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-The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Girl's Own Paper, Vol. XX, No. 992,

-December 31, 1898, by Various

-

-This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most

-other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions

-whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of

-the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at

-www.gutenberg.org.  If you are not located in the United States, you'll have

-to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook.

-

-

-

-Title: The Girl's Own Paper, Vol. XX, No. 992, December 31, 1898

-

-Author: Various

-

-Release Date: May 19, 2016 [EBook #52104]

-

-Language: English

-

-Character set encoding: UTF-8

-

-*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE GIRL'S OWN PAPER ***

-

-

-

-

-Produced by Susan Skinner, Chris Curnow, Pamela Patten and

-the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at

-http://www.pgdp.net

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-[Illustration: THE GIRL'S OWN PAPER

-

-VOL. XX.--NO. 992.      DECEMBER 31, 1898.      [PRICE ONE PENNY.]

-

-

-

-

-OLD ENGLISH COTTAGE HOMES;

-

-OR,

-

-VILLAGE ARCHITECTURE OF BYGONE TIMES.

-

-

-[Illustration: AT CLARE, SUFFOLK.]

-

-_All rights reserved._]

-

-

-PART III.

-

-We have already pointed out the simplicity of outline observable

-in old English cottages, and the absence of exaggeration and that

-disagreeable fussiness brought about by too much striving after the

-picturesque. It must not, however, from this be concluded that ancient

-village buildings are always plain and do not at times possess elegant

-ornamentation and graceful details.

-

-The general outline, however, is always simple and quiet, for, as will

-be seen by the examples we give (two of the most elaborate cottages in

-England), the roof lines are very little broken up or varied.

-

-The first of these buildings is at Clare in Suffolk, and the second is

-at Newport in Essex, the latter being one of the richest counties in

-England for cottage architecture, many of its villages retaining quite

-a mediæval aspect down to the present time.

-

-We will now say a few words upon the methods of applying ornamental

-detail to cottages adopted in mediæval times, and we shall commence

-with those structures erected in "Post-and-pan" construction. We trust

-that our readers have not forgotten what is meant by the ugly-sounding

-expression "Post-and-pan," and regret that we are quite unable to

-discover or invent some more elegant name for this description of

-building. Some years back a number of architects and archæologists

-were examined before a parliamentary commission. The commission

-objected to the words "Post-and-pan" being used in their report, and

-suggested to the witnesses that they should find some more scientific

-expression for this kind of work! It was found, however, impossible to

-invent any one which conveyed the idea so concisely and satisfactorily,

-so the old-fashioned name "Post-and-pan" received parliamentary

-sanction! This being the case, our girls need not scruple to use it,

-and may it not, after all, be as valuable for the formation of the lips

-as the "prunes" and "prism" of Little Dorritt?

-

-There are several ways of applying ornamentation to "Post-and-pan"

-buildings. The first is to add mouldings, tracery or carving, to the

-doorways, windows, cornices, corbels and other constructive parts of

-the building.

-

-The second is to arrange the "posts" in patterns by introducing curved

-beams amongst them, or other woodwork, forming a kind of tracery

-pattern.

-

-The third is to adorn the "pans" (panels) either with stamped

-plaster-work called "pargeting," or with coloured plaster-work, or

-wood-carving.

-

-The first of these methods is seen in the beautiful example which we

-have sketched at Newport in Essex: here it will be noticed that the

-bow window of the upper storey is adorned with wood tracery, and its

-corbel richly carved with figure subjects, all executed in oak. The

-"spurs," as they are called, which carry the projection of the upper

-storey, are richly moulded and rest upon elegant little colonnettes.

-The pans are filled in with brickwork laid in herring-bone patterns.

-The centre of the building is recessed back, but in order to preserve

-the severe and simple lines of the roof, the latter does not follow

-the line of the recess, but is supported upon an arched beam, from the

-centre of which projects a lifting-crane, a treatment quite peculiar to

-the home counties and the south of England.

-

-Of course this building is far more elaborate than most cottages, and

-the tradition of the place accounts for this by the supposition that it

-was formerly the dwelling of a farm bailiff to the Abbot of Westminster.

-

-The beautiful little village of Newport has several examples of

-interesting domestic work and a very noble church.

-

-The building which we illustrate dates from the 15th century, and is

-still in excellent repair though not in any way restored.

-

-The very elaborate cottage represented in our first sketch is an

-excellent example of pargeting, the surface of the pans being covered

-by a rich kind of shawl-pattern executed in hard plaster, like the

-Newport example. The constructive portions of the building are

-elaborately treated. We are unable to account for the amount of

-elaboration bestowed on this cottage, but as it is close to the church,

-which is a very handsome building and liberally endowed with chantries,

-it is very probable that this may have been the dwelling of one of the

-chantry priests.

-

-Clare was an important place in the Middle Ages and possessed a castle,

-remains of which are still to be seen. Richard Strongbow, the Conqueror

-of Ireland, is said to have lived in it.

-

-The Manor of Clare in later times belonged to Edmund Mortimer, Earl of

-March. There was also a priory here, built in 1248 by Richard, Earl of

-Gloucester.

-

-A very curious poem exists in the form of a dialogue, "betwixt a

-secular askyng and a frere answering at the grave of Dame Johan of

-Acris" (of Clare). It is a quaint example of Old English and begins in

-rather a curious manner.

-

-Q. "What man lyeth here, sey me, Sir Frere?"

-

-A. "No man."

-

-Q. "What ellis?"

-

-A. "It is a woman."

-

-Then follows her pedigree all in rhyme, from which it appears that she

-was a daughter of King Edward I., and the remarkable circumstance is

-stated, that she was borne of her "moder"!

-

-As the poem is about three pages long and all pretty much like the

-sample we have given, we will not inflict it upon our readers.

-

-    H. W. BREWER.

-

-[Illustration: AT NEWPORT, ESSEX.]

-

-

-

-

-ABOUT PEGGY SAVILLE.

-

-BY JESSIE MANSERGH (Mrs. G. de Horne Vaizey), Author of "Sisters

-Three," etc.

-

-

-CHAPTER XIII.

-

-Peggy felt weak and shaken for some days after her fright, and was

-thankful to stay quietly indoors and busy herself with her new task.

-The gas fire could be turned on in her room whenever she desired, and

-at every spare moment she ran upstairs, locked her door behind her, and

-began to write. Robert insisted that the work should be kept secret,

-and that not a word should be said about the competition downstairs,

-for he was sensitive about the remarks of his companions, and anxious

-to keep a possible failure to himself. All the work had to be done

-upstairs therefore, and the frequent absence of the partners from the

-schoolroom, though much regretted, did not seem at all inexplicable to

-the others. It was understood that Peggy and Robert had some interest

-in common, but as winter advanced this was no unusual occurrence in a

-house where Christmas was a carnival, and surprises of an elaborate

-nature were planned by every member of the household. It was taken for

-granted that the work had some connection with Christmas, and inquiries

-were discreetly avoided.

-

-With an old calendar before her as a model for the lettering, Peggy did

-her work neatly and well, and the gilt "arabesques" had an artistic

-flourish which was quite professional. When Robert was shown the first

-half-dozen sheets he whistled with surprise, and exclaimed, "Good old

-Mariquita!" a burst of approval before which Peggy glowed with delight.

-It had been agreed that, after printing the first ten days of January,

-Peggy should go on to the first ten of February, and so on throughout

-the year, so that Rob should be able to use what quotations had already

-been found under each heading, and should not be detained until the

-whole thirty or thirty-one had been chosen.

-

-The partners were most fastidious in their selection at the beginning

-of their work, but when half the time had passed and not one-third of

-the necessary number of quotations had been found, alarm seized upon

-the camp, and it was realised that a little more latitude must be shown.

-

-"We shall have to use up all the old ones which we struck off the

-list," said Rob disconsolately. "I'm sorry; but I never realised

-before that three hundred and sixty-five was such an outrageously

-large number. And we shall have to get books of extracts and read them

-through from beginning to end. Nearly two hundred more to find; a

-hundred and fifty, say, when we have used up those old ones! It will

-take us all our time!"

-

-"I'll get up at six every morning and read by my fire," said Peggy

-firmly. "If it's necessary I'll get up at five, and if I can't find

-bits to suit all the stupid old things, I'll--I'll write some myself!

-There! Why shouldn't I? I often make up things in my head, and you

-wouldn't believe how fine they are. I think of them days afterwards,

-and ask myself, 'Now where did I read that?' and then it comes back to

-me. 'Dear me; I made it up myself!' If we get very short, Rob, there

-wouldn't be any harm in writing a few sentences and signing them

-'Saville,' would there?"

-

-"Not if they were good enough," said Rob, trying to suppress the laugh

-which would have hurt Peggy's feelings, and looking with twinkling eyes

-at the little figure by his side, so comically unprofessional, with her

-lace collar, dainty little feet, and pigtail of dark brown hair. "You

-mustn't get up too early in the morning and overtire yourself. I can't

-allow that!" he added firmly. "You have looked like a little white

-ghost the last few days, and your face is about the size of my hand.

-You must get some colour into your cheeks before the holidays, or that

-beloved Arthur will think we have been ill-treating you when he comes

-down."

-

-Peggy gave a sharp little sigh and relapsed into silence. It was the

-rarest thing in the world to hear her allude to any of her own people.

-When a letter arrived, and Mrs. Asplin asked questions concerning

-father, mother, or brother, she answered readily enough, but she never

-offered information, or voluntarily carried on the conversation.

-Friends less sympathetic might have imagined that she was so happy in

-her new home that she had no care beyond it, but no one in the Vicarage

-made that mistake. When the square Indian letter was handed to her

-across the breakfast table, the flush of delight on the pale cheeks

-brought a reflected smile to every face, and more than one pair of eyes

-watched her tenderly as she sat hugging the precious letter, waiting

-until the moment should come when she could rush upstairs and devour

-its contents in her own room. Once it had happened that mail day had

-arrived and brought no letter, and that had been a melancholy occasion.

-Mrs. Asplin had looked at one envelope after another, had read the

-addresses twice, thrice, even four times over before she summoned

-courage to tell of its absence.

-

-"There is no letter for you to-day, Peggy!" Her voice was full

-of commiseration as she spoke, but Peggy sat in silence, her

-face stiffened, her head thrown back with an assumption of calm

-indifference. "There must have been some delay in the mail. You will

-have two letters next week, dearie, instead of one."

-

-"Probably," said Peggy. Mellicent was staring at her with big, round

-eyes; the Vicar peered over the rim of his spectacles; Esther passed

-the marmalade with eager solicitude; her friends were all full of

-sympathy, but there was a "Touch-me-if-you-dare!" atmosphere about

-Peggy that day which silenced the words on their lip. It was evident

-that she preferred to be left alone, and though her eyes were red

-when she came down to lunch, she held her chin so high, and joined in

-the conversation with such an elegant flow of language, that no one

-dare comment on the fact. Two days later the letter arrived and all

-was sunshine again; but in spite of her cheery spirits, her friends

-realised that Peggy's heart was not in the vicarage, and that there

-were moments when the loneliness of her position pressed on her, and

-when she longed intensely for someone of her very own, whose place

-could not be taken by even the kindest of friends.

-

-Like most undemonstrative people, Peggy dearly loved to be appreciated,

-and to receive marks of favour from those around. Half the zest with

-which she entered into her new labour was owing to the fact that Robert

-had chosen her from all the rest to be his partner. She was aglow with

-satisfaction in this fact, and with pleasure in the work itself, and

-the only cloud which darkened her horizon at the present moment was

-caused by those incidental references to the fair Rosalind, which fell

-so often from her companion's lips.

-

-"Everything," said Peggy impatiently to herself, "everything ends

-in Rosalind! Whatever we are talking about, that stupid girl's name

-is bound to be introduced! I asked Mellicent if she would have a

-scone at tea this afternoon, and she said something about Rosalind

-in reply--Rosalind liked scones, or she didn't like scones, or some

-ridiculous nonsense of the sort! Who wants to know what Rosalind likes?

-I don't! I'm sick of the name! And Mrs. Asplin is as silly as the rest!

-The girls must have new dresses because Rosalind is coming, and they

-will be asked to tea at the Larches! If their green dresses are good

-enough for us, why won't they do for Rosalind, I should like to know?

-Rob is the only sensible one. I asked him if she were really such a

-marvellous creature, and he said she was an affected goose! He ought

-to know better than anyone else! Curls indeed! One would think it was

-something extraordinary to have curls! My hair would curl too, if I

-chose to make it, but I don't; I prefer to have it straight! If she is

-the 'Honourable Rosalind,' I am Mariquita Saville, and I'm not going to

-be patronised by anybody, so there!" and Peggy tossed her head, and

-glared at the reflection in the glass in a lofty and scornful manner,

-as though it were the offending party who had had the audacity to

-assume superiority.

-

-Robert was one with Peggy in hoping that his people would not leave

-town until such time as the calendar should be despatched on its

-travels, for when they were installed at the Larches he was expected to

-be at home each week from Saturday until Monday, and the loss of that

-long holiday afternoon would interfere seriously with the work on hand.

-He had seen so little of his people for the last few years, that he

-would be expected to be sociable during the short time that he was with

-them, and could hardly shut himself up in his room for hours at a time.

-Despair then settled down upon both partners when a letter arrived to

-say that the Darcy family were coming down even earlier than had been

-expected, and summoning Robert to join them at the earliest possible

-moment.

-

-"This is awful!" cried the lad, ruffling his hair with a big, restless

-hand. "I know what it means--not only Saturdays off, but two or three

-nights during the week into the bargain! Between you and me, Mariquita,

-the governor is coming down here to economise and intends to stay much

-longer than usual. Hector has been getting into debt again; he's the

-eldest, you know--the one in the Life Guards. It's a lot too bad, for

-he has had it all his own way so far, and when he runs up bills like

-this, everyone has to suffer for it. Mother hates the country for more

-than a few weeks at a time, and will be wretched if she is kept here

-all through the winter. I know how it will be, she will keep asking

-people down, and getting up all sorts of entertainments to relieve the

-dulness. It's all very well in its way, but just now when I need every

-minute----"

-

-"Shall you give up trying for the prize?" asked Peggy faintly, and Rob

-threw back his head with emphatic disclaimer.

-

-"I never give up a thing when I have made up my mind to do it! There

-are ten days still, and a great deal can be done in ten days. I'll take

-a couple of books upstairs with me every night and see if I can find

-something fresh. There is one good thing about it, I shall have a fresh

-stock of books to choose from at the Larches. It is the last step that

-costs in this case. It was easy enough to fix off the first hundred,

-but the last is a teaser!"

-

-On Saturday morning a dog-cart came over to convey Robert to the

-Larches, and the atmosphere of the vicarage seemed charged with

-expectation and excitement. The Darcys had arrived; to-morrow they

-would appear at church; on Monday they would probably drive over with

-Rob and pay a call. These were all important facts in a quiet country

-life, and seemed to afford unlimited satisfaction to every member

-of the household. Peggy grew so tired of the name of Darcy that she

-retired to her room at eight o'clock, and was busy at work over the

-September batch of cards, when a knock came to the door, and she had

-to cover them over with the blotting paper to admit Mellicent in her

-dressing-gown, with her hair arranged for the night in an extraordinary

-number of little plaited pig-tails.

-

-"Will you fasten the ends for me, Peggy, please?" she requested. "When

-I do it, the threads fall off, and the ends come loose. I want it to be

-specially nice for to-morrow!"

-

-"But it will look simply awful, Mellicent, if you leave it like this.

-It will be frizzed out almost on a level with your head. Let me do it

-up in just two tight plaits, it will be far, far nicer," urged Peggy,

-lifting one little tail after another, and counting their number in

-dismay. But no, Mellicent would not be persuaded. The extra plaits were

-a tribute to Rosalind, a mark of attention to her on her arrival with

-which she would suffer no interference, and as a consequence of her

-stubbornness, she marched to church next morning disfigured by a mop of

-untidy, tangled hair instead of the usual glossy locks.

-

-Peggy preserved a demeanour of stately calm, as she waited for the

-arrival of the Darcy family, but even she felt a tremor of excitement

-when the verger hobbled up to the square pew and stood holding the door

-open in his hand. The heads of the villagers turned with one consent

-to the doorway; only one person in the church disdained to move her

-position, but she heard the clatter of horses' hoofs from without, and

-presently the little procession passed the vicarage pew, and she could

-indulge her curiosity without sacrifice to pride. First of all came

-Lord Darcy, a thin, oldish man, with a face that looked tired and kind,

-and faintly amused by the amount of attention which his entrance had

-attracted. Then his wife, a tall, fair woman, with a beautiful profile,

-and an air of languid discontent who floated past with rustling silken

-skirts, leaving an impression of elegance and luxury, which made Mrs.

-Asplin sigh and Mellicent draw in her breath with a gasp of rapture.

-Then followed Robert with his shaggy head, scowling more fiercely than

-ever in his disgust at finding himself an object of attention, and last

-of all a girlish figure in a grey dress, with a collar of soft, fluffy

-chinchilla, and a velvet hat with drooping brim, beneath which could be

-seen a glimpse of a face pink and white as the blossoms of spring, and

-a mass of shining, golden hair. Peggy shut her lips with a snap, and

-the iron entered into her soul. It was no use pretending any longer!

-This was Rosalind, and she was fairer, sweeter, a hundred times more

-beautiful than she had ever imagined!

-

-(_To be continued._)

-

-

-

-

-GIRLS AS I HAVE KNOWN THEM.

-

-BY ELSA D'ESTERRE-KEELING, Author of "Old Maids and Young."

-

-

-PART III.

-

-THE VULGAR GIRL.

-

-As translated by Cowley, Horace is made to say--

-

-    "Hence, ye profane, I hate ye all,

-    Both the great vulgar and the small!"

-

-[Illustration: The small vulgar]

-

-There will be no attempt made in this paper to deal with the great

-vulgar, but some attempt will be made in it to deal with the small,

-being the category to which, it may be assumed, belongs the average

-vulgar girl.

-

-It is of course impossible within the limits of a short essay to

-indicate more than a few of the leading characteristics of this girl.

-She it is who not only wants to monopolise the conversation, but who

-wants to confine it to one subject. She should remember the quaint

-counsel, "The honourablest part of talk is to give the occasion,

-and again to moderate, and pass to something else." Moreover in

-conversation she too often follows the rule laid down by a French

-author for those about to write love-letters:

-

-"Begin without knowing what you are going to say, and end without

-knowing what you have said."

-

-If at the end of a conversation she sometimes knew what she had said,

-the vulgar girl, who is not necessarily a callous girl, would feel very

-unhappy.

-

-Her tendency to talk indiscreetly has doubtless its origin in the

-precipitancy which causes her to break in upon the speech of others.

-There is a lesson which she might learn from a certain polite echo.

-This echo may be heard opposite to Mugdock Castle in Scotland. It will

-repeat any sentence of six syllables in the exact tone in which it is

-uttered--waiting till the sentence is finished.

-

-Another result of the lack of deliberation which characterises the

-vulgar girl is seen in the fact that the latest book, the latest play,

-the latest picture, is to her Thingimy by Thingimbob. That nomenclature

-is somewhat vague, and is moreover out of date, but it still commends

-itself to the vulgar girl, as does the soubriquet _The Bard_ for

-Shakespeare.

-

-Her singular phraseology, which she conceives to set her at an

-advantage, in reality sometimes sets the vulgar girl at a disadvantage.

-Of Tennyson she said the other day--

-

-"I don't pretend to understand him any more than Browning, but then he

-tootles on prettily, and that's what I like in poetry."

-

-[Illustration]

-

-A main difference between Browning and Tennyson was here correctly set

-forth, but the phrasing was in questionable taste. "Tootles" is a good

-word, but to say that Tennyson "tootles on prettily," is to understate

-his merits. It shall here be pointed out in passing that "I don't

-pretend" is a favourite form of asseveration with the vulgar girl, and

-is one which she should try to vary, if only because it inferentially

-asserts that other people do pretend.

-

-The vulgar girl is "by way of being" (her own phrase) witty. One part

-of her wit is to say "muchly" for much, and another part of it is to

-say "free gratis" for free of charge.

-

-Flippancy as a substitute for wit so often evokes mirth that the vulgar

-girl as would-be wit not incomprehensibly largely indulges in it. I sat

-beside her once during a performance of Beethoven's Septett, one of

-the loveliest things in music, with here and there a heart-delighting

-gaiety in it. During the fifth movement of it she whispered to me--

-

-"Isn't it like 'The Bogie Man'?"

-

-[Illustration]

-

-The levity in what follows was even more remarkable. The speaker was a

-young bride.

-

-"I didn't feel a bit nervous at my wedding," she said. "You see, I have

-been used to private theatricals."

-

-A girl like that mistakes gaiety of head for gaiety of heart.

-

-[Illustration: Her first appearance in a new role]

-

-As a sample of vulgar girl-wit at its crudest, I give the following, in

-which a girl spoke of a lady--

-

-"She couldn't turn white, but she went the colour of an unripe tomato."

-

-[Illustration: Upset by Tomato sauce]

-

-The vulgar girl who is "by way of being" witty is not "by way of

-being" sentimental, and is rather addicted to signing her letters

-"Your's," which word she believes to be rightly written as above, with

-an apostrophe. This girl, for the rest, is generally good-natured, and

-her vein of censure is more often odd than terrible. Thus she said the

-other day of a dentist--

-

-"He is a horrible little snob, but that doesn't matter when he gets

-into your mouth."

-

-[Illustration: An old Fairy Tale]

-

-As often as not the vulgar girl has both sense and sensibility. Of the

-latter fact she is profoundly ashamed, and has been known to say of a

-book that has deeply agitated her--

-

-"I got to feel quite eye-in-water over it."

-

-She affects to care, only for the gaieties of life, but knows something

-of its gravities, and has often a bit of heroine in her. The worst

-thing about her is her speech. "Jolly" is her favourite adverb. She

-is jolly glad when she is not jolly mad, and she will soon describe

-herself as jolly sad. She uses the verb "mashed" hideously; where her

-prototype of twenty years ago said "swell" she says "swagger;" and

-she does not stick at saying "beastly." For the rest, she has always

-some pet word of the hour. Thus "dotty" is an adjective now much in

-favour with her. Thereby hangs a tale. The vulgar girl sometimes knows

-Italian, and it was she who translated a line from a famous lady's

-epitaph--

-

-    "_Vergine magnanime, dotta, divina._"

-

-    "A virgin magnanimous, dotty, divine."

-

-On the other hand there are vulgar girls who do not know Latin, and one

-of them has been known to say "effluvia" for "smell," the Latin for

-"smell" being "effluvium."

-

-The pronunciation of her own language is by some thought to offer

-insuperable difficulties to the English vulgar girl, who pronounces

-the "t" in "often" but does not pronounce it in "Westminster," whose

-favourite colour, she has been heard to aver, is "terrar cottar,"

-who plays an instrument which she calls "the varlin," who says

-"to_wards_" and "inter_est_ing," who pronounces "ate" "et," and whose

-vocabulary has been known to include the words "pantomine," "Feb'uary"

-and "sec'etary." So far is this list from exhausting the faults of

-pronunciation of the said vulgar girl, that it must be added that she

-gives to no one vowel its proper sound, while among the consonants

-"h" initial and "g" final stumble her. She is particularly careless

-regarding the latter consonant when the form which her vulgarity takes

-is that of would-be "smartness."

-

-Very abominable to this girl is grammar, which is all but invariably

-set at defiance by her. Thus, even when she does not say "it were," as

-did Mrs. Cluppins, she favours such phrasing as "those sort of," "very

-pleased," "different to" and "between you and I."

-

-[Illustration: A model]

-

-Her predilection for abbreviations is another marked feature of the

-vulgar girl. To "'bus" she has lately added "biz," and "spec" has found

-her approval.

-

-The pity of it!

-

-Just as she has always a favourite word, she has mostly a favourite

-phrase. In one instance known to me it is "You know what I mean," and

-everyone knows what she means, as well everyone may.

-

-Take this assertion--

-

-"It's one of those schools where they sleep in carbuncles--you know

-what I mean."

-

-Of course everyone knows what she means.

-

-[Illustration]

-

-Or take this--

-

-"I can't be in six or seven places at one; I'm not omnivorous--you know

-what I mean."

-

-[Illustration: not omnivorous]

-

-Of course everyone knows what she means.

-

-They call her Mrs. Malaprop; but, in point of fact, her case is a

-notable improvement upon that of Sheridan's heroine, the ignorance

-of that lady having been of a shade by just so much deeper that it

-left her unwitting of the fact that she was wrong. The girl here in

-view has a shrewd suspicion that she is wrong, but pays her hearers

-the compliment of assuming that they will understand her. In only one

-instance, so far as has come to my knowledge, has she ever overtaxed

-her listener's powers of comprehension. She spoke of a living novelist.

-

-"I can't bear his books," she said. "They're so very _femme de

-chambre_--you know what I mean."

-

-Not only did the person addressed not know what she meant, but he

-will not now be induced to believe that she meant "_fin de siècle_,"

-and unconsciously used what, it seems to some of us, was a very happy

-substitute for this rather hackneyed phrase.

-

-I have in the foregoing dwelt more particularly on what is to me the

-most striking fact in connection with the vulgar girl, the base uses

-to which she puts her native speech; that my account of her may not,

-however, be wholly inadequate, I have also conferred with persons whose

-views on manners and deportment, as frequently expressed by them, have

-led me to believe that they may be better able than I am to point out

-what, from the social standpoint, constitutes a vulgar girl. Of the

-many _data_ supplied me, I give below a few.

-

-The vulgar girl is "arch."

-

-The vulgar girl is "coy."

-

-The vulgar girl loves "chaff."

-

-The vulgar girl has sidelong looks.

-

-The vulgar girl calls milk "cream" and bacon "ham."

-

-The vulgar girl shouts or whispers.

-

-The vulgar girl thinks all other girls vulgar.

-

-[Illustration: An extreme view]

-

-The vulgar girl has never been told, or has been told in vain, to sit

-up and put her knees together.

-

-The vulgar girl is the girl of whom the vulgar boy says that she is

-"not half a bad sort."

-

-(_To be continued._)

-

-

-

-

-"OUR HERO."

-

-A TALE OF THE FRANCO-ENGLISH WAR NINETY YEARS AGO.

-

-BY AGNES GIBERNE, Author of "Sun, Moon and Stars," "The Girl at the

-Dower House," etc.

-

-

-CHAPTER XIV.

-

-IN A FORTIFIED TOWN.

-

-It was growing dark when at length they drove through the gates into

-Verdun.

-

-No one then said a needless word, not even Roy. The sense of banishment

-and of captivity pressed upon them all with a new force, at the

-sight of this fortified town, with its massive encircling walls, its

-iron gates, its pervading gendarmerie. If any lack of realisation of

-their true position had helped them hitherto, it had small chance of

-surviving this hour.

-

-At the gate they had to pause, a gendarme coming to the coach door. He

-said something to Denham, which made Colonel Baron ask sharply--

-

-"Eh, what's that?"

-

-"We are to go first to the citadel. Not necessary for Mrs. Baron and

-Roy. You and I might walk it, sir, and send them on."

-

-"No, no," Mrs. Baron interposed; "I cannot go on alone. We will keep

-together."

-

-"A pity," murmured Ivor; and Colonel Baron looked doubtfully from him

-to his wife.

-

-"I am not going to do it," she repeated, with her manner of graceful

-determination; and then, earnestly, "Do not ask it of me--pray do not!"

-No more could be said, and the man was ordered to drive on.

-

-Verdun at that date lay in the then French province of Lorraine, the

-then French department of the Meuse, upon which river it was built.

-Distant from Paris somewhere about one hundred and fifty miles, it was

-also within about fifty miles, in different directions, of two towns

-which have since become vividly historic, Sédan and Metz. The river

-thereabouts follows a tortuous course, and the lower part of Verdun

-stood mainly on little islands in the Meuse, while the upper part led

-to the French citadel, which crowned a rocky summit.

-

-The valley, containing the town, ran north-west and south-east, being

-surrounded by hills.

-

-On reaching the citadel Mrs. Baron and Roy were desired by the Colonel

-to remain in the coach, while he and Denham disappeared within, there

-to be carefully examined and closely questioned, and having again

-to give their parole. After which they came out, the Colonel saying

-shortly--

-

-"That business is done! Tell them where to go, Den. They seem

-determined to know us again."

-

-"Were they civil?" his wife asked.

-

-"No end of a fuss, my dear. As if the word of an English gentleman were

-not sufficient. Close description of us both written in the register."

-

-Once more they drove on, Roy gazing from side to side, noting the

-small insignificant shops, and exclaiming at occasional peeps of the

-river with an interest which never quite failed him. The others were

-for the most part silent. Mrs. Baron's eyes were dim, the Colonel was

-pre-occupied, and Ivor, usually the most observant of men, seemed to

-see nothing.

-

-Presently they stopped before the gateway of a large old house or small

-private "hôtel," with an untidy little courtyard. An old Frenchman,

-in quaint dress, grey-haired, with an imposing pig-tail, came to meet

-them, bowing profoundly to the gentlemen, and still more profoundly to

-Mrs. Baron.

-

-"C'est, sans doute, Monsieur le Colonel--et Madame----"

-

-Colonel Baron's particular gift did not lie in the direction of foreign

-languages. He never could talk French, and probably he never would, no

-matter how many years he might be compelled to live in France.

-

-"Oui, monsieur. Bon jour. C'est nous qui sont viendrai," he responded,

-feeling it incumbent on him to say something, as he descended from the

-old coach. "J'espère que vous êtes bien. Je suis bien aise que nous

-sommes haut--pas bas--pas près de le rivière. Bother their grammar,

-Denham; you can do it better than I. Just say what's suitable."

-

-Denham obeyed, and the next object which dawned upon Roy's perceptions

-was the sad and gentle face of Lucille de St. Roques. He seized her

-hand vehemently.

-

-"I say, mademoiselle, it's nice to find you here. Isn't it, Den?

-Mamma, this is Mademoiselle de St. Roques. Papa, you know she helped

-to nurse me after I'd had small-pox. Are we going to live upstairs,

-mademoiselle? Is that what it's to be? The whole upstairs, all to

-ourselves? What fun! Which way is it? Oh, I see! This way, mamma. Those

-poor horses do look tired, just half-starved, and so skinny. Is there

-a stable for them? Are we to have tea? Dinner! that's right. We didn't

-get half a dinner to-day, and I'm famished. What a droll old staircase?

-Do look out of this window, mamma."

-

-Roy's flow of spirits helped them all. The Colonel and his wife

-gratefully expressed their thanks to the French girl for her past

-kindness to their boy, both being much attracted by her face and her

-pretty manner as she led the way upstairs to the first floor. There

-stood Madame Courant, a fat and smiling little Frenchwoman, ready to

-bestow unlimited welcomes upon the unfortunate foreigners.

-

-Lucille had exchanged bows with Ivor at first, and then had a few

-words with him, scanning his face as she talked, with rather troubled

-glances. There was, however, small leisure at first for any quiet

-conversation. The rooms had to be inspected, and they were found to be

-not at all bad as to size, though meagrely furnished. Lucille had set

-her heart on making everything wear as far as possible an English look,

-using her childish recollections of a home across the Channel; and if

-she was less successful than she had hoped, nobody betrayed the fact.

-It was clear to them all how hard she had worked to render the place

-comfortable.

-

-"But it has been no trouble--non, vraiment--not at all," she assured

-them, with her pensive smile, when they apologised.

-

-While sincerely anxious to help, full of sympathy for their position,

-and most desirous to cheer them up, she plainly feared to be guilty

-of intrusion, and very soon she took herself off with Madame Courant

-to the ground floor. A somewhat clumsy but well-intentioned maiden

-had been deputed to wait upon the upstairs party--probably had been

-hired for the purpose, since Madame Courant did most of her own

-house-work--and dinner was laid in the smaller salon in readiness for

-their arrival.

-

-On the whole that first meal might be reckoned a success. Madame

-Courant was no mean cook; and though not much could be said as to the

-actual waiting, from an English point of view, that was a minor matter,

-compared with the comfort of finding clean and cosy quarters, not to

-speak of a kind reception. Roy did his best to supply all deficiencies

-in the conversational line, and his efforts were seconded, though not

-vigorously, by Denham.

-

-When, however, dinner was at an end, and they had moved into the

-larger salon, which was to be their drawing-room--when a long evening

-lay before them, and there was nothing that had to be done, beyond a

-certain amount of unpacking and arranging, which no one felt disposed

-to begin upon at once--then a change came. Then the shadow of their

-captivity descended heavily upon them all, even upon the valiant Roy;

-and for once the spirit of cheerfulness and of keeping up seemed to

-vanish.

-

-For a quarter of an hour they all remained together, no one speaking.

-No one was able to speak. They had nothing whatever to say. And

-presently, when this had gone on a little while, Mrs. Baron made

-a move, retreating into her own bedroom, avowedly to "see to a

-few things," but in reality, as they all knew, to indulge in a

-breakdown--her husband, after a brief hesitation, going thither also.

-Denham had flagged completely, retreating to a shady corner near the

-big fireplace, where he could scarcely be seen; and for Ivor to flag

-meant the flagging of everybody. As for Roy--but that he would have

-been ashamed, counting himself already almost a man, he could at this

-stage have flung himself on the ground and cried like a little child

-for very home-sickness.

-

-He wanted Molly--oh, most awfully! He wanted her this evening more than

-he had ever wanted anything or anybody in his whole life. The craving

-that took possession of him for Molly's face, Molly's voice, Molly's

-companionship--the passionate desire to have dear little Molly once

-more by his side--was a pain never to be forgotten.

-

-Roy did not know how to bear himself under it. He had nothing to do,

-nothing with which to pass the time. He stood at the window, looking

-out upon the darkness, trying desperately to be cool and stoical, as

-one five minutes crawled by after another. Denham never moved, never

-spoke a word. Roy could just make out his dark outline, as motionless

-as a carved image, a few yards distant. If only Denham would have

-talked, if something would have happened, if somebody would have come

-in, it would have been easier to keep going. But nobody came, nothing

-happened, and Denham did not stir.

-

-Roy drummed with his fingers on the window-sill. He could hear shrill

-voices out in the street, not far off, and the sound of some tuneless

-instrument. One of the two candles was gone with Mrs. Baron, leaving

-the room dim. He tried to listen, tried not to think. And just when

-he counted himself victorious, there was a queer little catch of his

-breath which sounded suspicious. Roy drummed again angrily, hoping that

-Denham had not heard. He might be asleep, he was so still. But, after a

-slight break, he said--

-

-"Come here."

-

-Roy unwillingly obeyed. He would have liked to refuse, but he looked

-upon Ivor as in some sort his commanding officer, so of course he had

-no choice.

-

-"They're making no end of a row out there," he remarked in a tone of

-profound indifference, as he lounged nearer. "Can't think what it's all

-for. Just listen."

-

-"Yes; I wish they would stop."

-

-"Don't know what's it's all about. Something or other--going on. I

-shouldn't wonder--if they're quarrelling."

-

-That odd little catch again.

-

-"Feel very bad this evening, Roy?"

-

-The question took Roy by surprise, and a lump in his throat prevented

-an immediate reply.

-

-Denham understood.

-

-"Never mind," he said. "It's the same with all of us, you know. And

-there's one comfort for you--that Molly wants you at least as much as

-you want her. Some people would give a good deal for that certainty."

-

-Roy tried to explain matters away.

-

-"I didn't say----"

-

-"My dear boy, there's no need for you to say anything; I know well

-enough. Don't you see?"

-

-Denham's chair shook as Roy leant against it, but no further sound

-came. He fought his battle courageously, and Denham waited.

-

-"We shall all feel better to-morrow," the latter presently remarked.

-"It's a strange place, and things look uncomfortable to-night--can't

-well do otherwise. Suppose you and I have a game of chess. Better than

-to sit brooding over what can't be cured. My little travelling set is

-somewhere about, I believe."

-

-"O yes." Roy's voice told of instant relief. "You gave it to me to take

-care of. Don't you mind a game, really? I should like that. Will you

-give me your queen?"

-

-"No; not to-day. I'm not at my best. We'll try on even terms. Get out

-the pieces."

-

-Roy obeyed with alacrity, and whatever the move meant to Denham, it

-served to lift Roy out of his unwonted fit of misery. He was soon

-deeply absorbed in the mimic fight, and for once he found himself on

-the way to win an easy victory. Roy became exultant--till the honour

-and glory of success were impaired by the casual discovery that Ivor

-could not tell a knight from a bishop except by feeling. Roy stared

-wonderingly into the spare bronzed face.

-

-"Why, Den!"

-

-"All right; this is my bishop."

-

-"I say, you didn't take that for a knight?"

-

-"I believe I was under the delusion for a moment."

-

-"But why? There, now it's your turn. Oh, I say!--you're going to move

-my king."

-

-Denham laughed slightly.

-

-"I am rather a futile opponent, seemingly. Never mind. Now it is your

-turn."

-

-"What's the matter? Can't you see?"

-

-"Not well; just a headache. Go on; you'll soon end the game at this

-rate."

-

-Roy showed himself capable of heroism. Though he had never yet beaten

-Denham in full fight, without having some of his adversary's best

-pieces presented to him, though the desire of his heart was for a

-victory, and though he was on the high road to administering checkmate,

-one more glance decided him. He swept his arm over the board.

-

-Denham half smiled, and made no protest.

-

-"You are a kind fellow," he said, as he went back to his former

-retreat; and Roy dropped on the floor to pick up the scattered pieces.

-

-"Why didn't you tell me? You'd no business to play. Can't I do anything

-for you?"

-

-"Yes, if you don't mind"--after a moment's racking of his brain to

-think of anything that might keep the boy occupied. "I wish you would

-unpack my valise--just the things that I shall want to-night."

-

-Roy was delighted and went off at full speed. In the passage he found

-himself face to face with Lucille, and all but rushed into her arms.

-Lucille drew back.

-

-"I say! Oh, I beg your pardon, mademoiselle. I'm going to unpack for

-Den. He's just floored; can't even play chess. It's all this horrid

-beastly bother, having to come to Verdun, you know. He never used to be

-like that. Den was always up to anything. What have you got there?" as

-she held up one hand. "A letter!"

-

-"It is medicine for Monsieur le Capitaine--from England," Lucille said,

-with a look of heartfelt pleasure.

-

-"It really is from England! Won't he be glad? Where did you get it

-from? You shall give it to him yourself. Yes; I declare you shall."

-

-Roy flung open the salon door, and announced, "Here's Mademoiselle de

-St. Roques. Den, she's got something for you! Guess what it is. Come

-in, Mademoiselle."

-

-Ivor stood up, not grateful to Roy at this moment.

-

-"Pray take a seat," he urged.

-

-"It's a letter--a letter--a letter from England," cried the boy.

-

-"You have brought this from the post?" asked Denham, as he received

-from her hand a folded and sealed packet.

-

-"Non, it is not that. The letter arrives from M. de Bertrand. It was

-send to him from England under cover, and he waited till he should

-learn your address and have opportunity to send it with safety. When

-I wrote to him that you all were ordered to Verdun, then he sent the

-letter to me by one travelling this way. It is but now arrived. I am

-glad!" Lucille added, under her breath.

-

-Denham bent nearer to the candle, trying with drawn brows to make out

-the handwriting. As he did so, a curious light crept over his face.

-Lucille thought she could read its meaning.

-

-"You are very good, mademoiselle. I am much indebted to you and to M.

-de Bertrand," he said.

-

-"Den, I do believe it's Polly's writing!" exclaimed Roy.

-

-Denham glanced towards him.

-

-"Yes; it is from Polly."

-

-(_To be continued._)

-

-[Illustration]

-

-

-

-

-FROCKS FOR TO-MORROW.

-

-BY "THE LADY DRESSMAKER."

-

-

-[Illustration: EVENING DRESSES FOR CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES.]

-

-The winter is always distinguished by a rather dowdy style of dress,

-especially in town, where, for at least three months of the year, the

-days are so dark and the light so poor at best that everyone says, "It

-really cannot matter what one puts on in such sombre weather as this."

-Such is the sentiment expressed by the general public, but, of course,

-does not apply to those who, having carriages at their disposal, can

-blossom out like the lilies of King Solomon, and be carried over the

-mud and through the gloom without let or hindrance. It is only on sunny

-days during the winter and at Church Parade in Hyde Park that one sees

-the brighter side of winter dress. Otherwise it only blooms in the

-shops, at the dressmakers', and at the endless afternoon teas which

-constitute the main amusement during the winter. One must have at least

-one nice walking-dress for the winter, in spite of the gloom, for these

-last-named festive occasions, and one generally needs a cape or mantle

-as well to wear in turn with our costume or with it as we may require.

-Besides this, most women have a certain amount of "wearing out" to do

-of clothes that must put in a second winter. Those wise people who have

-established a kind of rule for themselves in the purchase of dress get

-a handsome cape or mantle one year and a handsome gown the next, the

-latter becoming less visible and important the second year when worn

-under the new mantle. Both of these should come from first-rate shops,

-in order to get the full value out of them. Then there are the people

-who wait for the sales to supply themselves with winter clothes, and

-say they manage to finish out the last year's stock by this means in

-the still darker and shorter days before Christmas. I always consider

-the wearing out of one's winter things a grievous bother which falls

-most heavily on the shoulders of those who are very careful wearers of

-their garments. I know people who really are never able to wear out

-their clothes, and become quite dispirited at the constant sight of

-them. I know one lady who is able to clothe several others poorer than

-herself because she takes such good care of what she wears, and things

-are hardly worn in appearance when she has them repaired and brushed up.

-

-The class which has the most difficulty in clothing themselves so as

-to present a respectable appearance is composed of these very poor

-ladies, who are governesses, lady-helps, or companions, and no doubt

-my readers will have noticed the moving appeals issued by many of the

-societies and agencies which are interested in procuring work for them.

-As we are always anxious to find out good works for our women and

-girls, we commend to them this one, as one of the most blessed both to

-giver and receiver.

-

-The return to fashion of dresses made from the same material entirely

-instead of those which have been so long in wear, which consisted of a

-blouse, more or less handsome, and a skirt, has brought in a necessity

-for mantles and capes, and so these are really the most fashionable

-of the out-of-door garments for the winter months. There is no fear,

-however, of the skirt and jacket disappearing from amongst us, for they

-have been found too useful to lose their place in our esteem; and the

-winter jackets are, some of them, very pretty and tight-fitting, with

-large buttons, and generally of three-quarter length, though there are

-many quite short ones, but which seem more used for cycling or golf

-than for real walking or driving.

-

-[Illustration: TWO WINTER GOWNS.]

-

-One of these costumes with a tight-fitting coat is shown in our

-illustration of "a gown with braid and fur," which is a very handsome

-example of the walking-gowns of the winter. The skirt is made with the

-fashionable tightness, the much-worn shaped flounce, and the braiding

-is carried down the front on either side in a graceful arabesque

-design, which is wider and fuller in detail at the top near the waist.

-The points are braided in the same manner, and the tops of the sleeves.

-The fronts have revers of mink fur. The dress itself is in dark blue

-cloth, and the braiding is in black. The hat is of blue velvet, with

-white and green wings, and blue and green velvet trimmings. This

-admixture of blue and green seems more popular than ever this winter,

-and I have frequently seen a blue hat with a bright green velvet choux

-bow placed in a conspicuous position in front.

-

-The choux and the Louis XII. or true lovers' knot are the two

-fashionable bows of the season, for hats and bonnets as well as for

-dress. The first-named seems ubiquitous in evening dress, where black

-velvet also appears to be most popular as a trimming.

-

-[Illustration: GOWN WITH BRAID AND FUR.]

-

-Both velvet and velveteen are much worn, and are suited to the fashions

-of the day, and the velveteen blouse retains its popularity, but is

-more dressy and fanciful than it was. In some cases velvet is used

-for the coat-shaped bodices, with short square tails that are much

-seen, and these have almost invariably fancy vests or yokes. In most

-instances, too, these are of finely tucked silk muslin, which, in cream

-or white, is quite the most popular material for them, in spite of its

-perishable nature and apparent unseasonableness.

-

-So far as materials are concerned, everything that is clinging and soft

-is sought after, and even the rustling silks that lined our skirts and

-gave us such a feeling of opulence have been relinquished in favour of

-something more clinging. Cashmere and nuns' veiling are used for the

-lining of day dresses, and China silks for evening ones. For slight

-people this clinging effect is sometimes trying, but where stout people

-are concerned the matter becomes worse, and we shall hear of all kinds

-of cures for obesity in order to wear the new skirts.

