of five miles, and the best farmer's heavy horse. Earl Egerton again offered a cup, value not less tliad :CIO, for the best shire mare or filly. The Cheshire Bee- keepers' Association asked for better terms. They desired the society to divide the differenco between the entrance fee and the prize money. The Secretary (Mr. T. A. Beckett) pointed out that the cost of fitting up this seotion was consider- able. He thought if the society would stick to their guns the association would come all the same. The Hyde and District Dog Fanciers' Association sent a deputation, asking for the co- operation and assistance of the society in their proposal to work a dog section in connection with the show. The meeting agreed, and allowed the local association to take the entry fees and provide the prize money; the society to guarantee them £ 5, while the Mayor of Hyde, who is president of the society this year, personally guaranteed that the local association should not lose more than £ 5. A condition of these offers was that the prize list for dogs should not be below last year's amount, namely, JE24. Up to the present, it was reported, the subscription list for the snow has reached B98, apart from cups, etc., and the chairman stated that fifteen or sixteen other promises had been received. The Secretary suggested that prizes be offered for the best local turnouts, and this was left to be dealt with by the local committee. It was smggested that there should also be prizes for the best fire brigades.— The Mayor I am afraid we should bo accused of backing certainties. (Laughter.)
[No title]
DAKWEX AGRICULTUKAL SHOW —The 12th annual exhibition of the Darwen and District Agricultural Society was held on Saturday. In the competitions for horses Mr. F. V. Grange (Chester) was first in leaping over hurdles and water, while Mr. T. Hodson (Nantwich), secured second place.
WHAT "THE WORLD" SAYS.I
WHAT "THE WORLD" SAYS. I According to present arrangements the King and Queen will leave Buckingham Palace on Saturday evening about half-past five for Windsor Castle, accompanied by Princess Victoria and Prince and Princess Charles of Denmark. It is expected that the Court will return to town on the morning of Thursday, the 22nd, as their Majesties have an engagement on that day to be present at the open- ing of the Royal military tournament at Islington. The King and Queen will then i-eside at Buckingham Palace until the evening of Saturday, June 14th, when they are going to the Royal Pavilion at Aldershot. On Monday the King is to review the troops which will be employed during the Corona- tion week. and late in the afternoon their Majesties are to leave Aldershot by special train for Windsor, where they will stay for a week. The two Courts, which I stated the King and Queen would hold at Buckingham Palace after the Whitsuntide recess, are fixed for Friday, June (ith, and Friday, June 13th. These will be the con- cluding functions of the kind for the preuent season. The order to dispense with trains at the next Court was a cause of such lively dissatisfaction that representations were made on the subject, and once again the new rules and regulations have had to be revised. The latest decision is that light trains may be worn, but must be earned upon the arm, unless a lady is presenting a debutante, in which case both pass the King and Queen wearing the orthodox Court dresy, with the usual train. The King drove from Buckingham Palace on Monday in a closed semi-state coach to St. James's Palace, where an Investiture and after- wards a Levee were held. The Investiture occn- pied but a short time, and fewer people attended the Levee than on the last occasion. Among those present were the Duke of Portland, Lord Balfour, Lord Esher, Lord Lansdowne and Lord Roberts; while representatives of diplomacy mustered in strong force. The King went to Windsor last Wednesday by the one o'clock train from Padclington, and lunched at the Castle, in the Oak Room, after which his Majesty drove through the Great Park to Aoot rac&course. The King went dl over the new stands, and inspected the alterations which have been made on the course and his Majesty also gave directions as to tho arrangements for the arrival of the Royal procession from Windsor Castle on the two principal days of the races. The King returned to Paddington at six o'clock by special train from Windsor, which started forty minutes late, as his Majesty had stayed at Ascot longer than he had intended. I hear that the King will probably appoint the Dnke of Argyll and the Duke of Fife to fill the offices of Lord High Steward and Lord High Constable at the Coronation. If no special functions were assigned to his Majesty's brother- in-law and son-in-law they could only sit in their places among the Peers as Dukes, each according to his precedence, and the Duke of Fife is the junior Peer of that rank. The Lord High Stewards at the Coronation of the Sovereigns of the House of Hanover have been successively the Duke of Grafton, Duke of Dorset, Earl Talbot, Marquis of Anglesey, and Duke of Hamilton, who officiated both in 1831 and 1838. This was the grand seigneur who was Beckford's son-in- law, and who was described by Lord Brougham as "very Duke of very Duke." The High Constables have been the Dukes of Montajm, Richmond, Bedford, and Wellington, the last named having officiated in 1821, 1831, and in 1838. The musical novelties at the Coronation Service will be three in number—a new setting of the anthem" I was glad," by Sir Herbert Parry. | which will be sung as the procession of their Majesties enters the Abbey; a short anthem, by Sir Walter Parratt. to be sung during the Com- niunion Service, while the King and Queen are [ rendering their oblations; and an anthem by Sir Frederick Bridge, "Kings shall See and Arise," which will be sung during the Act of Homage. The service will finally conclude with the famous "Amen" of Orlando Gibbons. The King kas sanctioned these arrangements.