-

-Of course, as is usual at this season, many evening dresses for small

-Christmas festivities are simple, and our illustration shows three

-of these, which are inexpensive and pretty. The first seated figure

-to the right wears a pink silk muslin, plain for wearing over the

-accordion-kilted skirt, and having a small black leaf-like pattern on

-it for the pointed overskirt; a ruching of rose-coloured silk goes

-round the latter part of the bodice and sleeves, and the back is

-finished with a wide band and bow with ends of rose colour. This can,

-of course, be carried out in any hue, but in white or cream-colour it

-is very pretty, and there are such numbers of fancy gauzes and nets

-that a pretty choice can be made which would be more inexpensive than

-the model we present.

-

-The centre figure wears a dress of _mousseline-de-soie_ of a pale shade

-of Parma violet, which is trimmed with narrow ribbons, drawn up to

-form small ruches. These are of a slightly darker violet. The small

-Eton jacket is of the same shade of violet velvet or satin, with bands

-of velvet and paste buckles. The standing-up figure wears a dress of

-jet-embroidered net, with bands of _passementerie_ on the front of the

-bodice. The evening wrap is of a soft yellow brocade, which is lined

-with a pale violet, and trimmed with flounces of lace and silk. The

-collar is edged with white fur, and a bow of chiffon ornaments the neck

-at the back. In giving these dresses I should observe that, although

-they seem costly, they can be copied in less expensive materials. Nuns'

-veiling, China silk, velveteen, taffetas, Russian net, and Brussels net

-are all in fashion, and all are comparatively so moderate in price as

-to be attainable by those who have slender purses. This season we also

-have the embroidered net skirts that were introduced last year, with

-the improvement that this season the bodice-piece is sold as well. So

-we have not to make troublesome inquiries and huntings for the material

-to decorate them. There seems to be a tendency likewise to return to

-the use of a three-quarter length sleeve, which fits the arm smoothly

-as far as the elbow and terminates in a frill. The long net and chiffon

-sleeves are still worn, and I notice that there are some very pretty

-high net bodices without sleeves, or, at least, with a few folds

-of satin, which answer the purpose. These will be a novelty if they

-should be adopted, and will be charming for the evening with all thin

-materials.

-

-The illustration of two winter gowns shows one of the new skirts and a

-bodice fastened at the back. The skirt is also fastened there in the

-newest fashion; the trimming consists of rows of fine black braid, the

-dress being of fine cloth, of a _pervenche_ blue. The bodice is trimmed

-with points of velvet, of a darker shade of blue, and the same is used

-for the bows at the back. The second dress is one of those tucked

-throughout. It is of a soft satin cloth, of a pale shade of grey. The

-revers are braided, and there is a front of dark-grey velvet and a

-high collar, with the lining braided, like the revers. I hope you will

-notice that this skirt opens on one side, usually the left, and it is

-finished by a row of tiny buttons, or by a small ruching of ribbon.

-

-A great deal of this ribbon ruching is seen, as well as much piping.

-Silk braids, very fine and very narrow, in black and white, form a

-feature of this year's decorations, and silver braids as well. Crystal

-buttons are more liked than paste or steel ones, and there is a craze

-for old lace and for mixing fur with it. Black and white are in as

-much favour as this mixture has always found during the last four

-years, and the two are constantly mixed in trimmings.

-

-I think I mentioned in my last that the hair was worn low on the

-neck--certainly far lower than has been the custom for some little

-time. But I do not find that the knot of hair is quite so low just now.

-Evidently the idea has not quite "caught on," as the slang phrase has

-it, and most of the well-dressed heads I have lately seen have had the

-coil of hair at the back of the head midway down. Perhaps, later on, we

-shall see more of the low hair dressing than we do now.

-

-Truly the swing of the pendulum has quite carried us away from the neat

-and ever-becoming black stockings, and the new ones are a study in

-colour and design. I think the tartan ones will be worn, and will look

-well; but I cannot say I like the others; nevertheless, that may be

-because one has grown used to a lack of colour for so long.

-

-So far as boots and shoes are concerned, the most fashionable people

-wear the American ones with their extremely pointed toes and narrow

-feet, but it is open to the sensible to wear something more comfortable

-if they do not mind a loss of style, for we cannot be really smart

-unless our poor feet be pinched and pointed to the last degree.

-

-

-

-

-OUR PROSPECTUS PUZZLE REPORT.

-

-

-SOLUTION.

-

-ANOTHER NAUGHT.

-

-A ROUNDEL.

-

-    Time hastens onwards to the day

-      When our good, trusty printer ought

-    Upon our numbers to display

-                      Another naught.

-

-      Oh! how tremendous is the thought:--

-    A thousand weeks have passed away

-      Since out our magazine was brought!

-

-    We love our work, it is but play;

-      "_Bon Voyage_" to the bark high-fraught;

-    And printer, sing as you in-lay

-                      Another naught.

-

-

-PRIZE WINNERS.

-

-_Ten Shillings Each._

-

-    J. Hunt, 42, Francis Road, Birmingham.

-    A. Phillips, 15, South Hill Park, Hampstead.

-    Emily M. Wood, Woodbank, Southport.

-

-

-_Five Shillings Each._

-

-    Margaret Baggallay, 3, Clarence Lawn, Dover.

-    Marie Behrendt, Scanthorpe, Doncaster.

-    Lily Belling, Wribbenhall, Bewdley.

-    Miss H. M. Brown, Longformacus, Duns, N.B.

-    Charlotte D. Cole, 7, High Street, Beckenham.

-    M. A. C. Crabb, Ipplepen, Alexandra Road, Hemel Hempstead.

-    Agnes Dewhurst, 32, Lethbridge Road, Southport.

-    Miss M. Hodgkinson, 2, Feversham Terrace, York.

-    Benjamin Marcroft, High Legh, Grosvenor Drive, New Brighton.

-    Nellie Meikle, 2, Newsham Drive, Liverpool.

-    Henzell G. Robson, 7, Oxford Terrace, Gateshead-on-Tyne.

-    F. A. Powell, 75, Hythe Road, Swindon.

-    Anne Sifton, 230, Goldhawk Road, Shepherd's Bush.

-    M. Stuart, The Shrubbery, Grove Park, Kent.

-    Ellen C. Tarrant, 2, Palace Grove, Bromley.

-    Violet C. Todd, Ford, Cornhill-on-Tweed.

-

-

-_Very Highly Commended._

-

-Mrs. Acheson, Eliza Acworth, Lottie R. Biddle, E. J. Cameron, Mrs. J.

-Cumming, May Merrall, E. C. Milne, Lilla Patterson, Constance Taylor,

-Connie E. Thompson, Daisy Tyler, Martha Wood.

-

-

-_For Artistic Execution._

-

-Maud Abbott.

-

-

-_Highly Commended._

-

-Annie A. Arnott, Fanny Ashby, Ethel M. Atkins, Margaret Bailey, Eva M.

-Benson, R. S. Benson, E. K. Berry, Mary A. Blagg, Nancy Bolingbroke, M.

-S. Bourne, May Burlinsay, Annie J. Cather, Mabel E. Davis, Mrs. Deane,

-Edward R. Duffield, Alice M. Feurer, Emily Francis, Mrs. W. H. Gotch,

-Mrs. Grubbe, Edith E. Grundy, A. Hughes, George L. Ingram, Annie G.

-Luck, C. Y. MacGibbon, E. Mastin, Jessie Middlemiss, Mrs. Nicholls,

-Percy J. Powell, Alice M. Price, Gertrude Saffery, A. C. Sharp, Isabel

-Snell, Norah M. Sullivan, A. C. T., Phyllis Toker, Ann Toplis, Florence

-Whitlock, Mrs. Wigglesworth, E. Wilson.

-

-

-_Honourable Mention._

-

-S. Ballard, Mary I. Chislett, Helen M. Coulthard, Mrs. H. Keel, K. H.

-Ingram, E. M. Le Mottée, Charlotte Hayward, Florence Hayward, Ethel

-C. Hobbs, Edith L. Howse, Annette E. Jackson, Alice E. Johnson, Fred

-Lindley, Ethel C. McMaster, Elsa P. Neel, Charles Parr, Elizabeth A.

-Reynolds, Annie Saunders, Dorothy Smith, Ellen R. Smith, Gertrude

-Smith, May Tutte, Anna Walker, J. Walker, Julia Waltenberg, John R.

-Whyberd, G. Watherston.

-

-       *       *       *       *       *

-

-

-EXAMINERS' REPORT.

-

-The insatiability of an editor who is clamouring daily for our words

-of wisdom compels us to be very brief. This is all the more to be

-regretted because with such a subject to handle we could have risen to

-great literary heights. But to work!

-

-The title was not "Another aught," the reason being that aught is not

-synonymous with naught. The difference between the two is considerable,

-"aught" signifying anything, "naught" nothing. The importance of this

-pleasing fact is often overlooked, especially by schoolchildren, who

-frequently speak of a cipher as "an aught," or, as they in their

-childish wisdom spell it "ought."

-

-In many solutions the final letter of "onwards" was omitted. Doubtless,

-"onward" is grammatically just as good, but as the "s" was in the

-puzzle it was a pity not to transfer it to the solution.

-

-The beginning of the third line seems to have caused trouble. Those who

-failed to find the true solution generally gave "On our three figures,"

-or "On our first numbers." Both readings are good interpretations of

-the text, but the first is meaningless and the second is incorrect.

-With "On all our numbers "--adopted by a few solvers--we have little

-fault to find.

-

-Many competitors kindly pointed out that the minus sign in line 6 ought

-to have been the sign of division. Let us examine their contention

-closely. Two weeks divided by two yields one week and the beginning of

-the line would run "A thousand one week." Two weeks minus two yields

-weeks, clearly, and we need pursue the instruction no further. Some of

-the readings at this point were remarkable, _e.g._, "A thousand days";

-"Twelve thousand days": "A thousand years," and "A million weeks."

-

-We have always been accustomed to regard THE GIRL'S OWN PAPER with much

-veneration, but the idea of its having first seen the light something

-like fourteen thousand years before Adam is somewhat startling.

-

-In the next line, "G. O. P." often took the place of "magazine." Our

-dislike of such irritating abbreviations did not prevent us from doing

-justice to the reading which is rhythmically correct.

-

-The number of solvers who wrote "barque" for "bark" was amazing. The

-latter was in the puzzle and signifies any small vessel. The former was

-not in the puzzle and defines a vessel of a particular rig. And there

-is really no need for more.

-

-

-

-

-IN THE TWILIGHT SIDE BY SIDE.

-

-BY RUTH LAMB.

-

-

-PART III.

-

-HOW TO GROW OLD.

-

-    "They shall still bring forth fruit in old age" (Psalm xcii. 14).

-

-When I was a child a dear old lady, who had been asking questions about

-my lessons, laid her gentle hand on my head and said, "I see you love

-school, my child. 'Learn young, learn fair.'"

-

-You, dear girl friends, will be at no loss to understand the teaching

-of the proverb. It says, in few words, that those lessons which are

-early imprinted on our minds are likely to have an abiding place in our

-memories and a lasting influence over our lives.

-

-There is one lesson amongst many which we ought to be constantly

-learning from the time that we can understand anything. It is, how to

-grow old.

-

-Do I see some of you smiling at each other, as if old age were such

-a far-away subject that it ought not to be introduced to my great

-gathering of girls? Why, if I could have spoken to you as children, one

-by one, I would have asked, "Are you learning how to grow old?"

-

-You ought to be, for the moment you began to live you started on the

-path that leads to old age. From that path none of us can turn aside

-and, perhaps without thinking much of the inevitable ending, we pursue

-our course thereon steadily and uninterruptedly. We may start on many

-other paths--those of duty, work, mental culture, etc.--and we may

-take up certain pursuits and relinquish them at our will, but the one

-onward journey is continuous. We travel by night and by day. Sleeping

-or waking, resting or working, we are ever progressing towards old age,

-whether we live to reach it or not.

-

-It is often said that every age has its special beauty, and yet I

-daresay many of you have never dreamed of associating the idea of

-beauty with old age. You are apt to claim it as the special prerogative

-of youth. Yet I believe that old age may be--and I assert that it ought

-to be in certain senses--the most beautiful of all, despite the white

-hair, the tremulous hand, the feeble step which seeks support from the

-strong arm of the young, and the wrinkles on brows that were once as

-smooth and fair as the fairest amongst yours.

-

-The young often shrink from the very thought of being old. One hears

-the girl in her teens whisper to her companion, as she glances at a

-third who is not out of her twenties, "She is getting to look quite old

-already. She might be five-and-thirty."

-

-The tone is half pitying, half disparaging, as if the object of the

-remark were somehow in fault because a few more years had passed over

-her young head than over the speaker's.

-

-Listen again to words from the lips of a girl who is just "sweet

-seventeen." (Alas that seventeen does not always deserve the

-adjective!) She has just stigmatised a friend of thirty as "a cross old

-thing." And for what? She has only been trying to bring her good common

-sense and sound judgment to bear upon the other's wilfulness. She is

-anxious to save her from doing a foolish thing on which her childish

-will is stubbornly set and which is certain to be followed by remorse

-and trouble.

-

-"Sweet seventeen" purses her pretty lips and tosses her foolish head

-whilst saying, "As if I were going to be ordered about by her! Cross

-old thing!" And she goes on her wilful way and pays for it.

-

-Still we must acknowledge that a dozen extra years do not always bring

-proportionate wisdom, any more than does the seventeenth birthday

-invariably carry sweetness in its train. We have to learn to grow old

-in such wise that each year's passage means also progress in everything

-that is best.

-

-It seems very strange--does it not?--that whilst everyone desires long

-life, so many dislike to look forward to old age in connection with

-themselves. Or, if they do, it is not so much in a frank and natural

-manner as in a secret and stealthy fashion. If they speak of it at

-all, they speak as of something which may be near to others, but is

-still far, far away from themselves. Such people would never tell you

-that they are learning how to grow old--striving each day after some

-knowledge which will tend towards the attainment of a really beautiful

-and lovable old age.

-

-The need for such a study is ignored by so many up to and beyond middle

-age, that one wonders little at its being ignored by the young. Yet

-other questions occupy their earnest attention in connection with

-increasing years.

-

-How to ward off the semblance of old age, for the reality cannot be

-deferred. How to look young in spite of it. How to conceal the number

-of the years that have passed over their heads. How best to utilise art

-so as to simulate the complexion of youth and to hide the marks of time

-on their features.

-

-Time is readily given in order to solve such questions to the exclusion

-of those higher lessons, attention to which would make old age the most

-beautiful and lovely of all.

-

-Girls, dear girls! you are generally keen observers of externals, and

-especially so in matters of female dress and adornment. If one of you

-has been at a social gathering, whether amongst humble workers or

-leaders in society, what is usually the first question asked by sisters

-or acquaintances on her return? Is it not about the dresses worn? You

-inquire how such a one looked, or if another again wore a dress which

-is too well known on account of its age. You want to hear all about

-novelties in the fashioning of new garments, and whether they were of a

-mode likely to be becoming to yourselves. It may be you give a little

-laugh as you say that such a girl would be sure to look dowdy, or

-inquire if the good taste of another was as conspicuous as usual.

-

-I am inclined to doubt whether you were as anxious to know how your

-friend was impressed by the words and conduct of those with whom she

-had been associating, or whether she had, during this little season

-of social enjoyment, received impressions likely to influence her for

-good. We ought to be learners in every place, but not merely in regard

-to externals.

-

-Now I want to ask you a question. I have given you credit for being

-keen observers. Tell me, can you imagine a picture more truly pitiable

-and contemptible than that of a woman on whose face is the stamp of

-age, but who imagines that she has succeeded in hiding it by paint and

-powder?

-

-One who hugs the thought that she has rendered her wrinkles invisible,

-or that her dyed hair, with its tell-tale line of grey near the roots,

-or the cunningly arranged golden hued substitute for whitened locks,

-deceives anyone but herself? All such shams make the old look older

-still. They add to the appearance of age instead of taking from it, and

-they rob old age of much of the beauty which is as real as that which

-pertains to the youth it tries to simulate. I am alluding to externals

-first because everyone sees them.

-

-I have no doubt that you have all discovered my liking for proverbial

-expressions. My native county is rich in these pithy sayings which

-convey so much meaning in few words. The subject of our present talk

-brings to mind one of these proverbs, which was often quoted in my

-hearing when I was a girl. I recall one occasion especially. A ruddy

-farmer turned to look after an elderly woman who had just passed him.

-She was girlishly dressed, and she strove to trip along in youthful

-fashion, feeling evidently well satisfied with herself, and claiming

-admiration by every gesture.

-

-What had our countryman to say about her appearance? He jogged his

-neighbour's elbow, and quoted the proverb, as he indicated the

-retreating figure with a jerk of his thumb: "Old ewe dressed lamb

-fashion."

-

-"Aye," said his friend, "and it's no good. Age will show in spite of

-paint and finery. She was turned twenty when I was twelve, and I'm

-over fifty-three to-day. Why, deary me! There's always somebody that

-remembers."

-

-These added words were as true as the proverb itself. There is always

-someone, amongst our many acquaintances and kinsfolk, who has a good

-memory for dates, and who can refer to the number of Life's milestones

-we have passed with unerring accuracy.

-

-I asked you if there could be anything more pitiable and contemptible

-than the sight of an elderly woman trying to defy time and age by such

-means as I have named?

-

-I will answer my own question, "Yes, there is. The sight of a girl

-who, possessing youth, health, and the share of good looks and

-attractiveness which must accompany these two things, is ever striving

-to improve Nature's handiwork by the use of unnatural means." Believe

-me, my dear girl friends, the sight of a young face disfigured by

-artificial colouring and unnaturally whitened by powder, of blackened

-eyebrows and eyelashes, together with similar shams, excites in my mind

-a feeling of true motherly regret. I love girls too well to say hard

-things or to speak of contempt for such practices; though they ought to

-be contemptible in the eyes of all pure and right-minded girls.

-

-One associates the use of them with small minds and natures whose chief

-end and aim are to gratify personal vanity and attract admiration,

-instead of striving to win respect by the exercise of far nobler

-powers. Can any girl be so self-deceived as to think she will win

-honest affection by such means? She may win it in spite of them, but

-it will be because the one who gives it is able to discover something

-better and more deserving of love beneath this miserable upper crust of

-deception.

-

-One is always ready to recognise, with gratitude, even a mistaken

-attempt made by the young with a view of giving pleasure to others. But

-I am sure that self-pleasing and the gratification of vanity are, in

-nearly every case, the incentives to such displays as I have condemned.

-

-In looking round me, I have been struck with the fact that some of the

-girls who use paint, powder, and what are, I am informed, known under

-the general name of "make-ups," are just those to whom Nature has been

-specially liberal in the gift of beauty.

-

-Beauty, when joined to vanity, has an insatiable longing to add to its

-attractions. It is more than conscious of all that it has, but it is

-never satisfied, because it craves to combine, in its own person, the

-attractions of every style which is, from time to time, commended in

-its hearing. Hence all these useless and foolish efforts to improve on

-Nature's handiwork.

-

-Do not misunderstand me so far as to think I condemn the use of many

-little toilet accessories, which add greatly both to comfort and

-health. It would be insulting to the good sense of my girls, if I were

-to specify what things are lawful and useful, and what are contemptible

-and to be avoided.

-

-You would smile, in pitying fashion, at the sight of an old lady, whose

-grey locks having become too scanty to cover her head, had thought fit

-to crown her wrinkled face with a wig and fringe of golden hair. But if

-the addition matched what remained of her own growth, I hope you would

-be glad to think that art had done something on behalf of comfort and

-comeliness for old age, as well as for youth. Depend on it the natural

-colour of your hair is that which agrees best with your features and

-complexion, and if there is anything really wrong with the latter, it

-will be better for you to consult your doctor than a manufacturer of

-cosmetics.

-

-I am glad to think I have not known many girls whose vanity led them to

-spoil their appearance in the manner I hope you join me in condemning,

-but we have all seen plenty of such. I picture two, however, both

-rather exceptionally attractive. One had beautiful, glossy, dark hair,

-with eyes to match, and a complexion like a blush rose.

-

-I did not see her for some time, and when we met I was horrified at

-the change. A mop of yellow, frizzled hair surmounted a face whence

-the blush-rose tint had fled, or been hidden under glaringly false red

-and white. All the dainty charm of the face was gone, and I am fain to

-confess that I went a little out of my way to avoid a closer meeting

-with my changed acquaintance. Happily I can tell of a pleasant sequel

-in this case. Some good influence has been brought to bear, or perhaps

-the girl's innate good sense has overcome her vanity, and she has found

-out that such shams are unworthy of a self-respecting girl.

-

-She has given fair play to Nature, and that just in time to save the

-blush-rose complexion from ruin, and to be once more her bonny self.

-

-The second girl possessed remarkable beauty especially of complexion,

-and her vanity and greed of admiration were in proportion to it. These

-impelled her to be ever experimenting on herself to produce greater

-perfection, with the result that whilst still a girl she looked many

-years older than her age, and I hear, though I do not see her now, that

-she is daily becoming less attractive, though no less vain than of old.

-

-Quite apart from the harm done to personal appearance by these foolish

-practices, but of far greater importance, is the moral injury they

-cause. One might call the exhibition of paint an acted falsehood,

-because it is an attempt to make ourselves appear what we are not.

-

-But such devices are too transparent to deceive. If begun, they become

-more and more injurious and difficult to discontinue, and those who

-practise them live in an atmosphere of anxiety and disappointment.

-Age comes, despite all efforts to delay its progress, and it leaves

-footprints which baffle art to disguise or obliterate.

-

-Doubtless you have all heard this expression used in relation to

-someone you know--"She knows how to grow old gracefully." You

-understand it to picture one who accepts age as the natural and

-inevitable sequence of youth; who is above the paltry vanity which

-would hide it--or, rather, try to hide it--yet who neglects nothing

-which can help to make it externally attractive, and especially to the

-young. For, if age is to have its full legitimate influence over youth,

-it must be beautiful in itself, both without and within.

-

-I will not ask you, my dear ones, to look again at that pitiable

-picture of Vanity battling with Age, despite the certainty of defeat

-and disappointment. But be assured of this--that the girl who starts on

-the same lines will reach the same goal; but it will not be that of a

-beautiful and lovable old age.

-

-Do not imagine that I undervalue externals. I would have you all be

-habitually careful about them. Let your complexion be kept at its best

-by scrupulous cleanliness. If your hair is beautiful and abundant, take

-pains to dress it in the fashion that best sets off such good looks as

-you possess. If you are less favoured in this respect, give the more

-care and pains so as to make the best of what you have.

-

-Exercise good taste in your dress, whilst carefully keeping your

-expenditure within your means. The girl who dresses quietly and

-becomingly will not make herself conspicuous in later years by the use

-of glaring colours or fantastic garments.

-

-Try to be graceful and quiet in your movements, and scrupulous

-in avoiding all little ways and habits likely to be disturbing,

-unpleasant, or offensive to others. And do not be offended if a

-well-meaning friend ventures to point out a tendency to any growing

-habit of the kind, knowing that if once established it will be almost

-impossible for you to overcome it. Bear in mind that such a warning can

-be only intended for your benefit and to help you on your way towards

-growing old gracefully.

-

-Study to modulate your voices so that the sound of them may fall

-pleasantly, even musically, on the ear. Shrill, harsh, and loud

-youthful voices become something too terrible when they accompany age.

-

-I wonder if any of you have heard our dear Queen speak? I regret to say

-that I have not, but friends have told me that they never heard a voice

-which equalled hers for its melodious tone, perfect clearness, and

-faultless enunciation.

-

-Try to avoid affectation in gesture and movement, and any form of

-facial contortion. Habit makes all these painful to witness, and age

-exaggerates them. Sometimes a habit of knitting the brows is contracted

-early in life, with the result that the forehead is furrowed and a

-forbidding expression given to the face which permanently spoils it.

-Age intensifies what is forbidding and disagreeable, but shows to the

-greatest advantage all that is most lastingly attractive in us, just as

-the flower fulfils the promise of the bud.

-

-In this lesson on "How to grow old" I have confined myself to

-externals. It is time for us to part, but when we meet again we will

-study the subject from the highest standpoint.

-

-Before then a new year will have dawned on us. Let me suggest as a

-fitting motto for it, "I will go in the strength of the Lord God." May

-it prove a very happy one to you all.

-

-(_To be continued._)

-

-

-

-

-"SISTER WARWICK": A STORY OF INFLUENCE.

-

-BY H. MARY WILSON, Author of "In Warwick Ward," "In Monmouth Ward,"

-"Miss Elsie," etc.

-

-

-CHAPTER IV.

-

-Granny 20 was in one of her most garrulous moods, but who was there to

-listen? She tried to catch a nurse or probationer as they hurried by

-the end of the bed, with a "Listen to me now, nurse." But a smile and a

-nod and a "By-and-by, Granny," was all she got for her pains.

-

-Her nearest bed-fellows were too sleepy for anything, and she had to

-content herself with murmuring to an imaginary audience until Sister

-had a moment's leisure, and came to her bedside.

-

-"I was saying, Sister, that Mrs. 21 there is one with me. We both rue

-our wedding-day! And we thought--bless yer!--we thought, when we stood

-up so proud and made our vows, that we was the luckiest women in the

-world."

-

-"And it all turned out badly, Granny?"

-

-"Oh, well! It might have been wuss for some of us. I won't say it

-mightn't; but me was in too much of a hurry--that was the mischief.

-Why, bless yer! Mrs. 21 there says she wasn't more'n sixteen when she

-took a 'usband! And me? I was only just turned eighteen. We didn't know

-no better. We were took by a 'andsome face."

-

-"Well, Granny, I cannot err on the side of marrying too young, whatever

-I do."

-

-"Sister! You ain't never thinking of matrimoany? Don't 'ee, dear! Don't

-'ee! Just take the advice of a old woman what _knows_. This is what I

-say. If a man comes to you and seems true enough, don't trust him! No,

-not if trust was to sparkle like a diamond from the end of every hair

-on his head, don't trust him!"

-

-Hardly knowing how to contain herself for laughter, Sister promised to

-be very careful, and thanked Granny for her wise words.

-

-"They aire wise. You may well say so," chuckled the old lady. "Now I

-could tell you----"

-

-"Another time, Granny dear--and see! Here's nurse with your tea. A cup

-of tea! There's nothing like it, is there?"

-

-"Bless yer--no!"

-

-And Nurse Hudson--what of her? Had the episode of yesterday's

-carelessness with the words of reproof that followed been the warning

-Sister Warwick hoped? The watchful eyes could detect very little that

-was amiss that day. But she was obliged to acknowledge that the nurse's

-manner towards herself was not what it should be. With her new efforts

-not to repel her nurses by the stiffness of her own manners she ignored

-what she could. Later she felt glad she had done so.

-

-After tea the medicines were given out. It was the staff-nurse's duty

-to-day, and following the instructions on her chart, Hudson went to and

-fro, pouring out the draughts, and bringing them to each bed in order.

-

-Sister, seated by No. 10, watched her silently. But when she brought

-the dose for this "typhoid," she took it from her hand to administer it

-herself.

-

-What instinct made her pause, before giving it, to ask:

-

-"Is this the new medicine, nurse?"

-

-"Of course it is, Sister!" The tone was offensive, but, ignoring it,

-Sister Warwick leant forward to hold the glass to the girl's lips.

-Again she paused. What was it stayed her hand?

-

-She raised the glass, smelt it, and then put it to her own lips and

-tasted the liquid, her eyes on the chart.

-

-"This is an overdose!" she said sternly. "Here are four times the right

-amount!"

-

-For she knew in a flash what the nurse had done, and she shuddered

-at the thought! Hudson had certainly, as she said, given the fresh

-medicine the chart directed, but in her heedlessness she had not

-looked to see if the quantity was altered too. She had poured out two

-tablespoonfuls instead of two teaspoonfuls--a dose that would have

-caused intense suffering, if nothing worse, to the sick girl.

-

-Sister Warwick rose from her chair and looked Nurse Hudson full in the

-face. Her utter scorn and indignation at this culpable carelessness

-rendered her speechless.

-

-But her glance was enough!

-

-Turning on her heel, she carried the medicine-glass into her room,

-placed it in a cupboard there, and locking it up, removed the key.

-

-Nurse Hudson watched it all--miserable and self-condemned--knowing

-what the action meant. Now that it was done, she would have given

-anything to have been more careful. Her colour came and went. She

-stood irresolute. Her better self was urging her to go at once and with

-a humble apology plead for another trial with an earnest promise of a

-different course in the future. But she could not bring herself to do

-that. Pride and Selfishness had been too closely her companions lately,

-excluding better impulses.

-

-No, she would not believe that Sister Warwick meant to report her to

-the Matron. Perhaps she would only ask for her removal to another ward;

-there she could make a fresh start. But she did not ask herself with

-what motive.

-

-Nurse Hudson's work had always been tarnished with the discolouring

-influences of her own low aims. No wonder now that she failed, and did

-not take the one step that might have saved her nursing career.

-

-She left the ward that evening without another word with the

-Sister--miserable, self-pitying, undecided, little thinking that she

-would never enter it again.

-

-       *       *       *       *       *

-

-"The whole affair shall be stopped at once!" The Matron's voice was

-full of decision and very stern. "I will send for Hudson and tell her

-I cannot keep her here any longer. Nor will I sign her certificate! I

-am not justified, after all you tell me, in sending her away to pass

-herself off as a qualified nurse."

-

-"You take a harder view of her conduct than I do, Matron." And Sister

-Warwick then and there began to plead for the nurse who had been such a

-"thorn in her side."

-

-"You will not move me, Sister! Hudson will go! It will seem right, from

-many points of view, when you can look at it dispassionately. I am only

-very thankful that we so rarely have such a failure among the nurses,

-and thankful most of all that no worse harm has been done. We might

-have had a case for the coroner."

-

-Sister Warwick knew the Matron's words were just. She left her and

-went back to her own room, sinking into her leaning-chair with the

-consciousness that an upset like this "took it out of her" far more

-than even an operation involving pain and suffering to one of her dear

-ward babies. And, sad at heart, she began to think of Ellen Hudson's

-future, then to search back in her own mind for possible opportunities

-missed in the past when she might have helped her more kindly. She

-realised bitterly that she herself might have done better too.

-

-She sat forward then and wrote a little note and sent it round to the

-Nurses' Home, timed to reach Nurse Hudson just after her interview with

-the Matron.

-

-It was to ask her staff-nurse to come and see her before she left. But

-she never came. She passed out of Sister Warwick's life from that hour,

-and her place knew her no more.

-

-       *       *       *       *       *

-

-Nurse Carden's bright face and ready sympathy were a pleasant

-interruption to the Sister's mournful ruminations that evening. She

-came in a little before her usual time, and the two had a quiet chat in

-the "Sisters' Room" before the night work began.

-

-Here Sister Cumberland joined them. These three women--so different in

-character, so united in aim and purpose--felt then the sustaining power

-of a friendship that was standing the wear and tear of life.

-

-Seeing how worried the elder "Sister" was by the present, the other two

-drew her thoughts back to the past and to their earlier experiences in

-the ward.

-

-"Do you remember?" was the introduction to many reminiscences Sister

-Cumberland recalled that night on duty, when she fought her fiercest

-fight with the craving for sleep.

-

-Nurse Carden talked of Tommie the waif and his whimsical ways. He could

-not be forgotten, for it was not many days since at the lodge-gate of

-her own home she had seen the Tommie of to-day. Such a contrast! A

-sturdy, ruddy, honest country lad, loving his life as a gardener's boy,

-and always ready, if questioned, to say, "Oh, I belong to Nurse Carden,

-I do! I ain't got nobody else! But she is good to me, she is!"

-

-So the three talked until the hour struck which took them to their

-various duties and closed the second of these days my pen has tried to

-describe--days chosen not because they were remarkably different from

-many others, but because they give an average picture of the cares

-and anxieties, the pleasures and interests that belong to a hospital

-Sister's life; because, too, they tell of an experience that had a

-lasting effect in softening Sister Warwick's character and in extending

-her influence over the nurses in her charge.

-

-[THE END.]

-

-

-

-

-GUS.

-

-

-Ya want ti knaw aboot ma maate Gus? Set ya doon, then, an' ah'll tell

-ya all aboot it.

-

-Me an' Gus wer friends fra' t' first. 'E wer a shy, quiet soort o' lad,

-an' t' other chaps didn't seem ti taake ti 'im at first, an' it wer

-soort o' loansoom for a yoong chap lodgin' aloan i' a straange plaace,

-specially as 'e didn't seem ti care mooch for t' public-'oose o' neets.

-Soa wun evening, as we wer leavin' woork, ah says ti 'im, "Coom in an'

-'ave a bit o' soopper wi' ma an' ma missus, lad."

-

-'E looked real pleased, an' said 'e would coom, bud 'e wouldn't coom

-straight 'oam wi' ma, as ah wanted 'im ti. Noa, 'e mun gang back ti 'is

-lodgins an' fettle issen oop.

-

-My missus weant best pleased when sha 'eard 'e wer coming; mebbe, theer

-weant ower mooch for soopper, an' sha niver were fond o' straangers;

-bud 'e 'adn't been i' oor lahtle room aboove 'alf a minute afoor ah

-seed as sha'od taaken a fancy ti 'im. 'E com in rather shy an' bashful

-loike, for all 'e'd maade 'issen soa graand wi' 'is Soonday coate an'

-all, an' ma missus, she says--

-

-"Set ya doon an' maak yersen at whoam, while ah get summat for ya ti

-eat," an' 'e set doon reet theer by t' door, on t' edge o' 'is cheer,

-an' 'adn't a woord to say for 'issen.

-

-Oor lahtle lass Polly--she wer nobbut fooer year owd then--shoo com in

-an' stood starin' at 'im wi' 'er finger i' 'er mooth, an' at sight o'

-'er 'e foond 'is tongue.

-

-"Coom 'ere, lahtle ma'ad," says 'e; "ah'm wonnerful fond o' childer.

-Coom an' see what ah've got i' ma pocket."

-

-Bud t' lahtle lass still stood beside ma, starin' at 'im as if 'e wer

-summat i' a show.

-

-Gus didn't saay nowt moor, but 'e oots wi' 'is knife an' a bit o' wood

-and starts carvin' summat.

-

-"Noo," says 'e, arter a bit, "what shall it be? Shall ah maak tha a

-'orse, or a coo, or what?"

-

-T' lahtle lass foond 'er toongue at that.

-

-"A lad," says she, an' cooms a step nearer ti see what 'e wer at.

-

-"Shoo'll be a rare wun for t' lads when shoo's a bit bigger, ah'se

-warran'," says 'e, wi' a laugh; an' 'e goes on carvin' t' bit o'

-wood in a waay 'at wer wunnerful ti me. Soon t' head an' shoolthers

-appeared, an' then t' legs an' arms, an' all t' while t' tahtle lass

-crept nearer an' nearer, an' by t' tahm t' lad wer doon, shoo wer

-sittin' on 'is knee an' chatterin' awaay ti 'im as if 'e wer' an owd

-friend.

-

-That woon moother's 'eart, for shoo's powerful set on t' lahtle lass,

-seem' shoo's t' oanly wun wi' 'ave--an' ah reckon ah weant far be'ind

-'er i' that--an' befoor 'e left shoo'd arst 'im ti taake 'is dinner

-wi' us Soonday next. Arter that, Gus wer in an' oot continual, an' 'e

-an' t' lahtle lass wer as thick as thieves. It wer pratty ti see 'er

-perched o' 'is knee, wi' 'is arm roond 'er, an' ti 'ear 'er pratty

-prattle, all aboot 'er dolls an' toys an' sooch-like. 'E used ti call

-'er 'is lahtle sweet-'eart, an' saay sha mun marry 'im when sha wer

-growed a bit, an' t' lahtle lass 'ud look oop i' 'is faace, as graave

-as graave, an' promise ti be 'is lahtle wife. 'Twer as pratty a pictur

-as 'eart could wish to see them thegither, an' 'e niver seemed ti tire

-o' 'er coompany, or care ti talk wi' me or t' missus when t' lahtle

-lass wer theer.

-

-Well tahm went on, an' t' job e'd coom doon 'ere for wer nigh

-finished--layin' rails o' new line it wer--an' 'e wer talkin' o'

-leavin', for 'e weant fra' oor parts; when wun daay--ah mind it wer t'

-first o' April, for theer'd been soom foolin' amoong t' lads earlier

-i' t' daay, an' t' blackthorn wer buddin' i' t' 'edges--we wer setting

-on t' railway bank eatin' oor dinners. Gus wer moor talkative than

-ordinary that daay; ah mind 'e'd been tellin' us o' t' waay they did

-'arvestin' i' 'is parts--Lancashire waay--an' 'arvest-'oams, an'

-sooch-like, when all of a soodden ah caught sight o' ma lahtle lass

-runnin' along t' line. It did gie ma a toorn, for t' doon traain 'ad

-been signalled two or three minutes sin', an' even as ah caught sight

-o' 'er, ah 'eerd it roombling along i' t' distance.

-

-"Ma God!" ah cried. "Look theer!"

-

-Jack Wilson--'im as lives i' yon cottage wi' t' creepers doon by t'

-church--shoots as lood as 'e could, "Get oft t' line, bairn! Get off t'

-line!" Bud Polly, sha didn't taak noa 'eed ti 'im.

-

-Then afoor ah 'ad got ma wits aboot ma, or 'ad ony idea what 'e wer

-goin ti do, Gus 'ad joomped doon fra' t' bank, an' were roonnin' for

-'is loife doon t' line ti meet t' lahtle lass. It wer awful to see 'im,

-while every moment t' thoonder o' t' train com nearer.

-

-"Is t' man mad?" cried Wilson. "It's certain death." An' even as 'e

-spoke, t' train com roond t' corner.

-

-Polly stood still, terrified, an' Gus ran on reet inti t' teeth o' t'

-train. Ah turned deadly sick, for ah niver thowt 'e would be i' tahm,

-an' it seemed nobbut a waaste o' two lives; bud 'e reached 'er joost

-afoor t' train did. Ah seed 'im catch 'er oop an' toss 'er on ti t'

-bank, an' then--then t' traan wer on 'im, an' we saw noothing moor till

-it 'ad past. Then ah ran ti wheer 'e wer lyin', an' an awful sight it

-wer. It 'aunts ma yet, thoo it's nigh on ten year sin. 'E wer livin',

-poor chap, an' 'e looked up at ma wi' a smile, though t' death dews

-were gathering on 'is faace.

-

-"T' lahtle lass?" 'e asked anxiously.

-

-"Saafe an' well," ah answered. "Eh, Gus, lad, tha' shouldn't 'a doon

-it. Ah reckon she weant woorth it."

-

-"Niver saay that!" 'e said. "Wheer is sha? Ah'd like fine to bid her

-good-bye."

-

-Polly wer cryin' wi' fright on t' bank cloas at 'and. Ah called 'er,

-bud at first sha 'ung back, not knawin' as it wer 'er friend as lay

-theer, a sickenin' sight, an' not fit for a bairn ti see.

-

-"Niver mind, John," 'e said, sadly enough. "It's better soa. Ah

-wouldn't like 'er ti think o' ma like this." But ah went an' fetched

-'er, an' bade 'er ti thank 'im for saavin' 'er loife.

-

-"Nay, nay," 'e said, smoilin' oop at 'er. "Good-bye, lahtle sweet'eart.

-Tha'lt 'ave ti get anoother lad noo."

-

-"Nay, ah'll waait for thee an' be thy lahtle wife," says Polly

-sturdily, not un'erstan'in', poor lahtle lass, as 'e wer dyin'.

-

-"Tha'lt 'ave ti waait till tha gets ti t' New Jeroosalem, then," 'e

-answers, "if soa be as they'll let ma in." An' at that 'e looks serious.

-

-Ah maade 'aste ti cheer 'im oop.

-

-"Nay, lad, thoo need 'ave noa fear o' that," ah says. "Tha mind hoo He

-said, 'Inasmooch as ye 'a doon it to wun o' t' least o' these, ye 'a

-doon it unto Me.'"

-

-Hoo 'is faace lighted oop at that word! Then a spasm o' agony crossed

-it, an' t' death rattle began i' 'is throat.

-

-'E couldn't speak, bud 'e maade ma a sign ti send t' lahtle lass away,

-an' ah bade 'er roon 'oam ti 'er moother. Then ah knelt doon an' raised

-'im in ma arms, an' it weant long--thank God, it weant long.

-

-Well, it's ten year sin, as ah said, an' it's an owd story noo, an' t'

-grass is green on 'is graave. T' lahtle lass keeps it rare an' gay wi'

-flooers. Shoo's growin' a graat gell noo, an' it weant be long afoor

-t' lads begin ti coom aboot 'er, for shoo's growin' bonny; bud shoo's

-niver forgotten Gus, an' if shoo iver did, ah wouldn't oan 'er as ma

-darter, that ah wouldn't!

-

-

-

-

-ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

-

-

-MEDICAL.

-

-FREDA.--Of the cause of exophthalmic goître but little is known for

-certain. Worry or anxiety often precede the onset of the disease.

-Unlike ordinary goître this affection is not limited in any way to

-certain districts, but occurs in every part of the country. "Is it

-curable, and if so, how long should a moderate case take to cure?"

-Yes, many cases do recover. When the disease is very marked, recovery

-is unusual. But now that surgeons have directed their attention to the

-disease there is every reason to believe that the severer grades of the

-affection may yield to operative treatment. We can no more tell you how

-long an attack of exophthalmic goître will last than we could tell you

-the day of your death. Sometimes the disease disappears in six months

-or a year, often it drags on for many years. As a rule, if the symptoms

-develop rapidly, the disease runs a rapid course. Men are comparatively

-rarely attacked. We can, however, call to mind a fair number of cases

-of exophthalmic goître in the male sex. Unmarried women of from twenty

-to thirty years of age are the usual victims of this disease.

-

-WORRIED.--1. In all probability your sister would get better and

-stronger after marriage. Of course it depends a good deal upon the

-cause of her malady. She had far better go to her family doctor and

-get his advice upon the matter. We cannot take the responsibility of

-giving a definite answer to your question from such a very scanty

-amount of information.--2. There are so many books on travel and

-science, suitable to ordinary readers, that it is rather difficult to

-choose any particular volume. One of the best books on science for a

-beginner--that is, a person who is beginning to read science--is a

-little work called _Ants and their Ways_, by the Rev. Farren White. It

-is a charming little volume which will instil into anyone who reads it

-the habit of observation--so all-important in science. The book is very

-moderate in price. It is published by the Religious Tract Society. If

-you turn to the advertisement sheets at the back of this paper you will

-see notices of a number of very good books on both science and travel.

-

-MATRON.--Obviously the book you want is the _British Pharmacopœia_.

-This gives definite instructions how to make up every official

-preparation. There is a new edition just published. For the drugs which

-are not in the _British Pharmacopœia_, Squire's _Companion to the

-British Pharmacopœia_ may be consulted. You will do well to thoroughly

-master the decimal measures, and to use them exclusively, as they

-are now official and will alone be used in the future. The old and

-confusing apothecaries' measures are now out of date.

-

-ALTA.--For the bites and stings of midges, etc., rub a little dilute

-ammonia on the bite. This usually relieves the pain instantly. It is

-better to put a drop of dilute carbolic acid (about 1 in 100) upon the

-bite after using the ammonia. The reason for this is that the trouble

-from an insect's bite is dependent upon two causes. In the first place

-the insect actually drops poison into the bite. This, which is usually

-formic acid, makes the wound smart at once, but its effect passes off

-in a little time. Ammonia neutralises this acid and so gives instant

-relief. But there is a second cause of trouble which is far more

-serious. The bite of a fly has caused more deaths than you would think,

-and from this reason. Flies of all kinds are given to feed on garbage,

-and as they have not yet learnt to use a toothbrush, their mouths are

-always swarming with germs. Usually these germs are not of a very

-virulent kind. But suppose that a midge has been eating the carcase of

-an animal which has died from peritonitis. That fly is now more deadly

-than a viper, for on its tongue it has a poison which is capable of

-rapid increase if it ever finds a suitable home. If this fly bites you,

-you may die from the bite. Everyone knows that often an insect sting

-or bite does not ache or swell at first; but after several hours the

-place becomes hot and swollen, and if the place bitten be the hand,

-the arm begins to swell and the glands in the armpit enlarge. In this

-case a mild dose of microbes has been innoculated. Ammonia will not

-in most cases destroy these microbes. Therefore, we say, put a drop

-of dilute carbolic acid on the place as soon as you can. The ammonia

-simply relieves a little itching (for the poison of the insect itself

-is rarely dangerous), but the carbolic acid destroys organisms which

-are capable of great mischief. Rubbing the face and hands with oil of

-eucalyptus, or paraffin, will sometimes prevent insects from coming

-near you.

-

-LILY, MY QUEENIE.--1. Is the skin round your eyebrows scarred? Hair

-never grows on scars, nor can it be made to do so by any means in our

-power. If there are no scars, try a little white precipitate ointment

-applied carefully to the eyebrows.--2. Moles cannot be cured. They can

-be removed by operation. If they are large and noticeable it is better

-to have them removed. Otherwise leave them severely alone.

-

-PEARL.--Take our advice and see a doctor at once. Severe headache is a

-very common symptom, and though it is usually caused by some trivial

-ailment, it is often the only subjective sign of a serious disease.

-Your attacks suggest megraine, but they might be due to far more

-serious things. Without a complete personal examination no man living

-could diagnose your malady.

-

-FOX.--What size corsets do you wear? Tight lacing is, or rather was,

-a very common cause of fatness about the face. What age are you? It

-is very common for women to get double chins and extra plump cheeks

-when they have passed their thirtieth year. Very many diseases cause

-fatness of the face. Kidney disease is one of the commonest of these.

-All we can advise you to do is to be careful about your diet. Avoid

-farinaceous puddings and sweets. Take plenty of exercise. No drug

-is of much good in obesity of any kind. Some of the mineral waters,

-especially Vichy, are sometimes useful to stout persons.

-

-A WEARY AND CAREWORN GIRL.--We are exceedingly sorry that we could not

-answer your letter earlier. The troubles that you have gone through are

-enough to depress any girl of twice your age. We think that all your

-sufferings are due to nervousness resulting from being "run down." What

-the impediment in your speech is, is not quite clear from your letter.

-Probably it is far less than you imagine, else your mother would

-certainly have noticed it. The difficulty which you find in commencing

-to talk is due to nervousness. As your health improves, and as you

-grow older this will tend to disappear. We will publish an article on

-blushing and nervousness next month. To the last of your questions your

-clergyman would be more competent to give you an answer than ever we

-could be. Go to your pastor and tell him your troubles. He is sure to

-be able to comfort you in your affliction and to help you to bear your

-cross with patience for the sake of Him who laid down His life for you.

-

-CROYDEN.--The habit of taking acids to cure indigestion is greatly

-to be deprecated. Acids and bitters are very useful in some forms

-of indigestion, but they should never be taken unless ordered by a

-physician. Alkalis, such as bicarbonate of soda, are on the other hand

-of great value in the majority of cases of indigestion. Indeed we will

-go further than this: we have never met with a case of indigestion

-from any cause which was not benefited, sometimes only temporarily, by

-alkalis. We have seen very few cases of indigestion which have been

-relieved by acids. Our candid opinion is that the habit of taking acids

-and bitters to cure disorders of the stomach or loss of appetite, is a

-very fertile cause of the life-long indigestion so common nowadays.

-

-BLACK EYES.--In an answer to "Fair Isobel," which was published some

-months ago, the treatment of blackheads was thoroughly discussed.

-

-EMILY PHELPS.--Your glasses do not suit you. Go to an oculist and get

-his prescription for another pair. Your symptoms are very common in

-people who use unsuitable spectacles.

-

-BUTTERCUP.--Bunions are due to the pressure of badly-fitting boots. In

-the human foot the great or innermost toe bends away from the other

-toes. This gives to the inner border of the foot a direction slanting

-inwards towards the middle line of the body. Most boots are made

-with their inner border slanting outwards away from the middle line

-so as to meet the outer border of the boots at a more or less acute

-angle. We have therefore the great toe naturally tending to depart

-from its fellows, and we have the boot forcing the great toe towards,

-and possibly under or over, the other toes. The boot is an unyielding

-structure. The inner border of the foot is also practically unyielding,

-except at one spot, the joint of the great toe. The first toe is

-therefore forced inwards and its joint projects as an angle. The boot

-presses upon this joint, a corn forms, inflammation is set up, and

-the joint becomes diseased, forming a bunion. When once a bunion has

-developed, it is no good talking about its prevention. We must attempt

-to cure it, and it is not so very difficult to cure it, and keep it

-cured, if you fully understand how it originated. A bunion is caused by

-pressure upon the joint. The cure of the bunion consists of removing

-the pressure from the joint. To do this you should wear boots in which

-the inner border slopes away from the centre of the boot. We advise you

-to get a pair of boots of this shape made for yourself. If the bunion

-is intractable, you may need a "post" in the boot between the great and

-the second toe. Keep your foot scrupulously clean, and take a foot-bath

-every evening.

-

-J. S. N.--As your mother died from heart disease, it is no wonder that

-you imagine your own symptoms to be likewise due to heart trouble; but

-the symptoms you mention are all characteristic of simple dyspepsia;

-not one of them is common in heart disease. When you say "at times my

-pulse beats very fast and sometimes irregularly," we presume that you

-mean that you feel your heart beating fast or irregularly, in other

-words, that you have palpitation. When the heart is beating fast or

-irregularly, as it frequently does in heart disease, it produces no

-symptoms which might inform the sufferer of her state. It is only by

-feeling the pulse that irregularities in its action can be detected. We

-will not say that heart disease is not hereditary, but the importance

-of this factor has been greatly over-estimated. Disease of the heart

-is very frequently due to rheumatic fever; and the tendency to

-rheumatism is; to a certain extent, hereditary. You will find plenty of

-information about indigestion in our last year's volume.

-

-ESTHER.--We can well understand that you feel a little nervous about

-your chest, when you tell us that both your parents died of phthisis.

-You know that the risk of your developing the disease is considerable,

-yet it by no means follows that you will get phthisis. By no means are

-you certain to get phthisis. You must be very careful about yourself,

-and the least bit of a cough or cold which may attack you must be

-carefully attended to. Indeed we advise you to call in your family

-doctor the moment that you have any cough or other untoward symptom.

-Certainly you would do well to spend your winters in Switzerland.

-

-CANARY.--1. A little dumb-bell exercise every morning will improve

-the form of your back and shoulders. The dumb-bells should be made of

-wood and not weigh more than two pounds each. Heavy bell exercise is

-very dangerous. It has always been considered beautiful for women to

-possess broad hips.--2. Why? Why do so many of our correspondents call

-themselves "constant readers"? Perhaps it is that they think that by

-using that pseudonym they will get answered sooner, or perhaps it is

-merely from lack of sufficient imagination to think of some phrase less

-commonplace.

-

-E. M. WALKER.--Cinnamon is more at home in the pantry than in pharmacy.

-The only medicinal action it possesses is that of all aromatic

-substances. It is occasionally used as a stomachic, but its chief use

-is for flavouring. Sometimes it is given for diarrhœa as it is a mild

-astringent. Cinnamon has no action on cancer, neither has any drug the

-slightest effect upon the course of this disease. Indeed one might put

-down the medicinal action of cinnamon at zero.

-

-MABEL B.--It is not at all uncommon for the hair to fall out after a

-severe illness. It is, however, rare for permanent baldness to result.

-Usually after combing out in large quantities for some weeks or months

-the hair grows quickly and luxuriously again. A mildly stimulating

-hair-wash is often useful in these cases. Brilliantine, bay rum or

-rosemary hair-washes are suitable. We much doubt whether taking

-cod-liver oil would have any effect upon your hair, but it might help

-to restore your strength.

-

-FLORRIE.--1. We know of no recipe which will remove hairs from the face

-without doing serious damage to the skin at the same time.--2. Try

-sulphur soap for a shiny face. Do not use face powder.

-

-HELENA.--Read the answer to "Florrie" above. The Laws of Libel prevent

-us from giving you our opinion on the preparation which you mention. We

-are allowed, however, to warn you to have nothing to do with any patent

-medicine of which you do not know the composition. It has not been our

-experience that peroxide of hydrogen makes the hair grow quickly.

-

-

-STUDY AND STUDIO.

-

-IRISH MAY FLOWER.--It is rather difficult to dispose of such sketches

-as you describe. We should suggest that you took them to any picture

-dealer in your neighbourhood, and asked him to try to sell them for

-you. Or you might write to the Irish Ladies' Work Society, 47, George

-Street, Kingstown, inquiring if that would be of any use to you.

-

-MABEL ENTWISTLE.--We are very glad that you have been enabled through

-our means "to make the acquaintance of two extremely nice French

-girls." Your writing we like very much. It is clear, definite, and

-has a character of its own. If we gave any hint for its improvement,

-it would be to avoid the lapses in the middle of a word, making the

-writing flow consecutively.

-

-LA PETITE VIOLETTE.--We have not forgotten you, and are very glad you

-have taken up some special study. We have placed your request in "Our

-Open Letter Box."

-

-WILD ROSE.--1. Your first quotation is from Tennyson's _In Memoriam_,

-xxvii., stanza 4.

-

-    "I hold it true, whate'er befall,

-      I feel it when I sorrow most,

-      'Tis better to have loved and lost,

-    Than never to have loved at all."

-

-2. Look through the poetry of Thomas Moore for your second extract, and

-if you cannot find it there, send it again and we will place it in "Our

-Open Letter Box."

-

-CATALINA.--1. Apply to the Church Sunday School Institute,

-Serjeant's Inn, Fleet Street, E.C., or to the Sunday School Union

-(undenominational), 57, Ludgate Hill, and you will receive the fullest

-information. The lessons for each Sunday are set forth in certain

-inexpensive books in detail, with comments and information upon every

-verse. In addition to these "lesson helps" you should read and study

-books upon the Old Testament and upon the life of our Lord, such as

-Farrar's _Life of Christ_. The Religious Tract Society has published

-one (_The Life of Jesus Christ the Saviour_, by Mrs. S. Watson), which

-is not too ambitious, and might help you. The net price is 3s. 9d.--2.

-Your writing is good for your age, but might be improved if the tails

-to your "g's," "y's," etc., were less straggling.

-

-ERIN-GO-BRAGH.--1. We have inserted your request, but (as you give a

-pseudonym) not your address.--2. Your handwriting is too upright and

-irregular, but there is the foundation of a good hand in it.

-

-EXILE OF ERIN.--The "Fragment" you enclose is above the average of

-poems submitted to us, but your metre does not flow quite smoothly

-enough. You should avoid too many monosyllables in these long lines.

-

-L. A. T.--We should advise you to read Homer's "Odyssey," translated

-by Butcher and Lang, and if you find difficulty in understanding it,

-a "Primer" on the subject as well. But we think you will enjoy it. As

-for Plato, read "The Trial and Death of Socrates," translated by Dean

-Church, and consult a small history of Greece on the period (399 B.C.)

-Do not attempt too much at once, nor read Plato's deeper "Dialogues"

-to begin with. Your letter, which you ask us to criticise, is clearly

-written, with only one mistake in spelling.

-

-MISS BEALEY.--We undertake no communication by post (see "Rules" in our

-November part and elsewhere). You will find the "Home Reading Union"

-an excellent society; apply to the Secretary, Surrey House, Victoria

-Embankment. Consult this column for amateur societies occasionally

-mentioned.

-

-MISS FLORENCE E. SMITH calls attention to the "Bedford Practising

-Society," of which she is secretary. She will be delighted to send

-particulars to any fellow reader of the GIRL'S OWN PAPER. Address to

-her at Winfrith, The Crescent, Bedford.

-

-HOFFNUNG.--Many thanks for your letter. By all means try again.

-

-

-INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENCE.

-

-MADEMOISELLE MARGUERITE GONTARD (address "Nikopal Mariopol Co.,

-Mariopol, South Russia, Engineer Prauss for M. Gontard"), wishes to be

-put into communication with a young English lady, resident in either of

-the continents of Asia, Africa, America, or Australia. She desires to

-correspond with her either in English or French. We thank Mademoiselle

-Gontard for her pretty English letter. She may certainly write to us in

-French if she prefers to do so.

-

-"ERIN-GO-BRAGH" would like to correspond with a French girl of about

-her own age--twenty-one.

-

-FLORENCE writes a kind letter from which we quote a sentence. "I am

-wondering whether some little girl belonging to the readers of our

-GIRL'S OWN PAPER would care to have an older friend to write to; she

-would receive in return sympathy if in trouble, and an interest would

-be taken in all she might care to confide to one whom she could perhaps

-learn to look upon in the light of an elder sister." We regret that

-it is against our rules to undertake direct postal communication; but

-if any little girl sends us her address, we will insert it here for

-"Florence" to see. Perhaps some lonely, or motherless, or sad little

-girls might be glad to find a friend.

-

-

-OUR OPEN LETTER BOX.

-

-LA PETITE VIOLETTE wishes to find a poem with a refrain to each verse

-"Belle Marquise." She saw a quotation from it as a heading to a chapter

-in a book entitled _Woman and the Shadow_.

-

-MISS M. A. C. CRABB and ELPIS answer LENNOX by referring the verse she

-quotes--

-

-    "Alas! how easily things go wrong,"

-

-to a poem in the 19th chapter of George Macdonald's "Phantastes: a

-Faerie Romance." They agree in saying that the second verse is not by

-the same pen.

-

-PETERKIN, GERTRUDE ASHWORTH, KLONDYKE, B. D. WARD, M. E. BATES,

-"STICK," R. M. COOKE, MABEL ENTWISTLE and "THE ELDEST GIRL," inform

-Ethel Rimmer that Christina Rossetti's poem beginning--

-

-    "When I am dead, my dearest,

-      Sing no sad songs for me,"

-

-has been set to music by Malcolm Lawson, and is entitled "Hereafter,"

-in keys E♭ and G. It appeared in the June number of the _Strand Musical

-Magazine_ for 1895. "A LOVER OF THE 'G.O.P.'" says it has been set to

-music by C. A. Lee, either for a soprano or an alto voice.

-

-R. C. R. suggests to GOLD DUST that the poem "Tit for Tat" is contained

-in "Original Poems for Infant Minds," by Jane Taylor, her sisters and

-brother. If this is the poem sought for, we may add that the volume is

-published by Routledge.

-

-ONE OF THE FIRST READERS, AZIE, asks for the author of a poem entitled

-"Maggie and the Angels," containing two lines--

-

-    "Maggie, are they the angels?

-      And be they always there?"

-

-PERSEVERANZA would be glad to know the publishers of a picture-book

-of performing frogs or cats from which she could copy for painting on

-dessert doyleys.

-

-L B. N. R. wishes to know the author of the following lines--

-

-    "There is a river which flows for ever,

-      And the flowers that bloom on its banks

-    Grow bright, as they glitter in grateful endeavour

-      To vie in a perfume of thanks."

-

-

-MISCELLANEOUS.

-

-EDITH.--The origin of the Lions as a device on the Royal Arms we trace

-to William the Conqueror, who introduced those of Normandy. These two

-original Lions were supplemented by a third, added by Henry III., it is

-generally supposed, for Aquitaine.

-

-MATER.--To make an economical Christmas cake, take half a pound

-of butter, place in a bowl, and break five eggs over it, stirring

-continuously, while a second person sifts in slowly a pound and

-a half of currants (well washed, dried, and carefully picked),

-three-quarters of a pound of flour, and two ounces of citron peel

-chopped to moderately small pieces. Place in a papered shape--not

-buttered--several folds of paper being laid at the bottom of the tin,

-and bake in moderately hot oven during three hours.

-

-SEMPER PARATUS.--We answer two questions, and you have asked nineteen!

-It is impossible to describe the several Scotch tartans otherwise than

-by coloured illustrations. These you will find in a book published by

-W. and A. K. Johnston (Edinburgh and London), entitled, _The Scottish

-Clans and their Tartans_, now in its second (if not third) edition.

-Some account of every Clan is given.

-

-ANXIOUS.--Rheumatism will, no doubt, be made worse by exposure to damp

-and draughts; but the origin is in acidity, which crystallises in the

-joints and muscles. You should abstain for a time from butchers' meat,

-and from sweet things. Attend to the action of the liver, which may

-be torpid; and if the pain be in the arms and shoulders, you should

-perform all kinds of exercises with them, and employ friction and

-rubbing with suitable embrocation. If you do not perform exercises, the

-joints and sinews will become stiff.

-

-A. E. C.--_Noah's Ark_, by Darley Dale, is published as a book by F.

-Warne, Bedford Street, Strand. Price 3s. 6d.

-

-HELEN OF TROY.--You will find several families of the name

-Marshall--though not necessarily related--in Burke's _Landed Gentry_.

-Perhaps you can claim your connection with one of them. The first on

-the list is G. H. Marshall, of Patterdale Hall, Westmoreland, descended

-from John of Yeadon Hall, Co. York, who made a large fortune from

-the mechanical improvements in a branch of the linen manufacture.

-There is Marshall of Treworgley, Cornwall; Marshall of Penwortham

-Hall, descended from M. of Ardwick, near Manchester; Marshall of

-Ward End House, Co. Warwick, descended from M. of Perlethorp, Co.

-Nottinghamshire; and Marshall of Broadwater, Surrey, apparently the

-oldest family of that name, anciently spelt Marchal, and long resident

-in that county. None of these families have the same arms, nor crest.

-The first-named (of Patterdale) has none ascribed to them in the

-_Landed Gentry_. You had better consult the second volume in some

-library.

-

-

-

-

-OUR PUZZLE POEMS.

-

-A NEW DEPARTURE.

-

-

-We are publishing Three Puzzle Poems in succession dealing with

-accidents and the way to meet them, and the following is the second of

-the series. The lines should be carefully committed to memory for the

-sake of the valuable instruction they contain.

-

-In addition to the ordinary monthly prizes THREE SPECIAL PRIZES are

-offered for the best solutions of the whole series.

-

-The first Special Prize will be THREE GUINEAS; the second Special

-Prize, TWO GUINEAS, and the third Special Prize, ONE GUINEA.

-

-A careful record of mistakes will be kept, and these prizes will be

-awarded to those competitors who perpetrate the fewest in all three

-puzzles.

-

-If a winner of one of these prizes has already received an ordinary

-prize in the series, the amount of the smaller prize will be deducted.

-This will then be sent to the most deserving non-prize-winner in the

-list relating to the puzzle for which the prize in question was awarded.

-

-

-OUR NEW PUZZLE POEM.

-

-[Illustration]

-

-⁂ Prizes to the amount of six guineas (one of which will be reserved

-for competitors living abroad) are offered for the best solutions of

-the above Puzzle Poem. The following conditions must be observed.

-

-1. Solutions to be written on one side of the paper only.

-

-2. Each paper to be headed with the name and address of the competitor.

-

-3. Attention must be paid to spelling, punctuation, and neatness.

-

-4. Send by post to Editor, GIRL'S OWN PAPER, 56, Paternoster Row,

-London. "Puzzle Poem" to be written on the top left-hand corner of the

-envelope.

-

-5. The last day for receiving solutions from Great Britain and Ireland

-will be February 17, 1899; from Abroad, April 17, 1899.

-

-The competition is open to all without any restrictions as to sex or

-age.

-

-

-

-

-OUR SUPPLEMENT STORY COMPETITION.

-

-

-SELF OR FRIEND?

-

-A STORY IN MINIATURE.

-

-

-FIRST PRIZE (£2 2s.).

-

-Margaret A. Fish, 49, Foregate Street, Worcester.

-

-

-SECOND PRIZE (£1 1s.).

-

-Rose Cook, 2, South Cliff, Lowestoft.

-

-

-THIRD PRIZE (10s. 6d.).

-

-Edith Ivens, Mayfield, Station Road, Llandaff, nr. Cardiff.

-

-

-VERY HIGHLY COMMENDED.

-

-Emily M. P. Wood, Woodbank, Southport.

-

-

-HONOURABLE MENTION.

-

-Mary Adamson, Eastbourne; Lucy H. Chapman, Weston-super-Mare; "Conor,"

-Bonchurch, I.W.; Rose L. Connor, Greenock, N.B.; "Editha," Birmingham;

-Kate Collins Ensor, Atherstone; "Excelsior," North Bow, E.; Annie F.

-Hepple, N. Shields; E. Marian Jupe, Warminster; "Mignonette," New

-Cross, S.E.; Edith Miller, Judd St., W.C.; Agnes Osborne, Sidcup;

-Minnie Reeves, Twyford; Lucy Richardson, York; Enid G. St. Aubyn,

-Retford; Mary Adéle Venn, West Kensington Park; L. M. Willis,

-Harrogate; Mabel Wilson, Bedford Park.

-

-       *       *       *       *       *

-

-

-TO THE COMPETITORS.

-

-MY DEAR GIRLS,--To the prize winners and to those of you also who

-failed to gain prizes, I offer my hearty congratulations on the

-excellent papers you sent in. The work of selecting the very best

-was much less difficult than that of choosing a few for "Honourable

-Mention," out of hundreds of really good ones.

-

-It may interest you to know why some of you failed to obtain a place

-in the list of honours. Twenty-eight competitors were disqualified

-by breaking the rule as to size of paper and space to be filled.

-Then there were several charming essays on the story which were not

-miniatures of it. In a considerable number necessary parts of the

-outline were omitted, hence the work was incomplete.

-

-It gave me true pleasure to note how thoroughly most of you grasped the

-lesson which the story was intended to convey.

-

-Do not be disheartened. Try again. Such good papers cannot be called

-failures, and the exercise will benefit you whether you gain prizes or

-not.

-

-    Your affectionate old friend,

-        RUTH LAMB.

-

-       *       *       *       *       *

-

-

-OUR NEXT STORY COMPETITION.

-

-STORIES IN MINIATURE.

-

-_Subject_:--"THE G. O. P. SUPPLEMENT FOR JANUARY."

-

-

-WHEN MY SHIP COMES HOME.

-

-BY SARAH DOUDNEY, Author of "A Cluster of Roses," "A Flower of Light,"

-etc.

-

-We offer three prizes of TWO GUINEAS, ONE GUINEA, and HALF-A-GUINEA

-for the three best papers on our "Story Supplement" for this month.

-The essays are to give a brief account of the plot and action of the

-story in the Competitor's own words; in fact, each paper should be a

-carefully-constructed _Story in Miniature_, telling the reader in a few

-bright words what THE GIRL'S OWN STORY SUPPLEMENT for the month is all

-about.

-

-One page of foolscap only is to be written upon, and is to be signed

-by the writer, followed by her full address, and posted to The Editor,

-GIRL'S OWN PAPER, in an unsealed envelope, with the words "Stories in

-Miniature" written on the left-hand top corner.

-

-The last day for receiving the papers is January 20th; and no papers

-can in any case be returned.

-

-_Examiners_:--The Author of the Story (Sarah Doudney), and the Editor

-of THE GIRL'S OWN PAPER.

-

-       *       *       *       *       *

-

-Transcriber's Note: The following changes have been made to this text.

-

-Page 218--prevenche changed to pervenche.

-

-Page 222--parafin changed to paraffin.

-

-

-

-

-

-End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Girl's Own Paper, Vol. XX, No.