Advertising
Raincoats, smart goods, 25/6, 27/6, '30/- to 45/— I 1 '.radleys, Foregate-street corner of Seller-streei). i
[No title]
General Sir Charles Loudon Barnard, late of the Royal Marine Artillery, died on Saturday after several months' illnevi at Castle House, T-Tsk, Monmouthshire. DecealllJd, who was knighted in 1887, had a distinguished career and &W ffliid.i active service.
ATHLETIC NEWS.
ATHLETIC NEWS. CRICKET NOTES. I The Boughton Hall ground was on Saturday the scene of some lively batting, the match being an encounter between the home eleven and Birkenhead Victoria. The visitors took the field and commenced to wait on P. M. Morris- Davies and H. J. Howell Evans, who were the first to wield the willow for the homo eleven. When the score reached 9 Howell Evans made room for Gore, who helped to take the score to 36 before he lost his partner, who was out lbwr, after batting well for 15. At 37 Churton went without scoring. J. P. Douglas knocked up 29, including a beautiful straight drive for ó'" J. Henshall got his leg in front of a straight ball from E. Brocklebank, after making a well bit 10. Gore, who had played a splendid inningf; sue-, cumbed to a delivery from Brocklebank when his total had reached 96. He was unfortunate in not reaching the century; 13 fours and one six were included in his score, and from this one may take it that he was not slow to take advantage of the bowling. E. Comerford knocked up 21 not out, during which he tried to emulate Jessop by giving the leather a wash in the oanal, and as the wicket was pitched right up near the pavilion, everyone will acknowledge that it must have been a tremendous hit. At 186 for seven, the Hall skipper declared the innings closed. Hack and Banks did not bat. The visitors commenced their innings with E. Brocklebank and W. J. Barnes, faoing the bowling of Hodkinson and Churton. With the score at 11, F. W. Calloway replaced Barnes, and with his captain carried the score to 41, when the latter had to retire after a well-played 21. J. C. Brocklebank and H. S. Brocklebank made 20 and 21 respectively. At 118, time was called, the home men having victory snatched from their grasp, and with only one wicket to fall. Hodkin- son had the best bowling average, with three for 12, Douglas took four wickets for 19, and Churton two for 35. It was a great disappointment to the Eaton Park C.C. to hear at the last moment (the morning of the match) that the Chester C.C. would be unable to fulfil their engagement at Eaton, owing to inability to rMoo a, team. It speaks little for the support accorded the new club by its moiiifta's that they had to cancel their first fixture. A scratch match was arranged on the ground between W. S. W. S. Barton's eleven and C. T. Drake's, the 'former winning by 88 runs to 72. Chester Banks opened their season on Wednes- day when they were visited by Tattenhall. The match was played on the Boughton Hall ground The visitors had the first innings, W. Jones and A. Halford facing the bowling of Hallmark and Owen. Halford after making five, was sent back for putting his leg in front of one of Hallmark's balls. W. Jones made 25, including one four, before he was caught by Vincent off Hallmark. He was the only man in the eleven to reach double figures. The innings closed for 49. Owen had the best average in the bowling department with five wickets for 20. Hallmark took three wickets for 27 runs, while Rigg took a wicket with his first and only ball. The home eleven did even worse than their opponents, not one of them reaching double figures. Connolly was top scorer with eight, G. W. Whit- field being next with six. The bowling was very good. Jones sent down slow balls, and few bats- men could resist the temptation to hit out at them, with the result in many cases, that they missed and the bails were disturbed. Halford's balls were very deceptive. He bowled a round arm, pitching his balls towards the leg. Jones had an average of 3'8, while Halford took two wickets for eight runs. The whole of the home side were out for 27. Tilstone Lodge visited Tattenhall on Saturday and met with defeat. Jones and Halford led off for the home eleven, and the first ball resulted in Halford's being run out. Woolley joined Jones and made two, when the latter's defence was pierced by Wright. Woolley and' Lutener raised the score to 10, and then Woolley was dismissed by Lodding- ton for six. Lutener and the Rev. C. L. Arnold played steadily, and 29 was recorded when they were separated by Loddington's catching Arnold off Smallwood, who had changed bowling with Wright. Lutener's score of 20 included a neat hit to leg for four. Jackson, the next wicket to fall, was unfortunate in playing the ball on to the wicket. J. Welsh made the second top score for the home team (13), and was then caught by Wright off Smallwood. The bowling average shewed that Loddington took four wickets for 25 runs, Wright one wicket for 21 runs, and Small wood four for five. The visitors opened with R. Hewitt and H. Wright, and had GO to make to win. They were unfortunate, however, in having their reliable batsmen dismissed for small scores. R. Hewitt made two, H Wright five, T. Loddington seven, and J. Hewitt four. The latter's wicket fell at 20 while in company with T. Goulding, who with 10 made top score. Goulding played a good game, and it was hoped he would get the visitors out of their difficulty, but he was given lbw. This dismissal put the score at eight for 35, which was not altered at the end of the innings. Davies took three wickets for l(i runs and Halford seven for 17. The Helsby premier eleven, who again occupied the athletic field on Saturday, scored their second success, tnis time at the expense Qf ttipir neigh- bours from Frodsham. The home team were without the services of their captain, Mr. James Taylor, but otherwise were strongly represented, while the visitors also turned out their strongest eleven. Frodsham, who had won the toss, opened with Cross and Howard, to the bowling of Cowap and E. Crossland. With only one rum scored, Cowap found his way to Cross s wicket. Molyneux, who joined Howard, at once com- menced to hit out, and the score was taken to 20 before the latter fell a victim to Cowap. The Rev. T. V. Gamier assisted Molyneux to take the score to 26, when the latter retired I b w to Crosland with 18 runs to his credit, which in- cluded four boundaries. Dr. Selby and the rev. gentleman soon followed, and it was only when Kennerley and Linaker became associated that anything like a stand was made. The score was advanced to 59 before Linaker was bowled by Wil son, who had relieved Crosland, after batting carefully for 9. Kennerley continued to bat steadily, but eventually was well caught by Wilson off Jackson, who bowled vice Cowap. Only five runs were added by the last three wickets, the score totalling 64. Wilson had the best analysis, his three wickets costing only four runs. Malpas and Cowap started for the home eleven to the bowling of Hutchings and Jeacock, but with the score at 8 Malpas was caught by Dr. Selby off Hutchings, and at the same total Cowap and J. Crosland left, both being bowled bv Jeacock. The advent of Wilson enlivened matters, as he at once commenced to hit out in fine style; but at 24 Cole, who had been content with defending, was caught by Ashworth off Jeacock. Wilson, favoured by a couple of "let offs," continued to smite the bowling, and with t;ie assistance of Nicholls, who also batted well, took the score to 56 before the latter was caught at the wicket off Ashworth, who had relieved Hutchings. E. Crosland, who now joined Wilson, at once commenced to hit cut, and the visitors' score was quickly passed, 80 being registered beforo Wilson who had compiled 41 in capital style, was bowled by Linaker, the latter having relieved Jeaceck. Cre sla.