-992, December 31, 1898, by Various

-

-*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE GIRL'S OWN PAPER ***

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+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 52104 ***
+
+[Illustration: THE GIRL'S OWN PAPER
+
+VOL. XX.--NO. 992.      DECEMBER 31, 1898.      [PRICE ONE PENNY.]
+
+
+
+
+OLD ENGLISH COTTAGE HOMES;
+
+OR,
+
+VILLAGE ARCHITECTURE OF BYGONE TIMES.
+
+
+[Illustration: AT CLARE, SUFFOLK.]
+
+_All rights reserved._]
+
+
+PART III.
+
+We have already pointed out the simplicity of outline observable
+in old English cottages, and the absence of exaggeration and that
+disagreeable fussiness brought about by too much striving after the
+picturesque. It must not, however, from this be concluded that ancient
+village buildings are always plain and do not at times possess elegant
+ornamentation and graceful details.
+
+The general outline, however, is always simple and quiet, for, as will
+be seen by the examples we give (two of the most elaborate cottages in
+England), the roof lines are very little broken up or varied.
+
+The first of these buildings is at Clare in Suffolk, and the second is
+at Newport in Essex, the latter being one of the richest counties in
+England for cottage architecture, many of its villages retaining quite
+a mediæval aspect down to the present time.
+
+We will now say a few words upon the methods of applying ornamental
+detail to cottages adopted in mediæval times, and we shall commence
+with those structures erected in "Post-and-pan" construction. We trust
+that our readers have not forgotten what is meant by the ugly-sounding
+expression "Post-and-pan," and regret that we are quite unable to
+discover or invent some more elegant name for this description of
+building. Some years back a number of architects and archæologists
+were examined before a parliamentary commission. The commission
+objected to the words "Post-and-pan" being used in their report, and
+suggested to the witnesses that they should find some more scientific
+expression for this kind of work! It was found, however, impossible to
+invent any one which conveyed the idea so concisely and satisfactorily,
+so the old-fashioned name "Post-and-pan" received parliamentary
+sanction! This being the case, our girls need not scruple to use it,
+and may it not, after all, be as valuable for the formation of the lips
+as the "prunes" and "prism" of Little Dorritt?
+
+There are several ways of applying ornamentation to "Post-and-pan"
+buildings. The first is to add mouldings, tracery or carving, to the
+doorways, windows, cornices, corbels and other constructive parts of
+the building.
+
+The second is to arrange the "posts" in patterns by introducing curved
+beams amongst them, or other woodwork, forming a kind of tracery
+pattern.
+
+The third is to adorn the "pans" (panels) either with stamped
+plaster-work called "pargeting," or with coloured plaster-work, or
+wood-carving.
+
+The first of these methods is seen in the beautiful example which we
+have sketched at Newport in Essex: here it will be noticed that the
+bow window of the upper storey is adorned with wood tracery, and its
+corbel richly carved with figure subjects, all executed in oak. The
+"spurs," as they are called, which carry the projection of the upper
+storey, are richly moulded and rest upon elegant little colonnettes.
+The pans are filled in with brickwork laid in herring-bone patterns.
+The centre of the building is recessed back, but in order to preserve
+the severe and simple lines of the roof, the latter does not follow
+the line of the recess, but is supported upon an arched beam, from the
+centre of which projects a lifting-crane, a treatment quite peculiar to
+the home counties and the south of England.
+
+Of course this building is far more elaborate than most cottages, and
+the tradition of the place accounts for this by the supposition that it
+was formerly the dwelling of a farm bailiff to the Abbot of Westminster.
+
+The beautiful little village of Newport has several examples of
+interesting domestic work and a very noble church.
+
+The building which we illustrate dates from the 15th century, and is
+still in excellent repair though not in any way restored.
+
+The very elaborate cottage represented in our first sketch is an
+excellent example of pargeting, the surface of the pans being covered
+by a rich kind of shawl-pattern executed in hard plaster, like the
+Newport example. The constructive portions of the building are
+elaborately treated. We are unable to account for the amount of
+elaboration bestowed on this cottage, but as it is close to the church,
+which is a very handsome building and liberally endowed with chantries,
+it is very probable that this may have been the dwelling of one of the
+chantry priests.
+
+Clare was an important place in the Middle Ages and possessed a castle,
+remains of which are still to be seen. Richard Strongbow, the Conqueror
+of Ireland, is said to have lived in it.
+
+The Manor of Clare in later times belonged to Edmund Mortimer, Earl of
+March. There was also a priory here, built in 1248 by Richard, Earl of
+Gloucester.
+
+A very curious poem exists in the form of a dialogue, "betwixt a
+secular askyng and a frere answering at the grave of Dame Johan of
+Acris" (of Clare). It is a quaint example of Old English and begins in
+rather a curious manner.
+
+Q. "What man lyeth here, sey me, Sir Frere?"
+
+A. "No man."
+
+Q. "What ellis?"
+
+A. "It is a woman."
+
+Then follows her pedigree all in rhyme, from which it appears that she
+was a daughter of King Edward I., and the remarkable circumstance is
+stated, that she was borne of her "moder"!
+
+As the poem is about three pages long and all pretty much like the
+sample we have given, we will not inflict it upon our readers.
+
+    H. W. BREWER.
+
+[Illustration: AT NEWPORT, ESSEX.]
+
+
+
+
+ABOUT PEGGY SAVILLE.
+
+BY JESSIE MANSERGH (Mrs. G. de Horne Vaizey), Author of "Sisters
+Three," etc.
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+Peggy felt weak and shaken for some days after her fright, and was
+thankful to stay quietly indoors and busy herself with her new task.
+The gas fire could be turned on in her room whenever she desired, and
+at every spare moment she ran upstairs, locked her door behind her, and
+began to write. Robert insisted that the work should be kept secret,
+and that not a word should be said about the competition downstairs,
+for he was sensitive about the remarks of his companions, and anxious
+to keep a possible failure to himself. All the work had to be done
+upstairs therefore, and the frequent absence of the partners from the
+schoolroom, though much regretted, did not seem at all inexplicable to
+the others. It was understood that Peggy and Robert had some interest
+in common, but as winter advanced this was no unusual occurrence in a
+house where Christmas was a carnival, and surprises of an elaborate
+nature were planned by every member of the household. It was taken for
+granted that the work had some connection with Christmas, and inquiries
+were discreetly avoided.
+
+With an old calendar before her as a model for the lettering, Peggy did
+her work neatly and well, and the gilt "arabesques" had an artistic
+flourish which was quite professional. When Robert was shown the first
+half-dozen sheets he whistled with surprise, and exclaimed, "Good old
+Mariquita!" a burst of approval before which Peggy glowed with delight.
+It had been agreed that, after printing the first ten days of January,
+Peggy should go on to the first ten of February, and so on throughout
+the year, so that Rob should be able to use what quotations had already
+been found under each heading, and should not be detained until the
+whole thirty or thirty-one had been chosen.
+
+The partners were most fastidious in their selection at the beginning
+of their work, but when half the time had passed and not one-third of
+the necessary number of quotations had been found, alarm seized upon
+the camp, and it was realised that a little more latitude must be shown.
+
+"We shall have to use up all the old ones which we struck off the
+list," said Rob disconsolately. "I'm sorry; but I never realised
+before that three hundred and sixty-five was such an outrageously
+large number. And we shall have to get books of extracts and read them
+through from beginning to end. Nearly two hundred more to find; a
+hundred and fifty, say, when we have used up those old ones! It will
+take us all our time!"
+
+"I'll get up at six every morning and read by my fire," said Peggy
+firmly. "If it's necessary I'll get up at five, and if I can't find
+bits to suit all the stupid old things, I'll--I'll write some myself!
+There! Why shouldn't I? I often make up things in my head, and you
+wouldn't believe how fine they are. I think of them days afterwards,
+and ask myself, 'Now where did I read that?' and then it comes back to
+me. 'Dear me; I made it up myself!' If we get very short, Rob, there
+wouldn't be any harm in writing a few sentences and signing them
+'Saville,' would there?"
+
+"Not if they were good enough," said Rob, trying to suppress the laugh
+which would have hurt Peggy's feelings, and looking with twinkling eyes
+at the little figure by his side, so comically unprofessional, with her
+lace collar, dainty little feet, and pigtail of dark brown hair. "You
+mustn't get up too early in the morning and overtire yourself. I can't
+allow that!" he added firmly. "You have looked like a little white
+ghost the last few days, and your face is about the size of my hand.
+You must get some colour into your cheeks before the holidays, or that
+beloved Arthur will think we have been ill-treating you when he comes
+down."
+
+Peggy gave a sharp little sigh and relapsed into silence. It was the
+rarest thing in the world to hear her allude to any of her own people.
+When a letter arrived, and Mrs. Asplin asked questions concerning
+father, mother, or brother, she answered readily enough, but she never
+offered information, or voluntarily carried on the conversation.
+Friends less sympathetic might have imagined that she was so happy in
+her new home that she had no care beyond it, but no one in the Vicarage
+made that mistake. When the square Indian letter was handed to her
+across the breakfast table, the flush of delight on the pale cheeks
+brought a reflected smile to every face, and more than one pair of eyes
+watched her tenderly as she sat hugging the precious letter, waiting
+until the moment should come when she could rush upstairs and devour
+its contents in her own room. Once it had happened that mail day had
+arrived and brought no letter, and that had been a melancholy occasion.
+Mrs. Asplin had looked at one envelope after another, had read the
+addresses twice, thrice, even four times over before she summoned
+courage to tell of its absence.
+
+"There is no letter for you to-day, Peggy!" Her voice was full
+of commiseration as she spoke, but Peggy sat in silence, her
+face stiffened, her head thrown back with an assumption of calm
+indifference. "There must have been some delay in the mail. You will
+have two letters next week, dearie, instead of one."
+
+"Probably," said Peggy. Mellicent was staring at her with big, round
+eyes; the Vicar peered over the rim of his spectacles; Esther passed
+the marmalade with eager solicitude; her friends were all full of
+sympathy, but there was a "Touch-me-if-you-dare!" atmosphere about
+Peggy that day which silenced the words on their lip. It was evident
+that she preferred to be left alone, and though her eyes were red
+when she came down to lunch, she held her chin so high, and joined in
+the conversation with such an elegant flow of language, that no one
+dare comment on the fact. Two days later the letter arrived and all
+was sunshine again; but in spite of her cheery spirits, her friends
+realised that Peggy's heart was not in the vicarage, and that there
+were moments when the loneliness of her position pressed on her, and
+when she longed intensely for someone of her very own, whose place
+could not be taken by even the kindest of friends.
+
+Like most undemonstrative people, Peggy dearly loved to be appreciated,
+and to receive marks of favour from those around. Half the zest with
+which she entered into her new labour was owing to the fact that Robert
+had chosen her from all the rest to be his partner. She was aglow with
+satisfaction in this fact, and with pleasure in the work itself, and
+the only cloud which darkened her horizon at the present moment was
+caused by those incidental references to the fair Rosalind, which fell
+so often from her companion's lips.
+
+"Everything," said Peggy impatiently to herself, "everything ends
+in Rosalind! Whatever we are talking about, that stupid girl's name
+is bound to be introduced! I asked Mellicent if she would have a
+scone at tea this afternoon, and she said something about Rosalind
+in reply--Rosalind liked scones, or she didn't like scones, or some
+ridiculous nonsense of the sort! Who wants to know what Rosalind likes?
+I don't! I'm sick of the name! And Mrs. Asplin is as silly as the rest!
+The girls must have new dresses because Rosalind is coming, and they
+will be asked to tea at the Larches! If their green dresses are good
+enough for us, why won't they do for Rosalind, I should like to know?
+Rob is the only sensible one. I asked him if she were really such a
+marvellous creature, and he said she was an affected goose! He ought
+to know better than anyone else! Curls indeed! One would think it was
+something extraordinary to have curls! My hair would curl too, if I
+chose to make it, but I don't; I prefer to have it straight! If she is
+the 'Honourable Rosalind,' I am Mariquita Saville, and I'm not going to
+be patronised by anybody, so there!" and Peggy tossed her head, and
+glared at the reflection in the glass in a lofty and scornful manner,
+as though it were the offending party who had had the audacity to
+assume superiority.
+
+Robert was one with Peggy in hoping that his people would not leave
+town until such time as the calendar should be despatched on its
+travels, for when they were installed at the Larches he was expected to
+be at home each week from Saturday until Monday, and the loss of that
+long holiday afternoon would interfere seriously with the work on hand.
+He had seen so little of his people for the last few years, that he
+would be expected to be sociable during the short time that he was with
+them, and could hardly shut himself up in his room for hours at a time.
+Despair then settled down upon both partners when a letter arrived to
+say that the Darcy family were coming down even earlier than had been
+expected, and summoning Robert to join them at the earliest possible
+moment.
+
+"This is awful!" cried the lad, ruffling his hair with a big, restless
+hand. "I know what it means--not only Saturdays off, but two or three
+nights during the week into the bargain! Between you and me, Mariquita,
+the governor is coming down here to economise and intends to stay much
+longer than usual. Hector has been getting into debt again; he's the
+eldest, you know--the one in the Life Guards. It's a lot too bad, for
+he has had it all his own way so far, and when he runs up bills like
+this, everyone has to suffer for it. Mother hates the country for more
+than a few weeks at a time, and will be wretched if she is kept here
+all through the winter. I know how it will be, she will keep asking
+people down, and getting up all sorts of entertainments to relieve the
+dulness. It's all very well in its way, but just now when I need every
+minute----"
+
+"Shall you give up trying for the prize?" asked Peggy faintly, and Rob
+threw back his head with emphatic disclaimer.
+
+"I never give up a thing when I have made up my mind to do it! There
+are ten days still, and a great deal can be done in ten days. I'll take
+a couple of books upstairs with me every night and see if I can find
+something fresh. There is one good thing about it, I shall have a fresh
+stock of books to choose from at the Larches. It is the last step that
+costs in this case. It was easy enough to fix off the first hundred,
+but the last is a teaser!"
+
+On Saturday morning a dog-cart came over to convey Robert to the
+Larches, and the atmosphere of the vicarage seemed charged with
+expectation and excitement. The Darcys had arrived; to-morrow they
+would appear at church; on Monday they would probably drive over with
+Rob and pay a call. These were all important facts in a quiet country
+life, and seemed to afford unlimited satisfaction to every member
+of the household. Peggy grew so tired of the name of Darcy that she
+retired to her room at eight o'clock, and was busy at work over the
+September batch of cards, when a knock came to the door, and she had
+to cover them over with the blotting paper to admit Mellicent in her
+dressing-gown, with her hair arranged for the night in an extraordinary
+number of little plaited pig-tails.
+
+"Will you fasten the ends for me, Peggy, please?" she requested. "When
+I do it, the threads fall off, and the ends come loose. I want it to be
+specially nice for to-morrow!"
+
+"But it will look simply awful, Mellicent, if you leave it like this.
+It will be frizzed out almost on a level with your head. Let me do it
+up in just two tight plaits, it will be far, far nicer," urged Peggy,
+lifting one little tail after another, and counting their number in
+dismay. But no, Mellicent would not be persuaded. The extra plaits were
+a tribute to Rosalind, a mark of attention to her on her arrival with
+which she would suffer no interference, and as a consequence of her
+stubbornness, she marched to church next morning disfigured by a mop of
+untidy, tangled hair instead of the usual glossy locks.
+
+Peggy preserved a demeanour of stately calm, as she waited for the
+arrival of the Darcy family, but even she felt a tremor of excitement
+when the verger hobbled up to the square pew and stood holding the door
+open in his hand. The heads of the villagers turned with one consent
+to the doorway; only one person in the church disdained to move her
+position, but she heard the clatter of horses' hoofs from without, and
+presently the little procession passed the vicarage pew, and she could
+indulge her curiosity without sacrifice to pride. First of all came
+Lord Darcy, a thin, oldish man, with a face that looked tired and kind,
+and faintly amused by the amount of attention which his entrance had
+attracted. Then his wife, a tall, fair woman, with a beautiful profile,
+and an air of languid discontent who floated past with rustling silken
+skirts, leaving an impression of elegance and luxury, which made Mrs.
+Asplin sigh and Mellicent draw in her breath with a gasp of rapture.
+Then followed Robert with his shaggy head, scowling more fiercely than
+ever in his disgust at finding himself an object of attention, and last
+of all a girlish figure in a grey dress, with a collar of soft, fluffy
+chinchilla, and a velvet hat with drooping brim, beneath which could be
+seen a glimpse of a face pink and white as the blossoms of spring, and
+a mass of shining, golden hair. Peggy shut her lips with a snap, and
+the iron entered into her soul. It was no use pretending any longer!
+This was Rosalind, and she was fairer, sweeter, a hundred times more
+beautiful than she had ever imagined!
+
+(_To be continued._)
+
+
+
+
+GIRLS AS I HAVE KNOWN THEM.
+
+BY ELSA D'ESTERRE-KEELING, Author of "Old Maids and Young."
+
+
+PART III.
+
+THE VULGAR GIRL.
+
+As translated by Cowley, Horace is made to say--
+
+    "Hence, ye profane, I hate ye all,
+    Both the great vulgar and the small!"
+
+[Illustration: The small vulgar]
+
+There will be no attempt made in this paper to deal with the great
+vulgar, but some attempt will be made in it to deal with the small,
+being the category to which, it may be assumed, belongs the average
+vulgar girl.
+
+It is of course impossible within the limits of a short essay to
+indicate more than a few of the leading characteristics of this girl.
+She it is who not only wants to monopolise the conversation, but who
+wants to confine it to one subject. She should remember the quaint
+counsel, "The honourablest part of talk is to give the occasion,
+and again to moderate, and pass to something else." Moreover in
+conversation she too often follows the rule laid down by a French
+author for those about to write love-letters:
+
+"Begin without knowing what you are going to say, and end without
+knowing what you have said."
+
+If at the end of a conversation she sometimes knew what she had said,
+the vulgar girl, who is not necessarily a callous girl, would feel very
+unhappy.
+
+Her tendency to talk indiscreetly has doubtless its origin in the
+precipitancy which causes her to break in upon the speech of others.
+There is a lesson which she might learn from a certain polite echo.
+This echo may be heard opposite to Mugdock Castle in Scotland. It will
+repeat any sentence of six syllables in the exact tone in which it is
+uttered--waiting till the sentence is finished.
+
+Another result of the lack of deliberation which characterises the
+vulgar girl is seen in the fact that the latest book, the latest play,
+the latest picture, is to her Thingimy by Thingimbob. That nomenclature
+is somewhat vague, and is moreover out of date, but it still commends
+itself to the vulgar girl, as does the soubriquet _The Bard_ for
+Shakespeare.
+
+Her singular phraseology, which she conceives to set her at an
+advantage, in reality sometimes sets the vulgar girl at a disadvantage.
+Of Tennyson she said the other day--
+
+"I don't pretend to understand him any more than Browning, but then he
+tootles on prettily, and that's what I like in poetry."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+A main difference between Browning and Tennyson was here correctly set
+forth, but the phrasing was in questionable taste. "Tootles" is a good
+word, but to say that Tennyson "tootles on prettily," is to understate
+his merits. It shall here be pointed out in passing that "I don't
+pretend" is a favourite form of asseveration with the vulgar girl, and
+is one which she should try to vary, if only because it inferentially
+asserts that other people do pretend.
+
+The vulgar girl is "by way of being" (her own phrase) witty. One part
+of her wit is to say "muchly" for much, and another part of it is to
+say "free gratis" for free of charge.
+
+Flippancy as a substitute for wit so often evokes mirth that the vulgar
+girl as would-be wit not incomprehensibly largely indulges in it. I sat
+beside her once during a performance of Beethoven's Septett, one of
+the loveliest things in music, with here and there a heart-delighting
+gaiety in it. During the fifth movement of it she whispered to me--
+
+"Isn't it like 'The Bogie Man'?"
+
+[Illustration]
+
+The levity in what follows was even more remarkable. The speaker was a
+young bride.
+
+"I didn't feel a bit nervous at my wedding," she said. "You see, I have
+been used to private theatricals."
+
+A girl like that mistakes gaiety of head for gaiety of heart.
+
+[Illustration: Her first appearance in a new role]
+
+As a sample of vulgar girl-wit at its crudest, I give the following, in
+which a girl spoke of a lady--
+
+"She couldn't turn white, but she went the colour of an unripe tomato."
+
+[Illustration: Upset by Tomato sauce]
+
+The vulgar girl who is "by way of being" witty is not "by way of
+being" sentimental, and is rather addicted to signing her letters
+"Your's," which word she believes to be rightly written as above, with
+an apostrophe. This girl, for the rest, is generally good-natured, and
+her vein of censure is more often odd than terrible. Thus she said the
+other day of a dentist--
+
+"He is a horrible little snob, but that doesn't matter when he gets
+into your mouth."
+
+[Illustration: An old Fairy Tale]
+
+As often as not the vulgar girl has both sense and sensibility. Of the
+latter fact she is profoundly ashamed, and has been known to say of a
+book that has deeply agitated her--
+
+"I got to feel quite eye-in-water over it."
+
+She affects to care, only for the gaieties of life, but knows something
+of its gravities, and has often a bit of heroine in her. The worst
+thing about her is her speech. "Jolly" is her favourite adverb. She
+is jolly glad when she is not jolly mad, and she will soon describe
+herself as jolly sad. She uses the verb "mashed" hideously; where her
+prototype of twenty years ago said "swell" she says "swagger;" and
+she does not stick at saying "beastly." For the rest, she has always
+some pet word of the hour. Thus "dotty" is an adjective now much in
+favour with her. Thereby hangs a tale. The vulgar girl sometimes knows
+Italian, and it was she who translated a line from a famous lady's
+epitaph--
+
+    "_Vergine magnanime, dotta, divina._"
+
+    "A virgin magnanimous, dotty, divine."
+
+On the other hand there are vulgar girls who do not know Latin, and one
+of them has been known to say "effluvia" for "smell," the Latin for
+"smell" being "effluvium."
+
+The pronunciation of her own language is by some thought to offer
+insuperable difficulties to the English vulgar girl, who pronounces
+the "t" in "often" but does not pronounce it in "Westminster," whose
+favourite colour, she has been heard to aver, is "terrar cottar,"
+who plays an instrument which she calls "the varlin," who says
+"to_wards_" and "inter_est_ing," who pronounces "ate" "et," and whose
+vocabulary has been known to include the words "pantomine," "Feb'uary"
+and "sec'etary." So far is this list from exhausting the faults of
+pronunciation of the said vulgar girl, that it must be added that she
+gives to no one vowel its proper sound, while among the consonants
+"h" initial and "g" final stumble her. She is particularly careless
+regarding the latter consonant when the form which her vulgarity takes
+is that of would-be "smartness."
+
+Very abominable to this girl is grammar, which is all but invariably
+set at defiance by her. Thus, even when she does not say "it were," as
+did Mrs. Cluppins, she favours such phrasing as "those sort of," "very
+pleased," "different to" and "between you and I."
+
+[Illustration: A model]
+
+Her predilection for abbreviations is another marked feature of the
+vulgar girl. To "'bus" she has lately added "biz," and "spec" has found
+her approval.
+
+The pity of it!
+
+Just as she has always a favourite word, she has mostly a favourite
+phrase. In one instance known to me it is "You know what I mean," and
+everyone knows what she means, as well everyone may.
+
+Take this assertion--
+
+"It's one of those schools where they sleep in carbuncles--you know
+what I mean."
+
+Of course everyone knows what she means.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Or take this--
+
+"I can't be in six or seven places at one; I'm not omnivorous--you know
+what I mean."
+
+[Illustration: not omnivorous]
+
+Of course everyone knows what she means.
+
+They call her Mrs. Malaprop; but, in point of fact, her case is a
+notable improvement upon that of Sheridan's heroine, the ignorance
+of that lady having been of a shade by just so much deeper that it
+left her unwitting of the fact that she was wrong. The girl here in
+view has a shrewd suspicion that she is wrong, but pays her hearers
+the compliment of assuming that they will understand her. In only one
+instance, so far as has come to my knowledge, has she ever overtaxed
+her listener's powers of comprehension. She spoke of a living novelist.
+
+"I can't bear his books," she said. "They're so very _femme de
+chambre_--you know what I mean."
+
+Not only did the person addressed not know what she meant, but he
+will not now be induced to believe that she meant "_fin de siècle_,"
+and unconsciously used what, it seems to some of us, was a very happy
+substitute for this rather hackneyed phrase.
+
+I have in the foregoing dwelt more particularly on what is to me the
+most striking fact in connection with the vulgar girl, the base uses
+to which she puts her native speech; that my account of her may not,
+however, be wholly inadequate, I have also conferred with persons whose
+views on manners and deportment, as frequently expressed by them, have
+led me to believe that they may be better able than I am to point out
+what, from the social standpoint, constitutes a vulgar girl. Of the
+many _data_ supplied me, I give below a few.
+
+The vulgar girl is "arch."
+
+The vulgar girl is "coy."
+
+The vulgar girl loves "chaff."
+
+The vulgar girl has sidelong looks.
+
+The vulgar girl calls milk "cream" and bacon "ham."
+
+The vulgar girl shouts or whispers.
+
+The vulgar girl thinks all other girls vulgar.
+
+[Illustration: An extreme view]
+
+The vulgar girl has never been told, or has been told in vain, to sit
+up and put her knees together.
+
+The vulgar girl is the girl of whom the vulgar boy says that she is
+"not half a bad sort."
+
+(_To be continued._)
+
+
+
+
+"OUR HERO."
+
+A TALE OF THE FRANCO-ENGLISH WAR NINETY YEARS AGO.
+
+BY AGNES GIBERNE, Author of "Sun, Moon and Stars," "The Girl at the
+Dower House," etc.
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+IN A FORTIFIED TOWN.
+
+It was growing dark when at length they drove through the gates into
+Verdun.
+
+No one then said a needless word, not even Roy. The sense of banishment
+and of captivity pressed upon them all with a new force, at the
+sight of this fortified town, with its massive encircling walls, its
+iron gates, its pervading gendarmerie. If any lack of realisation of
+their true position had helped them hitherto, it had small chance of
+surviving this hour.
+
+At the gate they had to pause, a gendarme coming to the coach door. He
+said something to Denham, which made Colonel Baron ask sharply--
+
+"Eh, what's that?"
+
+"We are to go first to the citadel. Not necessary for Mrs. Baron and
+Roy. You and I might walk it, sir, and send them on."
+
+"No, no," Mrs. Baron interposed; "I cannot go on alone. We will keep
+together."
+
+"A pity," murmured Ivor; and Colonel Baron looked doubtfully from him
+to his wife.
+
+"I am not going to do it," she repeated, with her manner of graceful
+determination; and then, earnestly, "Do not ask it of me--pray do not!"
+No more could be said, and the man was ordered to drive on.
+
+Verdun at that date lay in the then French province of Lorraine, the
+then French department of the Meuse, upon which river it was built.
+Distant from Paris somewhere about one hundred and fifty miles, it was
+also within about fifty miles, in different directions, of two towns
+which have since become vividly historic, Sédan and Metz. The river
+thereabouts follows a tortuous course, and the lower part of Verdun
+stood mainly on little islands in the Meuse, while the upper part led
+to the French citadel, which crowned a rocky summit.
+
+The valley, containing the town, ran north-west and south-east, being
+surrounded by hills.
+
+On reaching the citadel Mrs. Baron and Roy were desired by the Colonel
+to remain in the coach, while he and Denham disappeared within, there
+to be carefully examined and closely questioned, and having again
+to give their parole. After which they came out, the Colonel saying
+shortly--
+
+"That business is done! Tell them where to go, Den. They seem
+determined to know us again."
+
+"Were they civil?" his wife asked.
+
+"No end of a fuss, my dear. As if the word of an English gentleman were
+not sufficient. Close description of us both written in the register."
+
+Once more they drove on, Roy gazing from side to side, noting the
+small insignificant shops, and exclaiming at occasional peeps of the
+river with an interest which never quite failed him. The others were
+for the most part silent. Mrs. Baron's eyes were dim, the Colonel was
+pre-occupied, and Ivor, usually the most observant of men, seemed to
+see nothing.
+
+Presently they stopped before the gateway of a large old house or small
+private "hôtel," with an untidy little courtyard. An old Frenchman,
+in quaint dress, grey-haired, with an imposing pig-tail, came to meet
+them, bowing profoundly to the gentlemen, and still more profoundly to
+Mrs. Baron.
+
+"C'est, sans doute, Monsieur le Colonel--et Madame----"
+
+Colonel Baron's particular gift did not lie in the direction of foreign
+languages. He never could talk French, and probably he never would, no
+matter how many years he might be compelled to live in France.
+
+"Oui, monsieur. Bon jour. C'est nous qui sont viendrai," he responded,
+feeling it incumbent on him to say something, as he descended from the
+old coach. "J'espère que vous êtes bien. Je suis bien aise que nous
+sommes haut--pas bas--pas près de le rivière. Bother their grammar,
+Denham; you can do it better than I. Just say what's suitable."
+
+Denham obeyed, and the next object which dawned upon Roy's perceptions
+was the sad and gentle face of Lucille de St. Roques. He seized her
+hand vehemently.
+
+"I say, mademoiselle, it's nice to find you here. Isn't it, Den?
+Mamma, this is Mademoiselle de St. Roques. Papa, you know she helped
+to nurse me after I'd had small-pox. Are we going to live upstairs,
+mademoiselle? Is that what it's to be? The whole upstairs, all to
+ourselves? What fun! Which way is it? Oh, I see! This way, mamma. Those
+poor horses do look tired, just half-starved, and so skinny. Is there
+a stable for them? Are we to have tea? Dinner! that's right. We didn't
+get half a dinner to-day, and I'm famished. What a droll old staircase?
+Do look out of this window, mamma."
+
+Roy's flow of spirits helped them all. The Colonel and his wife
+gratefully expressed their thanks to the French girl for her past
+kindness to their boy, both being much attracted by her face and her
+pretty manner as she led the way upstairs to the first floor. There
+stood Madame Courant, a fat and smiling little Frenchwoman, ready to
+bestow unlimited welcomes upon the unfortunate foreigners.
+
+Lucille had exchanged bows with Ivor at first, and then had a few
+words with him, scanning his face as she talked, with rather troubled
+glances. There was, however, small leisure at first for any quiet
+conversation. The rooms had to be inspected, and they were found to be
+not at all bad as to size, though meagrely furnished. Lucille had set
+her heart on making everything wear as far as possible an English look,
+using her childish recollections of a home across the Channel; and if
+she was less successful than she had hoped, nobody betrayed the fact.
+It was clear to them all how hard she had worked to render the place
+comfortable.
+
+"But it has been no trouble--non, vraiment--not at all," she assured
+them, with her pensive smile, when they apologised.
+
+While sincerely anxious to help, full of sympathy for their position,
+and most desirous to cheer them up, she plainly feared to be guilty
+of intrusion, and very soon she took herself off with Madame Courant
+to the ground floor. A somewhat clumsy but well-intentioned maiden
+had been deputed to wait upon the upstairs party--probably had been
+hired for the purpose, since Madame Courant did most of her own
+house-work--and dinner was laid in the smaller salon in readiness for
+their arrival.
+
+On the whole that first meal might be reckoned a success. Madame
+Courant was no mean cook; and though not much could be said as to the
+actual waiting, from an English point of view, that was a minor matter,
+compared with the comfort of finding clean and cosy quarters, not to
+speak of a kind reception. Roy did his best to supply all deficiencies
+in the conversational line, and his efforts were seconded, though not
+vigorously, by Denham.
+
+When, however, dinner was at an end, and they had moved into the
+larger salon, which was to be their drawing-room--when a long evening
+lay before them, and there was nothing that had to be done, beyond a
+certain amount of unpacking and arranging, which no one felt disposed
+to begin upon at once--then a change came. Then the shadow of their
+captivity descended heavily upon them all, even upon the valiant Roy;
+and for once the spirit of cheerfulness and of keeping up seemed to
+vanish.
+
+For a quarter of an hour they all remained together, no one speaking.
+No one was able to speak. They had nothing whatever to say. And
+presently, when this had gone on a little while, Mrs. Baron made
+a move, retreating into her own bedroom, avowedly to "see to a
+few things," but in reality, as they all knew, to indulge in a
+breakdown--her husband, after a brief hesitation, going thither also.
+Denham had flagged completely, retreating to a shady corner near the
+big fireplace, where he could scarcely be seen; and for Ivor to flag
+meant the flagging of everybody. As for Roy--but that he would have
+been ashamed, counting himself already almost a man, he could at this
+stage have flung himself on the ground and cried like a little child
+for very home-sickness.
+
+He wanted Molly--oh, most awfully! He wanted her this evening more than
+he had ever wanted anything or anybody in his whole life. The craving
+that took possession of him for Molly's face, Molly's voice, Molly's
+companionship--the passionate desire to have dear little Molly once
+more by his side--was a pain never to be forgotten.
+
+Roy did not know how to bear himself under it. He had nothing to do,
+nothing with which to pass the time. He stood at the window, looking
+out upon the darkness, trying desperately to be cool and stoical, as
+one five minutes crawled by after another. Denham never moved, never
+spoke a word. Roy could just make out his dark outline, as motionless
+as a carved image, a few yards distant. If only Denham would have
+talked, if something would have happened, if somebody would have come
+in, it would have been easier to keep going. But nobody came, nothing
+happened, and Denham did not stir.
+
+Roy drummed with his fingers on the window-sill. He could hear shrill
+voices out in the street, not far off, and the sound of some tuneless
+instrument. One of the two candles was gone with Mrs. Baron, leaving
+the room dim. He tried to listen, tried not to think. And just when
+he counted himself victorious, there was a queer little catch of his
+breath which sounded suspicious. Roy drummed again angrily, hoping that
+Denham had not heard. He might be asleep, he was so still. But, after a
+slight break, he said--
+
+"Come here."
+
+Roy unwillingly obeyed. He would have liked to refuse, but he looked
+upon Ivor as in some sort his commanding officer, so of course he had
+no choice.
+
+"They're making no end of a row out there," he remarked in a tone of
+profound indifference, as he lounged nearer. "Can't think what it's all
+for. Just listen."
+
+"Yes; I wish they would stop."
+
+"Don't know what's it's all about. Something or other--going on. I
+shouldn't wonder--if they're quarrelling."
+
+That odd little catch again.
+
+"Feel very bad this evening, Roy?"
+
+The question took Roy by surprise, and a lump in his throat prevented
+an immediate reply.
+
+Denham understood.
+
+"Never mind," he said. "It's the same with all of us, you know. And
+there's one comfort for you--that Molly wants you at least as much as
+you want her. Some people would give a good deal for that certainty."
+
+Roy tried to explain matters away.
+
+"I didn't say----"
+
+"My dear boy, there's no need for you to say anything; I know well
+enough. Don't you see?"
+
+Denham's chair shook as Roy leant against it, but no further sound
+came. He fought his battle courageously, and Denham waited.
+
+"We shall all feel better to-morrow," the latter presently remarked.
+"It's a strange place, and things look uncomfortable to-night--can't
+well do otherwise. Suppose you and I have a game of chess. Better than
+to sit brooding over what can't be cured. My little travelling set is
+somewhere about, I believe."
+
+"O yes." Roy's voice told of instant relief. "You gave it to me to take
+care of. Don't you mind a game, really? I should like that. Will you
+give me your queen?"
+
+"No; not to-day. I'm not at my best. We'll try on even terms. Get out
+the pieces."
+
+Roy obeyed with alacrity, and whatever the move meant to Denham, it
+served to lift Roy out of his unwonted fit of misery. He was soon
+deeply absorbed in the mimic fight, and for once he found himself on
+the way to win an easy victory. Roy became exultant--till the honour
+and glory of success were impaired by the casual discovery that Ivor
+could not tell a knight from a bishop except by feeling. Roy stared
+wonderingly into the spare bronzed face.
+
+"Why, Den!"
+
+"All right; this is my bishop."
+
+"I say, you didn't take that for a knight?"
+
+"I believe I was under the delusion for a moment."
+
+"But why? There, now it's your turn. Oh, I say!--you're going to move
+my king."
+
+Denham laughed slightly.
+
+"I am rather a futile opponent, seemingly. Never mind. Now it is your
+turn."
+
+"What's the matter? Can't you see?"
+
+"Not well; just a headache. Go on; you'll soon end the game at this
+rate."
+
+Roy showed himself capable of heroism. Though he had never yet beaten
+Denham in full fight, without having some of his adversary's best
+pieces presented to him, though the desire of his heart was for a
+victory, and though he was on the high road to administering checkmate,
+one more glance decided him. He swept his arm over the board.
+
+Denham half smiled, and made no protest.
+
+"You are a kind fellow," he said, as he went back to his former
+retreat; and Roy dropped on the floor to pick up the scattered pieces.
+
+"Why didn't you tell me? You'd no business to play. Can't I do anything
+for you?"
+
+"Yes, if you don't mind"--after a moment's racking of his brain to
+think of anything that might keep the boy occupied. "I wish you would
+unpack my valise--just the things that I shall want to-night."
+
+Roy was delighted and went off at full speed. In the passage he found
+himself face to face with Lucille, and all but rushed into her arms.
+Lucille drew back.
+
+"I say! Oh, I beg your pardon, mademoiselle. I'm going to unpack for
+Den. He's just floored; can't even play chess. It's all this horrid
+beastly bother, having to come to Verdun, you know. He never used to be
+like that. Den was always up to anything. What have you got there?" as
+she held up one hand. "A letter!"
+
+"It is medicine for Monsieur le Capitaine--from England," Lucille said,
+with a look of heartfelt pleasure.
+
+"It really is from England! Won't he be glad? Where did you get it
+from? You shall give it to him yourself. Yes; I declare you shall."
+
+Roy flung open the salon door, and announced, "Here's Mademoiselle de
+St. Roques. Den, she's got something for you! Guess what it is. Come
+in, Mademoiselle."
+
+Ivor stood up, not grateful to Roy at this moment.
+
+"Pray take a seat," he urged.
+
+"It's a letter--a letter--a letter from England," cried the boy.
+
+"You have brought this from the post?" asked Denham, as he received
+from her hand a folded and sealed packet.
+
+"Non, it is not that. The letter arrives from M. de Bertrand. It was
+send to him from England under cover, and he waited till he should
+learn your address and have opportunity to send it with safety. When
+I wrote to him that you all were ordered to Verdun, then he sent the
+letter to me by one travelling this way. It is but now arrived. I am
+glad!" Lucille added, under her breath.
+
+Denham bent nearer to the candle, trying with drawn brows to make out
+the handwriting. As he did so, a curious light crept over his face.
+Lucille thought she could read its meaning.
+
+"You are very good, mademoiselle. I am much indebted to you and to M.
+de Bertrand," he said.
+
+"Den, I do believe it's Polly's writing!" exclaimed Roy.
+
+Denham glanced towards him.
+
+"Yes; it is from Polly."
+
+(_To be continued._)
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+FROCKS FOR TO-MORROW.
+
+BY "THE LADY DRESSMAKER."
+
+
+[Illustration: EVENING DRESSES FOR CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES.]
+
+The winter is always distinguished by a rather dowdy style of dress,
+especially in town, where, for at least three months of the year, the
+days are so dark and the light so poor at best that everyone says, "It
+really cannot matter what one puts on in such sombre weather as this."
+Such is the sentiment expressed by the general public, but, of course,
+does not apply to those who, having carriages at their disposal, can
+blossom out like the lilies of King Solomon, and be carried over the
+mud and through the gloom without let or hindrance. It is only on sunny
+days during the winter and at Church Parade in Hyde Park that one sees
+the brighter side of winter dress. Otherwise it only blooms in the
+shops, at the dressmakers', and at the endless afternoon teas which
+constitute the main amusement during the winter. One must have at least
+one nice walking-dress for the winter, in spite of the gloom, for these
+last-named festive occasions, and one generally needs a cape or mantle
+as well to wear in turn with our costume or with it as we may require.
+Besides this, most women have a certain amount of "wearing out" to do
+of clothes that must put in a second winter. Those wise people who have
+established a kind of rule for themselves in the purchase of dress get
+a handsome cape or mantle one year and a handsome gown the next, the
+latter becoming less visible and important the second year when worn
+under the new mantle. Both of these should come from first-rate shops,
+in order to get the full value out of them. Then there are the people
+who wait for the sales to supply themselves with winter clothes, and
+say they manage to finish out the last year's stock by this means in
+the still darker and shorter days before Christmas. I always consider
+the wearing out of one's winter things a grievous bother which falls
+most heavily on the shoulders of those who are very careful wearers of
+their garments. I know people who really are never able to wear out
+their clothes, and become quite dispirited at the constant sight of
+them. I know one lady who is able to clothe several others poorer than
+herself because she takes such good care of what she wears, and things
+are hardly worn in appearance when she has them repaired and brushed up.
+
+The class which has the most difficulty in clothing themselves so as
+to present a respectable appearance is composed of these very poor
+ladies, who are governesses, lady-helps, or companions, and no doubt
+my readers will have noticed the moving appeals issued by many of the
+societies and agencies which are interested in procuring work for them.
+As we are always anxious to find out good works for our women and
+girls, we commend to them this one, as one of the most blessed both to
+giver and receiver.
+
+The return to fashion of dresses made from the same material entirely
+instead of those which have been so long in wear, which consisted of a
+blouse, more or less handsome, and a skirt, has brought in a necessity
+for mantles and capes, and so these are really the most fashionable
+of the out-of-door garments for the winter months. There is no fear,
+however, of the skirt and jacket disappearing from amongst us, for they
+have been found too useful to lose their place in our esteem; and the
+winter jackets are, some of them, very pretty and tight-fitting, with
+large buttons, and generally of three-quarter length, though there are
+many quite short ones, but which seem more used for cycling or golf
+than for real walking or driving.
+
+[Illustration: TWO WINTER GOWNS.]
+
+One of these costumes with a tight-fitting coat is shown in our
+illustration of "a gown with braid and fur," which is a very handsome
+example of the walking-gowns of the winter. The skirt is made with the
+fashionable tightness, the much-worn shaped flounce, and the braiding
+is carried down the front on either side in a graceful arabesque
+design, which is wider and fuller in detail at the top near the waist.
+The points are braided in the same manner, and the tops of the sleeves.
+The fronts have revers of mink fur. The dress itself is in dark blue
+cloth, and the braiding is in black. The hat is of blue velvet, with
+white and green wings, and blue and green velvet trimmings. This
+admixture of blue and green seems more popular than ever this winter,
+and I have frequently seen a blue hat with a bright green velvet choux
+bow placed in a conspicuous position in front.
+
+The choux and the Louis XII. or true lovers' knot are the two
+fashionable bows of the season, for hats and bonnets as well as for
+dress. The first-named seems ubiquitous in evening dress, where black
+velvet also appears to be most popular as a trimming.
+
+[Illustration: GOWN WITH BRAID AND FUR.]
+
+Both velvet and velveteen are much worn, and are suited to the fashions
+of the day, and the velveteen blouse retains its popularity, but is
+more dressy and fanciful than it was. In some cases velvet is used
+for the coat-shaped bodices, with short square tails that are much
+seen, and these have almost invariably fancy vests or yokes. In most
+instances, too, these are of finely tucked silk muslin, which, in cream
+or white, is quite the most popular material for them, in spite of its
+perishable nature and apparent unseasonableness.
+
+So far as materials are concerned, everything that is clinging and soft
+is sought after, and even the rustling silks that lined our skirts and
+gave us such a feeling of opulence have been relinquished in favour of
+something more clinging. Cashmere and nuns' veiling are used for the
+lining of day dresses, and China silks for evening ones. For slight
+people this clinging effect is sometimes trying, but where stout people
+are concerned the matter becomes worse, and we shall hear of all kinds
+of cures for obesity in order to wear the new skirts.
+
+Of course, as is usual at this season, many evening dresses for small
+Christmas festivities are simple, and our illustration shows three
+of these, which are inexpensive and pretty. The first seated figure
+to the right wears a pink silk muslin, plain for wearing over the
+accordion-kilted skirt, and having a small black leaf-like pattern on
+it for the pointed overskirt; a ruching of rose-coloured silk goes
+round the latter part of the bodice and sleeves, and the back is
+finished with a wide band and bow with ends of rose colour. This can,
+of course, be carried out in any hue, but in white or cream-colour it
+is very pretty, and there are such numbers of fancy gauzes and nets
+that a pretty choice can be made which would be more inexpensive than
+the model we present.
+
+The centre figure wears a dress of _mousseline-de-soie_ of a pale shade
+of Parma violet, which is trimmed with narrow ribbons, drawn up to
+form small ruches. These are of a slightly darker violet. The small
+Eton jacket is of the same shade of violet velvet or satin, with bands
+of velvet and paste buckles. The standing-up figure wears a dress of
+jet-embroidered net, with bands of _passementerie_ on the front of the
+bodice. The evening wrap is of a soft yellow brocade, which is lined
+with a pale violet, and trimmed with flounces of lace and silk. The
+collar is edged with white fur, and a bow of chiffon ornaments the neck
+at the back. In giving these dresses I should observe that, although
+they seem costly, they can be copied in less expensive materials. Nuns'
+veiling, China silk, velveteen, taffetas, Russian net, and Brussels net
+are all in fashion, and all are comparatively so moderate in price as
+to be attainable by those who have slender purses. This season we also
+have the embroidered net skirts that were introduced last year, with
+the improvement that this season the bodice-piece is sold as well. So
+we have not to make troublesome inquiries and huntings for the material
+to decorate them. There seems to be a tendency likewise to return to
+the use of a three-quarter length sleeve, which fits the arm smoothly
+as far as the elbow and terminates in a frill. The long net and chiffon
+sleeves are still worn, and I notice that there are some very pretty
+high net bodices without sleeves, or, at least, with a few folds
+of satin, which answer the purpose. These will be a novelty if they
+should be adopted, and will be charming for the evening with all thin
+materials.
+
+The illustration of two winter gowns shows one of the new skirts and a
+bodice fastened at the back. The skirt is also fastened there in the
+newest fashion; the trimming consists of rows of fine black braid, the
+dress being of fine cloth, of a _pervenche_ blue. The bodice is trimmed
+with points of velvet, of a darker shade of blue, and the same is used
+for the bows at the back. The second dress is one of those tucked
+throughout. It is of a soft satin cloth, of a pale shade of grey. The
+revers are braided, and there is a front of dark-grey velvet and a
+high collar, with the lining braided, like the revers. I hope you will
+notice that this skirt opens on one side, usually the left, and it is
+finished by a row of tiny buttons, or by a small ruching of ribbon.
+
+A great deal of this ribbon ruching is seen, as well as much piping.
+Silk braids, very fine and very narrow, in black and white, form a
+feature of this year's decorations, and silver braids as well. Crystal
+buttons are more liked than paste or steel ones, and there is a craze
+for old lace and for mixing fur with it. Black and white are in as
+much favour as this mixture has always found during the last four
+years, and the two are constantly mixed in trimmings.
+
+I think I mentioned in my last that the hair was worn low on the
+neck--certainly far lower than has been the custom for some little
+time. But I do not find that the knot of hair is quite so low just now.
+Evidently the idea has not quite "caught on," as the slang phrase has
+it, and most of the well-dressed heads I have lately seen have had the
+coil of hair at the back of the head midway down. Perhaps, later on, we
+shall see more of the low hair dressing than we do now.
+
+Truly the swing of the pendulum has quite carried us away from the neat
+and ever-becoming black stockings, and the new ones are a study in
+colour and design. I think the tartan ones will be worn, and will look
+well; but I cannot say I like the others; nevertheless, that may be
+because one has grown used to a lack of colour for so long.
+
+So far as boots and shoes are concerned, the most fashionable people
+wear the American ones with their extremely pointed toes and narrow
+feet, but it is open to the sensible to wear something more comfortable
+if they do not mind a loss of style, for we cannot be really smart
+unless our poor feet be pinched and pointed to the last degree.
+
+
+
+
+OUR PROSPECTUS PUZZLE REPORT.
+
+
+SOLUTION.
+
+ANOTHER NAUGHT.
+
+A ROUNDEL.
+
+    Time hastens onwards to the day
+      When our good, trusty printer ought
+    Upon our numbers to display
+                      Another naught.
+
+      Oh! how tremendous is the thought:--
+    A thousand weeks have passed away
+      Since out our magazine was brought!
+
+    We love our work, it is but play;
+      "_Bon Voyage_" to the bark high-fraught;
+    And printer, sing as you in-lay
+                      Another naught.
+
+
+PRIZE WINNERS.
+
+_Ten Shillings Each._
+
+    J. Hunt, 42, Francis Road, Birmingham.
+    A. Phillips, 15, South Hill Park, Hampstead.
+    Emily M. Wood, Woodbank, Southport.
+
+
+_Five Shillings Each._
+
+    Margaret Baggallay, 3, Clarence Lawn, Dover.
+    Marie Behrendt, Scanthorpe, Doncaster.
+    Lily Belling, Wribbenhall, Bewdley.
+    Miss H. M. Brown, Longformacus, Duns, N.B.
+    Charlotte D. Cole, 7, High Street, Beckenham.
+    M. A. C. Crabb, Ipplepen, Alexandra Road, Hemel Hempstead.
+    Agnes Dewhurst, 32, Lethbridge Road, Southport.
+    Miss M. Hodgkinson, 2, Feversham Terrace, York.
+    Benjamin Marcroft, High Legh, Grosvenor Drive, New Brighton.
+    Nellie Meikle, 2, Newsham Drive, Liverpool.
+    Henzell G. Robson, 7, Oxford Terrace, Gateshead-on-Tyne.
+    F. A. Powell, 75, Hythe Road, Swindon.
+    Anne Sifton, 230, Goldhawk Road, Shepherd's Bush.
+    M. Stuart, The Shrubbery, Grove Park, Kent.
+    Ellen C. Tarrant, 2, Palace Grove, Bromley.
+    Violet C. Todd, Ford, Cornhill-on-Tweed.
+
+
+_Very Highly Commended._
+
+Mrs. Acheson, Eliza Acworth, Lottie R. Biddle, E. J. Cameron, Mrs. J.
+Cumming, May Merrall, E. C. Milne, Lilla Patterson, Constance Taylor,
+Connie E. Thompson, Daisy Tyler, Martha Wood.
+
+
+_For Artistic Execution._
+
+Maud Abbott.
+
+
+_Highly Commended._
+
+Annie A. Arnott, Fanny Ashby, Ethel M. Atkins, Margaret Bailey, Eva M.
+Benson, R. S. Benson, E. K. Berry, Mary A. Blagg, Nancy Bolingbroke, M.
+S. Bourne, May Burlinsay, Annie J. Cather, Mabel E. Davis, Mrs. Deane,
+Edward R. Duffield, Alice M. Feurer, Emily Francis, Mrs. W. H. Gotch,
+Mrs. Grubbe, Edith E. Grundy, A. Hughes, George L. Ingram, Annie G.
+Luck, C. Y. MacGibbon, E. Mastin, Jessie Middlemiss, Mrs. Nicholls,
+Percy J. Powell, Alice M. Price, Gertrude Saffery, A. C. Sharp, Isabel
+Snell, Norah M. Sullivan, A. C. T., Phyllis Toker, Ann Toplis, Florence
+Whitlock, Mrs. Wigglesworth, E. Wilson.
+
+
+_Honourable Mention._
+
+S. Ballard, Mary I. Chislett, Helen M. Coulthard, Mrs. H. Keel, K. H.
+Ingram, E. M. Le Mottée, Charlotte Hayward, Florence Hayward, Ethel
+C. Hobbs, Edith L. Howse, Annette E. Jackson, Alice E. Johnson, Fred
+Lindley, Ethel C. McMaster, Elsa P. Neel, Charles Parr, Elizabeth A.
+Reynolds, Annie Saunders, Dorothy Smith, Ellen R. Smith, Gertrude
+Smith, May Tutte, Anna Walker, J. Walker, Julia Waltenberg, John R.
+Whyberd, G. Watherston.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+EXAMINERS' REPORT.
+
+The insatiability of an editor who is clamouring daily for our words
+of wisdom compels us to be very brief. This is all the more to be
+regretted because with such a subject to handle we could have risen to
+great literary heights. But to work!
+
+The title was not "Another aught," the reason being that aught is not
+synonymous with naught. The difference between the two is considerable,
+"aught" signifying anything, "naught" nothing. The importance of this
+pleasing fact is often overlooked, especially by schoolchildren, who
+frequently speak of a cipher as "an aught," or, as they in their
+childish wisdom spell it "ought."
+
+In many solutions the final letter of "onwards" was omitted. Doubtless,
+"onward" is grammatically just as good, but as the "s" was in the
+puzzle it was a pity not to transfer it to the solution.
+
+The beginning of the third line seems to have caused trouble. Those who
+failed to find the true solution generally gave "On our three figures,"
+or "On our first numbers." Both readings are good interpretations of
+the text, but the first is meaningless and the second is incorrect.
+With "On all our numbers "--adopted by a few solvers--we have little
+fault to find.
+
+Many competitors kindly pointed out that the minus sign in line 6 ought
+to have been the sign of division. Let us examine their contention
+closely. Two weeks divided by two yields one week and the beginning of
+the line would run "A thousand one week." Two weeks minus two yields
+weeks, clearly, and we need pursue the instruction no further. Some of
+the readings at this point were remarkable, _e.g._, "A thousand days";
+"Twelve thousand days": "A thousand years," and "A million weeks."
+
+We have always been accustomed to regard THE GIRL'S OWN PAPER with much
+veneration, but the idea of its having first seen the light something
+like fourteen thousand years before Adam is somewhat startling.
+
+In the next line, "G. O. P." often took the place of "magazine." Our
+dislike of such irritating abbreviations did not prevent us from doing
+justice to the reading which is rhythmically correct.
+
+The number of solvers who wrote "barque" for "bark" was amazing. The
+latter was in the puzzle and signifies any small vessel. The former was
+not in the puzzle and defines a vessel of a particular rig. And there
+is really no need for more.
+
+
+
+
+IN THE TWILIGHT SIDE BY SIDE.
+
+BY RUTH LAMB.
+
+
+PART III.
+
+HOW TO GROW OLD.
+
+    "They shall still bring forth fruit in old age" (Psalm xcii. 14).
+
+When I was a child a dear old lady, who had been asking questions about
+my lessons, laid her gentle hand on my head and said, "I see you love
+school, my child. 'Learn young, learn fair.'"
+
+You, dear girl friends, will be at no loss to understand the teaching
+of the proverb. It says, in few words, that those lessons which are
+early imprinted on our minds are likely to have an abiding place in our
+memories and a lasting influence over our lives.
+
+There is one lesson amongst many which we ought to be constantly