-id obtained 17 before being bowled by Ashworth, and Cartwright, Stanway and Knight afterwards took the score to 100, at which total the last wicket fell, Helsby thus gaining a meritorious victory by 36 runs. Frodsham second team met Helsby Reserve on Saturday on the athletic ground, Frodsham. The home team was but poorly represented. Winning the toss, the wire-pullers elected to take first choice of innings on a good wicket. Harding and Roberts opened in good style, and made some fine hits, until Hard:ng left. at 12. Jones and Nield were soon dismissed, but with E. Hind and Feddon associated some lively cricket was witnessed. The bowling was soon collared, and runs came at a rapid rate, Hind in particular making some -big hits. The latter was in while nearly 50 runs were added, and mane 41 himself in free style, Feddon following up with a neatly played 21. The innings was declared with six wickets down for 93. Rodgers and Booth were the home eleven's first repre- sentatives, and some lively cricket was witnessed. Both batsmen made some good strokes, until the tatter was beaten with a good ball from Nield. R. V, right joined Rodgers, who continued to score heavily until he had amassed 15 with free, forciblo cricket. After Dixon had left with his score at eight, a complete rot set in, not another man making a single run, seven having the unenviable "duck eg," Nicd takinrr eight and White two wickets for very few runs each. Like the first team at Helsby, the Frodsham second string were thus well beaten by 64 runs. On Saturday afternoon the Moldavians after having made two "false starts"-rea IY embarked upon the season of 1S02, and after a most enjoyable drive we find them safely landed at the picturesque Mostyn Park there to do battle with the club of that place. The fixture was to both sides mutually attractive, for to both it was the first match of the season, another feature being that the clubs had not previously encountered one another. The Park ground was in splendid condition, and tho Mold captain, winning the toss, sent in W. C. Eaton and Frank Hurst to commence the Mold innings At 50 Hurst was bowled by Bulcock, after having contributed a dozen to the score. Mantel then partnered Eaton, and they carried the score to 194. at which point the Moid skipper "declared." Eaton batted freely for his 134 (not out), scoring at the rate of about three runs a minute. Mantel, I who made his debut in the Mold ranks, being one I of the "dark horses" we recently referred to, played good cricket for his 42 not out. Mostyn Park tried several changes of bowling, but failed to make an impression on the defence of the visitors. Both Eaton and Mantel gave several chances, and the fielding of the home side was certainly capable of improvement. Mostyn Park, having less than a.n hour and a half to play, commenced their innings with Beving- ton and Pardor. The former, with 17 to his credit was dismissed by A. M. North. R. Ll. Davies partnered Bevington, who was playing judiciously, but with the score at 46 received notice to quit from Astbury. Inglis now joined Davies, who was scoring rapidly, but a change in the Mold attack took him by surprise, and he succumbed to the prowess of A. LI. Evans. Inglia, Fraser and Beres- ford made a feeble show of resistance, and were accounted for by Evans and Astbury. The advent f of W. Bulcock instilled some life into the innings. He batted with ease and. confidence, and had