+learning from the time that we can understand anything. It is, how to
+grow old.
+
+Do I see some of you smiling at each other, as if old age were such
+a far-away subject that it ought not to be introduced to my great
+gathering of girls? Why, if I could have spoken to you as children, one
+by one, I would have asked, "Are you learning how to grow old?"
+
+You ought to be, for the moment you began to live you started on the
+path that leads to old age. From that path none of us can turn aside
+and, perhaps without thinking much of the inevitable ending, we pursue
+our course thereon steadily and uninterruptedly. We may start on many
+other paths--those of duty, work, mental culture, etc.--and we may
+take up certain pursuits and relinquish them at our will, but the one
+onward journey is continuous. We travel by night and by day. Sleeping
+or waking, resting or working, we are ever progressing towards old age,
+whether we live to reach it or not.
+
+It is often said that every age has its special beauty, and yet I
+daresay many of you have never dreamed of associating the idea of
+beauty with old age. You are apt to claim it as the special prerogative
+of youth. Yet I believe that old age may be--and I assert that it ought
+to be in certain senses--the most beautiful of all, despite the white
+hair, the tremulous hand, the feeble step which seeks support from the
+strong arm of the young, and the wrinkles on brows that were once as
+smooth and fair as the fairest amongst yours.
+
+The young often shrink from the very thought of being old. One hears
+the girl in her teens whisper to her companion, as she glances at a
+third who is not out of her twenties, "She is getting to look quite old
+already. She might be five-and-thirty."
+
+The tone is half pitying, half disparaging, as if the object of the
+remark were somehow in fault because a few more years had passed over
+her young head than over the speaker's.
+
+Listen again to words from the lips of a girl who is just "sweet
+seventeen." (Alas that seventeen does not always deserve the
+adjective!) She has just stigmatised a friend of thirty as "a cross old
+thing." And for what? She has only been trying to bring her good common
+sense and sound judgment to bear upon the other's wilfulness. She is
+anxious to save her from doing a foolish thing on which her childish
+will is stubbornly set and which is certain to be followed by remorse
+and trouble.
+
+"Sweet seventeen" purses her pretty lips and tosses her foolish head
+whilst saying, "As if I were going to be ordered about by her! Cross
+old thing!" And she goes on her wilful way and pays for it.
+
+Still we must acknowledge that a dozen extra years do not always bring
+proportionate wisdom, any more than does the seventeenth birthday
+invariably carry sweetness in its train. We have to learn to grow old
+in such wise that each year's passage means also progress in everything
+that is best.
+
+It seems very strange--does it not?--that whilst everyone desires long
+life, so many dislike to look forward to old age in connection with
+themselves. Or, if they do, it is not so much in a frank and natural
+manner as in a secret and stealthy fashion. If they speak of it at
+all, they speak as of something which may be near to others, but is
+still far, far away from themselves. Such people would never tell you
+that they are learning how to grow old--striving each day after some
+knowledge which will tend towards the attainment of a really beautiful
+and lovable old age.
+
+The need for such a study is ignored by so many up to and beyond middle
+age, that one wonders little at its being ignored by the young. Yet
+other questions occupy their earnest attention in connection with
+increasing years.
+
+How to ward off the semblance of old age, for the reality cannot be
+deferred. How to look young in spite of it. How to conceal the number
+of the years that have passed over their heads. How best to utilise art
+so as to simulate the complexion of youth and to hide the marks of time
+on their features.
+
+Time is readily given in order to solve such questions to the exclusion
+of those higher lessons, attention to which would make old age the most
+beautiful and lovely of all.
+
+Girls, dear girls! you are generally keen observers of externals, and
+especially so in matters of female dress and adornment. If one of you
+has been at a social gathering, whether amongst humble workers or
+leaders in society, what is usually the first question asked by sisters
+or acquaintances on her return? Is it not about the dresses worn? You
+inquire how such a one looked, or if another again wore a dress which
+is too well known on account of its age. You want to hear all about
+novelties in the fashioning of new garments, and whether they were of a
+mode likely to be becoming to yourselves. It may be you give a little
+laugh as you say that such a girl would be sure to look dowdy, or
+inquire if the good taste of another was as conspicuous as usual.
+
+I am inclined to doubt whether you were as anxious to know how your
+friend was impressed by the words and conduct of those with whom she
+had been associating, or whether she had, during this little season
+of social enjoyment, received impressions likely to influence her for
+good. We ought to be learners in every place, but not merely in regard
+to externals.
+
+Now I want to ask you a question. I have given you credit for being
+keen observers. Tell me, can you imagine a picture more truly pitiable
+and contemptible than that of a woman on whose face is the stamp of
+age, but who imagines that she has succeeded in hiding it by paint and
+powder?
+
+One who hugs the thought that she has rendered her wrinkles invisible,
+or that her dyed hair, with its tell-tale line of grey near the roots,
+or the cunningly arranged golden hued substitute for whitened locks,
+deceives anyone but herself? All such shams make the old look older
+still. They add to the appearance of age instead of taking from it, and
+they rob old age of much of the beauty which is as real as that which
+pertains to the youth it tries to simulate. I am alluding to externals
+first because everyone sees them.
+
+I have no doubt that you have all discovered my liking for proverbial
+expressions. My native county is rich in these pithy sayings which
+convey so much meaning in few words. The subject of our present talk
+brings to mind one of these proverbs, which was often quoted in my
+hearing when I was a girl. I recall one occasion especially. A ruddy
+farmer turned to look after an elderly woman who had just passed him.
+She was girlishly dressed, and she strove to trip along in youthful
+fashion, feeling evidently well satisfied with herself, and claiming
+admiration by every gesture.
+
+What had our countryman to say about her appearance? He jogged his
+neighbour's elbow, and quoted the proverb, as he indicated the
+retreating figure with a jerk of his thumb: "Old ewe dressed lamb
+fashion."
+
+"Aye," said his friend, "and it's no good. Age will show in spite of
+paint and finery. She was turned twenty when I was twelve, and I'm
+over fifty-three to-day. Why, deary me! There's always somebody that
+remembers."
+
+These added words were as true as the proverb itself. There is always
+someone, amongst our many acquaintances and kinsfolk, who has a good
+memory for dates, and who can refer to the number of Life's milestones
+we have passed with unerring accuracy.
+
+I asked you if there could be anything more pitiable and contemptible
+than the sight of an elderly woman trying to defy time and age by such
+means as I have named?
+
+I will answer my own question, "Yes, there is. The sight of a girl
+who, possessing youth, health, and the share of good looks and
+attractiveness which must accompany these two things, is ever striving
+to improve Nature's handiwork by the use of unnatural means." Believe
+me, my dear girl friends, the sight of a young face disfigured by
+artificial colouring and unnaturally whitened by powder, of blackened
+eyebrows and eyelashes, together with similar shams, excites in my mind
+a feeling of true motherly regret. I love girls too well to say hard
+things or to speak of contempt for such practices; though they ought to
+be contemptible in the eyes of all pure and right-minded girls.
+
+One associates the use of them with small minds and natures whose chief
+end and aim are to gratify personal vanity and attract admiration,
+instead of striving to win respect by the exercise of far nobler
+powers. Can any girl be so self-deceived as to think she will win
+honest affection by such means? She may win it in spite of them, but
+it will be because the one who gives it is able to discover something
+better and more deserving of love beneath this miserable upper crust of
+deception.
+
+One is always ready to recognise, with gratitude, even a mistaken
+attempt made by the young with a view of giving pleasure to others. But
+I am sure that self-pleasing and the gratification of vanity are, in
+nearly every case, the incentives to such displays as I have condemned.
+
+In looking round me, I have been struck with the fact that some of the
+girls who use paint, powder, and what are, I am informed, known under
+the general name of "make-ups," are just those to whom Nature has been
+specially liberal in the gift of beauty.
+
+Beauty, when joined to vanity, has an insatiable longing to add to its
+attractions. It is more than conscious of all that it has, but it is
+never satisfied, because it craves to combine, in its own person, the
+attractions of every style which is, from time to time, commended in
+its hearing. Hence all these useless and foolish efforts to improve on
+Nature's handiwork.
+
+Do not misunderstand me so far as to think I condemn the use of many
+little toilet accessories, which add greatly both to comfort and
+health. It would be insulting to the good sense of my girls, if I were
+to specify what things are lawful and useful, and what are contemptible
+and to be avoided.
+
+You would smile, in pitying fashion, at the sight of an old lady, whose
+grey locks having become too scanty to cover her head, had thought fit
+to crown her wrinkled face with a wig and fringe of golden hair. But if
+the addition matched what remained of her own growth, I hope you would
+be glad to think that art had done something on behalf of comfort and
+comeliness for old age, as well as for youth. Depend on it the natural
+colour of your hair is that which agrees best with your features and
+complexion, and if there is anything really wrong with the latter, it
+will be better for you to consult your doctor than a manufacturer of
+cosmetics.
+
+I am glad to think I have not known many girls whose vanity led them to
+spoil their appearance in the manner I hope you join me in condemning,
+but we have all seen plenty of such. I picture two, however, both
+rather exceptionally attractive. One had beautiful, glossy, dark hair,
+with eyes to match, and a complexion like a blush rose.
+
+I did not see her for some time, and when we met I was horrified at
+the change. A mop of yellow, frizzled hair surmounted a face whence
+the blush-rose tint had fled, or been hidden under glaringly false red
+and white. All the dainty charm of the face was gone, and I am fain to
+confess that I went a little out of my way to avoid a closer meeting
+with my changed acquaintance. Happily I can tell of a pleasant sequel
+in this case. Some good influence has been brought to bear, or perhaps
+the girl's innate good sense has overcome her vanity, and she has found
+out that such shams are unworthy of a self-respecting girl.
+
+She has given fair play to Nature, and that just in time to save the
+blush-rose complexion from ruin, and to be once more her bonny self.
+
+The second girl possessed remarkable beauty especially of complexion,
+and her vanity and greed of admiration were in proportion to it. These
+impelled her to be ever experimenting on herself to produce greater
+perfection, with the result that whilst still a girl she looked many
+years older than her age, and I hear, though I do not see her now, that
+she is daily becoming less attractive, though no less vain than of old.
+
+Quite apart from the harm done to personal appearance by these foolish
+practices, but of far greater importance, is the moral injury they
+cause. One might call the exhibition of paint an acted falsehood,
+because it is an attempt to make ourselves appear what we are not.
+
+But such devices are too transparent to deceive. If begun, they become
+more and more injurious and difficult to discontinue, and those who
+practise them live in an atmosphere of anxiety and disappointment.
+Age comes, despite all efforts to delay its progress, and it leaves
+footprints which baffle art to disguise or obliterate.
+
+Doubtless you have all heard this expression used in relation to
+someone you know--"She knows how to grow old gracefully." You
+understand it to picture one who accepts age as the natural and
+inevitable sequence of youth; who is above the paltry vanity which
+would hide it--or, rather, try to hide it--yet who neglects nothing
+which can help to make it externally attractive, and especially to the
+young. For, if age is to have its full legitimate influence over youth,
+it must be beautiful in itself, both without and within.
+
+I will not ask you, my dear ones, to look again at that pitiable
+picture of Vanity battling with Age, despite the certainty of defeat
+and disappointment. But be assured of this--that the girl who starts on
+the same lines will reach the same goal; but it will not be that of a
+beautiful and lovable old age.
+
+Do not imagine that I undervalue externals. I would have you all be
+habitually careful about them. Let your complexion be kept at its best
+by scrupulous cleanliness. If your hair is beautiful and abundant, take
+pains to dress it in the fashion that best sets off such good looks as
+you possess. If you are less favoured in this respect, give the more
+care and pains so as to make the best of what you have.
+
+Exercise good taste in your dress, whilst carefully keeping your
+expenditure within your means. The girl who dresses quietly and
+becomingly will not make herself conspicuous in later years by the use
+of glaring colours or fantastic garments.
+
+Try to be graceful and quiet in your movements, and scrupulous
+in avoiding all little ways and habits likely to be disturbing,
+unpleasant, or offensive to others. And do not be offended if a
+well-meaning friend ventures to point out a tendency to any growing
+habit of the kind, knowing that if once established it will be almost
+impossible for you to overcome it. Bear in mind that such a warning can
+be only intended for your benefit and to help you on your way towards
+growing old gracefully.
+
+Study to modulate your voices so that the sound of them may fall
+pleasantly, even musically, on the ear. Shrill, harsh, and loud
+youthful voices become something too terrible when they accompany age.
+
+I wonder if any of you have heard our dear Queen speak? I regret to say
+that I have not, but friends have told me that they never heard a voice
+which equalled hers for its melodious tone, perfect clearness, and
+faultless enunciation.
+
+Try to avoid affectation in gesture and movement, and any form of
+facial contortion. Habit makes all these painful to witness, and age
+exaggerates them. Sometimes a habit of knitting the brows is contracted
+early in life, with the result that the forehead is furrowed and a
+forbidding expression given to the face which permanently spoils it.
+Age intensifies what is forbidding and disagreeable, but shows to the
+greatest advantage all that is most lastingly attractive in us, just as
+the flower fulfils the promise of the bud.
+
+In this lesson on "How to grow old" I have confined myself to
+externals. It is time for us to part, but when we meet again we will
+study the subject from the highest standpoint.
+
+Before then a new year will have dawned on us. Let me suggest as a
+fitting motto for it, "I will go in the strength of the Lord God." May
+it prove a very happy one to you all.
+
+(_To be continued._)
+
+
+
+
+"SISTER WARWICK": A STORY OF INFLUENCE.
+
+BY H. MARY WILSON, Author of "In Warwick Ward," "In Monmouth Ward,"
+"Miss Elsie," etc.
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+Granny 20 was in one of her most garrulous moods, but who was there to
+listen? She tried to catch a nurse or probationer as they hurried by
+the end of the bed, with a "Listen to me now, nurse." But a smile and a
+nod and a "By-and-by, Granny," was all she got for her pains.
+
+Her nearest bed-fellows were too sleepy for anything, and she had to
+content herself with murmuring to an imaginary audience until Sister
+had a moment's leisure, and came to her bedside.
+
+"I was saying, Sister, that Mrs. 21 there is one with me. We both rue
+our wedding-day! And we thought--bless yer!--we thought, when we stood
+up so proud and made our vows, that we was the luckiest women in the
+world."
+
+"And it all turned out badly, Granny?"
+
+"Oh, well! It might have been wuss for some of us. I won't say it
+mightn't; but me was in too much of a hurry--that was the mischief.
+Why, bless yer! Mrs. 21 there says she wasn't more'n sixteen when she
+took a 'usband! And me? I was only just turned eighteen. We didn't know
+no better. We were took by a 'andsome face."
+
+"Well, Granny, I cannot err on the side of marrying too young, whatever
+I do."
+
+"Sister! You ain't never thinking of matrimoany? Don't 'ee, dear! Don't
+'ee! Just take the advice of a old woman what _knows_. This is what I
+say. If a man comes to you and seems true enough, don't trust him! No,
+not if trust was to sparkle like a diamond from the end of every hair
+on his head, don't trust him!"
+
+Hardly knowing how to contain herself for laughter, Sister promised to
+be very careful, and thanked Granny for her wise words.
+
+"They aire wise. You may well say so," chuckled the old lady. "Now I
+could tell you----"
+
+"Another time, Granny dear--and see! Here's nurse with your tea. A cup
+of tea! There's nothing like it, is there?"
+
+"Bless yer--no!"
+
+And Nurse Hudson--what of her? Had the episode of yesterday's
+carelessness with the words of reproof that followed been the warning
+Sister Warwick hoped? The watchful eyes could detect very little that
+was amiss that day. But she was obliged to acknowledge that the nurse's
+manner towards herself was not what it should be. With her new efforts
+not to repel her nurses by the stiffness of her own manners she ignored
+what she could. Later she felt glad she had done so.
+
+After tea the medicines were given out. It was the staff-nurse's duty
+to-day, and following the instructions on her chart, Hudson went to and
+fro, pouring out the draughts, and bringing them to each bed in order.
+
+Sister, seated by No. 10, watched her silently. But when she brought
+the dose for this "typhoid," she took it from her hand to administer it
+herself.
+
+What instinct made her pause, before giving it, to ask:
+
+"Is this the new medicine, nurse?"
+
+"Of course it is, Sister!" The tone was offensive, but, ignoring it,
+Sister Warwick leant forward to hold the glass to the girl's lips.
+Again she paused. What was it stayed her hand?
+
+She raised the glass, smelt it, and then put it to her own lips and
+tasted the liquid, her eyes on the chart.
+
+"This is an overdose!" she said sternly. "Here are four times the right
+amount!"
+
+For she knew in a flash what the nurse had done, and she shuddered
+at the thought! Hudson had certainly, as she said, given the fresh
+medicine the chart directed, but in her heedlessness she had not
+looked to see if the quantity was altered too. She had poured out two
+tablespoonfuls instead of two teaspoonfuls--a dose that would have
+caused intense suffering, if nothing worse, to the sick girl.
+
+Sister Warwick rose from her chair and looked Nurse Hudson full in the
+face. Her utter scorn and indignation at this culpable carelessness
+rendered her speechless.
+
+But her glance was enough!
+
+Turning on her heel, she carried the medicine-glass into her room,
+placed it in a cupboard there, and locking it up, removed the key.
+
+Nurse Hudson watched it all--miserable and self-condemned--knowing
+what the action meant. Now that it was done, she would have given
+anything to have been more careful. Her colour came and went. She
+stood irresolute. Her better self was urging her to go at once and with
+a humble apology plead for another trial with an earnest promise of a
+different course in the future. But she could not bring herself to do
+that. Pride and Selfishness had been too closely her companions lately,
+excluding better impulses.
+
+No, she would not believe that Sister Warwick meant to report her to
+the Matron. Perhaps she would only ask for her removal to another ward;
+there she could make a fresh start. But she did not ask herself with
+what motive.
+
+Nurse Hudson's work had always been tarnished with the discolouring
+influences of her own low aims. No wonder now that she failed, and did
+not take the one step that might have saved her nursing career.
+
+She left the ward that evening without another word with the
+Sister--miserable, self-pitying, undecided, little thinking that she
+would never enter it again.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"The whole affair shall be stopped at once!" The Matron's voice was
+full of decision and very stern. "I will send for Hudson and tell her
+I cannot keep her here any longer. Nor will I sign her certificate! I
+am not justified, after all you tell me, in sending her away to pass
+herself off as a qualified nurse."
+
+"You take a harder view of her conduct than I do, Matron." And Sister
+Warwick then and there began to plead for the nurse who had been such a
+"thorn in her side."
+
+"You will not move me, Sister! Hudson will go! It will seem right, from
+many points of view, when you can look at it dispassionately. I am only
+very thankful that we so rarely have such a failure among the nurses,
+and thankful most of all that no worse harm has been done. We might
+have had a case for the coroner."
+
+Sister Warwick knew the Matron's words were just. She left her and
+went back to her own room, sinking into her leaning-chair with the
+consciousness that an upset like this "took it out of her" far more
+than even an operation involving pain and suffering to one of her dear
+ward babies. And, sad at heart, she began to think of Ellen Hudson's
+future, then to search back in her own mind for possible opportunities
+missed in the past when she might have helped her more kindly. She
+realised bitterly that she herself might have done better too.
+
+She sat forward then and wrote a little note and sent it round to the
+Nurses' Home, timed to reach Nurse Hudson just after her interview with
+the Matron.
+
+It was to ask her staff-nurse to come and see her before she left. But
+she never came. She passed out of Sister Warwick's life from that hour,
+and her place knew her no more.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Nurse Carden's bright face and ready sympathy were a pleasant
+interruption to the Sister's mournful ruminations that evening. She
+came in a little before her usual time, and the two had a quiet chat in
+the "Sisters' Room" before the night work began.
+
+Here Sister Cumberland joined them. These three women--so different in
+character, so united in aim and purpose--felt then the sustaining power
+of a friendship that was standing the wear and tear of life.
+
+Seeing how worried the elder "Sister" was by the present, the other two
+drew her thoughts back to the past and to their earlier experiences in
+the ward.
+
+"Do you remember?" was the introduction to many reminiscences Sister
+Cumberland recalled that night on duty, when she fought her fiercest
+fight with the craving for sleep.
+
+Nurse Carden talked of Tommie the waif and his whimsical ways. He could
+not be forgotten, for it was not many days since at the lodge-gate of
+her own home she had seen the Tommie of to-day. Such a contrast! A
+sturdy, ruddy, honest country lad, loving his life as a gardener's boy,
+and always ready, if questioned, to say, "Oh, I belong to Nurse Carden,
+I do! I ain't got nobody else! But she is good to me, she is!"
+
+So the three talked until the hour struck which took them to their
+various duties and closed the second of these days my pen has tried to
+describe--days chosen not because they were remarkably different from
+many others, but because they give an average picture of the cares
+and anxieties, the pleasures and interests that belong to a hospital
+Sister's life; because, too, they tell of an experience that had a
+lasting effect in softening Sister Warwick's character and in extending
+her influence over the nurses in her charge.
+
+[THE END.]
+
+
+
+
+GUS.
+
+
+Ya want ti knaw aboot ma maate Gus? Set ya doon, then, an' ah'll tell
+ya all aboot it.
+
+Me an' Gus wer friends fra' t' first. 'E wer a shy, quiet soort o' lad,
+an' t' other chaps didn't seem ti taake ti 'im at first, an' it wer
+soort o' loansoom for a yoong chap lodgin' aloan i' a straange plaace,
+specially as 'e didn't seem ti care mooch for t' public-'oose o' neets.
+Soa wun evening, as we wer leavin' woork, ah says ti 'im, "Coom in an'
+'ave a bit o' soopper wi' ma an' ma missus, lad."
+
+'E looked real pleased, an' said 'e would coom, bud 'e wouldn't coom
+straight 'oam wi' ma, as ah wanted 'im ti. Noa, 'e mun gang back ti 'is
+lodgins an' fettle issen oop.
+
+My missus weant best pleased when sha 'eard 'e wer coming; mebbe, theer
+weant ower mooch for soopper, an' sha niver were fond o' straangers;
+bud 'e 'adn't been i' oor lahtle room aboove 'alf a minute afoor ah
+seed as sha'od taaken a fancy ti 'im. 'E com in rather shy an' bashful
+loike, for all 'e'd maade 'issen soa graand wi' 'is Soonday coate an'
+all, an' ma missus, she says--
+
+"Set ya doon an' maak yersen at whoam, while ah get summat for ya ti
+eat," an' 'e set doon reet theer by t' door, on t' edge o' 'is cheer,
+an' 'adn't a woord to say for 'issen.
+
+Oor lahtle lass Polly--she wer nobbut fooer year owd then--shoo com in
+an' stood starin' at 'im wi' 'er finger i' 'er mooth, an' at sight o'
+'er 'e foond 'is tongue.
+
+"Coom 'ere, lahtle ma'ad," says 'e; "ah'm wonnerful fond o' childer.
+Coom an' see what ah've got i' ma pocket."
+
+Bud t' lahtle lass still stood beside ma, starin' at 'im as if 'e wer
+summat i' a show.
+
+Gus didn't saay nowt moor, but 'e oots wi' 'is knife an' a bit o' wood
+and starts carvin' summat.
+
+"Noo," says 'e, arter a bit, "what shall it be? Shall ah maak tha a
+'orse, or a coo, or what?"
+
+T' lahtle lass foond 'er toongue at that.
+
+"A lad," says she, an' cooms a step nearer ti see what 'e wer at.
+
+"Shoo'll be a rare wun for t' lads when shoo's a bit bigger, ah'se
+warran'," says 'e, wi' a laugh; an' 'e goes on carvin' t' bit o'
+wood in a waay 'at wer wunnerful ti me. Soon t' head an' shoolthers
+appeared, an' then t' legs an' arms, an' all t' while t' tahtle lass
+crept nearer an' nearer, an' by t' tahm t' lad wer doon, shoo wer
+sittin' on 'is knee an' chatterin' awaay ti 'im as if 'e wer' an owd
+friend.
+
+That woon moother's 'eart, for shoo's powerful set on t' lahtle lass,
+seem' shoo's t' oanly wun wi' 'ave--an' ah reckon ah weant far be'ind
+'er i' that--an' befoor 'e left shoo'd arst 'im ti taake 'is dinner
+wi' us Soonday next. Arter that, Gus wer in an' oot continual, an' 'e
+an' t' lahtle lass wer as thick as thieves. It wer pratty ti see 'er
+perched o' 'is knee, wi' 'is arm roond 'er, an' ti 'ear 'er pratty
+prattle, all aboot 'er dolls an' toys an' sooch-like. 'E used ti call
+'er 'is lahtle sweet-'eart, an' saay sha mun marry 'im when sha wer
+growed a bit, an' t' lahtle lass 'ud look oop i' 'is faace, as graave
+as graave, an' promise ti be 'is lahtle wife. 'Twer as pratty a pictur
+as 'eart could wish to see them thegither, an' 'e niver seemed ti tire
+o' 'er coompany, or care ti talk wi' me or t' missus when t' lahtle
+lass wer theer.
+
+Well tahm went on, an' t' job e'd coom doon 'ere for wer nigh
+finished--layin' rails o' new line it wer--an' 'e wer talkin' o'
+leavin', for 'e weant fra' oor parts; when wun daay--ah mind it wer t'
+first o' April, for theer'd been soom foolin' amoong t' lads earlier
+i' t' daay, an' t' blackthorn wer buddin' i' t' 'edges--we wer setting
+on t' railway bank eatin' oor dinners. Gus wer moor talkative than
+ordinary that daay; ah mind 'e'd been tellin' us o' t' waay they did
+'arvestin' i' 'is parts--Lancashire waay--an' 'arvest-'oams, an'
+sooch-like, when all of a soodden ah caught sight o' ma lahtle lass
+runnin' along t' line. It did gie ma a toorn, for t' doon traain 'ad
+been signalled two or three minutes sin', an' even as ah caught sight
+o' 'er, ah 'eerd it roombling along i' t' distance.
+
+"Ma God!" ah cried. "Look theer!"
+
+Jack Wilson--'im as lives i' yon cottage wi' t' creepers doon by t'
+church--shoots as lood as 'e could, "Get oft t' line, bairn! Get off t'
+line!" Bud Polly, sha didn't taak noa 'eed ti 'im.
+
+Then afoor ah 'ad got ma wits aboot ma, or 'ad ony idea what 'e wer
+goin ti do, Gus 'ad joomped doon fra' t' bank, an' were roonnin' for
+'is loife doon t' line ti meet t' lahtle lass. It wer awful to see 'im,
+while every moment t' thoonder o' t' train com nearer.
+
+"Is t' man mad?" cried Wilson. "It's certain death." An' even as 'e
+spoke, t' train com roond t' corner.
+
+Polly stood still, terrified, an' Gus ran on reet inti t' teeth o' t'
+train. Ah turned deadly sick, for ah niver thowt 'e would be i' tahm,
+an' it seemed nobbut a waaste o' two lives; bud 'e reached 'er joost
+afoor t' train did. Ah seed 'im catch 'er oop an' toss 'er on ti t'
+bank, an' then--then t' traan wer on 'im, an' we saw noothing moor till
+it 'ad past. Then ah ran ti wheer 'e wer lyin', an' an awful sight it
+wer. It 'aunts ma yet, thoo it's nigh on ten year sin. 'E wer livin',
+poor chap, an' 'e looked up at ma wi' a smile, though t' death dews
+were gathering on 'is faace.
+
+"T' lahtle lass?" 'e asked anxiously.
+
+"Saafe an' well," ah answered. "Eh, Gus, lad, tha' shouldn't 'a doon
+it. Ah reckon she weant woorth it."
+
+"Niver saay that!" 'e said. "Wheer is sha? Ah'd like fine to bid her
+good-bye."
+
+Polly wer cryin' wi' fright on t' bank cloas at 'and. Ah called 'er,
+bud at first sha 'ung back, not knawin' as it wer 'er friend as lay
+theer, a sickenin' sight, an' not fit for a bairn ti see.
+
+"Niver mind, John," 'e said, sadly enough. "It's better soa. Ah
+wouldn't like 'er ti think o' ma like this." But ah went an' fetched
+'er, an' bade 'er ti thank 'im for saavin' 'er loife.
+
+"Nay, nay," 'e said, smoilin' oop at 'er. "Good-bye, lahtle sweet'eart.
+Tha'lt 'ave ti get anoother lad noo."
+
+"Nay, ah'll waait for thee an' be thy lahtle wife," says Polly
+sturdily, not un'erstan'in', poor lahtle lass, as 'e wer dyin'.
+
+"Tha'lt 'ave ti waait till tha gets ti t' New Jeroosalem, then," 'e
+answers, "if soa be as they'll let ma in." An' at that 'e looks serious.
+
+Ah maade 'aste ti cheer 'im oop.
+
+"Nay, lad, thoo need 'ave noa fear o' that," ah says. "Tha mind hoo He
+said, 'Inasmooch as ye 'a doon it to wun o' t' least o' these, ye 'a
+doon it unto Me.'"
+
+Hoo 'is faace lighted oop at that word! Then a spasm o' agony crossed
+it, an' t' death rattle began i' 'is throat.
+
+'E couldn't speak, bud 'e maade ma a sign ti send t' lahtle lass away,
+an' ah bade 'er roon 'oam ti 'er moother. Then ah knelt doon an' raised
+'im in ma arms, an' it weant long--thank God, it weant long.
+
+Well, it's ten year sin, as ah said, an' it's an owd story noo, an' t'
+grass is green on 'is graave. T' lahtle lass keeps it rare an' gay wi'
+flooers. Shoo's growin' a graat gell noo, an' it weant be long afoor
+t' lads begin ti coom aboot 'er, for shoo's growin' bonny; bud shoo's
+niver forgotten Gus, an' if shoo iver did, ah wouldn't oan 'er as ma
+darter, that ah wouldn't!
+
+
+
+
+ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.
+
+
+MEDICAL.
+
+FREDA.--Of the cause of exophthalmic goître but little is known for
+certain. Worry or anxiety often precede the onset of the disease.
+Unlike ordinary goître this affection is not limited in any way to
+certain districts, but occurs in every part of the country. "Is it
+curable, and if so, how long should a moderate case take to cure?"
+Yes, many cases do recover. When the disease is very marked, recovery
+is unusual. But now that surgeons have directed their attention to the
+disease there is every reason to believe that the severer grades of the
+affection may yield to operative treatment. We can no more tell you how
+long an attack of exophthalmic goître will last than we could tell you
+the day of your death. Sometimes the disease disappears in six months
+or a year, often it drags on for many years. As a rule, if the symptoms
+develop rapidly, the disease runs a rapid course. Men are comparatively
+rarely attacked. We can, however, call to mind a fair number of cases
+of exophthalmic goître in the male sex. Unmarried women of from twenty
+to thirty years of age are the usual victims of this disease.
+
+WORRIED.--1. In all probability your sister would get better and
+stronger after marriage. Of course it depends a good deal upon the
+cause of her malady. She had far better go to her family doctor and
+get his advice upon the matter. We cannot take the responsibility of
+giving a definite answer to your question from such a very scanty
+amount of information.--2. There are so many books on travel and
+science, suitable to ordinary readers, that it is rather difficult to
+choose any particular volume. One of the best books on science for a
+beginner--that is, a person who is beginning to read science--is a
+little work called _Ants and their Ways_, by the Rev. Farren White. It
+is a charming little volume which will instil into anyone who reads it
+the habit of observation--so all-important in science. The book is very
+moderate in price. It is published by the Religious Tract Society. If
+you turn to the advertisement sheets at the back of this paper you will
+see notices of a number of very good books on both science and travel.
+
+MATRON.--Obviously the book you want is the _British Pharmacopœia_.
+This gives definite instructions how to make up every official
+preparation. There is a new edition just published. For the drugs which
+are not in the _British Pharmacopœia_, Squire's _Companion to the
+British Pharmacopœia_ may be consulted. You will do well to thoroughly
+master the decimal measures, and to use them exclusively, as they
+are now official and will alone be used in the future. The old and
+confusing apothecaries' measures are now out of date.
+
+ALTA.--For the bites and stings of midges, etc., rub a little dilute
+ammonia on the bite. This usually relieves the pain instantly. It is
+better to put a drop of dilute carbolic acid (about 1 in 100) upon the
+bite after using the ammonia. The reason for this is that the trouble
+from an insect's bite is dependent upon two causes. In the first place
+the insect actually drops poison into the bite. This, which is usually
+formic acid, makes the wound smart at once, but its effect passes off
+in a little time. Ammonia neutralises this acid and so gives instant
+relief. But there is a second cause of trouble which is far more
+serious. The bite of a fly has caused more deaths than you would think,
+and from this reason. Flies of all kinds are given to feed on garbage,
+and as they have not yet learnt to use a toothbrush, their mouths are
+always swarming with germs. Usually these germs are not of a very
+virulent kind. But suppose that a midge has been eating the carcase of
+an animal which has died from peritonitis. That fly is now more deadly
+than a viper, for on its tongue it has a poison which is capable of
+rapid increase if it ever finds a suitable home. If this fly bites you,
+you may die from the bite. Everyone knows that often an insect sting
+or bite does not ache or swell at first; but after several hours the
+place becomes hot and swollen, and if the place bitten be the hand,
+the arm begins to swell and the glands in the armpit enlarge. In this
+case a mild dose of microbes has been innoculated. Ammonia will not
+in most cases destroy these microbes. Therefore, we say, put a drop
+of dilute carbolic acid on the place as soon as you can. The ammonia
+simply relieves a little itching (for the poison of the insect itself
+is rarely dangerous), but the carbolic acid destroys organisms which
+are capable of great mischief. Rubbing the face and hands with oil of
+eucalyptus, or paraffin, will sometimes prevent insects from coming
+near you.
+
+LILY, MY QUEENIE.--1. Is the skin round your eyebrows scarred? Hair
+never grows on scars, nor can it be made to do so by any means in our
+power. If there are no scars, try a little white precipitate ointment
+applied carefully to the eyebrows.--2. Moles cannot be cured. They can
+be removed by operation. If they are large and noticeable it is better
+to have them removed. Otherwise leave them severely alone.
+
+PEARL.--Take our advice and see a doctor at once. Severe headache is a
+very common symptom, and though it is usually caused by some trivial
+ailment, it is often the only subjective sign of a serious disease.
+Your attacks suggest megraine, but they might be due to far more
+serious things. Without a complete personal examination no man living
+could diagnose your malady.
+
+FOX.--What size corsets do you wear? Tight lacing is, or rather was,
+a very common cause of fatness about the face. What age are you? It
+is very common for women to get double chins and extra plump cheeks
+when they have passed their thirtieth year. Very many diseases cause
+fatness of the face. Kidney disease is one of the commonest of these.
+All we can advise you to do is to be careful about your diet. Avoid
+farinaceous puddings and sweets. Take plenty of exercise. No drug
+is of much good in obesity of any kind. Some of the mineral waters,
+especially Vichy, are sometimes useful to stout persons.
+
+A WEARY AND CAREWORN GIRL.--We are exceedingly sorry that we could not
+answer your letter earlier. The troubles that you have gone through are
+enough to depress any girl of twice your age. We think that all your
+sufferings are due to nervousness resulting from being "run down." What
+the impediment in your speech is, is not quite clear from your letter.
+Probably it is far less than you imagine, else your mother would
+certainly have noticed it. The difficulty which you find in commencing
+to talk is due to nervousness. As your health improves, and as you
+grow older this will tend to disappear. We will publish an article on
+blushing and nervousness next month. To the last of your questions your
+clergyman would be more competent to give you an answer than ever we
+could be. Go to your pastor and tell him your troubles. He is sure to
+be able to comfort you in your affliction and to help you to bear your
+cross with patience for the sake of Him who laid down His life for you.
+
+CROYDEN.--The habit of taking acids to cure indigestion is greatly
+to be deprecated. Acids and bitters are very useful in some forms
+of indigestion, but they should never be taken unless ordered by a
+physician. Alkalis, such as bicarbonate of soda, are on the other hand
+of great value in the majority of cases of indigestion. Indeed we will
+go further than this: we have never met with a case of indigestion
+from any cause which was not benefited, sometimes only temporarily, by
+alkalis. We have seen very few cases of indigestion which have been
+relieved by acids. Our candid opinion is that the habit of taking acids
+and bitters to cure disorders of the stomach or loss of appetite, is a
+very fertile cause of the life-long indigestion so common nowadays.
+
+BLACK EYES.--In an answer to "Fair Isobel," which was published some
+months ago, the treatment of blackheads was thoroughly discussed.
+
+EMILY PHELPS.--Your glasses do not suit you. Go to an oculist and get
+his prescription for another pair. Your symptoms are very common in
+people who use unsuitable spectacles.
+
+BUTTERCUP.--Bunions are due to the pressure of badly-fitting boots. In
+the human foot the great or innermost toe bends away from the other
+toes. This gives to the inner border of the foot a direction slanting
+inwards towards the middle line of the body. Most boots are made
+with their inner border slanting outwards away from the middle line
+so as to meet the outer border of the boots at a more or less acute
+angle. We have therefore the great toe naturally tending to depart
+from its fellows, and we have the boot forcing the great toe towards,
+and possibly under or over, the other toes. The boot is an unyielding
+structure. The inner border of the foot is also practically unyielding,
+except at one spot, the joint of the great toe. The first toe is
+therefore forced inwards and its joint projects as an angle. The boot
+presses upon this joint, a corn forms, inflammation is set up, and
+the joint becomes diseased, forming a bunion. When once a bunion has
+developed, it is no good talking about its prevention. We must attempt
+to cure it, and it is not so very difficult to cure it, and keep it
+cured, if you fully understand how it originated. A bunion is caused by
+pressure upon the joint. The cure of the bunion consists of removing
+the pressure from the joint. To do this you should wear boots in which
+the inner border slopes away from the centre of the boot. We advise you
+to get a pair of boots of this shape made for yourself. If the bunion
+is intractable, you may need a "post" in the boot between the great and
+the second toe. Keep your foot scrupulously clean, and take a foot-bath
+every evening.
+
+J. S. N.--As your mother died from heart disease, it is no wonder that
+you imagine your own symptoms to be likewise due to heart trouble; but
+the symptoms you mention are all characteristic of simple dyspepsia;
+not one of them is common in heart disease. When you say "at times my
+pulse beats very fast and sometimes irregularly," we presume that you
+mean that you feel your heart beating fast or irregularly, in other
+words, that you have palpitation. When the heart is beating fast or
+irregularly, as it frequently does in heart disease, it produces no
+symptoms which might inform the sufferer of her state. It is only by
+feeling the pulse that irregularities in its action can be detected. We
+will not say that heart disease is not hereditary, but the importance
+of this factor has been greatly over-estimated. Disease of the heart
+is very frequently due to rheumatic fever; and the tendency to
+rheumatism is; to a certain extent, hereditary. You will find plenty of
+information about indigestion in our last year's volume.
+
+ESTHER.--We can well understand that you feel a little nervous about
+your chest, when you tell us that both your parents died of phthisis.
+You know that the risk of your developing the disease is considerable,
+yet it by no means follows that you will get phthisis. By no means are
+you certain to get phthisis. You must be very careful about yourself,
+and the least bit of a cough or cold which may attack you must be
+carefully attended to. Indeed we advise you to call in your family
+doctor the moment that you have any cough or other untoward symptom.
+Certainly you would do well to spend your winters in Switzerland.
+
+CANARY.--1. A little dumb-bell exercise every morning will improve
+the form of your back and shoulders. The dumb-bells should be made of
+wood and not weigh more than two pounds each. Heavy bell exercise is
+very dangerous. It has always been considered beautiful for women to
+possess broad hips.--2. Why? Why do so many of our correspondents call
+themselves "constant readers"? Perhaps it is that they think that by
+using that pseudonym they will get answered sooner, or perhaps it is
+merely from lack of sufficient imagination to think of some phrase less
+commonplace.
+
+E. M. WALKER.--Cinnamon is more at home in the pantry than in pharmacy.
+The only medicinal action it possesses is that of all aromatic
+substances. It is occasionally used as a stomachic, but its chief use
+is for flavouring. Sometimes it is given for diarrhœa as it is a mild
+astringent. Cinnamon has no action on cancer, neither has any drug the
+slightest effect upon the course of this disease. Indeed one might put
+down the medicinal action of cinnamon at zero.
+
+MABEL B.--It is not at all uncommon for the hair to fall out after a
+severe illness. It is, however, rare for permanent baldness to result.
+Usually after combing out in large quantities for some weeks or months
+the hair grows quickly and luxuriously again. A mildly stimulating
+hair-wash is often useful in these cases. Brilliantine, bay rum or
+rosemary hair-washes are suitable. We much doubt whether taking
+cod-liver oil would have any effect upon your hair, but it might help
+to restore your strength.
+
+FLORRIE.--1. We know of no recipe which will remove hairs from the face
+without doing serious damage to the skin at the same time.--2. Try
+sulphur soap for a shiny face. Do not use face powder.
+
+HELENA.--Read the answer to "Florrie" above. The Laws of Libel prevent
+us from giving you our opinion on the preparation which you mention. We
+are allowed, however, to warn you to have nothing to do with any patent
+medicine of which you do not know the composition. It has not been our
+experience that peroxide of hydrogen makes the hair grow quickly.
+
+
+STUDY AND STUDIO.
+
+IRISH MAY FLOWER.--It is rather difficult to dispose of such sketches
+as you describe. We should suggest that you took them to any picture
+dealer in your neighbourhood, and asked him to try to sell them for
+you. Or you might write to the Irish Ladies' Work Society, 47, George
+Street, Kingstown, inquiring if that would be of any use to you.
+
+MABEL ENTWISTLE.--We are very glad that you have been enabled through
+our means "to make the acquaintance of two extremely nice French
+girls." Your writing we like very much. It is clear, definite, and
+has a character of its own. If we gave any hint for its improvement,
+it would be to avoid the lapses in the middle of a word, making the
+writing flow consecutively.
+
+LA PETITE VIOLETTE.--We have not forgotten you, and are very glad you
+have taken up some special study. We have placed your request in "Our
+Open Letter Box."
+
+WILD ROSE.--1. Your first quotation is from Tennyson's _In Memoriam_,
+xxvii., stanza 4.
+
+    "I hold it true, whate'er befall,
+      I feel it when I sorrow most,
+      'Tis better to have loved and lost,
+    Than never to have loved at all."
+
+2. Look through the poetry of Thomas Moore for your second extract, and
+if you cannot find it there, send it again and we will place it in "Our
+Open Letter Box."
+
+CATALINA.--1. Apply to the Church Sunday School Institute,
+Serjeant's Inn, Fleet Street, E.C., or to the Sunday School Union
+(undenominational), 57, Ludgate Hill, and you will receive the fullest
+information. The lessons for each Sunday are set forth in certain
+inexpensive books in detail, with comments and information upon every
+verse. In addition to these "lesson helps" you should read and study
+books upon the Old Testament and upon the life of our Lord, such as
+Farrar's _Life of Christ_. The Religious Tract Society has published
+one (_The Life of Jesus Christ the Saviour_, by Mrs. S. Watson), which
+is not too ambitious, and might help you. The net price is 3s. 9d.--2.
+Your writing is good for your age, but might be improved if the tails
+to your "g's," "y's," etc., were less straggling.
+
+ERIN-GO-BRAGH.--1. We have inserted your request, but (as you give a
+pseudonym) not your address.--2. Your handwriting is too upright and
+irregular, but there is the foundation of a good hand in it.
+
+EXILE OF ERIN.--The "Fragment" you enclose is above the average of
+poems submitted to us, but your metre does not flow quite smoothly
+enough. You should avoid too many monosyllables in these long lines.
+
+L. A. T.--We should advise you to read Homer's "Odyssey," translated
+by Butcher and Lang, and if you find difficulty in understanding it,
+a "Primer" on the subject as well. But we think you will enjoy it. As
+for Plato, read "The Trial and Death of Socrates," translated by Dean
+Church, and consult a small history of Greece on the period (399 B.C.)
+Do not attempt too much at once, nor read Plato's deeper "Dialogues"
+to begin with. Your letter, which you ask us to criticise, is clearly
+written, with only one mistake in spelling.
+
+MISS BEALEY.--We undertake no communication by post (see "Rules" in our
+November part and elsewhere). You will find the "Home Reading Union"
+an excellent society; apply to the Secretary, Surrey House, Victoria
+Embankment. Consult this column for amateur societies occasionally
+mentioned.
+
+MISS FLORENCE E. SMITH calls attention to the "Bedford Practising
+Society," of which she is secretary. She will be delighted to send
+particulars to any fellow reader of the GIRL'S OWN PAPER. Address to
+her at Winfrith, The Crescent, Bedford.
+
+HOFFNUNG.--Many thanks for your letter. By all means try again.
+
+
+INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENCE.
+
+MADEMOISELLE MARGUERITE GONTARD (address "Nikopal Mariopol Co.,
+Mariopol, South Russia, Engineer Prauss for M. Gontard"), wishes to be
+put into communication with a young English lady, resident in either of
+the continents of Asia, Africa, America, or Australia. She desires to
+correspond with her either in English or French. We thank Mademoiselle
+Gontard for her pretty English letter. She may certainly write to us in
+French if she prefers to do so.
+
+"ERIN-GO-BRAGH" would like to correspond with a French girl of about
+her own age--twenty-one.
+
+FLORENCE writes a kind letter from which we quote a sentence. "I am
+wondering whether some little girl belonging to the readers of our
+GIRL'S OWN PAPER would care to have an older friend to write to; she
+would receive in return sympathy if in trouble, and an interest would
+be taken in all she might care to confide to one whom she could perhaps
+learn to look upon in the light of an elder sister." We regret that
+it is against our rules to undertake direct postal communication; but
+if any little girl sends us her address, we will insert it here for
+"Florence" to see. Perhaps some lonely, or motherless, or sad little
+girls might be glad to find a friend.
+
+
+OUR OPEN LETTER BOX.
+
+LA PETITE VIOLETTE wishes to find a poem with a refrain to each verse
+"Belle Marquise." She saw a quotation from it as a heading to a chapter
+in a book entitled _Woman and the Shadow_.
+
+MISS M. A. C. CRABB and ELPIS answer LENNOX by referring the verse she
+quotes--
+
+    "Alas! how easily things go wrong,"
+
+to a poem in the 19th chapter of George Macdonald's "Phantastes: a
+Faerie Romance." They agree in saying that the second verse is not by
+the same pen.
+
+PETERKIN, GERTRUDE ASHWORTH, KLONDYKE, B. D. WARD, M. E. BATES,
+"STICK," R. M. COOKE, MABEL ENTWISTLE and "THE ELDEST GIRL," inform
+Ethel Rimmer that Christina Rossetti's poem beginning--
+
+    "When I am dead, my dearest,
+      Sing no sad songs for me,"
+
+has been set to music by Malcolm Lawson, and is entitled "Hereafter,"
+in keys E♭ and G. It appeared in the June number of the _Strand Musical
+Magazine_ for 1895. "A LOVER OF THE 'G.O.P.'" says it has been set to
+music by C. A. Lee, either for a soprano or an alto voice.
+
+R. C. R. suggests to GOLD DUST that the poem "Tit for Tat" is contained
+in "Original Poems for Infant Minds," by Jane Taylor, her sisters and
+brother. If this is the poem sought for, we may add that the volume is
+published by Routledge.
+
+ONE OF THE FIRST READERS, AZIE, asks for the author of a poem entitled
+"Maggie and the Angels," containing two lines--
+
+    "Maggie, are they the angels?
+      And be they always there?"
+
+PERSEVERANZA would be glad to know the publishers of a picture-book
+of performing frogs or cats from which she could copy for painting on
+dessert doyleys.
+
+L B. N. R. wishes to know the author of the following lines--
+
+    "There is a river which flows for ever,
+      And the flowers that bloom on its banks
+    Grow bright, as they glitter in grateful endeavour
+      To vie in a perfume of thanks."
+
+
+MISCELLANEOUS.
+
+EDITH.--The origin of the Lions as a device on the Royal Arms we trace
+to William the Conqueror, who introduced those of Normandy. These two
+original Lions were supplemented by a third, added by Henry III., it is
+generally supposed, for Aquitaine.
+
+MATER.--To make an economical Christmas cake, take half a pound
+of butter, place in a bowl, and break five eggs over it, stirring
+continuously, while a second person sifts in slowly a pound and
+a half of currants (well washed, dried, and carefully picked),
+three-quarters of a pound of flour, and two ounces of citron peel
+chopped to moderately small pieces. Place in a papered shape--not
+buttered--several folds of paper being laid at the bottom of the tin,
+and bake in moderately hot oven during three hours.
+
+SEMPER PARATUS.--We answer two questions, and you have asked nineteen!
+It is impossible to describe the several Scotch tartans otherwise than
+by coloured illustrations. These you will find in a book published by
+W. and A. K. Johnston (Edinburgh and London), entitled, _The Scottish
+Clans and their Tartans_, now in its second (if not third) edition.
+Some account of every Clan is given.
+
+ANXIOUS.--Rheumatism will, no doubt, be made worse by exposure to damp
+and draughts; but the origin is in acidity, which crystallises in the
+joints and muscles. You should abstain for a time from butchers' meat,
+and from sweet things. Attend to the action of the liver, which may
+be torpid; and if the pain be in the arms and shoulders, you should
+perform all kinds of exercises with them, and employ friction and
+rubbing with suitable embrocation. If you do not perform exercises, the
+joints and sinews will become stiff.
+
+A. E. C.--_Noah's Ark_, by Darley Dale, is published as a book by F.
+Warne, Bedford Street, Strand. Price 3s. 6d.
+
+HELEN OF TROY.--You will find several families of the name
+Marshall--though not necessarily related--in Burke's _Landed Gentry_.
+Perhaps you can claim your connection with one of them. The first on
+the list is G. H. Marshall, of Patterdale Hall, Westmoreland, descended
+from John of Yeadon Hall, Co. York, who made a large fortune from
+the mechanical improvements in a branch of the linen manufacture.
+There is Marshall of Treworgley, Cornwall; Marshall of Penwortham
+Hall, descended from M. of Ardwick, near Manchester; Marshall of
+Ward End House, Co. Warwick, descended from M. of Perlethorp, Co.
+Nottinghamshire; and Marshall of Broadwater, Surrey, apparently the
+oldest family of that name, anciently spelt Marchal, and long resident
+in that county. None of these families have the same arms, nor crest.
+The first-named (of Patterdale) has none ascribed to them in the
+_Landed Gentry_. You had better consult the second volume in some
+library.
+
+
+
+
+OUR PUZZLE POEMS.
+
+A NEW DEPARTURE.
+
+
+We are publishing Three Puzzle Poems in succession dealing with
+accidents and the way to meet them, and the following is the second of
+the series. The lines should be carefully committed to memory for the
+sake of the valuable instruction they contain.
+
+In addition to the ordinary monthly prizes THREE SPECIAL PRIZES are
+offered for the best solutions of the whole series.
+
+The first Special Prize will be THREE GUINEAS; the second Special
+Prize, TWO GUINEAS, and the third Special Prize, ONE GUINEA.
+
+A careful record of mistakes will be kept, and these prizes will be
+awarded to those competitors who perpetrate the fewest in all three
+puzzles.
+
+If a winner of one of these prizes has already received an ordinary
+prize in the series, the amount of the smaller prize will be deducted.
+This will then be sent to the most deserving non-prize-winner in the
+list relating to the puzzle for which the prize in question was awarded.
+
+
+OUR NEW PUZZLE POEM.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+⁂ Prizes to the amount of six guineas (one of which will be reserved
+for competitors living abroad) are offered for the best solutions of
+the above Puzzle Poem. The following conditions must be observed.
+
+1. Solutions to be written on one side of the paper only.
+
+2. Each paper to be headed with the name and address of the competitor.
+
+3. Attention must be paid to spelling, punctuation, and neatness.
+
+4. Send by post to Editor, GIRL'S OWN PAPER, 56, Paternoster Row,
+London. "Puzzle Poem" to be written on the top left-hand corner of the
+envelope.
+
+5. The last day for receiving solutions from Great Britain and Ireland
+will be February 17, 1899; from Abroad, April 17, 1899.
+
+The competition is open to all without any restrictions as to sex or
+age.
+
+
+
+
+OUR SUPPLEMENT STORY COMPETITION.
+
+
+SELF OR FRIEND?
+
+A STORY IN MINIATURE.
+
+
+FIRST PRIZE (£2 2s.).
+
+Margaret A. Fish, 49, Foregate Street, Worcester.
+
+
+SECOND PRIZE (£1 1s.).
+
+Rose Cook, 2, South Cliff, Lowestoft.
+
+
+THIRD PRIZE (10s. 6d.).
+
+Edith Ivens, Mayfield, Station Road, Llandaff, nr. Cardiff.
+
+
+VERY HIGHLY COMMENDED.
+
+Emily M. P. Wood, Woodbank, Southport.
+
+
+HONOURABLE MENTION.
+
+Mary Adamson, Eastbourne; Lucy H. Chapman, Weston-super-Mare; "Conor,"
+Bonchurch, I.W.; Rose L. Connor, Greenock, N.B.; "Editha," Birmingham;
+Kate Collins Ensor, Atherstone; "Excelsior," North Bow, E.; Annie F.
+Hepple, N. Shields; E. Marian Jupe, Warminster; "Mignonette," New
+Cross, S.E.; Edith Miller, Judd St., W.C.; Agnes Osborne, Sidcup;
+Minnie Reeves, Twyford; Lucy Richardson, York; Enid G. St. Aubyn,
+Retford; Mary Adéle Venn, West Kensington Park; L. M. Willis,
+Harrogate; Mabel Wilson, Bedford Park.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+TO THE COMPETITORS.
+
+MY DEAR GIRLS,--To the prize winners and to those of you also who
+failed to gain prizes, I offer my hearty congratulations on the
+excellent papers you sent in. The work of selecting the very best
+was much less difficult than that of choosing a few for "Honourable
+Mention," out of hundreds of really good ones.
+
+It may interest you to know why some of you failed to obtain a place
+in the list of honours. Twenty-eight competitors were disqualified
+by breaking the rule as to size of paper and space to be filled.
+Then there were several charming essays on the story which were not
+miniatures of it. In a considerable number necessary parts of the
+outline were omitted, hence the work was incomplete.
+
+It gave me true pleasure to note how thoroughly most of you grasped the
+lesson which the story was intended to convey.
+
+Do not be disheartened. Try again. Such good papers cannot be called
+failures, and the exercise will benefit you whether you gain prizes or
+not.
+
+    Your affectionate old friend,
+        RUTH LAMB.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+OUR NEXT STORY COMPETITION.
+
+STORIES IN MINIATURE.
+
+_Subject_:--"THE G. O. P. SUPPLEMENT FOR JANUARY."
+
+
+WHEN MY SHIP COMES HOME.
+
+BY SARAH DOUDNEY, Author of "A Cluster of Roses," "A Flower of Light,"
+etc.
+
+We offer three prizes of TWO GUINEAS, ONE GUINEA, and HALF-A-GUINEA
+for the three best papers on our "Story Supplement" for this month.
+The essays are to give a brief account of the plot and action of the
+story in the Competitor's own words; in fact, each paper should be a
+carefully-constructed _Story in Miniature_, telling the reader in a few
+bright words what THE GIRL'S OWN STORY SUPPLEMENT for the month is all
+about.
+
+One page of foolscap only is to be written upon, and is to be signed
+by the writer, followed by her full address, and posted to The Editor,
+GIRL'S OWN PAPER, in an unsealed envelope, with the words "Stories in
+Miniature" written on the left-hand top corner.
+
+The last day for receiving the papers is January 20th; and no papers
+can in any case be returned.
+
+_Examiners_:--The Author of the Story (Sarah Doudney), and the Editor
+of THE GIRL'S OWN PAPER.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Transcriber's Note: The following changes have been made to this text.
+
+Page 218--prevenche changed to pervenche.
+
+Page 222--parafin changed to paraffin.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Girl's Own Paper, Vol. XX, No.
+992, December 31, 1898, by Various
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 52104 ***
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-