quickly added 11 to the score when time was called, the telegraph recording 72 for six wickets. The game thus ended in a. draw in favour of the visitors. The Mold fielding will probably improve as the season advances. Astbury was the most successful of the five bowlers tried, and the eleven sent out on Saturday was one to be seriously reckoned with. Alvanley, who entertained Moore, had to accept defeat by 14 runs, the bowlers having much the best of the argument, as the scores testify. Moore knocked up 45 to Alvanley's 31. I FIXTURES. I The following fixtures will be played on the ground of the first-named club to-day I (Saturday) Western v. Boughton Hall Boughton Hall 2nd v. Tilstone Lodge Eaton Park v. Hoole Tattenhall v. Helsby Neston and District v. Wallasey Wallasey 2nd v. Neston and District 2nd Helsby 2nd v. Mollington Liverpool Police v. Frodsham Bunbury v. Next Sixteen Mold v. Brymbo Alyn School v. Mold 2nd BOUGHTON HALL v. BiRKK?HEAD V!tTORIA.- Played on &tU!9ay at Boughton Hall. Score I BOUGHTON HALL. P Morris-Da vies Ibw b Fraser 15 H Howell-Evans b E Brocklebank 2 Gore b Brocklebank .96 Churton b Williams 0 Douglas b Duggan 29 Henshall lbw. b E I Brocklebank 10 Comerford not out .21 Ball c Brocklebank b Jenkina. 2 Hodkinson not out 2 Hack did not bat Banks „ Extras 9 Total (7 wkts).. *186 _t> HEAD VICTORIA. E Brocklebank b Hod- kinson .21 Barnes c Morris-Davies b Churton 7 Calloway b Churton .21 J C Brocklebank b Douglas .20 Williams b Hodkinson 0 H S Brocklebank b Douglas .21 Fraser b Douglas .10 HoskinscMorris-Davies b Douglas 7 Owen not out 2 Jenkins st Gore b Hod- kinson 0 Duggan not out 1 Extras 8 Total (9 wkts) .118 *Innings declared closed. EATOX PARK C.C. W. S. BARTON'S XI. Y. I C. T. DRAKE'S XI. -Played at Eaton,on Saturday. Score W S BARTON'S. I Bartofi b Aldis 26 Caswell c Miller b Drako 6 Maude b Aldis 28 Wells c Drake b Aldis. 2 Chapman b Aldis 5 Parker not out 21 Price b MiUer. 0 I Stokes c & b Roberta. 'o Wightman b Miller 01 Wilcox c & b Roberts.. 5 W Roberts b Roberts.. 8 Extras 6 Total .88 C T DRAKE'S. J Roberts c Roberts b Chapman 0 Miller c Maude b Chapman 5 Drake b Chapman 17 Aldis b Chapman 29 Hoyarth c Wilcox b 4 4 H Crane h Roberts 0 Smith c Barton b Chapman. 0 G Crane b Roberta 0 Ash ton c Wells b Chapman 0 H Wightman not out.. 3 Killick b Chapman 2 Extras 6 Total 72 TATTENHALL V. IILSTONE LODGE. Played at Tattenhall on Saturday. Score TATTENHALL. I Jones b Wright 0 Halford run out 0 Wolley b Loddington.. 6 Lutener b do 20 Rev Arnold c Lodding- ton b Smallwood 10 Jackson b Loddington. 3 Davies b do 2 J Welch c Wright b Smallwood 13 Walker b Small wood. 0 Blake c Hewitt b Smallwood 3 G We-lcli not out 0 Extras 0 Total 59 IILSTONE LODGE. Wright b Davies 5 R Hewitt b Halford 2 Loddington b Halford. 7 J Hewitt c Jones b Halford 4 Goulding lbw I-) Half'rdlO Smallwood b Halford.. 2 Billington c Wolley b Halford 3 Willet Ibw b Davies 0 Holmes b Davies 0 Cadman not out 0 Bunce b Halford. 0 Extras 2 Total. 35 TATTENHALL Y. CHESTER BANKS.-PIVYW at Boughton Hall on Wednesday. Score:— TATTENHALL. Jones c Vincent b Hallmark .25 Halford Ibw b Hall- mark 5 Wolley b Hallmark 0 j Jackson b Owen 0 Walker e Whitfield b Owen. 4 Cooke b Owen. 0 Leach c Whitfield b Owen 3 Blake b Owen 1 Spencer run out 5 White c Hallmark b Rigg 4 Garner not out 0 Extras 2 Total 49 1 CHESTER BANKS. Williams b Jones 0 Hallmark b Jones 0 Gamon run out 1 Boys h Jones 3 0wen 1) Ifalford 4 Connolly run out 8 Whitfield b Jones. 6 Rigg b Jones 2 Vincent run out 3 Jones b Halford, 0 Ellis not out 0 Extras 0 Total. 27 BBOJIBOROUGH POOL V. NESTON AND DISTRICT. -Played on Saturday at Bromborough Pool. Swre:- BROMBOROUGH POOL. J Adams c Gleaves b Housden 19 Burns c Metcalf b Cramer-Koberts .14 Pugh b Cr.-Roberts.19 Jones c & bCr-Roberts 0 Brocklebank c J Hous- den b Cr-Roberte 0 Earl c J Ilousden b Cr- Roberts 1 Greatrix b Cr-Roberts. 0 Williams c Gilling b Cr-Roberts 9 Greatbanks Ibw b New man 6 A Adams b Newman. 3 E Worthington not out 0 Extras 3 Total 74 I NESTON & DISTRICT. Cr-Roberta c Earl b J Adams 11 Metcalf b G reatrix 0 Gilling b Greatrix 1 Xichübon b Greatrix. 9 I W Hou?dcn b GrMatrix 3 Barrett b J Adams 1 Gilling b Greatrix 7 Comber b Greatrfx 0 I Gleave c & b J Adams.. 0 J Housden not out 1 Newman b Greatrix 0 Extras 8 Total FRODSHAM v. HELSBY.-Played at Helsby on Saturday. Score:- i RODSHAM. Cross b Cowap 0 Howard b Cowap 4 Molyneux Ibw b E Crosland 18 Rro8er"'j;"Ë.ÿ181 Crosland 0 Dr Selby c & b Cowap 0 Kennerley c Wibon b I Jackson i 21 Linaker b Wilson 9 Prescott b Crosland 0 Hutchings not out. 2 Jeacock c J Crosland b Wilson 3 Ashworth. Extras 1 Total 64 HELSBY. blpas c ?elby b "I Hutchings 6' 5 Cowap b J 3 Wilson b Linaker .41 J Crosland b Jeacock 0 Cole c Ashworth b Jeacock 1 Nichols c Prescott b Ashworth .10 E Crosland b Ash- worth 17 I  Cartwright not out 6 Knight b Ashworth 4 Stanway b Hutchings 6 Jackson b Hutchings.. 0 Extras 7 Total 100 MOSTYN PARK T. MOLD. Played at Mostyn I Park on Saturday. Score :— n ?- ?-- 11 JVIOLD. Hurst b Bulcock 12 Eaton not out 134 Martel not out 42 North did not bat I Evans" Astbury A Evans Hughes" Scargill Marston Julies Extras (j Total (1 wkt) 19-1 -.MOSTYN i ARK. Bevington b Astbury.16 Pardon b North 17 Davies b A Enlils 1:; Inglis b Astbury 6 Fraser b Eva,ns. 1 Beresford b Astbury. C Bulcock not out .I Rowlands not out 0 Hall did not bat Barnard" Collings 8 Total (6 wkts) 72 FUODSHAM 2ND V. HELSBY 2ND. —Played at Frod- sham on Saturday. Score :-Hebby 2¡îd: Harding c Hamilton h Rogers 8. Roberts c j,nd b icholb 12, Jones b Nicholls 1, Nield b Nicholls 3, E. Hinde b Rogers 41, Feddon c and b Booth 21, T. Hinde b Nicholls 5, White not out 1, Cowap, Griffith, and Ward did not bat, extras t;, total for 7 wickets 88. Frodsham 2nd Rodgers b Xield 15, Booth b Nield 5, Wright c Cowap b Nield 1, Dixon h Nield 8, Hamilton b inield 0, Linaker b Nield 0, Nicholls b Nield 0, Banks b White 0, Wollington c Cowap b Nield 0, Gorst not out 0, Shore b Nield 0, extras 4, total 33. SANDYCROFT V. QUEEN'S FEKRY. Played at Sandycroft on Saturday. Score :—Queen's Ferry Parish b Letinan 2-c Sub b McLeod 4, E Hughes c McLeod b Letinan I-not out 1, Taylor b Rees 12- b McLeod 3, Bithell b Letnian 1-c Griffiths b McLeod 0, Latham b Letnian 1—b McLeod 3, Evre c Jones b Letnian 3—b McLeod 1, Hayes run out 1—b McLeod 2, Partington c Griffiths b Rees 2- run out 0, Darbyshire b Letman 1—b McLeod 0, J T Hughes not out 0—c Sub b Harrison 1, Ellis c V Letman b T Letman 0-b McLeod 3, extras 2, total 2G-total 24. Sandycroft: T R Jones run out 0, Davies c Bithell b Partington 0—b Ellis 3, Rees b Partington 3, W H Jones b Ellis 3—b Ellis 2, Harrison c Parish h Ellis O-b Ellis 1, T Letman b Ellis 0, McLeod b Darbyshire 5—b Eyre 0, Roberts c Eyre b Ellis 5-not out 11, Griffiths c Parish b Ellis 8-c Eyre b Ellis 4, V Letman c Bithell h Ellis 4—not out 1, Parry not out 5—b Ellis 4, extra-s 7-extras 3, total 40—total 29. ALVANLEY V. MOORE.—Played at Alvanley on Saturday. Score:—Alvanley: Leech run out 3, Green run out 7, A Booth b S Taylor 0, Cobbe b S Taylor 0, Wright b H Taylor 4, T Booth c Rev Smith b H Taylor 6, Greenway b H Taylor 2, Brit- land b S Taylor 2, Littlemore b H Taylor 1, A Noden not out 1, J Noden b S Taylor 2, extras 3, total 31. Moore Woods b Wright 0, Rev Smith c Wright b T Booth 2, Foster run out 0, S Taylor b T Booth 3, H Taylor b T Booth 0, Knight b Wright 4. Rev May b T Booth 11, J Wright b Wright 12, Ryder run out 2, Edwards not out 2, Smith c T Booth b Wright 4, extras 5, total 45.