-The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Girl's Own Paper, Vol. XX, No. 992,

-December 31, 1898, by Various

-

-This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most

-other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions

-whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of

-the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at

-www.gutenberg.org.  If you are not located in the United States, you'll have

-to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook.

-

-

-

-Title: The Girl's Own Paper, Vol. XX, No. 992, December 31, 1898

-

-Author: Various

-

-Release Date: May 19, 2016 [EBook #52104]

-

-Language: English

-

-Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1

-

-*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE GIRL'S OWN PAPER ***

-

-

-

-

-Produced by Susan Skinner, Chris Curnow, Pamela Patten and

-the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at

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-</pre>

-

-<h1 class='faux'>THE GIRL'S OWN

-PAPER</h1>

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">{209}</a></span></p>

-

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-<img src="images/header.jpg" width="600" height="202" alt="The Girl's Own Paper." />

-</div>

-

-<hr class="full" />

-

-<div class="center">

-<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="" width="100%">

-<tbody><tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Vol. XX.&mdash;No. 992.]</span></td><td align="center">DECEMBER 31, 1898.</td><td align="right"><span class="smcap">[Price One Penny.</span></td></tr>

-</tbody></table></div>

-

-<hr class="full" />

-

-<p class="center">[Transcriber's Note: This Table of Contents was not present in the original.]</p>

-

-<p class="center">

-<!-- Autogenerated TOC. Modify or delete as required. -->

-

-<a href="#OLD_ENGLISH_COTTAGE_HOMES">OLD ENGLISH COTTAGE HOMES.</a><br />

-<a href="#ABOUT_PEGGY_SAVILLE">ABOUT PEGGY SAVILLE.</a><br />

-<a href="#GIRLS_AS_I_HAVE_KNOWN_THEM">GIRLS AS I HAVE KNOWN THEM.</a><br />

-<a href="#OUR_HERO">"OUR HERO."</a><br />

-<a href="#FROCKS_FOR_TO-MORROW">FROCKS FOR TO-MORROW.</a><br />

-<a href="#OUR_PROSPECTUS_PUZZLE_REPORT">OUR PROSPECTUS PUZZLE REPORT.</a><br />

-<a href="#IN_THE_TWILIGHT_SIDE_BY_SIDE">IN THE TWILIGHT SIDE BY SIDE.</a><br />

-<a href="#SISTER_WARWICK_A_STORY_OF_INFLUENCE">"SISTER WARWICK": A STORY OF INFLUENCE.</a><br />

-<a href="#GUS">GUS.</a><br />

-<a href="#ANSWERS_TO_CORRESPONDENTS">ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.</a><br />

-<a href="#OUR_PUZZLE_POEMS">OUR PUZZLE POEMS.</a><br />

-<a href="#OUR_SUPPLEMENT_STORY">OUR SUPPLEMENT STORY COMPETITION.</a><br />

-

-<!-- End Autogenerated TOC. -->

-

-</p>

-

-

-

-<hr class="chap" /><div>

-<h2><a name="OLD_ENGLISH_COTTAGE_HOMES" id="OLD_ENGLISH_COTTAGE_HOMES">OLD ENGLISH COTTAGE HOMES;</a><br />

-<span class="smalltext">OR,<br /></span>

-VILLAGE ARCHITECTURE OF BYGONE TIMES.</h2>

-

-

-<div class="figcenter w500">

-<img src="images/i_209.jpg" width="500" height="353" alt="" />

-<div class="caption">AT CLARE, SUFFOLK.</div>

-</div>

-

-<p class='smalltext'><i>All rights reserved.</i>]</p>

-

-

-<h3>PART III.</h3>

-

-<p><span class="smcap">We</span> have already pointed out the simplicity

-of outline observable in old English cottages,

-and the absence of exaggeration and that disagreeable

-fussiness brought about by too

-much striving after the picturesque. It must

-not, however, from this be concluded that

-ancient village buildings are always plain and

-do not at times possess elegant ornamentation

-and graceful details.</p>

-

-<p>The general outline, however, is always

-simple and quiet, for, as will be seen by the

-examples we give (two of the most elaborate

-cottages in England), the roof lines are very

-little broken up or varied.</p>

-

-<p>The first of these buildings is at Clare in

-Suffolk, and the second is at Newport in

-Essex, the latter being one of the richest

-counties in England for cottage architecture,

-many of its villages retaining quite a medi�val

-aspect down to the present time.</p>

-

-<p>We will now say a few words upon the

-methods of applying ornamental detail to

-cottages adopted in medi�val times, and we

-shall commence with those structures erected

-in "Post-and-pan" construction. We trust

-that our readers have not forgotten what

-is meant by the ugly-sounding expression

-"Post-and-pan," and regret that we are quite

-unable to discover or invent some more

-elegant name for this description of building.

-Some years back a number of architects and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">{210}</a></span>

-arch�ologists were examined before a parliamentary

-commission. The commission objected

-to the words "Post-and-pan" being

-used in their report, and suggested to the

-witnesses that they should find some more

-scientific expression for this kind of work!

-It was found, however, impossible to invent

-any one which conveyed the idea so concisely

-and satisfactorily, so the old-fashioned name

-"Post-and-pan" received parliamentary sanction!

-This being the case, our girls need not

-scruple to use it, and may it not, after all, be

-as valuable for the formation of the lips as

-the "prunes" and "prism" of Little Dorritt?</p>

-

-<p>There are several ways of applying ornamentation

-to "Post-and-pan" buildings. The

-first is to add mouldings, tracery or carving,

-to the doorways, windows, cornices, corbels

-and other constructive parts of the building.</p>

-

-<p>The second is to arrange the "posts" in

-patterns by introducing curved beams amongst

-them, or other woodwork, forming a kind of

-tracery pattern.</p>

-

-<p>The third is to adorn the "pans" (panels)

-either with stamped plaster-work called "pargeting,"

-or with coloured plaster-work, or

-wood-carving.</p>

-

-<p>The first of these methods is seen in the

-beautiful example which we have sketched at

-Newport in Essex: here it will be noticed

-that the bow window of the upper storey is

-adorned with wood tracery, and its corbel

-richly carved with figure subjects, all executed

-in oak. The "spurs," as they are called,

-which carry the projection of the upper storey,

-are richly moulded and rest upon elegant little

-colonnettes. The pans are filled in with

-brickwork laid in herring-bone patterns. The

-centre of the building is recessed back, but

-in order to preserve the severe and simple

-lines of the roof, the latter does not follow

-the line of the recess, but is supported upon

-an arched beam, from the centre of which

-projects a lifting-crane, a treatment quite

-peculiar to the home counties and the south

-of England.</p>

-

-<p>Of course this building is far more elaborate

-than most cottages, and the tradition of the

-place accounts for this by the supposition

-that it was formerly the dwelling of a farm

-bailiff to the Abbot of Westminster.</p>

-

-<p>The beautiful little village of Newport has

-several examples of interesting domestic work

-and a very noble church.</p>

-

-<p>The building which we illustrate dates from

-the 15th century, and is still in excellent repair

-though not in any way restored.</p>

-

-<p>The very elaborate cottage represented

-in our first sketch is an excellent example

-of pargeting, the surface of the pans being

-covered by a rich kind of shawl-pattern

-executed in hard plaster, like the Newport

-example. The constructive portions of the

-building are elaborately treated. We are

-unable to account for the amount of

-elaboration bestowed on this cottage, but as

-it is close to the church, which is a very handsome

-building and liberally endowed with

-chantries, it is very probable that this may

-have been the dwelling of one of the chantry

-priests.</p>

-

-<p>Clare was an important place in the Middle

-Ages and possessed a castle, remains of which

-are still to be seen. Richard Strongbow, the

-Conqueror of Ireland, is said to have lived

-in it.</p>

-

-<p>The Manor of Clare in later times belonged

-to Edmund Mortimer, Earl of March. There

-was also a priory here, built in 1248 by

-Richard, Earl of Gloucester.</p>

-

-<p>A very curious poem exists in the form of

-a dialogue, "betwixt a secular askyng and a

-frere answering at the grave of Dame Johan

-of Acris" (of Clare). It is a quaint example

-of Old English and begins in rather a curious

-manner.</p>

-

-<p>Q. "What man lyeth here, sey me, Sir

-Frere?"</p>

-

-<p>A. "No man."</p>

-

-<p>Q. "What ellis?"</p>

-

-<p>A. "It is a woman."</p>

-

-<p>Then follows her pedigree all in rhyme,

-from which it appears that she was a daughter

-of King Edward I., and the remarkable circumstance

-is stated, that she was borne of her

-"moder"!</p>

-

-<p>As the poem is about three pages long and

-all pretty much like the sample we have given,

-we will not inflict it upon our readers.</p>

-

-<p class='right'>

-<span class="smcap">H. W. Brewer.</span>

-</p>

-

-<div class="figcenter w400">

-<img src="images/i_210.jpg" width="400" height="416" alt="" />

-<div class="caption">AT NEWPORT, ESSEX.</div>

-</div>

-

-<hr class="chap" /></div><div>

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">{211}</a></span></p>

-

-

-

-

-<h2><a name="ABOUT_PEGGY_SAVILLE" id="ABOUT_PEGGY_SAVILLE">ABOUT PEGGY SAVILLE.</a></h2>

-

-<p class='ph3'><span class="smcap">By</span> JESSIE MANSERGH (Mrs. G. de Horne Vaizey), Author of "Sisters Three," etc.</p>

-

-

-<h3>CHAPTER XIII.</h3>

-

-<div>

-<img class="drop-cap" src="images/i_211.jpg" width="125" height="294" alt="" />

-</div>

-

-<p class="drop-cap"><span class="upper-case">Peggy</span> felt weak and

-shaken for some

-days after her

-fright, and was

-thankful to stay

-quietly indoors and

-busy herself with

-her new task. The

-gas fire could be

-turned on in her

-room whenever she

-desired, and at

-every spare moment

-she ran upstairs,

-locked her

-door behind her,

-and began to write.

-Robert insisted

-that the work

-should be kept

-secret, and that

-not a word should

-be said about the competition downstairs,

-for he was sensitive about the remarks

-of his companions, and anxious to keep

-a possible failure to himself. All the

-work had to be done upstairs therefore,

-and the frequent absence of the partners

-from the schoolroom, though much

-regretted, did not seem at all inexplicable

-to the others. It was understood

-that Peggy and Robert had some

-interest in common, but as winter advanced

-this was no unusual occurrence

-in a house where Christmas was a

-carnival, and surprises of an elaborate

-nature were planned by every member of

-the household. It was taken for granted

-that the work had some connection with

-Christmas, and inquiries were discreetly

-avoided.</p>

-

-<p>With an old calendar before her as a

-model for the lettering, Peggy did her

-work neatly and well, and the gilt

-"arabesques" had an artistic flourish

-which was quite professional. When

-Robert was shown the first half-dozen

-sheets he whistled with surprise, and exclaimed,

-"Good old Mariquita!" a burst

-of approval before which Peggy glowed

-with delight. It had been agreed that,

-after printing the first ten days of

-January, Peggy should go on to the

-first ten of February, and so on throughout

-the year, so that Rob should be able

-to use what quotations had already been

-found under each heading, and should

-not be detained until the whole thirty

-or thirty-one had been chosen.</p>

-

-<p>The partners were most fastidious in

-their selection at the beginning of their

-work, but when half the time had passed

-and not one-third of the necessary

-number of quotations had been found,

-alarm seized upon the camp, and it was

-realised that a little more latitude must

-be shown.</p>

-

-<p>"We shall have to use up all the old

-ones which we struck off the list," said

-Rob disconsolately. "I'm sorry; but I

-never realised before that three hundred

-and sixty-five was such an outrageously

-large number. And we shall have to

-get books of extracts and read them

-through from beginning to end. Nearly

-two hundred more to find; a hundred

-and fifty, say, when we have used up

-those old ones! It will take us all our

-time!"</p>

-

-<p>"I'll get up at six every morning and

-read by my fire," said Peggy firmly.

-"If it's necessary I'll get up at five, and

-if I can't find bits to suit all the stupid

-old things, I'll&mdash;I'll write some myself!

-There! Why shouldn't I? I often

-make up things in my head, and you

-wouldn't believe how fine they are. I

-think of them days afterwards, and

-ask myself,'Now where did I read

-that?' and then it comes back to me.

-'Dear me; I made it up myself!' If

-we get very short, Rob, there wouldn't

-be any harm in writing a few sentences

-and signing them 'Saville,' would

-there?"</p>

-

-<p>"Not if they were good enough," said

-Rob, trying to suppress the laugh which

-would have hurt Peggy's feelings, and

-looking with twinkling eyes at the little

-figure by his side, so comically unprofessional,

-with her lace collar, dainty

-little feet, and pigtail of dark brown hair.

-"You mustn't get up too early in the

-morning and overtire yourself. I can't

-allow that!" he added firmly. "You

-have looked like a little white ghost the

-last few days, and your face is about

-the size of my hand. You must get

-some colour into your cheeks before the

-holidays, or that beloved Arthur will

-think we have been ill-treating you when

-he comes down."</p>

-

-<p>Peggy gave a sharp little sigh and

-relapsed into silence. It was the rarest

-thing in the world to hear her allude to

-any of her own people. When a letter

-arrived, and Mrs. Asplin asked questions

-concerning father, mother, or brother,

-she answered readily enough, but she

-never offered information, or voluntarily

-carried on the conversation. Friends

-less sympathetic might have imagined

-that she was so happy in her new home

-that she had no care beyond it, but no

-one in the Vicarage made that mistake.

-When the square Indian letter was

-handed to her across the breakfast table,

-the flush of delight on the pale cheeks

-brought a reflected smile to every face,

-and more than one pair of eyes watched

-her tenderly as she sat hugging the

-precious letter, waiting until the moment

-should come when she could rush

-upstairs and devour its contents in her

-own room. Once it had happened that

-mail day had arrived and brought no

-letter, and that had been a melancholy

-occasion. Mrs. Asplin had looked at

-one envelope after another, had read

-the addresses twice, thrice, even four

-times over before she summoned courage

-to tell of its absence.</p>

-

-<p>"There is no letter for you to-day,

-Peggy!" Her voice was full of commiseration

-as she spoke, but Peggy sat

-in silence, her face stiffened, her head

-thrown back with an assumption of calm

-indifference. "There must have been

-some delay in the mail. You will have

-two letters next week, dearie, instead

-of one."</p>

-

-<p>"Probably," said Peggy. Mellicent

-was staring at her with big, round eyes;

-the Vicar peered over the rim of his

-spectacles; Esther passed the marmalade

-with eager solicitude; her friends

-were all full of sympathy, but there

-was a "Touch-me-if-you-dare!" atmosphere

-about Peggy that day which

-silenced the words on their lip. It was

-evident that she preferred to be left

-alone, and though her eyes were red

-when she came down to lunch, she held

-her chin so high, and joined in the

-conversation with such an elegant flow

-of language, that no one dare comment

-on the fact. Two days later the letter

-arrived and all was sunshine again; but

-in spite of her cheery spirits, her friends

-realised that Peggy's heart was not in

-the vicarage, and that there were moments

-when the loneliness of her position

-pressed on her, and when she longed

-intensely for someone of her very own,

-whose place could not be taken by even

-the kindest of friends.</p>

-

-<p>Like most undemonstrative people,

-Peggy dearly loved to be appreciated,

-and to receive marks of favour from

-those around. Half the zest with which

-she entered into her new labour was

-owing to the fact that Robert had

-chosen her from all the rest to be his

-partner. She was aglow with satisfaction

-in this fact, and with pleasure in

-the work itself, and the only cloud which

-darkened her horizon at the present

-moment was caused by those incidental

-references to the fair Rosalind, which

-fell so often from her companion's lips.</p>

-

-<p>"Everything," said Peggy impatiently

-to herself, "everything ends in Rosalind!

-Whatever we are talking about,

-that stupid girl's name is bound to be

-introduced! I asked Mellicent if she

-would have a scone at tea this afternoon,

-and she said something about Rosalind

-in reply&mdash;Rosalind liked scones, or she

-didn't like scones, or some ridiculous

-nonsense of the sort! Who wants to

-know what Rosalind likes? I don't!

-I'm sick of the name! And Mrs. Asplin

-is as silly as the rest! The girls must

-have new dresses because Rosalind is

-coming, and they will be asked to tea at

-the Larches! If their green dresses are

-good enough for us, why won't they do

-for Rosalind, I should like to know?

-Rob is the only sensible one. I asked

-him if she were really such a marvellous

-creature, and he said she was an affected

-goose! He ought to know better than

-anyone else! Curls indeed! One would

-think it was something extraordinary to

-have curls! My hair would curl too, if

-I chose to make it, but I don't; I prefer

-to have it straight! If she is the

-'Honourable Rosalind,' I am Mariquita

-Saville, and I'm not going to be

-patronised by anybody, so there!" and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">{212}</a></span>

-Peggy tossed her head, and glared at

-the reflection in the glass in a lofty and

-scornful manner, as though it were the

-offending party who had had the

-audacity to assume superiority.</p>

-

-<p>Robert was one with Peggy in hoping

-that his people would not leave town

-until such time as the calendar should

-be despatched on its travels, for when

-they were installed at the Larches he

-was expected to be at home each week

-from Saturday until Monday, and the

-loss of that long holiday afternoon

-would interfere seriously with the work

-on hand. He had seen so little of his

-people for the last few years, that he

-would be expected to be sociable during

-the short time that he was with them,

-and could hardly shut himself up in his

-room for hours at a time. Despair then

-settled down upon both partners when a

-letter arrived to say that the Darcy

-family were coming down even earlier

-than had been expected, and summoning

-Robert to join them at the earliest

-possible moment.</p>

-

-<p>"This is awful!" cried the lad,

-ruffling his hair with a big, restless

-hand. "I know what it means&mdash;not

-only Saturdays off, but two or three

-nights during the week into the bargain!

-Between you and me, Mariquita, the

-governor is coming down here to economise

-and intends to stay much longer

-than usual. Hector has been getting

-into debt again; he's the eldest, you

-know&mdash;the one in the Life Guards. It's

-a lot too bad, for he has had it all his

-own way so far, and when he runs up bills

-like this, everyone has to suffer for it.

-Mother hates the country for more than

-a few weeks at a time, and will be

-wretched if she is kept here all through

-the winter. I know how it will be, she

-will keep asking people down, and

-getting up all sorts of entertainments to

-relieve the dulness. It's all very well in

-its way, but just now when I need every

-minute&mdash;&mdash;"</p>

-

-<p>"Shall you give up trying for the

-prize?" asked Peggy faintly, and Rob

-threw back his head with emphatic

-disclaimer.</p>

-

-<p>"I never give up a thing when I have

-made up my mind to do it! There are

-ten days still, and a great deal can be

-done in ten days. I'll take a couple of

-books upstairs with me every night and

-see if I can find something fresh. There

-is one good thing about it, I shall have

-a fresh stock of books to choose from

-at the Larches. It is the last step that

-costs in this case. It was easy enough

-to fix off the first hundred, but the last

-is a teaser!"</p>

-

-<p>On Saturday morning a dog-cart came

-over to convey Robert to the Larches,

-and the atmosphere of the vicarage

-seemed charged with expectation and

-excitement. The Darcys had arrived;

-to-morrow they would appear at church;

-on Monday they would probably drive

-over with Rob and pay a call. These

-were all important facts in a quiet

-country life, and seemed to afford

-unlimited satisfaction to every member

-of the household. Peggy grew so tired

-of the name of Darcy that she retired

-to her room at eight o'clock, and was

-busy at work over the September batch

-of cards, when a knock came to the

-door, and she had to cover them over

-with the blotting paper to admit Mellicent

-in her dressing-gown, with her hair

-arranged for the night in an extraordinary

-number of little plaited pig-tails.</p>

-

-<p>"Will you fasten the ends for me,

-Peggy, please?" she requested. "When

-I do it, the threads fall off, and the ends

-come loose. I want it to be specially

-nice for to-morrow!"</p>

-

-<p>"But it will look simply awful, Mellicent,

-if you leave it like this. It will be

-frizzed out almost on a level with your

-head. Let me do it up in just two tight

-plaits, it will be far, far nicer," urged

-Peggy, lifting one little tail after another,

-and counting their number in dismay.

-But no, Mellicent would not be persuaded.

-The extra plaits were a tribute

-to Rosalind, a mark of attention to her

-on her arrival with which she would

-suffer no interference, and as a consequence

-of her stubbornness, she marched

-to church next morning disfigured by

-a mop of untidy, tangled hair instead of

-the usual glossy locks.</p>

-

-<p>Peggy preserved a demeanour of

-stately calm, as she waited for the

-arrival of the Darcy family, but even

-she felt a tremor of excitement when the

-verger hobbled up to the square pew

-and stood holding the door open in his

-hand. The heads of the villagers turned

-with one consent to the doorway; only

-one person in the church disdained to

-move her position, but she heard the

-clatter of horses' hoofs from without, and

-presently the little procession passed

-the vicarage pew, and she could indulge

-her curiosity without sacrifice to pride.

-First of all came Lord Darcy, a thin, oldish

-man, with a face that looked tired and

-kind, and faintly amused by the amount

-of attention which his entrance had

-attracted. Then his wife, a tall, fair

-woman, with a beautiful profile, and an

-air of languid discontent who floated

-past with rustling silken skirts, leaving

-an impression of elegance and luxury,

-which made Mrs. Asplin sigh and

-Mellicent draw in her breath with a

-gasp of rapture. Then followed Robert

-with his shaggy head, scowling more

-fiercely than ever in his disgust at

-finding himself an object of attention,

-and last of all a girlish figure in a grey

-dress, with a collar of soft, fluffy chinchilla,

-and a velvet hat with drooping

-brim, beneath which could be seen a

-glimpse of a face pink and white as

-the blossoms of spring, and a mass of

-shining, golden hair. Peggy shut her

-lips with a snap, and the iron entered

-into her soul. It was no use pretending

-any longer! This was Rosalind, and she

-was fairer, sweeter, a hundred times

-more beautiful than she had ever

-imagined!</p>

-

-<p class='center'>(<i>To be continued.</i>)</p>

-

-

-<hr class="chap" /></div><div>

-

-<h2><a name="GIRLS_AS_I_HAVE_KNOWN_THEM" id="GIRLS_AS_I_HAVE_KNOWN_THEM">GIRLS AS I HAVE KNOWN THEM.</a></h2>

-

-<p class='ph3'><span class="smcap">By</span> ELSA D'ESTERRE-KEELING, Author of "Old Maids and Young."</p>

-

-

-<h3>PART III.</h3>

-

-<p class='ph3'>THE VULGAR GIRL.</p>

-

-<p><span class="smcap">As</span> translated by Cowley,

-Horace is made to say&mdash;</p>

-

-<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">

-<span class="i0">"Hence, ye profane, I hate ye all,<br /></span>

-<span class="i0">Both the great vulgar and the small!"<br /></span>

-</div></div>

-

-<div class="figcenter w125">

-<img src="images/i_212a.jpg" width="125" height="293" alt="" />

-<div class="caption">The

-small

-vulgar</div>

-</div>

-

-<p>There will be no attempt

-made in this paper to deal with

-the great vulgar, but some

-attempt will be made in it to

-deal with the small, being the

-category to which, it may be

-assumed, belongs the average

-vulgar girl.</p>

-

-<p>It is of course impossible within the limits

-of a short essay to indicate more than a few of

-the leading characteristics of this girl. She it

-is who not only wants to monopolise the

-conversation, but who wants to confine it to

-one subject. She should remember the quaint

-counsel, "The honourablest part of talk is to

-give the occasion, and again to moderate, and

-pass to something else." Moreover in

-conversation she too often follows the rule laid

-down by a French author for those about to

-write love-letters:</p>

-

-<p>"Begin without knowing what you are

-going to say, and end without knowing what

-you have said."</p>

-

-<p>If at the end of a conversation she sometimes

-knew what she had said, the vulgar girl,

-who is not necessarily a callous girl, would feel

-very unhappy.</p>

-

-<p>Her tendency to talk indiscreetly has

-doubtless its origin in the precipitancy which

-causes her to break in upon the speech of

-others. There is a lesson which she might

-learn from a certain polite echo. This echo

-may be heard opposite to Mugdock Castle in

-Scotland. It will repeat any sentence of six

-syllables in the exact tone in which it is uttered&mdash;waiting

-till the sentence is finished.</p>

-

-<p>Another result of the lack of deliberation

-which characterises the vulgar girl is seen in

-the fact that the latest book, the latest play,

-the latest picture, is to her Thingimy by

-Thingimbob. That nomenclature is somewhat

-vague, and is moreover out of date, but it still

-commends itself to the vulgar

-girl, as does the soubriquet <i>The

-Bard</i> for Shakespeare.</p>

-

-<p>Her singular phraseology,

-which she conceives to set her

-at an advantage, in reality sometimes

-sets the vulgar girl at a

-disadvantage. Of Tennyson

-she said the other day&mdash;</p>

-

-<p>"I don't pretend to understand

-him any more than

-Browning, but then he tootles

-on prettily, and that's what I

-like in poetry."</p>

-

-<div class="figcenter w125">

-<img src="images/i_212b.jpg" width="125" height="259" alt="" />

-</div>

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">{213}</a></span></p>

-

-<p>A main difference between Browning and

-Tennyson was here correctly set forth, but the

-phrasing was in questionable taste. "Tootles"

-is a good word, but to say that Tennyson

-"tootles on prettily," is to understate his

-merits. It shall here be pointed out in passing

-that "I don't pretend" is a favourite form of

-asseveration with the vulgar girl, and is one

-which she should try to vary, if only because

-it inferentially asserts that other people do

-pretend.</p>

-

-<p>The vulgar girl is "by way of being" (her

-own phrase) witty. One part of her wit is to

-say "muchly" for much, and another part of

-it is to say "free gratis" for free of charge.</p>

-

-<p>Flippancy as a substitute for wit so often

-evokes mirth that the vulgar girl as would-be

-wit not incomprehensibly

-largely indulges in it. I

-sat beside her once during

-a performance of Beethoven's

-Septett, one of the

-loveliest things in music,

-with here and there a

-heart-delighting gaiety in

-it. During the fifth movement

-of it she whispered

-to me&mdash;</p>

-

-<p>"Isn't it like 'The Bogie Man'?"</p>

-

-<div class="figcenter w125">

-<img src="images/i_213a.jpg" width="125" height="167" alt="" />

-</div>

-

-<p>The levity in what follows was even more

-remarkable. The speaker was a young bride.</p>

-

-<p>"I didn't feel a

-bit nervous at my

-wedding," she

-said. "You see,

-I have been used

-to private theatricals."</p>

-

-<p>A girl like that

-mistakes gaiety of

-head for gaiety of

-heart.</p>

-

-<div class="figcenter w200">

-<img src="images/i_213b.jpg" width="200" height="204" alt="" />

-<div class="caption">Her

-first

-appearance in a

-new

-role</div>

-</div>

-

-<p>As a sample of

-vulgar girl-wit at

-its crudest, I give the following, in which a

-girl spoke of a lady&mdash;</p>

-

-<p>"She couldn't turn white,

-but she went the colour of an

-unripe tomato."</p>

-

-<div class="figcenter w125">

-<img src="images/i_213c.jpg" width="125" height="114" alt="" />

-<div class="caption">Upset

-by

-Tomato

-sauce</div>

-</div>

-

-<p>The vulgar girl who is "by

-way of being" witty is not "by

-way of being" sentimental, and

-is rather addicted to signing her

-letters "Your's," which word she believes to be

-rightly written as above, with an apostrophe.

-This girl, for the rest, is generally good-natured,

-and her vein of censure is more often

-odd than terrible. Thus she said the other

-day of a dentist&mdash;</p>

-

-<p>"He is a horrible little snob, but that

-doesn't matter when

-he gets into your

-mouth."</p>

-

-<div class="figcenter w175">

-<img src="images/i_213d.jpg" width="175" height="128" alt="" />

-<div class="caption">An

-old

-Fairy Tale</div>

-</div>

-

-<p>As often as not

-the vulgar girl has

-both sense and sensibility.

-Of the latter

-fact she is profoundly

-ashamed, and has

-been known to say of a book that has deeply

-agitated her&mdash;</p>

-

-<p>"I got to feel quite eye-in-water over it."</p>

-

-<p>She affects to care, only for the gaieties of

-life, but knows something of its gravities, and

-has often a bit of heroine in her. The worst

-thing about her is her speech. "Jolly" is

-her favourite adverb. She is jolly glad when

-she is not jolly mad, and she will soon describe

-herself as jolly sad. She uses the verb

-"mashed" hideously; where her prototype

-of twenty years ago said "swell" she says

-"swagger;" and she does not stick at saying

-"beastly." For the rest, she has always

-some pet word of the hour. Thus "dotty"

-is an adjective now much in favour with her.

-Thereby hangs a tale. The vulgar girl sometimes

-knows Italian, and it was she who

-translated a line from a famous lady's epitaph&mdash;</p>

-

-<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">

-<span class="i0">"<i>Vergine magnanime, dotta, divina.</i>"<br /></span>

-</div><div class="stanza">

-<span class="i0">"A virgin magnanimous, dotty, divine."<br /></span>

-</div></div>

-

-<p>On the other hand there are vulgar girls

-who do not know Latin, and one of them has

-been known to say "effluvia" for "smell,"

-the Latin for "smell" being "effluvium."</p>

-

-<p>The pronunciation of her own language is

-by some thought to offer insuperable difficulties

-to the English vulgar girl, who pronounces the

-"t" in "often" but does not pronounce it in

-"Westminster," whose favourite colour, she

-has been heard to aver, is "terrar cottar,"

-who plays an instrument which she calls "the

-varlin," who says "to<i>wards</i>" and "inter<i>est</i>ing,"

-who pronounces "ate" "et," and

-whose vocabulary has been known to include

-the words "pantomine," "Feb'uary" and

-"sec'etary." So far is this list from exhausting

-the faults of pronunciation of the said

-vulgar girl, that it must be added that she

-gives to no one vowel its proper sound, while

-among the consonants "h" initial and "g"

-final stumble her. She is particularly careless

-regarding the latter consonant when the

-form which her vulgarity takes is that of

-would-be "smartness."</p>

-

-<p>Very abominable to this

-girl is grammar, which is

-all but invariably set at

-defiance by her. Thus,

-even when she does not

-say "it were," as did Mrs.

-Cluppins, she favours such

-phrasing as "those sort of,"

-"very pleased," "different

-to" and "between you

-and I."</p>

-

-<div class="figcenter w125">

-<img src="images/i_213e.jpg" width="125" height="207" alt="" />

-<div class="caption">A

-model</div>

-</div>

-

-<p>Her predilection for abbreviations

-is another

-marked feature of the vulgar

-girl. To "'bus" she has lately added "biz,"

-and "spec" has found her approval.</p>

-

-<p>The pity of it!</p>

-

-<p>Just as she has always a favourite word, she

-has mostly a favourite phrase. In one instance

-known to me it is "You know what I mean,"

-and everyone knows what she means, as well

-everyone may.</p>

-

-<p>Take this assertion&mdash;</p>

-

-<p>"It's one of those schools where they sleep

-in carbuncles&mdash;you know what I mean."</p>

-

-<p>Of course everyone knows what she means.</p>

-

-<div class="figcenter w250">

-<img src="images/i_213f.jpg" width="250" height="267" alt="" />

-<div class="caption">not

-omnivorous</div>

-</div>

-

-<p>Or take this&mdash;</p>

-

-<p>"I can't be in six or seven places at one;

-I'm not omnivorous&mdash;you know what I mean."</p>

-

-<div class="figcenter w125">

-<img src="images/i_213g.jpg" width="125" height="138" alt="" />

-<div class="caption">An

-extreme

-view</div>

-</div>

-

-<p>Of course everyone knows what she means.</p>

-

-<p>They call her Mrs. Malaprop; but, in point

-of fact, her case is a notable improvement

-upon that of Sheridan's heroine, the ignorance

-of that lady having been of a shade by just so

-much deeper that it left her unwitting of the

-fact that she was wrong. The girl here in

-view has a shrewd suspicion that she is wrong,

-but pays her hearers the compliment of

-assuming that they will understand her. In

-only one instance, so far as has come to my

-knowledge, has she ever overtaxed her listener's

-powers of comprehension. She spoke of a

-living novelist.</p>

-

-<p>"I can't bear his books," she said.

-"They're so very <i>femme de chambre</i>&mdash;you

-know what I mean."</p>

-

-<p>Not only did the person addressed not

-know what she meant, but he will not now

-be induced to believe that she meant "<i>fin de

-si�cle</i>," and unconsciously used what, it seems

-to some of us, was a very happy substitute

-for this rather hackneyed phrase.</p>

-

-<p>I have in the foregoing dwelt more particularly

-on what is to me the most striking fact

-in connection with the vulgar girl, the base

-uses to which she puts her native speech; that

-my account of her may not, however, be

-wholly inadequate, I have also conferred with

-persons whose views on manners and deportment,

-as frequently expressed by them, have

-led me to believe that they may be better able

-than I am to point out what, from the social

-standpoint, constitutes a vulgar girl. Of the

-many <i>data</i> supplied me, I give below a few.</p>

-

-<p>The vulgar girl is "arch."</p>

-

-<p>The vulgar girl is "coy."</p>

-

-<p>The vulgar girl loves "chaff."</p>

-

-<p>The vulgar girl has sidelong

-looks.</p>

-

-<p>The vulgar girl calls milk

-"cream" and bacon "ham."</p>

-

-<p>The vulgar girl shouts or

-whispers.</p>

-

-<p>The vulgar girl thinks all

-other girls vulgar.</p>

-

-<p>The vulgar girl has never

-been told, or has been told in vain, to sit up

-and put her knees together.</p>

-

-<p>The vulgar girl is the girl of whom the

-vulgar boy says that she is "not half a bad

-sort."</p>

-

-<p class='center'>(<i>To be continued.</i>)</p>

-

-<div class="figcenter w300">

-<img src="images/i_213h.jpg" width="300" height="258" alt="" />

-</div>

-

-<hr class="chap" /></div><div>

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">{214}</a></span></p>

-

-

-

-

-<h2><a name="OUR_HERO" id="OUR_HERO">"OUR HERO."</a></h2>

-

-<p class='ph3'>A TALE OF THE FRANCO-ENGLISH WAR NINETY YEARS AGO.</p>

-

-<p class='ph3'><span class="smcap">By</span> AGNES GIBERNE, Author of "Sun, Moon and Stars," "The Girl at the Dower House," etc.</p>

-

-

-<h3>CHAPTER XIV.</h3>

-

-<p class='ph3'>IN A FORTIFIED

-TOWN.</p>

-

-<div>

-<img class="drop-cap" src="images/i_214.jpg" width="125" height="229" alt="" />

-</div>

-

-<p class="drop-cap"><span class="upper-case">It</span> was growing

-dark when at

-length they

-drove through

-the gates into

-Verdun.</p>

-

-<p>No one then

-said a needless

-word, not

-even Roy. The

-sense of banishment

-and of captivity pressed

-upon them all with a new

-force, at the sight of this

-fortified town, with its

-massive encircling walls,

-its iron gates, its pervading

-gendarmerie. If any lack of

-realisation of their true position had

-helped them hitherto, it had small

-chance of surviving this hour.</p>

-

-<p>At the gate they had to pause, a

-gendarme coming to the coach door.

-He said something to Denham, which

-made Colonel Baron ask sharply&mdash;</p>

-

-<p>"Eh, what's that?"</p>

-

-<p>"We are to go first to the citadel.

-Not necessary for Mrs. Baron and Roy.

-You and I might walk it, sir, and send

-them on."</p>

-

-<p>"No, no," Mrs. Baron interposed;

-"I cannot go on alone. We will keep

-together."</p>

-

-<p>"A pity," murmured Ivor; and Colonel

-Baron looked doubtfully from him to his

-wife.</p>

-

-<p>"I am not going to do it," she

-repeated, with her manner of graceful

-determination; and then, earnestly,

-"Do not ask it of me&mdash;pray do not!"

-No more could be said, and the man was

-ordered to drive on.</p>

-

-<p>Verdun at that date lay in the then

-French province of Lorraine, the then

-French department of the Meuse, upon

-which river it was built. Distant from

-Paris somewhere about one hundred and

-fifty miles, it was also within about fifty

-miles, in different directions, of two

-towns which have since become vividly

-historic, S�dan and Metz. The river

-thereabouts follows a tortuous course,

-and the lower part of Verdun stood

-mainly on little islands in the Meuse,

-while the upper part led to the French

-citadel, which crowned a rocky summit.</p>

-

-<p>The valley, containing the town, ran

-north-west and south-east, being surrounded

-by hills.</p>

-

-<p>On reaching the citadel Mrs. Baron

-and Roy were desired by the Colonel to

-remain in the coach, while he and

-Denham disappeared within, there to be

-carefully examined and closely questioned,

-and having again to give their

-parole. After which they came out, the

-Colonel saying shortly&mdash;</p>

-

-<p>"That business is done! Tell them

-where to go, Den. They seem determined

-to know us again."</p>

-

-<p>"Were they civil?" his wife asked.</p>

-

-<p>"No end of a fuss, my dear. As if

-the word of an English gentleman were

-not sufficient. Close description of us

-both written in the register."</p>

-

-<p>Once more they drove on, Roy gazing

-from side to side, noting the small

-insignificant shops, and exclaiming at

-occasional peeps of the river with an

-interest which never quite failed him.

-The others were for the most part silent.

-Mrs. Baron's eyes were dim, the Colonel

-was pre-occupied, and Ivor, usually the

-most observant of men, seemed to see

-nothing.</p>

-

-<p>Presently they stopped before the gateway

-of a large old house or small private

-"h�tel," with an untidy little courtyard.

-An old Frenchman, in quaint dress,

-grey-haired, with an imposing pig-tail,

-came to meet them, bowing profoundly

-to the gentlemen, and still more profoundly

-to Mrs. Baron.</p>

-

-<p>"C'est, sans doute, Monsieur le

-Colonel&mdash;et Madame&mdash;&mdash;"</p>

-

-<p>Colonel Baron's particular gift did not

-lie in the direction of foreign languages.

-He never could talk French, and probably

-he never would, no matter how

-many years he might be compelled to

-live in France.</p>

-

-<p>"Oui, monsieur. Bon jour. C'est

-nous qui sont viendrai," he responded,

-feeling it incumbent on him to say something,

-as he descended from the old

-coach. "J'esp�re que vous �tes bien.

-Je suis bien aise que nous sommes haut&mdash;pas

-bas&mdash;pas pr�s de le rivi�re. Bother

-their grammar, Denham; you can do

-it better than I. Just say what's

-suitable."</p>

-

-<p>Denham obeyed, and the next object

-which dawned upon Roy's perceptions

-was the sad and gentle face of Lucille

-de St. Roques. He seized her hand

-vehemently.</p>

-

-<p>"I say, mademoiselle, it's nice to

-find you here. Isn't it, Den? Mamma,

-this is Mademoiselle de St. Roques.

-Papa, you know she helped to nurse

-me after I'd had small-pox. Are we

-going to live upstairs, mademoiselle?

-Is that what it's to be? The whole

-upstairs, all to ourselves? What fun!

-Which way is it? Oh, I see! This

-way, mamma. Those poor horses do

-look tired, just half-starved, and so

-skinny. Is there a stable for them?

-Are we to have tea? Dinner! that's

-right. We didn't get half a dinner to-day,

-and I'm famished. What a droll

-old staircase? Do look out of this

-window, mamma."</p>

-

-<p>Roy's flow of spirits helped them all.

-The Colonel and his wife gratefully

-expressed their thanks to the French

-girl for her past kindness to their boy,

-both being much attracted by her

-face and her pretty manner as she led

-the way upstairs to the first floor. There

-stood Madame Courant, a fat and

-smiling little Frenchwoman, ready to

-bestow unlimited welcomes upon the

-unfortunate foreigners.</p>

-

-<p>Lucille had exchanged bows with

-Ivor at first, and then had a few words

-with him, scanning his face as she

-talked, with rather troubled glances.

-There was, however, small leisure at

-first for any quiet conversation. The

-rooms had to be inspected, and they

-were found to be not at all bad as to

-size, though meagrely furnished. Lucille

-had set her heart on making everything

-wear as far as possible an English look,

-using her childish recollections of a home

-across the Channel; and if she was less

-successful than she had hoped, nobody

-betrayed the fact. It was clear to them

-all how hard she had worked to render

-the place comfortable.</p>

-

-<p>"But it has been no trouble&mdash;non,

-vraiment&mdash;not at all," she assured them,

-with her pensive smile, when they

-apologised.</p>

-

-<p>While sincerely anxious to help, full

-of sympathy for their position, and most

-desirous to cheer them up, she plainly

-feared to be guilty of intrusion, and very

-soon she took herself off with Madame

-Courant to the ground floor. A somewhat

-clumsy but well-intentioned maiden

-had been deputed to wait upon the

-upstairs party&mdash;probably had been hired

-for the purpose, since Madame Courant

-did most of her own house-work&mdash;and

-dinner was laid in the smaller salon in

-readiness for their arrival.</p>

-

-<p>On the whole that first meal might be

-reckoned a success. Madame Courant

-was no mean cook; and though not

-much could be said as to the actual

-waiting, from an English point of view,

-that was a minor matter, compared with

-the comfort of finding clean and cosy

-quarters, not to speak of a kind reception.

-Roy did his best to supply all

-deficiencies in the conversational line,

-and his efforts were seconded, though

-not vigorously, by Denham.</p>

-

-<p>When, however, dinner was at an end,

-and they had moved into the larger

-salon, which was to be their drawing-room&mdash;when

-a long evening lay before

-them, and there was nothing that had

-to be done, beyond a certain amount of

-unpacking and arranging, which no one

-felt disposed to begin upon at once&mdash;then

-a change came. Then the shadow

-of their captivity descended heavily

-upon them all, even upon the valiant

-Roy; and for once the spirit of cheerfulness

-and of keeping up seemed to

-vanish.</p>

-

-<p>For a quarter of an hour they all

-remained together, no one speaking.

-No one was able to speak. They had

-nothing whatever to say. And presently,

-when this had gone on a little

-while, Mrs. Baron made a move, retreating

-into her own bedroom, avowedly

-to "see to a few things," but in reality,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">{215}</a></span>

-as they all knew, to indulge in a breakdown&mdash;her

-husband, after a brief hesitation,

-going thither also. Denham had

-flagged completely, retreating to a shady

-corner near the big fireplace, where he

-could scarcely be seen; and for Ivor to

-flag meant the flagging of everybody.

-As for Roy&mdash;but that he would have

-been ashamed, counting himself already

-almost a man, he could at this stage have

-flung himself on the ground and cried

-like a little child for very home-sickness.</p>

-

-<p>He wanted Molly&mdash;oh, most awfully!

-He wanted her this evening more than

-he had ever wanted anything or anybody

-in his whole life. The craving that

-took possession of him for Molly's face,

-Molly's voice, Molly's companionship&mdash;the

-passionate desire to have dear little

-Molly once more by his side&mdash;was a pain

-never to be forgotten.</p>

-

-<p>Roy did not know how to bear himself

-under it. He had nothing to do, nothing

-with which to pass the time. He stood

-at the window, looking out upon the

-darkness, trying desperately to be cool

-and stoical, as one five minutes crawled

-by after another. Denham never moved,

-never spoke a word. Roy could just make

-out his dark outline, as motionless as a

-carved image, a few yards distant. If

-only Denham would have talked, if

-something would have happened, if

-somebody would have come in, it would

-have been easier to keep going. But

-nobody came, nothing happened, and

-Denham did not stir.</p>

-

-<p>Roy drummed with his fingers on the

-window-sill. He could hear shrill voices

-out in the street, not far off, and the

-sound of some tuneless instrument. One

-of the two candles was gone with Mrs.

-Baron, leaving the room dim. He tried

-to listen, tried not to think. And just

-when he counted himself victorious, there

-was a queer little catch of his breath

-which sounded suspicious. Roy drummed

-again angrily, hoping that Denham had

-not heard. He might be asleep, he was so

-still. But, after a slight break, he said&mdash;</p>

-

-<p>"Come here."</p>

-

-<p>Roy unwillingly obeyed. He would

-have liked to refuse, but he looked upon

-Ivor as in some sort his commanding

-officer, so of course he had no choice.</p>

-

-<p>"They're making no end of a row out

-there," he remarked in a tone of profound

-indifference, as he lounged nearer.

-"Can't think what it's all for. Just

-listen."</p>

-

-<p>"Yes; I wish they would stop."</p>

-

-<p>"Don't know what's it's all about.