WINTER IN MAY. A
WINTER IN MAY. A NATURAL HISTORY NOTES. [BY T. A. C.] Snow in May is not unusual, in fact we bave some May snowstorms nearly every year on the Snowdon mountains and in the Peak of DerW shire, but when these storms visit us in the Cheshire plain they always give us a shoc^' especially after such bright, spring weather as Ivo have been experiencing of late. In the East Cheshire Highlands it is still winter; the trees lire bare, and constant scuds of snow and sleet are brought by the cold north-east wind. Rain io the valleys means snow on these barren moOr" lands. The effect upon the bad-life in Lollgiel" dale is curious, A few days ago there were nil ing-ousels to be seen on the upper moors, HOC* m the doughs and on the miiistone-grit esc?P' ments but in the va/icy, near the reservoirs, th? were as many as seven in one field. Wheat? were feeding by the roadside, and a couple °) sandpipers were running n.mhv about in front Of the house, even picking up food on the very d°f step. The grouse were she.tcnng .ow down on ti)O hiilsides, and many of the white hares had deeriej the tops. These white hares in Longdendale, l'J' those on the Glydyrs and Carnedds, are tbo descendants of introduced Scolch variable harPf' They nourish on the high moors, changing 1%.IlitO in winter and resuming the?r grey summer dr4 in spring. They were first turned down. abO twenty years ago, at Greenne.d, and they  now spread over the grouse, moors in other I)-" ts of Yorkshire, over the whole of the Cheshire ni°°r in Longchndale, and across the valley on to t'1 moors of the Derbyshire Peak. In hard they descend into tho va?ieys, feeding in the fie'45 like our common brown hares, and then tile" white poiage renders them very conspicuous '7'' on the snow-covcrod hiJsides they are practic?'? invisible. In the lowlands the oold winds damped tb" ardour of many of the newly-arrived mi''?ra"?' Those birds which had braved the rigours of ol'r winter continued to sing, but blackcaps, 'gard? warblers, whii?throa.ts, chiEPch?B's and manv bers were almost silenced. One cold morning a feVt days ago, I walked along the shelter2d vaHey Of the Bollin, and only heard, out of all the nlultd11 of summe* 'S'lors, a few willow wrens, one pey" sistent sedge warbler, and a single cuckoo. cuckoos have been strange'y siient ever sinc? t| l'^v arrived. Certainly, one or two might be ??.< any morning, but there must have been far t? here than allowed their voices to be r(i rather an unusual thing for cuckoos. W  however, is not coming back; a bleak, cold is followed by a bright, warm spring day, and  foliage lias suffered little from the mppJl1g t winds. A PRETTY PASSING MIGRANT. ,g I All tne migratory birds that we see in Cm"" y do not remain w?h us through the summer wal)y of them are on:y halting on their way fl-.rlile'r north. By the side of Booths Mere, near K'?'?< ford, I saw one of these passing birds, a Pl,ett,f little fellow in black and white, flirting iil'air after insects, and returning after each sallv to L„ lower boughs of the trees. It was a pied 5t catcher, a near relatIon of one of our I¡¡t j9 migrants, the spotted nycatcher, a bird '? wbi?? as common as Lie other is rare. The bird 6toP?i; for two or three days in the district, never 10?t,o far from one c.ump of trees, just by the w:te? edge. In the evening, when the insects efe flying low a bove the meadow grass, and he;) swallows and sand martins in dozens were cotU'? ? over the fields, the flycatcher spent a good PgLtt of its time on the ground, searching among tbo grass for its food. But ad the time itkept?Y"?? up to the boughs and dropping down again. aS^ It was necessary for it to have a pst'?'?- thoroughly enjoy its meal. I did not hear it &?t it was far too busy for that. Probably by ll0^ 14 is in full song by the side of the hole which it "? selected for its nest. The pied flycatcher lS t it black and white as a magpie, and at first s'S'?'jtt, would seem to be a most conspicuous bird, colours which are very distinct under some c"'? d stances arc often highly protective under ns? ,.? conditions. Once, when the bird perched 0,1 J twig with the bole of a tree as a b?--Igrol it looked almost exactly like a speck of ?'S? giinting on a leaf,, even though I was coll'lptlrs, tively near to it. In birch-woods, among the silv? ,ry trunks, the pied flycatcher must be very "ge11 hidden, and it is fond of birch-woods. I ''e:? bN finding a nest on the shores of UilesWf',0 which was concealed in a dead birch stump" tj]o entrance being through a tiny round hol N?,eo a rotten branch had broken o& The pied catcher does not breed in Cheshire, at any ríl ¡J as a general thing, but it has several times ''? observed when passing in April and May. sIII t lio Lake District it is not uncommon, and it "? annual'y in many places in North Wale?. ?-?!) are few places where it is m<?'e plentiful til,ii) the Conway Valley at Be4tws-y-coud. Here it Ili be heard singing in the VlLage itself and '?? woods surrounding; but it is very local, and 'Joe,5 not occur in many ioca?tios in the iuim?? i neighbourhood. In Norway I found the '?t. occurring in gardens in Bergen, one of thc b il?-, l. e:t Norwegian towns, but there all birds ar? ?,.? treated and encouraged, and in many 'f, white wagtails are far more abundant than *P-'jp rows, and magpies feed in the farmyards aic::8?.? the chickens. I A STRANGE VISITOR. 111" I I ? 1 _,] I I' I  man IOppCU me, a lew aays ago, to iy. » that two strange birds had been captured ,) ol wood at Ashley, which, though many peop</ seen them, no one could christen. After '-?'ji?' at several farms in the neighbourhood ??;)? covered the strangers, and to my surprise foll? that they were a pair of Cajfornian quai,S, &I^[-i, prettily-marked birds with club-like crest ?".j ]?b?? on ther heads. They had been seen in a ?-i<e'? l:e S;de of a stream, and one of them l\ ihf' into the water by a boy; afterwards this I)lr,ili,' cock, was released, and both birds were caf when they were roosting in a tree. Th*? xvfo very tame, and allowed me to handle th<? should say that they had not escaped froo ,J? ?.?f confinement, as their tail and wing feather v>,j-0 not frayed, and their feet shewed no sig v^ j.c;y having been kept in a small cage. Most c'y they had been purposely released on some C,.Z Lio in the hope that they would breed and down. This exper i me n t has been tried _? down. This expcrline?t has been trled times with these beautiful American ga.mc.?3 ? but never with any success. The fact that I- liese birds were roosting in a tree is very typ!ca af, American partridges and quails the Enghsh r(Ill)'e sentatives of these birds alwavs roost upon ø ground. It wou:d be interesting to learn  these birds were released, or from where |j\j, escaped, to see how far they had t-a,?ed, Nothing was known about them m the neign" I hood. í Many young birds are now on the | have seen young robins and hedge sparrow ¡¡rt' able to fly, and some of this season's th-rii, now quite big birds. I was much amused vvn .j^ efforts of a luvenUe blackbird to use its t" -jj? wings. It took a short flight, and then with .?? ;? squeaks of alarm came toppling down t0 ?f ground, where it rolled first from one sicle ,tij then to the other, seeming quite unable to £ i> legs. After a short time it managed to 911??g standing position, and then flew up into the ?''??, again, where it perched securely after ? >}ii m'nutes' swaying backwards and forwards. ?'9 first young thrush, out of the nest, that I ='?? ;Jt'' about three weeks ago. It is rather a N? bird that so many thrushes reach maturi ty; "V" buiids its nest in such exposed positions. I ?' Oll half-a-dozen nests, with eggs in, within a fe%"feet'. of a public road. All could be seen by ?;-? by who looked. Many of these wayside. tipl' must lay week after week, their eggs bein? j-p.21' larly robbed at the week-end, yet they ne?,, ..? to profit by their experience. No bird s cr. i? more regularly robbed, and yet there ,ro commoner birds than our song tliritsil.
Advertising
CRICKET. T. & H. FOH RELIABLE CRICKET JRKQ-IS At Lowest Prices. All Guaranteed. JUNIOR CLUB OUTFITS A SPECIAL BATS RE-BLADED 5s., 6s. 6]). & S3*  YLDESLEY & HOLIO'RO09 TLaneasbire all d All I 14 -vears ??ts?"' England Eleve 1,s BU,TerforA PRACTICAL SPORTS OUTFI?i???H !?9 1902 Illustrated List now ready. Sen fjr one it will repay you. rf,a RUNNING, CYCLE RACING, & SwnO COSTUMES. TYLDESLEY & HOLBROO £ > 68 BRIDGE-STREET (Five doors from De;U "^te ) MANCHESTER.