-Something or other&mdash;going on. I

-shouldn't wonder&mdash;if they're quarrelling."</p>

-

-<p>That odd little catch again.</p>

-

-<p>"Feel very bad this evening, Roy?"</p>

-

-<p>The question took Roy by surprise,

-and a lump in his throat prevented an

-immediate reply.</p>

-

-<p>Denham understood.</p>

-

-<p>"Never mind," he said. "It's the

-same with all of us, you know. And

-there's one comfort for you&mdash;that Molly

-wants you at least as much as you want

-her. Some people would give a good

-deal for that certainty."</p>

-

-<p>Roy tried to explain matters away.</p>

-

-<p>"I didn't say&mdash;&mdash;"</p>

-

-<p>"My dear boy, there's no need for you

-to say anything; I know well enough.

-Don't you see?"</p>

-

-<p>Denham's chair shook as Roy leant

-against it, but no further sound came.

-He fought his battle courageously, and

-Denham waited.</p>

-

-<p>"We shall all feel better to-morrow,"

-the latter presently remarked. "It's a

-strange place, and things look uncomfortable

-to-night&mdash;can't well do otherwise.

-Suppose you and I have a game

-of chess. Better than to sit brooding

-over what can't be cured. My little

-travelling set is somewhere about, I

-believe."</p>

-

-<p>"O yes." Roy's voice told of

-instant relief. "You gave it to me to

-take care of. Don't you mind a game,

-really? I should like that. Will you

-give me your queen?"</p>

-

-<p>"No; not to-day. I'm not at my

-best. We'll try on even terms. Get out

-the pieces."</p>

-

-<p>Roy obeyed with alacrity, and whatever

-the move meant to Denham, it

-served to lift Roy out of his unwonted fit

-of misery. He was soon deeply absorbed

-in the mimic fight, and for once he found

-himself on the way to win an easy

-victory. Roy became exultant&mdash;till the

-honour and glory of success were impaired

-by the casual discovery that Ivor

-could not tell a knight from a bishop

-except by feeling. Roy stared wonderingly

-into the spare bronzed face.</p>

-

-<p>"Why, Den!"</p>

-

-<p>"All right; this is my bishop."</p>

-

-<p>"I say, you didn't take that for a

-knight?"</p>

-

-<p>"I believe I was under the delusion

-for a moment."</p>

-

-<p>"But why? There, now it's your

-turn. Oh, I say!&mdash;you're going to move

-my king."</p>

-

-<p>Denham laughed slightly.</p>

-

-<p>"I am rather a futile opponent, seemingly.

-Never mind. Now it is your

-turn."</p>

-

-<p>"What's the matter? Can't you

-see?"</p>

-

-<p>"Not well; just a headache. Go on;

-you'll soon end the game at this rate."</p>

-

-<p>Roy showed himself capable of heroism.

-Though he had never yet beaten

-Denham in full fight, without having

-some of his adversary's best pieces

-presented to him, though the desire

-of his heart was for a victory, and

-though he was on the high road to

-administering checkmate, one more

-glance decided him. He swept his arm

-over the board.</p>

-

-<p>Denham half smiled, and made no

-protest.</p>

-

-<p>"You are a kind fellow," he said, as

-he went back to his former retreat; and

-Roy dropped on the floor to pick up the

-scattered pieces.</p>

-

-<p>"Why didn't you tell me? You'd no

-business to play. Can't I do anything

-for you?"</p>

-

-<p>"Yes, if you don't mind"&mdash;after a

-moment's racking of his brain to think

-of anything that might keep the boy

-occupied. "I wish you would unpack

-my valise&mdash;just the things that I shall

-want to-night."</p>

-

-<p>Roy was delighted and went off at full

-speed. In the passage he found himself

-face to face with Lucille, and all but

-rushed into her arms. Lucille drew

-back.</p>

-

-<p>"I say! Oh, I beg your pardon,

-mademoiselle. I'm going to unpack for

-Den. He's just floored; can't even play

-chess. It's all this horrid beastly bother,

-having to come to Verdun, you know.

-He never used to be like that. Den was

-always up to anything. What have you

-got there?" as she held up one hand.

-"A letter!"</p>

-

-<p>"It is medicine for Monsieur le Capitaine&mdash;from

-England," Lucille said,

-with a look of heartfelt pleasure.</p>

-

-<p>"It really is from England! Won't

-he be glad? Where did you get it

-from? You shall give it to him yourself.

-Yes; I declare you shall."</p>

-

-<p>Roy flung open the salon door, and

-announced, "Here's Mademoiselle de

-St. Roques. Den, she's got something

-for you! Guess what it is. Come in,

-Mademoiselle."</p>

-

-<p>Ivor stood up, not grateful to Roy at

-this moment.</p>

-

-<p>"Pray take a seat," he urged.</p>

-

-<p>"It's a letter&mdash;a letter&mdash;a letter from

-England," cried the boy.</p>

-

-<p>"You have brought this from the

-post?" asked Denham, as he received

-from her hand a folded and sealed

-packet.</p>

-

-<p>"Non, it is not that. The letter

-arrives from M. de Bertrand. It was

-send to him from England under cover,

-and he waited till he should learn your

-address and have opportunity to send it

-with safety. When I wrote to him that

-you all were ordered to Verdun, then he

-sent the letter to me by one travelling

-this way. It is but now arrived. I

-am glad!" Lucille added, under her

-breath.</p>

-

-<p>Denham bent nearer to the candle,

-trying with drawn brows to make out

-the handwriting. As he did so, a

-curious light crept over his face. Lucille

-thought she could read its meaning.</p>

-

-<p>"You are very good, mademoiselle.

-I am much indebted to you and to M. de

-Bertrand," he said.</p>

-

-<p>"Den, I do believe it's Polly's

-writing!" exclaimed Roy.</p>

-

-<p>Denham glanced towards him.</p>

-

-<p>"Yes; it is from Polly."</p>

-

-<p class='center'>(<i>To be continued.</i>)</p>

-

-<div class="figcenter w275">

-<img src="images/i_215.jpg" width="275" height="103" alt="" />

-</div>

-

-<hr class="chap" /></div><div>

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">{216}</a></span></p>

-

-

-

-

-<h2><a name="FROCKS_FOR_TO-MORROW" id="FROCKS_FOR_TO-MORROW">FROCKS FOR TO-MORROW.</a></h2>

-

-<p class='ph3'><span class="smcap">By</span> "THE LADY DRESSMAKER."</p>

-

-

-<div class="figcenter w500">

-<img src="images/i_216.jpg" width="500" height="531" alt="" />

-<div class="caption">EVENING DRESSES FOR CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES.</div>

-</div>

-

-<p><span class="smcap">The</span> winter is always distinguished by a

-rather dowdy style of dress, especially in

-town, where, for at least three months of the

-year, the days are so dark and the light so

-poor at best that everyone says, "It really

-cannot matter what one puts on in such

-sombre weather as this." Such is the sentiment

-expressed by the general public, but, of

-course, does not apply to those who, having

-carriages at their disposal, can blossom out

-like the lilies of King Solomon, and be

-carried over the mud and through the gloom

-without let or hindrance. It is only on sunny

-days during the winter and at Church Parade

-in Hyde Park that one sees the brighter side

-of winter dress. Otherwise it only blooms in

-the shops, at the dressmakers', and at the

-endless afternoon teas which constitute the

-main amusement during the winter. One

-must have at least one nice walking-dress for

-the winter, in spite of the gloom, for these

-last-named festive occasions, and one generally

-needs a cape or mantle as well to wear

-in turn with our costume or with it as we

-may require. Besides this, most women have

-a certain amount of "wearing out" to do of

-clothes that must put in a second winter.

-Those wise people who have established a

-kind of rule for themselves in the purchase of

-dress get a handsome cape or mantle one

-year and a handsome gown the next, the

-latter becoming less visible and important the

-second year when worn under the new mantle.

-Both of these should come from first-rate

-shops, in order to get the full value out of

-them. Then there are the people who wait

-for the sales to supply themselves with winter

-clothes, and say they manage to finish out the

-last year's stock by this means in the still

-darker and shorter days before Christmas. I

-always consider the wearing out of one's

-winter things a grievous bother which falls

-most heavily on the shoulders of those who

-are very careful wearers of their garments. I

-know people who really are never able to

-wear out their clothes, and become quite

-dispirited at the constant sight of them. I

-know one lady who is able to clothe several

-others poorer than herself because she takes

-such good care of what she wears, and things

-are hardly worn in appearance when she has

-them repaired and brushed up.</p>

-

-<p>The class which has the most difficulty in

-clothing themselves so as to present a respectable

-appearance is composed of these very<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">{217}</a></span>

-poor ladies, who are governesses, lady-helps,

-or companions, and no doubt my readers will

-have noticed the moving appeals issued by

-many of the societies and agencies which are

-interested in procuring work for them. As

-we are always anxious to find out good works

-for our women and girls, we commend to

-them this one, as one of the most blessed both

-to giver and receiver.</p>

-

-<p>The return to fashion of dresses made from

-the same material entirely instead of those

-which have been so long in wear, which

-consisted of a blouse, more or less handsome,

-and a skirt, has brought in a necessity for

-mantles and capes, and so these are really the

-most fashionable of the out-of-door garments

-for the winter months. There is no fear,

-however, of the skirt and jacket disappearing

-from amongst us, for they have been found

-too useful to lose their place in our esteem;

-and the winter jackets are, some of them, very

-pretty and tight-fitting, with large buttons,

-and generally of three-quarter length, though

-there are many quite short ones, but which

-seem more used for cycling or golf than for

-real walking or driving.</p>

-

-<div class="figcenter w400">

-<img src="images/i_217a.jpg" width="400" height="562" alt="" />

-<div class="caption">TWO WINTER GOWNS.</div>

-</div>

-

-<p>One of these costumes with a tight-fitting

-coat is shown in our illustration of "a gown

-with braid and fur," which is a very handsome

-example of the walking-gowns of the winter.

-The skirt is made with the fashionable tightness,

-the much-worn shaped flounce, and the

-braiding is carried down the front on either

-side in a graceful arabesque design, which is

-wider and fuller in detail at the top near the

-waist. The points are braided in the same

-manner, and the tops of the sleeves. The

-fronts have revers of mink fur. The dress

-itself is in dark blue cloth, and the braiding

-is in black. The hat is of blue velvet, with

-white and green wings, and blue and green

-velvet trimmings. This admixture of blue

-and green seems more popular than ever this

-winter, and I have frequently seen a blue hat

-with a bright green velvet choux bow placed

-in a conspicuous position in front.</p>

-

-<p>The choux and the Louis XII. or true

-lovers' knot are the two fashionable bows of

-the season, for hats and bonnets as well as for

-dress. The first-named seems ubiquitous in

-evening dress, where black velvet also appears

-to be most popular as a trimming.</p>

-

-<div class="figcenter w250">

-<img src="images/i_217b.jpg" width="250" height="458" alt="" />

-<div class="caption">GOWN WITH BRAID AND FUR.</div>

-</div>

-

-<p>Both velvet and velveteen are much worn,

-and are suited to the fashions of the day, and

-the velveteen blouse retains its popularity,

-but is more dressy and fanciful than it was.

-In some cases velvet is used for the coat-shaped

-bodices, with short square tails that

-are much seen, and these have almost invariably

-fancy vests or yokes. In most instances,

-too, these are of finely tucked silk muslin,

-which, in cream or white, is quite the most

-popular material for them, in spite of its

-perishable nature and apparent unseasonableness.</p>

-

-<p>So far as materials are concerned, everything

-that is clinging and soft is sought after, and

-even the rustling silks that lined our skirts

-and gave us such a feeling of opulence have

-been relinquished in favour of something more

-clinging. Cashmere and nuns' veiling are used

-for the lining of day dresses, and China silks

-for evening ones. For slight people this

-clinging effect is sometimes trying, but where

-stout people are concerned the matter becomes

-worse, and we shall hear of all kinds of cures

-for obesity in order to wear the new skirts.</p>

-

-<p>Of course, as is usual at this season, many

-evening dresses for small Christmas festivities

-are simple, and our illustration shows three of

-these, which are inexpensive and pretty. The

-first seated figure to the right wears a pink

-silk muslin, plain for wearing over the accordion-kilted

-skirt, and having a small black

-leaf-like pattern on it for the pointed overskirt;

-a ruching of rose-coloured silk goes

-round the latter part of the bodice and sleeves,

-and the back is finished with a wide band and

-bow with ends of rose colour. This can, of

-course, be carried out in any hue, but in white

-or cream-colour it is very pretty, and there are

-such numbers of fancy gauzes and nets that a

-pretty choice can be made which would be

-more inexpensive than the model we present.</p>

-

-<p>The centre figure wears a dress of <i>mousseline-de-soie</i>

-of a pale shade of Parma violet,

-which is trimmed with narrow ribbons, drawn<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">{218}</a></span>

-up to form small ruches. These are of a

-slightly darker violet. The small Eton jacket

-is of the same shade of violet velvet or satin,

-with bands of velvet and paste buckles. The

-standing-up figure wears a dress of jet-embroidered

-net, with bands of <i>passementerie</i> on

-the front of the bodice. The evening wrap is

-of a soft yellow brocade, which is lined with

-a pale violet, and trimmed with flounces of

-lace and silk. The collar is edged with white

-fur, and a bow of chiffon ornaments the neck

-at the back. In giving these dresses I should

-observe that, although they seem costly, they

-can be copied in less expensive materials.

-Nuns' veiling, China silk, velveteen, taffetas,

-Russian net, and Brussels net are all in

-fashion, and all are comparatively so moderate

-in price as to be attainable by those who have

-slender purses. This season we also have the

-embroidered net skirts that were introduced

-last year, with the improvement that this

-season the bodice-piece is sold as well. So

-we have not to make troublesome inquiries

-and huntings for the material to decorate

-them. There seems to be a tendency likewise

-to return to the use of a three-quarter length

-sleeve, which fits the arm smoothly as far as

-the elbow and terminates in a frill. The long

-net and chiffon sleeves are still worn, and I

-notice that there are some very pretty high

-net bodices without sleeves, or, at least, with

-a few folds of satin, which answer the purpose.

-These will be a novelty if they should

-be adopted, and will be charming for the

-evening with all thin materials.</p>

-

-<p>The illustration of two winter gowns shows

-one of the new skirts and a bodice fastened at

-the back. The skirt is also fastened there in the

-newest fashion; the trimming consists of rows

-of fine black braid, the dress being of fine

-cloth, of a <i>pervenche</i> blue. The bodice is

-trimmed with points of velvet, of a darker

-shade of blue, and the same is used for the

-bows at the back. The second dress is one of

-those tucked throughout. It is of a soft satin

-cloth, of a pale shade of grey. The revers

-are braided, and there is a front of dark-grey

-velvet and a high collar, with the lining

-braided, like the revers. I hope you will

-notice that this skirt opens on one side, usually

-the left, and it is finished by a row of tiny

-buttons, or by a small ruching of ribbon.</p>

-

-<p>A great deal of this ribbon ruching is seen,

-as well as much piping. Silk braids, very

-fine and very narrow, in black and white,

-form a feature of this year's decorations,

-and silver braids as well. Crystal buttons

-are more liked than paste or steel ones,

-and there is a craze for old lace and for

-mixing fur with it. Black and white are in as

-much favour as this mixture has always found

-during the last four years, and the two are

-constantly mixed in trimmings.</p>

-

-<p>I think I mentioned in my last that the hair

-was worn low on the neck&mdash;certainly far lower

-than has been the custom for some little time.

-But I do not find that the knot of hair is quite

-so low just now. Evidently the idea has not

-quite "caught on," as the slang phrase has it,

-and most of the well-dressed heads I have

-lately seen have had the coil of hair at the

-back of the head midway down. Perhaps,

-later on, we shall see more of the low hair

-dressing than we do now.</p>

-

-<p>Truly the swing of the pendulum has quite

-carried us away from the neat and ever-becoming

-black stockings, and the new ones

-are a study in colour and design. I think the

-tartan ones will be worn, and will look well;

-but I cannot say I like the others; nevertheless,

-that may be because one has grown used to a

-lack of colour for so long.</p>

-

-<p>So far as boots and shoes are concerned,

-the most fashionable people wear the American

-ones with their extremely pointed toes and

-narrow feet, but it is open to the sensible to

-wear something more comfortable if they do

-not mind a loss of style, for we cannot be

-really smart unless our poor feet be pinched

-and pointed to the last degree.</p>

-

-<hr class="chap" /></div><div>

-

-

-<h2><a name="OUR_PROSPECTUS_PUZZLE_REPORT" id="OUR_PROSPECTUS_PUZZLE_REPORT">OUR PROSPECTUS PUZZLE REPORT.</a></h2>

-

-

-<h3>SOLUTION.</h3>

-

-<p class='ph3'>ANOTHER NAUGHT.</p>

-

-<p class='ph3'><span class="smcap">A Roundel.</span></p>

-

-<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">

-<span class="i0">Time hastens onwards to the day<br /></span>

-<span class="i2">When our good, trusty printer ought<br /></span>

-<span class="i0">Upon our numbers to display<br /></span>

-<span class="i18">Another naught.<br /></span>

-</div><div class="stanza">

-<span class="i2">Oh! how tremendous is the thought:&mdash;<br /></span>

-<span class="i0">A thousand weeks have passed away<br /></span>

-<span class="i2">Since out our magazine was brought!<br /></span>

-</div><div class="stanza">

-<span class="i0">We love our work, it is but play;<br /></span>

-<span class="i2">"<i>Bon Voyage</i>" to the bark high-fraught;<br /></span>

-<span class="i0">And printer, sing as you in-lay<br /></span>

-<span class="i18">Another naught.<br /></span>

-</div></div>

-

-

-<h4><span class="smcap">Prize Winners.</span></h4>

-

-<p class='center'><i>Ten Shillings Each.</i></p>

-

-

-<ul><li>J. Hunt, 42, Francis Road, Birmingham.</li>

-<li>A. Phillips, 15, South Hill Park, Hampstead.</li>

-<li>Emily M. Wood, Woodbank, Southport.</li>

-</ul>

-

-

-<p class='center'><i>Five Shillings Each.</i></p>

-

-

-<ul><li>Margaret Baggallay, 3, Clarence Lawn, Dover.</li>

-<li>Marie Behrendt, Scanthorpe, Doncaster.</li>

-<li>Lily Belling, Wribbenhall, Bewdley.</li>

-<li>Miss H. M. Brown, Longformacus, Duns, N.B.</li>

-<li>Charlotte D. Cole, 7, High Street, Beckenham.</li>

-<li>M. A. C. Crabb, Ipplepen, Alexandra Road, Hemel Hempstead.</li>

-<li>Agnes Dewhurst, 32, Lethbridge Road, Southport.</li>

-<li>Miss M. Hodgkinson, 2, Feversham Terrace, York.</li>

-<li>Benjamin Marcroft, High Legh, Grosvenor Drive, New Brighton.</li>

-<li>Nellie Meikle, 2, Newsham Drive, Liverpool.</li>

-<li>Henzell G. Robson, 7, Oxford Terrace, Gateshead-on-Tyne.</li>

-<li>F. A. Powell, 75, Hythe Road, Swindon.</li>

-<li>Anne Sifton, 230, Goldhawk Road, Shepherd's Bush.</li>

-<li>M. Stuart, The Shrubbery, Grove Park, Kent.</li>

-<li>Ellen C. Tarrant, 2, Palace Grove, Bromley.</li>

-<li>Violet C. Todd, Ford, Cornhill-on-Tweed.</li>

-</ul>

-

-

-<p class='center'><i>Very Highly Commended.</i></p>

-

-<p>Mrs. Acheson, Eliza Acworth, Lottie R.

-Biddle, E. J. Cameron, Mrs. J. Cumming,

-May Merrall, E. C. Milne, Lilla Patterson,

-Constance Taylor, Connie E. Thompson,

-Daisy Tyler, Martha Wood.</p>

-

-

-<p class='center'><i>For Artistic Execution.</i></p>

-

-<p>Maud Abbott.</p>

-

-

-<p class='center'><i>Highly Commended.</i></p>

-

-<p>Annie A. Arnott, Fanny Ashby, Ethel M.

-Atkins, Margaret Bailey, Eva M. Benson,

-R. S. Benson, E. K. Berry, Mary A. Blagg,

-Nancy Bolingbroke, M. S. Bourne, May

-Burlinsay, Annie J. Cather, Mabel E. Davis,

-Mrs. Deane, Edward R. Duffield, Alice M.

-Feurer, Emily Francis, Mrs. W. H. Gotch,

-Mrs. Grubbe, Edith E. Grundy, A. Hughes,

-George L. Ingram, Annie G. Luck, C. Y.

-MacGibbon, E. Mastin, Jessie Middlemiss,

-Mrs. Nicholls, Percy J. Powell, Alice M.

-Price, Gertrude Saffery, A. C. Sharp, Isabel

-Snell, Norah M. Sullivan, A. C. T., Phyllis

-Toker, Ann Toplis, Florence Whitlock, Mrs.

-Wigglesworth, E. Wilson.</p>

-

-

-<p class='center'><i>Honourable Mention.</i></p>

-

-<p>S. Ballard, Mary I. Chislett, Helen M.

-Coulthard, Mrs. H. Keel, K. H. Ingram,

-E. M. Le Mott�e, Charlotte Hayward,

-Florence Hayward, Ethel C. Hobbs, Edith L.

-Howse, Annette E. Jackson, Alice E. Johnson,

-Fred Lindley, Ethel C. McMaster, Elsa P.

-Neel, Charles Parr, Elizabeth A. Reynolds,

-Annie Saunders, Dorothy Smith, Ellen R.

-Smith, Gertrude Smith, May Tutte, Anna

-Walker, J. Walker, Julia Waltenberg, John

-R. Whyberd, G. Watherston.</p>

-

-<hr class="tb" />

-

-

-<h3>EXAMINERS' REPORT.</h3>

-

-<p>The insatiability of an editor who is clamouring

-daily for our words of wisdom compels us

-to be very brief. This is all the more to be

-regretted because with such a subject to

-handle we could have risen to great literary

-heights. But to work!</p>

-

-<p>The title was not "Another aught," the

-reason being that aught is not synonymous

-with naught. The difference between the two

-is considerable, "aught" signifying anything,

-"naught" nothing. The importance of this

-pleasing fact is often overlooked, especially by

-schoolchildren, who frequently speak of a

-cipher as "an aught," or, as they in their

-childish wisdom spell it "ought."</p>

-

-<p>In many solutions the final letter of

-"onwards" was omitted. Doubtless, "onward"

-is grammatically just as good, but as

-the "s" was in the puzzle it was a pity not to

-transfer it to the solution.</p>

-

-<p>The beginning of the third line seems to

-have caused trouble. Those who failed to

-find the true solution generally gave "On our

-three figures," or "On our first numbers."

-Both readings are good interpretations of the

-text, but the first is meaningless and the

-second is incorrect. With "On all our

-numbers "&mdash;adopted by a few solvers&mdash;we

-have little fault to find.</p>

-

-<p>Many competitors kindly pointed out that

-the minus sign in line 6 ought to have been

-the sign of division. Let us examine their

-contention closely. Two weeks divided by

-two yields one week and the beginning of the

-line would run "A thousand one week."

-Two weeks minus two yields weeks, clearly,

-and we need pursue the instruction no further.

-Some of the readings at this point were remarkable,

-<i>e.g.</i>, "A thousand days"; "Twelve

-thousand days": "A thousand years," and

-"A million weeks."</p>

-

-<p>We have always been accustomed to regard

-<span class="smcap">The Girl's Own Paper</span> with much veneration,

-but the idea of its having first seen the

-light something like fourteen thousand years

-before Adam is somewhat startling.</p>

-

-<p>In the next line, "G. O. P." often took the

-place of "magazine." Our dislike of such

-irritating abbreviations did not prevent us

-from doing justice to the reading which is

-rhythmically correct.</p>

-

-<p>The number of solvers who wrote "barque"

-for "bark" was amazing. The latter was in

-the puzzle and signifies any small vessel. The

-former was not in the puzzle and defines a

-vessel of a particular rig. And there is really

-no need for more.</p>

-

-<hr class="chap" /></div><div>

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">{219}</a></span></p>

-

-

-

-

-<h2><a name="IN_THE_TWILIGHT_SIDE_BY_SIDE" id="IN_THE_TWILIGHT_SIDE_BY_SIDE">IN THE TWILIGHT SIDE BY SIDE.</a></h2>

-

-

-<p class='ph3'><span class="smcap">By</span> RUTH LAMB.</p>

-

-

-<h3>PART III.</h3>

-

-<p class='ph3'>HOW TO GROW OLD.</p>

-

-<div class="blockquot">

-

-<p class='center'>"They shall still bring forth fruit in old

-age" (Psalm xcii. 14).</p></div>

-

-<hr class='tb' />

-

-<div>

-<img class="drop-cap" src="images/i_219.jpg" width="250" height="329" alt="" />

-</div>

-

-<p class="drop-cap"><span class="upper-case">When</span> I was a child

-a dear old lady,

-who had been asking

-questions about my

-lessons, laid her

-gentle hand on my

-head and said, "I see you love

-school, my child. 'Learn

-young, learn fair.'"</p>

-

-<p>You, dear girl friends, will be at no loss to

-understand the teaching of the proverb. It

-says, in few words, that those lessons which

-are early imprinted on our minds are likely to

-have an abiding place in our memories and a

-lasting influence over our lives.</p>

-

-<p>There is one lesson amongst many which we

-ought to be constantly learning from the time

-that we can understand anything. It is, how

-to grow old.</p>

-

-<p>Do I see some of you smiling at each other,

-as if old age were such a far-away subject that

-it ought not to be introduced to my great

-gathering of girls? Why, if I could have

-spoken to you as children, one by one, I

-would have asked, "Are you learning how to

-grow old?"</p>

-

-<p>You ought to be, for the moment you

-began to live you started on the path that

-leads to old age. From that path none of us

-can turn aside and, perhaps without thinking

-much of the inevitable ending, we pursue our

-course thereon steadily and uninterruptedly.

-We may start on many other paths&mdash;those of

-duty, work, mental culture, etc.&mdash;and we may

-take up certain pursuits and relinquish them

-at our will, but the one onward journey is

-continuous. We travel by night and by day.

-Sleeping or waking, resting or working, we

-are ever progressing towards old age, whether

-we live to reach it or not.</p>

-

-<p>It is often said that every age has its special

-beauty, and yet I daresay many of you have

-never dreamed of associating the idea of beauty

-with old age. You are apt to claim it as the

-special prerogative of youth. Yet I believe

-that old age may be&mdash;and I assert that it

-ought to be in certain senses&mdash;the most

-beautiful of all, despite the white hair, the

-tremulous hand, the feeble step which seeks

-support from the strong arm of the young,

-and the wrinkles on brows that were once

-as smooth and fair as the fairest amongst

-yours.</p>

-

-<p>The young often shrink from the very

-thought of being old. One hears the girl in

-her teens whisper to her companion, as she

-glances at a third who is not out of her

-twenties, "She is getting to look quite old

-already. She might be five-and-thirty."</p>

-

-<p>The tone is half pitying, half disparaging,

-as if the object of the remark were somehow

-in fault because a few more years had passed

-over her young head than over the speaker's.</p>

-

-<p>Listen again to words from the lips of a

-girl who is just "sweet seventeen." (Alas

-that seventeen does not always deserve the

-adjective!) She has just stigmatised a friend

-of thirty as "a cross old thing." And for

-what? She has only been trying to bring her

-good common sense and sound judgment to

-bear upon the other's wilfulness. She is

-anxious to save her from doing a foolish thing

-on which her childish will is stubbornly set

-and which is certain to be followed by remorse

-and trouble.</p>

-

-<p>"Sweet seventeen" purses her pretty lips

-and tosses her foolish head whilst saying, "As

-if I were going to be ordered about by her!

-Cross old thing!" And she goes on her

-wilful way and pays for it.</p>

-

-<p>Still we must acknowledge that a dozen

-extra years do not always bring proportionate

-wisdom, any more than does the seventeenth

-birthday invariably carry sweetness in its train.

-We have to learn to grow old in such wise

-that each year's passage means also progress

-in everything that is best.</p>

-

-<p>It seems very strange&mdash;does it not?&mdash;that

-whilst everyone desires long life, so many

-dislike to look forward to old age in connection

-with themselves. Or, if they do, it is not so

-much in a frank and natural manner as in a

-secret and stealthy fashion. If they speak of

-it at all, they speak as of something which

-may be near to others, but is still far, far away

-from themselves. Such people would never

-tell you that they are learning how to grow

-old&mdash;striving each day after some knowledge

-which will tend towards the attainment of a

-really beautiful and lovable old age.</p>

-

-<p>The need for such a study is ignored by so

-many up to and beyond middle age, that one

-wonders little at its being ignored by the

-young. Yet other questions occupy their

-earnest attention in connection with increasing

-years.</p>

-

-<p>How to ward off the semblance of old age,

-for the reality cannot be deferred. How to

-look young in spite of it. How to conceal

-the number of the years that have passed over

-their heads. How best to utilise art so as to

-simulate the complexion of youth and to hide

-the marks of time on their features.</p>

-

-<p>Time is readily given in order to solve such

-questions to the exclusion of those higher

-lessons, attention to which would make old

-age the most beautiful and lovely of all.</p>

-

-<p>Girls, dear girls! you are generally keen

-observers of externals, and especially so in

-matters of female dress and adornment. If

-one of you has been at a social gathering,

-whether amongst humble workers or leaders

-in society, what is usually the first question

-asked by sisters or acquaintances on her

-return? Is it not about the dresses worn?

-You inquire how such a one looked, or if

-another again wore a dress which is too well

-known on account of its age. You want to

-hear all about novelties in the fashioning of

-new garments, and whether they were of a

-mode likely to be becoming to yourselves. It

-may be you give a little laugh as you say that

-such a girl would be sure to look dowdy, or

-inquire if the good taste of another was as

-conspicuous as usual.</p>

-

-<p>I am inclined to doubt whether you were as

-anxious to know how your friend was impressed

-by the words and conduct of those with whom

-she had been associating, or whether she had,

-during this little season of social enjoyment,

-received impressions likely to influence her for

-good. We ought to be learners in every place,

-but not merely in regard to externals.</p>

-

-<p>Now I want to ask you a question. I have

-given you credit for being keen observers.

-Tell me, can you imagine a picture more truly

-pitiable and contemptible than that of a

-woman on whose face is the stamp of age, but

-who imagines that she has succeeded in hiding

-it by paint and powder?</p>

-

-<p>One who hugs the thought that she has

-rendered her wrinkles invisible, or that her

-dyed hair, with its tell-tale line of grey near

-the roots, or the cunningly arranged golden

-hued substitute for whitened locks, deceives

-anyone but herself? All such shams make

-the old look older still. They add to the

-appearance of age instead of taking from it,

-and they rob old age of much of the beauty

-which is as real as that which pertains to the

-youth it tries to simulate. I am alluding to

-externals first because everyone sees them.</p>

-

-<p>I have no doubt that you have all discovered

-my liking for proverbial expressions. My

-native county is rich in these pithy sayings

-which convey so much meaning in few words.

-The subject of our present talk brings to mind

-one of these proverbs, which was often quoted

-in my hearing when I was a girl. I recall one

-occasion especially. A ruddy farmer turned to

-look after an elderly woman who had just

-passed him. She was girlishly dressed, and

-she strove to trip along in youthful fashion,

-feeling evidently well satisfied with herself,

-and claiming admiration by every gesture.</p>

-

-<p>What had our countryman to say about

-her appearance? He jogged his neighbour's

-elbow, and quoted the proverb, as he indicated

-the retreating figure with a jerk of his

-thumb: "Old ewe dressed lamb fashion."</p>

-

-<p>"Aye," said his friend, "and it's no good.

-Age will show in spite of paint and finery.

-She was turned twenty when I was twelve, and

-I'm over fifty-three to-day. Why, deary me!

-There's always somebody that remembers."</p>

-

-<p>These added words were as true as the

-proverb itself. There is always someone,

-amongst our many acquaintances and kinsfolk,

-who has a good memory for dates, and who

-can refer to the number of Life's milestones we

-have passed with unerring accuracy.</p>

-

-<p>I asked you if there could be anything

-more pitiable and contemptible than the sight

-of an elderly woman trying to defy time and

-age by such means as I have named?</p>

-

-<p>I will answer my own question, "Yes, there

-is. The sight of a girl who, possessing youth,

-health, and the share of good looks and

-attractiveness which must accompany these

-two things, is ever striving to improve Nature's

-handiwork by the use of unnatural means."

-Believe me, my dear girl friends, the sight of

-a young face disfigured by artificial colouring

-and unnaturally whitened by powder, of

-blackened eyebrows and eyelashes, together

-with similar shams, excites in my mind a

-feeling of true motherly regret. I love girls

-too well to say hard things or to speak of

-contempt for such practices; though they

-ought to be contemptible in the eyes of all

-pure and right-minded girls.</p>

-

-<p>One associates the use of them with small

-minds and natures whose chief end and aim

-are to gratify personal vanity and attract

-admiration, instead of striving to win respect

-by the exercise of far nobler powers. Can

-any girl be so self-deceived as to think she

-will win honest affection by such means?<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">{220}</a></span>

-She may win it in spite of them, but it will be

-because the one who gives it is able to discover

-something better and more deserving of

-love beneath this miserable upper crust of

-deception.</p>

-

-<p>One is always ready to recognise, with

-gratitude, even a mistaken attempt made by

-the young with a view of giving pleasure to

-others. But I am sure that self-pleasing and

-the gratification of vanity are, in nearly every

-case, the incentives to such displays as I have

-condemned.</p>

-

-<p>In looking round me, I have been struck

-with the fact that some of the girls who use

-paint, powder, and what are, I am informed,

-known under the general name of "make-ups,"

-are just those to whom Nature has

-been specially liberal in the gift of beauty.</p>

-

-<p>Beauty, when joined to vanity, has an

-insatiable longing to add to its attractions.

-It is more than conscious of all that it has,

-but it is never satisfied, because it craves to

-combine, in its own person, the attractions of

-every style which is, from time to time,

-commended in its hearing. Hence all these

-useless and foolish efforts to improve on

-Nature's handiwork.</p>

-

-<p>Do not misunderstand me so far as to think

-I condemn the use of many little toilet accessories,

-which add greatly both to comfort and

-health. It would be insulting to the good

-sense of my girls, if I were to specify what

-things are lawful and useful, and what are

-contemptible and to be avoided.</p>

-

-<p>You would smile, in pitying fashion, at the

-sight of an old lady, whose grey locks having

-become too scanty to cover her head, had

-thought fit to crown her wrinkled face with a

-wig and fringe of golden hair. But if the

-addition matched what remained of her own

-growth, I hope you would be glad to think

-that art had done something on behalf of

-comfort and comeliness for old age, as well as

-for youth. Depend on it the natural colour

-of your hair is that which agrees best with your

-features and complexion, and if there is anything

-really wrong with the latter, it will be

-better for you to consult your doctor than a

-manufacturer of cosmetics.</p>

-

-<p>I am glad to think I have not known many

-girls whose vanity led them to spoil their

-appearance in the manner I hope you join me

-in condemning, but we have all seen plenty of

-such. I picture two, however, both rather

-exceptionally attractive. One had beautiful,

-glossy, dark hair, with eyes to match, and a

-complexion like a blush rose.</p>

-

-<p>I did not see her for some time, and when

-we met I was horrified at the change. A mop

-of yellow, frizzled hair surmounted a face

-whence the blush-rose tint had fled, or been

-hidden under glaringly false red and white.

-All the dainty charm of the face was gone,

-and I am fain to confess that I went a little

-out of my way to avoid a closer meeting with

-my changed acquaintance. Happily I can tell

-of a pleasant sequel in this case. Some good

-influence has been brought to bear, or perhaps

-the girl's innate good sense has overcome her

-vanity, and she has found out that such shams

-are unworthy of a self-respecting girl.</p>

-

-<p>She has given fair play to Nature, and that

-just in time to save the blush-rose complexion

-from ruin, and to be once more her bonny

-self.</p>

-

-<p>The second girl possessed remarkable beauty

-especially of complexion, and her vanity and

-greed of admiration were in proportion to it.

-These impelled her to be ever experimenting

-on herself to produce greater perfection, with

-the result that whilst still a girl she looked

-many years older than her age, and I hear,

-though I do not see her now, that she is daily

-becoming less attractive, though no less vain

-than of old.</p>

-

-<p>Quite apart from the harm done to personal

-appearance by these foolish practices, but of

-far greater importance, is the moral injury they

-cause. One might call the exhibition of paint

-an acted falsehood, because it is an attempt

-to make ourselves appear what we are not.</p>

-

-<p>But such devices are too transparent to

-deceive. If begun, they become more and

-more injurious and difficult to discontinue,

-and those who practise them live in an

-atmosphere of anxiety and disappointment.

-Age comes, despite all efforts to delay its

-progress, and it leaves footprints which baffle

-art to disguise or obliterate.</p>

-

-<p>Doubtless you have all heard this expression

-used in relation to someone you know&mdash;"She

-knows how to grow old gracefully." You

-understand it to picture one who accepts age

-as the natural and inevitable sequence of

-youth; who is above the paltry vanity which

-would hide it&mdash;or, rather, try to hide it&mdash;yet

-who neglects nothing which can help to make

-it externally attractive, and especially to the

-young. For, if age is to have its full

-legitimate influence over youth, it must be

-beautiful in itself, both without and within.</p>

-

-<p>I will not ask you, my dear ones, to look

-again at that pitiable picture of Vanity battling

-with Age, despite the certainty of defeat and

-disappointment. But be assured of this&mdash;that

-the girl who starts on the same lines will reach

-the same goal; but it will not be that of a

-beautiful and lovable old age.</p>

-

-<p>Do not imagine that I undervalue externals.

-I would have you all be habitually careful

-about them. Let your complexion be kept at

-its best by scrupulous cleanliness. If your

-hair is beautiful and abundant, take pains to

-dress it in the fashion that best sets off such

-good looks as you possess. If you are less

-favoured in this respect, give the more care

-and pains so as to make the best of what you

-have.</p>

-

-<p>Exercise good taste in your dress, whilst

-carefully keeping your expenditure within your

-means. The girl who dresses quietly and

-becomingly will not make herself conspicuous

-in later years by the use of glaring colours or

-fantastic garments.</p>

-

-<p>Try to be graceful and quiet in your movements,

-and scrupulous in avoiding all little ways

-and habits likely to be disturbing, unpleasant,

-or offensive to others. And do not be

-offended if a well-meaning friend ventures to

-point out a tendency to any growing habit of

-the kind, knowing that if once established it

-will be almost impossible for you to overcome

-it. Bear in mind that such a warning can be

-only intended for your benefit and to help

-you on your way towards growing old

-gracefully.</p>

-

-<p>Study to modulate your voices so that the

-sound of them may fall pleasantly, even

-musically, on the ear. Shrill, harsh, and loud

-youthful voices become something too terrible

-when they accompany age.</p>

-

-<p>I wonder if any of you have heard our dear

-Queen speak? I regret to say that I have

-not, but friends have told me that they never

-heard a voice which equalled hers for its

-melodious tone, perfect clearness, and faultless

-enunciation.</p>

-

-<p>Try to avoid affectation in gesture and

-movement, and any form of facial contortion.

-Habit makes all these painful to witness, and

-age exaggerates them. Sometimes a habit of

-knitting the brows is contracted early in life,

-with the result that the forehead is furrowed

-and a forbidding expression given to the face

-which permanently spoils it. Age intensifies

-what is forbidding and disagreeable, but shows

-to the greatest advantage all that is most

-lastingly attractive in us, just as the flower

-fulfils the promise of the bud.</p>

-

-<p>In this lesson on "How to grow old" I

-have confined myself to externals. It is time

-for us to part, but when we meet again we

-will study the subject from the highest

-standpoint.</p>

-

-<p>Before then a new year will have dawned

-on us. Let me suggest as a fitting motto for

-it, "I will go in the strength of the Lord

-God." May it prove a very happy one to you

-all.</p>

-

-<p class='center'>(<i>To be continued.</i>)</p>

-

-

-

-<hr class="chap" /></div><div>

-

-

-<h2><a name="SISTER_WARWICK_A_STORY_OF_INFLUENCE" id="SISTER_WARWICK_A_STORY_OF_INFLUENCE">"SISTER WARWICK": A STORY OF INFLUENCE.</a></h2>

-

-<p class='ph3'><span class="smcap">By</span> H. MARY WILSON, Author of "In Warwick Ward," "In Monmouth Ward," "Miss Elsie," etc.</p>

-

-

-<h3>CHAPTER IV.</h3>

-

-<p><span class="smcap">Granny 20</span> was in one of her most garrulous

-moods, but who was there to listen? She tried

-to catch a nurse or probationer as they hurried

-by the end of the bed, with a "Listen to me

-now, nurse." But a smile and a nod and a

-"By-and-by, Granny," was all she got for

-her pains.</p>

-

-<p>Her nearest bed-fellows were too sleepy

-for anything, and she had to content herself

-with murmuring to an imaginary audience

-until Sister had a moment's leisure, and came

-to her bedside.</p>

-

-<p>"I was saying, Sister, that Mrs. 21 there

-is one with me. We both rue our wedding-day!

-And we thought&mdash;bless yer!&mdash;we

-thought, when we stood up so proud and

-made our vows, that we was the luckiest

-women in the world."</p>

-

-<p>"And it all turned out badly, Granny?"</p>

-

-<p>"Oh, well! It might have been wuss for

-some of us. I won't say it mightn't; but me

-was in too much of a hurry&mdash;that was the

-mischief. Why, bless yer! Mrs. 21 there says

-she wasn't more'n sixteen when she took a

-'usband! And me? I was only just turned

-eighteen. We didn't know no better. We

-were took by a 'andsome face."</p>

-

-<p>"Well, Granny, I cannot err on the side of

-marrying too young, whatever I do."</p>

-

-<p>"Sister! You ain't never thinking of matrimoany?

-Don't 'ee, dear! Don't 'ee! Just

-take the advice of a old woman what <i>knows</i>.

-This is what I say. If a man comes to you

-and seems true enough, don't trust him! No,

-not if trust was to sparkle like a diamond

-from the end of every hair on his head, don't

-trust him!"</p>

-

-<p>Hardly knowing how to contain herself

-for laughter, Sister promised to be very

-careful, and thanked Granny for her wise

-words.</p>

-

-<p>"They aire wise. You may well say so,"

-chuckled the old lady. "Now I could tell

-you&mdash;&mdash;"</p>

-

-<p>"Another time, Granny dear&mdash;and see!

-Here's nurse with your tea. A cup of tea!

-There's nothing like it, is there?"</p>

-

-<p>"Bless yer&mdash;no!"</p>

-

-<p>And Nurse Hudson&mdash;what of her? Had<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">{221}</a></span>

-the episode of yesterday's carelessness with

-the words of reproof that followed been the

-warning Sister Warwick hoped? The watchful

-eyes could detect very little that was amiss

-that day. But she was obliged to acknowledge

-that the nurse's manner towards herself was

-not what it should be. With her new efforts

-not to repel her nurses by the stiffness of her

-own manners she ignored what she could.

-Later she felt glad she had done so.</p>

-

-<p>After tea the medicines were given out.

-It was the staff-nurse's duty to-day, and

-following the instructions on her chart, Hudson

-went to and fro, pouring out the draughts, and

-bringing them to each bed in order.</p>

-

-<p>Sister, seated by No. 10, watched her

-silently. But when she brought the dose for

-this "typhoid," she took it from her hand to

-administer it herself.</p>

-

-<p>What instinct made her pause, before

-giving it, to ask:</p>

-

-<p>"Is this the new medicine, nurse?"</p>

-

-<p>"Of course it is, Sister!" The tone was

-offensive, but, ignoring it, Sister Warwick

-leant forward to hold the glass to the girl's

-lips. Again she paused. What was it stayed

-her hand?</p>

-

-<p>She raised the glass, smelt it, and then put

-it to her own lips and tasted the liquid, her

-eyes on the chart.</p>

-

-<p>"This is an overdose!" she said sternly.

-"Here are four times the right amount!"</p>

-

-<p>For she knew in a flash what the nurse had

-done, and she shuddered at the thought!

-Hudson had certainly, as she said, given the

-fresh medicine the chart directed, but in her

-heedlessness she had not looked to see if the

-quantity was altered too. She had poured

-out two tablespoonfuls instead of two teaspoonfuls&mdash;a

-dose that would have caused

-intense suffering, if nothing worse, to the

-sick girl.</p>

-

-<p>Sister Warwick rose from her chair and

-looked Nurse Hudson full in the face. Her

-utter scorn and indignation at this culpable

-carelessness rendered her speechless.</p>

-

-<p>But her glance was enough!</p>

-

-<p>Turning on her heel, she carried the

-medicine-glass into her room, placed it in a

-cupboard there, and locking it up, removed

-the key.</p>

-

-<p>Nurse Hudson watched it all&mdash;miserable

-and self-condemned&mdash;knowing what the action

-meant. Now that it was done, she would

-have given anything to have been more

-careful. Her colour came and went. She

-stood irresolute. Her better self was urging

-her to go at once and with a humble apology

-plead for another trial with an earnest promise

-of a different course in the future. But she

-could not bring herself to do that. Pride and

-Selfishness had been too closely her companions

-lately, excluding better impulses.</p>

-

-<p>No, she would not believe that Sister

-Warwick meant to report her to the Matron.

-Perhaps she would only ask for her removal

-to another ward; there she could make a fresh

-start. But she did not ask herself with what

-motive.</p>

-

-<p>Nurse Hudson's work had always been

-tarnished with the discolouring influences of

-her own low aims. No wonder now that she

-failed, and did not take the one step that

-might have saved her nursing career.</p>

-

-<p>She left the ward that evening without

-another word with the Sister&mdash;miserable, self-pitying,

-undecided, little thinking that she

-would never enter it again.</p>

-

-<hr class="tb" />

-

-<p>"The whole affair shall be stopped at

-once!" The Matron's voice was full of

-decision and very stern. "I will send for

-Hudson and tell her I cannot keep her here

-any longer. Nor will I sign her certificate!

-I am not justified, after all you tell me, in

-sending her away to pass herself off as a

-qualified nurse."</p>

-

-<p>"You take a harder view of her conduct

-than I do, Matron." And Sister Warwick

-then and there began to plead for the

-nurse who had been such a "thorn in her

-side."</p>

-

-<p>"You will not move me, Sister! Hudson

-will go! It will seem right, from many

-points of view, when you can look at it

-dispassionately. I am only very thankful

-that we so rarely have such a failure among

-the nurses, and thankful most of all that no

-worse harm has been done. We might have

-had a case for the coroner."</p>

-

-<p>Sister Warwick knew the Matron's words

-were just. She left her and went back to

-her own room, sinking into her leaning-chair

-with the consciousness that an upset like this

-"took it out of her" far more than even an

-operation involving pain and suffering to one

-of her dear ward babies. And, sad at heart,

-she began to think of Ellen Hudson's future,

-then to search back in her own mind for

-possible opportunities missed in the past

-when she might have helped her more kindly.

-She realised bitterly that she herself might

-have done better too.</p>

-

-<p>She sat forward then and wrote a little note

-and sent it round to the Nurses' Home, timed

-to reach Nurse Hudson just after her interview

-with the Matron.</p>

-

-<p>It was to ask her staff-nurse to come and

-see her before she left. But she never came.

-She passed out of Sister Warwick's life

-from that hour, and her place knew her no

-more.</p>

-

-<hr class="tb" />

-

-<p>Nurse Carden's bright face and ready sympathy

-were a pleasant interruption to the

-Sister's mournful ruminations that evening.

-She came in a little before her usual time,

-and the two had a quiet chat in the "Sisters'

-Room" before the night work began.</p>

-

-<p>Here Sister Cumberland joined them. These

-three women&mdash;so different in character, so

-united in aim and purpose&mdash;felt then the

-sustaining power of a friendship that was

-standing the wear and tear of life.</p>

-

-<p>Seeing how worried the elder "Sister" was

-by the present, the other two drew her thoughts

-back to the past and to their earlier experiences

-in the ward.</p>

-

-<p>"Do you remember?" was the introduction

-to many reminiscences Sister Cumberland

-recalled that night on duty, when she fought

-her fiercest fight with the craving for sleep.</p>

-

-<p>Nurse Carden talked of Tommie the waif

-and his whimsical ways. He could not be

-forgotten, for it was not many days since at

-the lodge-gate of her own home she had seen

-the Tommie of to-day. Such a contrast! A

-sturdy, ruddy, honest country lad, loving his

-life as a gardener's boy, and always ready, if

-questioned, to say, "Oh, I belong to Nurse

-Carden, I do! I ain't got nobody else! But

-she is good to me, she is!"</p>

-

-<p>So the three talked until the hour struck

-which took them to their various duties and

-closed the second of these days my pen has

-tried to describe&mdash;days chosen not because

-they were remarkably different from many

-others, but because they give an average picture

-of the cares and anxieties, the pleasures and

-interests that belong to a hospital Sister's

-life; because, too, they tell of an experience

-that had a lasting effect in softening Sister

-Warwick's character and in extending her

-influence over the nurses in her charge.</p>

-

-<p class='center'>[THE END.]</p>

-

-<hr class="chap" /></div><div>

-

-

-<h2><a name="GUS" id="GUS">GUS.</a></h2>

-

-

-<div>

-<img class="drop-cap" src="images/i_221.jpg" width="125" height="125" alt="" />

-</div>

-

-<p class="drop-cap"><span class="upper-case">Ya</span> want ti knaw aboot

-ma maate Gus? Set

-ya doon, then, an'

-ah'll tell ya all

-aboot it.</p>

-

-<p>Me an' Gus wer

-friends fra' t' first.

-'E wer a shy, quiet

-soort o' lad, an' t'

-other chaps didn't

-seem ti taake ti 'im

-at first, an' it wer soort o' loansoom for a

-yoong chap lodgin' aloan i' a straange plaace,

-specially as 'e didn't seem ti care mooch for

-t' public-'oose o' neets. Soa wun evening, as

-we wer leavin' woork, ah says ti 'im, "Coom

-in an' 'ave a bit o' soopper wi' ma an' ma

-missus, lad."</p>

-

-<p>'E looked real pleased, an' said 'e would

-coom, bud 'e wouldn't coom straight 'oam

-wi' ma, as ah wanted 'im ti. Noa, 'e mun

-gang back ti 'is lodgins an' fettle issen oop.</p>

-

-<p>My missus weant best pleased when sha

-'eard 'e wer coming; mebbe, theer weant

-ower mooch for soopper, an' sha niver were

-fond o' straangers; bud 'e 'adn't been i' oor

-lahtle room aboove 'alf a minute afoor ah seed

-as sha'od taaken a fancy ti 'im. 'E com in

-rather shy an' bashful loike, for all 'e'd maade

-'issen soa graand wi' 'is Soonday coate an'

-all, an' ma missus, she says&mdash;</p>

-

-<p>"Set ya doon an' maak yersen at whoam,

-while ah get summat for ya ti eat," an' 'e set

-doon reet theer by t' door, on t' edge o' 'is

-cheer, an' 'adn't a woord to say for 'issen.</p>

-

-<p>Oor lahtle lass Polly&mdash;she wer nobbut

-fooer year owd then&mdash;shoo com in an' stood

-starin' at 'im wi' 'er finger i' 'er mooth, an' at

-sight o' 'er 'e foond 'is tongue.</p>

-

-<p>"Coom 'ere, lahtle ma'ad," says 'e; "ah'm

-wonnerful fond o' childer. Coom an' see

-what ah've got i' ma pocket."</p>

-

-<p>Bud t' lahtle lass still stood beside ma,

-starin' at 'im as if 'e wer summat i' a show.</p>

-

-<p>Gus didn't saay nowt moor, but 'e oots wi'

-'is knife an' a bit o' wood and starts carvin'

-summat.</p>

-

-<p>"Noo," says 'e, arter a bit, "what shall it

-be? Shall ah maak tha a 'orse, or a coo, or

-what?"</p>

-

-<p>T' lahtle lass foond 'er toongue at that.</p>

-

-<p>"A lad," says she, an' cooms a step nearer

-ti see what 'e wer at.</p>

-

-<p>"Shoo'll be a rare wun for t' lads when

-shoo's a bit bigger, ah'se warran'," says 'e,

-wi' a laugh; an' 'e goes on carvin' t' bit o'

-wood in a waay 'at wer wunnerful ti me.

-Soon t' head an' shoolthers appeared, an'

-then t' legs an' arms, an' all t' while t' tahtle

-lass crept nearer an' nearer, an' by t' tahm t'

-lad wer doon, shoo wer sittin' on 'is knee an'

-chatterin' awaay ti 'im as if 'e wer' an owd

-friend.</p>

-

-<p>That woon moother's 'eart, for shoo's

-powerful set on t' lahtle lass, seem' shoo's t'

-oanly wun wi' 'ave&mdash;an' ah reckon ah weant

-far be'ind 'er i' that&mdash;an' befoor 'e left

-shoo'd arst 'im ti taake 'is dinner wi' us

-Soonday next. Arter that, Gus wer in an'

-oot continual, an' 'e an't' lahtle lass wer as

-thick as thieves. It wer pratty ti see 'er

-perched o' 'is knee, wi' 'is arm roond 'er, an'

-ti 'ear 'er pratty prattle, all aboot 'er dolls an'

-toys an' sooch-like. 'E used ti call 'er 'is

-lahtle sweet-'eart, an' saay sha mun marry 'im<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">{222}</a></span>

-when sha wer growed a bit, an' t' lahtle lass

-'ud look oop i' 'is faace, as graave as graave,

-an' promise ti be 'is lahtle wife. 'Twer as

-pratty a pictur as 'eart could wish to see them

-thegither, an' 'e niver seemed ti tire o' 'er

-coompany, or care ti talk wi' me or t' missus

-when t' lahtle lass wer theer.</p>

-

-<p>Well tahm went on, an' t' job e'd coom

-doon 'ere for wer nigh finished&mdash;layin' rails

-o' new line it wer&mdash;an' 'e wer talkin' o'

-leavin', for 'e weant fra' oor parts; when wun

-daay&mdash;ah mind it wer t' first o' April, for

-theer'd been soom foolin' amoong t' lads

-earlier i' t' daay, an' t' blackthorn wer

-buddin' i' t' 'edges&mdash;we wer setting on t'

-railway bank eatin' oor dinners. Gus wer

-moor talkative than ordinary that daay; ah

-mind 'e'd been tellin' us o' t' waay they did

-'arvestin' i' 'is parts&mdash;Lancashire waay&mdash;an'

-'arvest-'oams, an' sooch-like, when all of a

-soodden ah caught sight o' ma lahtle lass

-runnin' along t' line. It did gie ma a toorn,

-for t' doon traain 'ad been signalled two or

-three minutes sin', an' even as ah caught

-sight o' 'er, ah 'eerd it roombling along i' t'

-distance.</p>

-

-<p>"Ma God!" ah cried. "Look theer!"</p>

-

-<p>Jack Wilson&mdash;'im as lives i' yon cottage

-wi' t' creepers doon by t' church&mdash;shoots as

-lood as 'e could, "Get oft t' line, bairn! Get

-off t' line!" Bud Polly, sha didn't taak noa

-'eed ti 'im.</p>

-

-<p>Then afoor ah 'ad got ma wits aboot ma,

-or 'ad ony idea what 'e wer goin ti do, Gus

-'ad joomped doon fra' t' bank, an' were

-roonnin' for 'is loife doon t' line ti meet t'

-lahtle lass. It wer awful to see 'im, while

-every moment t' thoonder o' t' train com

-nearer.</p>

-

-<p>"Is t' man mad?" cried Wilson. "It's

-certain death." An' even as 'e spoke, t'

-train com roond t' corner.</p>

-

-<p>Polly stood still, terrified, an' Gus ran on

-reet inti t' teeth o' t' train. Ah turned

-deadly sick, for ah niver thowt 'e would be i'

-tahm, an' it seemed nobbut a waaste o' two

-lives; bud 'e reached 'er joost afoor t' train

-did. Ah seed 'im catch 'er oop an' toss 'er

-on ti t' bank, an' then&mdash;then t' traan wer on

-'im, an' we saw noothing moor till it 'ad past.

-Then ah ran ti wheer 'e wer lyin', an' an

-awful sight it wer. It 'aunts ma yet, thoo it's

-nigh on ten year sin. 'E wer livin', poor

-chap, an' 'e looked up at ma wi' a smile,

-though t' death dews were gathering on 'is

-faace.</p>

-

-<p>"T' lahtle lass?" 'e asked anxiously.</p>

-

-<p>"Saafe an' well," ah answered. "Eh,

-Gus, lad, tha' shouldn't 'a doon it. Ah

-reckon she weant woorth it."</p>

-

-<p>"Niver saay that!" 'e said. "Wheer is

-sha? Ah'd like fine to bid her good-bye."</p>

-

-<p>Polly wer cryin' wi' fright on t' bank cloas

-at 'and. Ah called 'er, bud at first sha 'ung

-back, not knawin' as it wer 'er friend as lay

-theer, a sickenin' sight, an' not fit for a bairn

-ti see.</p>

-

-<p>"Niver mind, John," 'e said, sadly enough.

-"It's better soa. Ah wouldn't like 'er ti

-think o' ma like this." But ah went an'

-fetched 'er, an' bade 'er ti thank 'im for

-saavin' 'er loife.</p>

-

-<p>"Nay, nay," 'e said, smoilin' oop at 'er.

-"Good-bye, lahtle sweet'eart. Tha'lt 'ave ti

-get anoother lad noo."</p>

-

-<p>"Nay, ah'll waait for thee an' be thy lahtle

-wife," says Polly sturdily, not un'erstan'in',

-poor lahtle lass, as 'e wer dyin'.</p>

-

-<p>"Tha'lt 'ave ti waait till tha gets ti t' New

-Jeroosalem, then," 'e answers, "if soa be as

-they'll let ma in." An' at that 'e looks

-serious.</p>

-

-<p>Ah maade 'aste ti cheer 'im oop.</p>

-

-<p>"Nay, lad, thoo need 'ave noa fear o' that,"

-ah says. "Tha mind hoo He said, 'Inasmooch

-as ye 'a doon it to wun o' t' least o' these, ye

-'a doon it unto Me.'"</p>

-

-<p>Hoo 'is faace lighted oop at that word!

-Then a spasm o' agony crossed it, an' t' death

-rattle began i' 'is throat.</p>

-

-<p>'E couldn't speak, bud 'e maade ma a sign

-ti send t' lahtle lass away, an' ah bade 'er

-roon 'oam ti 'er moother. Then ah knelt

-doon an' raised 'im in ma arms, an' it weant

-long&mdash;thank God, it weant long.</p>

-

-<p>Well, it's ten year sin, as ah said, an' it's

-an owd story noo, an' t' grass is green on 'is

-graave. T' lahtle lass keeps it rare an' gay

-wi' flooers. Shoo's growin' a graat gell noo,

-an' it weant be long afoor t' lads begin ti

-coom aboot 'er, for shoo's growin' bonny;

-bud shoo's niver forgotten Gus, an' if shoo

-iver did, ah wouldn't oan 'er as ma darter,

-that ah wouldn't!</p>

-

-<hr class="chap" /></div><div>

-

-

-<h2><a name="ANSWERS_TO_CORRESPONDENTS" id="ANSWERS_TO_CORRESPONDENTS">ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.</a></h2>

-

-

-<h3>MEDICAL.</h3>

-

-<div class="blockquot">

-

-<p><span class="smcap">Freda.</span>&mdash;Of the cause of exophthalmic go�tre but

-little is known for certain. Worry or anxiety often

-precede the onset of the disease. Unlike ordinary

-go�tre this affection is not limited in any way to

-certain districts, but occurs in every part of the

-country. "Is it curable, and if so, how long should

-a moderate case take to cure?" Yes, many cases

-do recover. When the disease is very marked, recovery

-is unusual. But now that surgeons have

-directed their attention to the disease there is every

-reason to believe that the severer grades of the

-affection may yield to operative treatment. We

-can no more tell you how long an attack of exophthalmic

-go�tre will last than we could tell you the

-day of your death. Sometimes the disease disappears

-in six months or a year, often it drags on

-for many years. As a rule, if the symptoms develop

-rapidly, the disease runs a rapid course.

-Men are comparatively rarely attacked. We can,

-however, call to mind a fair number of cases of

-exophthalmic go�tre in the male sex. Unmarried

-women of from twenty to thirty years of age are the

-usual victims of this disease.</p>

-

-<p><span class="smcap">Worried.</span>&mdash;1. In all probability your sister would

-get better and stronger after marriage. Of course

-it depends a good deal upon the cause of her malady.

-She had far better go to her family doctor and get

-his advice upon the matter. We cannot take the

-responsibility of giving a definite answer to your

-question from such a very scanty amount of information.&mdash;2.

-There are so many books on travel and

-science, suitable to ordinary readers, that it is rather

-difficult to choose any particular volume. One of

-the best books on science for a beginner&mdash;that is, a

-person who is beginning to read science&mdash;is a little

-work called <i>Ants and their Ways</i>, by the Rev.

-Farren White. It is a charming little volume

-which will instil into anyone who reads it the habit

-of observation&mdash;so all-important in science. The

-book is very moderate in price. It is published by

-the Religious Tract Society. If you turn to the

-advertisement sheets at the back of this paper you

-will see notices of a number of very good books on

-both science and travel.</p>

-

-<p><span class="smcap">Matron.</span>&mdash;Obviously the book you want is the <i>British

-Pharmacop&#339;ia</i>. This gives definite instructions

-how to make up every official preparation. There

-is a new edition just published. For the drugs

-which are not in the <i>British Pharmacop&#339;ia</i>, Squire's

-<i>Companion to the British Pharmacop&#339;ia</i> may be

-consulted. You will do well to thoroughly master

-the decimal measures, and to use them exclusively,

-as they are now official and will alone be used in

-the future. The old and confusing apothecaries'

-measures are now out of date.</p>

-

-<p><span class="smcap">Alta.</span>&mdash;For the bites and stings of midges, etc., rub

-a little dilute ammonia on the bite. This usually

-relieves the pain instantly. It is better to put a

-drop of dilute carbolic acid (about 1 in 100) upon

-the bite after using the ammonia. The reason for

-this is that the trouble from an insect's bite is dependent

-upon two causes. In the first place the

-insect actually drops poison into the bite. This,

-which is usually formic acid, makes the wound

-smart at once, but its effect passes off in a little

-time. Ammonia neutralises this acid and so gives

-instant relief. But there is a second cause of

-trouble which is far more serious. The bite of a

-fly has caused more deaths than you would think,

-and from this reason. Flies of all kinds are given

-to feed on garbage, and as they have not yet learnt

-to use a toothbrush, their mouths are always swarming

-with germs. Usually these germs are not of a

-very virulent kind. But suppose that a midge has

-been eating the carcase of an animal which has

-died from peritonitis. That fly is now more deadly

-than a viper, for on its tongue it has a poison which

-is capable of rapid increase if it ever finds a suitable

-home. If this fly bites you, you may die from

-the bite. Everyone knows that often an insect

-sting or bite does not ache or swell at first; but

-after several hours the place becomes hot and

-swollen, and if the place bitten be the hand, the

-arm begins to swell and the glands in the armpit

-enlarge. In this case a mild dose of microbes has

-been innoculated. Ammonia will not in most cases

-destroy these microbes. Therefore, we say, put a

-drop of dilute carbolic acid on the place as soon as

-you can. The ammonia simply relieves a little

-itching (for the poison of the insect itself is rarely

-dangerous), but the carbolic acid destroys organisms

-which are capable of great mischief. Rubbing

-the face and hands with oil of eucalyptus, or paraffin,

-will sometimes prevent insects from coming

-near you.</p>

-

-<p><span class="smcap">Lily, My Queenie.</span>&mdash;1. Is the skin round your eyebrows

-scarred? Hair never grows on scars, nor

-can it be made to do so by any means in our power.

-If there are no scars, try a little white precipitate

-ointment applied carefully to the eyebrows.&mdash;2.

-Moles cannot be cured. They can be removed by

-operation. If they are large and noticeable it is

-better to have them removed. Otherwise leave

-them severely alone.</p>

-

-<p><span class="smcap">Pearl.</span>&mdash;Take our advice and see a doctor at once.

-Severe headache is a very common symptom, and

-though it is usually caused by some trivial ailment,

-it is often the only subjective sign of a serious

-disease. Your attacks suggest megraine, but

-they might be due to far more serious things.

-Without a complete personal examination no man

-living could diagnose your malady.</p>

-

-<p><span class="smcap">Fox.</span>&mdash;What size corsets do you wear? Tight lacing

-is, or rather was, a very common cause of fatness

-about the face. What age are you? It is very

-common for women to get double chins and extra

-plump cheeks when they have passed their thirtieth

-year. Very many diseases cause fatness of the

-face. Kidney disease is one of the commonest of

-these. All we can advise you to do is to be careful

-about your diet. Avoid farinaceous puddings and

-sweets. Take plenty of exercise. No drug is of

-much good in obesity of any kind. Some of the

-mineral waters, especially Vichy, are sometimes

-useful to stout persons.</p>

-

-<p><span class="smcap">A Weary and Careworn Girl.</span>&mdash;We are exceedingly

-sorry that we could not answer your letter

-earlier. The troubles that you have gone through

-are enough to depress any girl of twice your age.

-We think that all your sufferings are due to nervousness

-resulting from being "run down." What

-the impediment in your speech is, is not quite clear

-from your letter. Probably it is far less than you

-imagine, else your mother would certainly have

-noticed it. The difficulty which you find in commencing

-to talk is due to nervousness. As your

-health improves, and as you grow older this will

-tend to disappear. We will publish an article on

-blushing and nervousness next month. To the last

-of your questions your clergyman would be more

-competent to give you an answer than ever we

-could be. Go to your pastor and tell him your

-troubles. He is sure to be able to comfort you in

-your affliction and to help you to bear your cross

-with patience for the sake of Him who laid down

-His life for you.</p>

-

-<p><span class="smcap">Croyden.</span>&mdash;The habit of taking acids to cure indigestion

-is greatly to be deprecated. Acids and

-bitters are very useful in some forms of indigestion,

-but they should never be taken unless ordered by a

-physician. Alkalis, such as bicarbonate of soda,

-are on the other hand of great value in the majority

-of cases of indigestion. Indeed we will go further

-than this: we have never met with a case of indigestion

-from any cause which was not benefited,

-sometimes only temporarily, by alkalis. We have

-seen very few cases of indigestion which have been

-relieved by acids. Our candid opinion is that the

-habit of taking acids and bitters to cure disorders

-of the stomach or loss of appetite, is a very fertile

-cause of the life-long indigestion so common

-nowadays.</p>

-

-<p><span class="smcap">Black Eyes.</span>&mdash;In an answer to "Fair Isobel," which

-was published some months ago, the treatment of

-blackheads was thoroughly discussed.</p>

-

-<p><span class="smcap">Emily Phelps.</span>&mdash;Your glasses do not suit you. Go

-to an oculist and get his prescription for another

-pair. Your symptoms are very common in people

-who use unsuitable spectacles.</p>

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">{223}</a></span></p>

-

-<p><span class="smcap">Buttercup.</span>&mdash;Bunions are due to the pressure of

-badly-fitting boots. In the human foot the great

-or innermost toe bends away from the other toes.

-This gives to the inner border of the foot a direction

-slanting inwards towards the middle line of

-the body. Most boots are made with their inner

-border slanting outwards away from the middle

-line so as to meet the outer border of the boots at a

-more or less acute angle. We have therefore the

-great toe naturally tending to depart from its

-fellows, and we have the boot forcing the great toe

-towards, and possibly under or over, the other toes.

-The boot is an unyielding structure. The inner

-border of the foot is also practically unyielding,

-except at one spot, the joint of the great toe. The

-first toe is therefore forced inwards and its joint

-projects as an angle. The boot presses upon this

-joint, a corn forms, inflammation is set up, and the

-joint becomes diseased, forming a bunion. When

-once a bunion has developed, it is no good talking

-about its prevention. We must attempt to cure it,

-and it is not so very difficult to cure it, and keep it

-cured, if you fully understand how it originated.

-A bunion is caused by pressure upon the joint.

-The cure of the bunion consists of removing the

-pressure from the joint. To do this you should

-wear boots in which the inner border slopes away

-from the centre of the boot. We advise you to get

-a pair of boots of this shape made for yourself. If

-the bunion is intractable, you may need a "post"

-in the boot between the great and the second toe.

-Keep your foot scrupulously clean, and take a foot-bath

-every evening.</p>

-

-<p>J. S. N.&mdash;As your mother died from heart disease, it

-is no wonder that you imagine your own symptoms

-to be likewise due to heart trouble; but the symptoms

-you mention are all characteristic of simple

-dyspepsia; not one of them is common in heart

-disease. When you say "at times my pulse beats

-very fast and sometimes irregularly," we presume

-that you mean that you feel your heart beating

-fast or irregularly, in other words, that you have

-palpitation. When the heart is beating fast or

-irregularly, as it frequently does in heart disease,

-it produces no symptoms which might inform the

-sufferer of her state. It is only by feeling the pulse

-that irregularities in its action can be detected.

-We will not say that heart disease is not hereditary,

-but the importance of this factor has been

-greatly over-estimated. Disease of the heart is

-very frequently due to rheumatic fever; and the

-tendency to rheumatism is; to a certain extent,

-hereditary. You will find plenty of information

-about indigestion in our last year's volume.</p>

-

-<p><span class="smcap">Esther.</span>&mdash;We can well understand that you feel a

-little nervous about your chest, when you tell us

-that both your parents died of phthisis. You

-know that the risk of your developing the disease

-is considerable, yet it by no means follows that you

-will get phthisis. By no means are you certain to

-get phthisis. You must be very careful about

-yourself, and the least bit of a cough or cold which

-may attack you must be carefully attended to.

-Indeed we advise you to call in your family doctor

-the moment that you have any cough or other untoward

-symptom. Certainly you would do well to

-spend your winters in Switzerland.</p>

-

-<p><span class="smcap">Canary.</span>&mdash;1. A little dumb-bell exercise every morning

-will improve the form of your back and shoulders.

-The dumb-bells should be made of wood

-and not weigh more than two pounds each. Heavy

-bell exercise is very dangerous. It has always

-been considered beautiful for women to possess

-broad hips.&mdash;2. Why? Why do so many of our correspondents

-call themselves "constant readers"?

-Perhaps it is that they think that by using that

-pseudonym they will get answered sooner, or perhaps

-it is merely from lack of sufficient imagination

-to think of some phrase less commonplace.</p>

-

-<p><span class="smcap">E. M. Walker.</span>&mdash;Cinnamon is more at home in the

-pantry than in pharmacy. The only medicinal

-action it possesses is that of all aromatic substances.

-It is occasionally used as a stomachic,

-but its chief use is for flavouring. Sometimes it is

-given for diarrh&#339;a as it is a mild astringent. Cinnamon

-has no action on cancer, neither has any

-drug the slightest effect upon the course of this

-disease. Indeed one might put down the medicinal

-action of cinnamon at zero.</p>

-

-<p><span class="smcap">Mabel B.</span>&mdash;It is not at all uncommon for the hair to

-fall out after a severe illness. It is, however, rare

-for permanent baldness to result. Usually after

-combing out in large quantities for some weeks or

-months the hair grows quickly and luxuriously again.

-A mildly stimulating hair-wash is often useful in

-these cases. Brilliantine, bay rum or rosemary

-hair-washes are suitable. We much doubt whether

-taking cod-liver oil would have any effect upon your

-hair, but it might help to restore your strength.</p>

-

-<p><span class="smcap">Florrie.</span>&mdash;1. We know of no recipe which will

-remove hairs from the face without doing serious

-damage to the skin at the same time.&mdash;2. Try

-sulphur soap for a shiny face. Do not use face

-powder.</p>

-

-<p><span class="smcap">Helena.</span>&mdash;Read the answer to "Florrie" above. The

-Laws of Libel prevent us from giving you our

-opinion on the preparation which you mention.

-We are allowed, however, to warn you to have

-nothing to do with any patent medicine of which

-you do not know the composition. It has not been

-our experience that peroxide of hydrogen makes

-the hair grow quickly.</p></div>

-

-

-<h3>STUDY AND STUDIO.</h3>

-

-<div class="blockquot">

-

-<p><span class="smcap">Irish May Flower.</span>&mdash;It is rather difficult to dispose

-of such sketches as you describe. We should suggest

-that you took them to any picture dealer in

-your neighbourhood, and asked him to try to sell

-them for you. Or you might write to the Irish

-Ladies' Work Society, 47, George Street, Kingstown,

-inquiring if that would be of any use to you.</p>

-

-<p><span class="smcap">Mabel Entwistle.</span>&mdash;We are very glad that you have

-been enabled through our means "to make the

-acquaintance of two extremely nice French girls."

-Your writing we like very much. It is clear, definite,

-and has a character of its own. If we gave any

-hint for its improvement, it would be to avoid the

-lapses in the middle of a word, making the writing

-flow consecutively.</p>

-

-<p><span class="smcap">La Petite Violette.</span>&mdash;We have not forgotten you,

-and are very glad you have taken up some special

-study. We have placed your request in "Our

-Open Letter Box."</p>

-

-<p><span class="smcap">Wild Rose.</span>&mdash;1. Your first quotation is from Tennyson's

-<i>In Memoriam</i>, xxvii., stanza 4.</p>

-

-<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">

-<span class="i0">"I hold it true, whate'er befall,<br /></span>

-<span class="i2">I feel it when I sorrow most,<br /></span>

-<span class="i2">'Tis better to have loved and lost,<br /></span>

-<span class="i0">Than never to have loved at all."<br /></span>

-</div></div>

-

-<p class='noindent'>2. Look through the poetry of Thomas Moore for

-your second extract, and if you cannot find it there,

-send it again and we will place it in "Our Open

-Letter Box."</p>

-

-<p><span class="smcap">Catalina.</span>&mdash;1. Apply to the Church Sunday School

-Institute, Serjeant's Inn, Fleet Street, E.C., or to

-the Sunday School Union (undenominational),

-57, Ludgate Hill, and you will receive the fullest

-information. The lessons for each Sunday are set

-forth in certain inexpensive books in detail, with

-comments and information upon every verse. In

-addition to these "lesson helps" you should read

-and study books upon the Old Testament and upon

-the life of our Lord, such as Farrar's <i>Life of Christ</i>.

-The Religious Tract Society has published one

-(<i>The Life of Jesus Christ the Saviour</i>, by Mrs.

-S. Watson), which is not too ambitious, and might

-help you. The net price is 3s. 9d.&mdash;2. Your writing

-is good for your age, but might be improved if

-the tails to your "g's," "y's," etc., were less

-straggling.</p>

-

-<p><span class="smcap">Erin-go-bragh.</span>&mdash;1. We have inserted your request,

-but (as you give a pseudonym) not your address.&mdash;2.

-Your handwriting is too upright and irregular,

-but there is the foundation of a good hand in it.</p>

-

-<p><span class="smcap">Exile of Erin.</span>&mdash;The "Fragment" you enclose is

-above the average of poems submitted to us, but

-your metre does not flow quite smoothly enough.

-You should avoid too many monosyllables in these

-long lines.</p>

-

-<p>L. A. T.&mdash;We should advise you to read Homer's

-"Odyssey," translated by Butcher and Lang, and

-if you find difficulty in understanding it, a "Primer"

-on the subject as well. But we think you will

-enjoy it. As for Plato, read "The Trial and Death

-of Socrates," translated by Dean Church, and

-consult a small history of Greece on the period

-(399 <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span>) Do not attempt too much at once, nor

-read Plato's deeper "Dialogues" to begin with.

-Your letter, which you ask us to criticise, is clearly

-written, with only one mistake in spelling.</p>

-

-<p><span class="smcap">Miss Bealey.</span>&mdash;We undertake no communication by

-post (see "Rules" in our November part and

-elsewhere). You will find the "Home Reading

-Union" an excellent society; apply to the Secretary,

-Surrey House, Victoria Embankment. Consult

-this column for amateur societies occasionally

-mentioned.</p>

-

-<p><span class="smcap">Miss Florence E. Smith</span> calls attention to the

-"Bedford Practising Society," of which she is

-secretary. She will be delighted to send particulars

-to any fellow reader of the <span class="smcap">Girl's Own Paper</span>.

-Address to her at Winfrith, The Crescent, Bedford.</p>

-

-<p><span class="smcap">Hoffnung.</span>&mdash;Many thanks for your letter. By all

-means try again.</p></div>

-

-

-<h3>INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENCE.</h3>

-

-<div class="blockquot">

-

-<p><span class="smcap">Mademoiselle Marguerite Gontard</span> (address

-"Nikopal Mariopol Co., Mariopol, South Russia,

-Engineer Prauss for M. Gontard"), wishes to be

-put into communication with a young English lady,

-resident in either of the continents of Asia, Africa,

-America, or Australia. She desires to correspond

-with her either in English or French. We thank

-Mademoiselle Gontard for her pretty English

-letter. She may certainly write to us in French if

-she prefers to do so.</p>

-

-<p>"<span class="smcap">Erin-go-bragh</span>" would like to correspond with a

-French girl of about her own age&mdash;twenty-one.</p>

-

-<p><span class="smcap">Florence</span> writes a kind letter from which we quote a

-sentence. "I am wondering whether some little

-girl belonging to the readers of our <span class="smcap">Girl's Own

-Paper</span> would care to have an older friend to write

-to; she would receive in return sympathy if in

-trouble, and an interest would be taken in all she

-might care to confide to one whom she could

-perhaps learn to look upon in the light of an elder

-sister." We regret that it is against our rules to

-undertake direct postal communication; but if any

-little girl sends us her address, we will insert it here

-for "Florence" to see. Perhaps some lonely, or

-motherless, or sad little girls might be glad to find

-a friend.</p></div>

-

-

-<h3>OUR OPEN LETTER BOX.</h3>

-

-<div class="blockquot">

-

-<p><span class="smcap">La Petite Violette</span> wishes to find a poem with a

-refrain to each verse "Belle Marquise." She saw

-a quotation from it as a heading to a chapter in a

-book entitled <i>Woman and the Shadow</i>.</p>

-

-<p><span class="smcap">Miss M. A. C. Crabb</span> and <span class="smcap">Elpis</span> answer <span class="smcap">Lennox</span> by

-referring the verse she quotes&mdash;</p>

-

-<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">

-<span class="i0">"Alas! how easily things go wrong,"<br /></span>

-</div></div>

-

-<p class='noindent'>to a poem in the 19th chapter of George Macdonald's

-"Phantastes: a Faerie Romance." They

-agree in saying that the second verse is not by the

-same pen.</p>

-

-<p><span class="smcap">Peterkin</span>, <span class="smcap">Gertrude Ashworth</span>, <span class="smcap">Klondyke</span>, <span class="smcap">B. D.

-Ward</span>, <span class="smcap">M. E. Bates</span>, "<span class="smcap">Stick</span>," <span class="smcap">R. M. Cooke</span>,

-<span class="smcap">Mabel Entwistle</span> and "<span class="smcap">The Eldest Girl</span>," inform

-Ethel Rimmer that Christina Rossetti's poem

-beginning&mdash;</p>

-

-<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">

-<span class="i0">"When I am dead, my dearest,<br /></span>

-<span class="i2">Sing no sad songs for me,"<br /></span>

-</div></div>

-

-<p class='noindent'>has been set to music by Malcolm Lawson, and is

-entitled "Hereafter," in keys E&#9837; and G. It appeared

-in the June number of the <i>Strand Musical

-Magazine</i> for 1895. "<span class="smcap">A Lover of the 'G.O.P.'</span>"

-says it has been set to music by C. A. Lee, either for

-a soprano or an alto voice.</p>

-

-<p>R. C. R. suggests to <span class="smcap">Gold Dust</span> that the poem "Tit

-for Tat" is contained in "Original Poems for

-Infant Minds," by Jane Taylor, her sisters and

-brother. If this is the poem sought for, we may

-add that the volume is published by Routledge.</p>

-

-<p><span class="smcap">One of the First Readers, Azie</span>, asks for the

-author of a poem entitled "Maggie and the

-Angels," containing two lines&mdash;</p>

-

-<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">

-<span class="i0">"Maggie, are they the angels?<br /></span>

-<span class="i2">And be they always there?"<br /></span>

-</div></div>

-

-<p><span class="smcap">Perseveranza</span> would be glad to know the publishers

-of a picture-book of performing frogs or cats from

-which she could copy for painting on dessert

-doyleys.</p>

-

-<p>L B. N. R. wishes to know the author of the following

-lines&mdash;</p>

-

-<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">

-<span class="i0">"There is a river which flows for ever,<br /></span>

-<span class="i2">And the flowers that bloom on its banks<br /></span>

-<span class="i0">Grow bright, as they glitter in grateful endeavour<br /></span>

-<span class="i2">To vie in a perfume of thanks."<br /></span>

-</div></div></div>

-

-

-<h3>MISCELLANEOUS.</h3>

-

-<div class="blockquot">

-

-<p><span class="smcap">Edith.</span>&mdash;The origin of the Lions as a device on the

-Royal Arms we trace to William the Conqueror,

-who introduced those of Normandy. These two

-original Lions were supplemented by a third,

-added by Henry III., it is generally supposed, for

-Aquitaine.</p>

-

-<p><span class="smcap">Mater.</span>&mdash;To make an economical Christmas cake,

-take half a pound of butter, place in a bowl, and

-break five eggs over it, stirring continuously, while

-a second person sifts in slowly a pound and a half

-of currants (well washed, dried, and carefully

-picked), three-quarters of a pound of flour, and

-two ounces of citron peel chopped to moderately

-small pieces. Place in a papered shape&mdash;not

-buttered&mdash;several folds of paper being laid at the

-bottom of the tin, and bake in moderately hot oven

-during three hours.</p>

-

-<p><span class="smcap">Semper paratus.</span>&mdash;We answer two questions, and

-you have asked nineteen! It is impossible to

-describe the several Scotch tartans otherwise than

-by coloured illustrations. These you will find in a

-book published by W. and A. K. Johnston (Edinburgh

-and London), entitled, <i>The Scottish Clans

-and their Tartans</i>, now in its second (if not third)

-edition. Some account of every Clan is given.</p>

-

-<p><span class="smcap">Anxious.</span>&mdash;Rheumatism will, no doubt, be made

-worse by exposure to damp and draughts; but the

-origin is in acidity, which crystallises in the joints

-and muscles. You should abstain for a time from

-butchers' meat, and from sweet things. Attend to

-the action of the liver, which may be torpid; and

-if the pain be in the arms and shoulders, you should

-perform all kinds of exercises with them, and

-employ friction and rubbing with suitable embrocation.

-If you do not perform exercises, the joints

-and sinews will become stiff.</p>

-

-<p>A. E. C.&mdash;<i>Noah's Ark</i>, by Darley Dale, is published

-as a book by F. Warne, Bedford Street, Strand.

-Price 3s. 6d.</p>

-

-<p><span class="smcap">Helen of Troy.</span>&mdash;You will find several families of

-the name Marshall&mdash;though not necessarily related&mdash;in

-Burke's <i>Landed Gentry</i>. Perhaps you can

-claim your connection with one of them. The first

-on the list is G. H. Marshall, of Patterdale Hall,

-Westmoreland, descended from John of Yeadon

-Hall, Co. York, who made a large fortune from the

-mechanical improvements in a branch of the linen

-manufacture. There is Marshall of Treworgley,

-Cornwall; Marshall of Penwortham Hall, descended

-from M. of Ardwick, near Manchester;

-Marshall of Ward End House, Co. Warwick,

-descended from M. of Perlethorp, Co. Nottinghamshire;

-and Marshall of Broadwater, Surrey,

-apparently the oldest family of that name, anciently

-spelt Marchal, and long resident in that county.

-None of these families have the same arms, nor

-crest. The first-named (of Patterdale) has none

-ascribed to them in the <i>Landed Gentry</i>. You had

-better consult the second volume in some library.</p></div>

-

-<hr class="chap" /></div><div>

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">{224}</a></span></p>

-

-

-

-

-<h2><a name="OUR_PUZZLE_POEMS" id="OUR_PUZZLE_POEMS">OUR PUZZLE POEMS.</a></h2>

-

-<p class='ph3'>A NEW DEPARTURE.</p>

-

-

-<p><span class="smcap">We</span> are publishing Three Puzzle Poems in succession dealing with accidents and the way to meet them, and

-the following is the second of the series. The lines should be carefully committed to memory for the sake of

-the valuable instruction they contain.</p>

-

-<p>In addition to the ordinary monthly prizes <span class="smcap">Three Special Prizes</span> are offered for the best solutions of the

-whole series.</p>

-

-<p>The first Special Prize will be <span class="smcap">Three Guineas</span>; the second Special Prize, <span class="smcap">Two Guineas</span>, and the third

-Special Prize, <span class="smcap">One Guinea</span>.</p>

-

-<p>A careful record of mistakes will be kept, and these prizes will be awarded to those competitors who

-perpetrate the fewest in all three puzzles.</p>

-

-<p>If a winner of one of these prizes has already received an ordinary prize in the series, the amount of the

-smaller prize will be deducted. This will then be sent to the most deserving non-prize-winner in the list

-relating to the puzzle for which the prize in question was awarded.</p>

-

-

-<h3>OUR NEW PUZZLE POEM.</h3>

-

-<div class="figcenter w450">

-<img src="images/i_224.jpg" width="450" height="665" alt="" />

-</div>

-

-<p>&#8258; <span class="smcap">Prizes</span> to the amount of six guineas (one of which will be reserved for competitors living abroad)

-are offered for the best solutions of the above Puzzle Poem. The following conditions must be observed.</p>

-

-<p>1. Solutions to be written on one side of the paper only.</p>

-

-<p>2. Each paper to be headed with the name and address of the competitor.</p>

-

-<p>3. Attention must be paid to spelling, punctuation, and neatness.</p>

-

-<p>4. Send by post to Editor, <span class="smcap">Girl's Own Paper</span>, 56, Paternoster Row, London. "Puzzle Poem" to be

-written on the top left-hand corner of the envelope.</p>

-

-<p>5. The last day for receiving solutions from Great Britain and Ireland will be February 17, 1899; from

-Abroad, April 17, 1899.</p>

-

-<p>The competition is open to all without any restrictions as to sex or age.</p>

-

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-

-<h2><a name="OUR_SUPPLEMENT_STORY" id="OUR_SUPPLEMENT_STORY">OUR SUPPLEMENT STORY

-COMPETITION.</a></h2>

-

-

-<p class='ph3'>SELF OR FRIEND?</p>

-

-<p class='ph3'>A STORY IN MINIATURE.</p>

-

-

-<p class='center'><span class="smcap">First Prize</span> (�2 2s.).</p>

-

-<p>Margaret A. Fish, 49, Foregate Street,

-Worcester.</p>

-

-

-<p class='center'><span class="smcap">Second Prize</span> (�1 1s.).</p>

-

-<p>Rose Cook, 2, South Cliff, Lowestoft.</p>

-

-

-<p class='center'><span class="smcap">Third Prize</span> (10s. 6d.).</p>

-

-<p>Edith Ivens, Mayfield, Station Road,

-Llandaff, nr. Cardiff.</p>

-

-

-<p class='center'><span class="smcap">Very Highly Commended.</span></p>

-

-<p>Emily M. P. Wood, Woodbank, Southport.</p>

-

-

-<p class='center'><span class="smcap">Honourable Mention.</span></p>

-

-<p>Mary Adamson, Eastbourne; Lucy H.

-Chapman, Weston-super-Mare; "Conor,"

-Bonchurch, I.W.; Rose L. Connor, Greenock,

-N.B.; "Editha," Birmingham; Kate Collins

-Ensor, Atherstone; "Excelsior," North Bow,

-E.; Annie F. Hepple, N. Shields; E. Marian

-Jupe, Warminster; "Mignonette," New

-Cross, S.E.; Edith Miller, Judd St., W.C.;

-Agnes Osborne, Sidcup; Minnie Reeves,

-Twyford; Lucy Richardson, York; Enid G.

-St. Aubyn, Retford; Mary Ad�le Venn,

-West Kensington Park; L. M. Willis,

-Harrogate; Mabel Wilson, Bedford Park.</p>

-

-<hr class="tb" />

-

-

-<p class='center'><span class="smcap">To the Competitors.</span></p>

-

-<p><span class="smcap">My dear Girls</span>,&mdash;To the prize winners and to those

-of you also who failed to gain prizes, I offer my

-hearty congratulations on the excellent papers you

-sent in. The work of selecting the very best was

-much less difficult than that of choosing a few for

-"Honourable Mention," out of hundreds of really

-good ones.</p>

-

-<p>It may interest you to know why some of you failed

-to obtain a place in the list of honours. Twenty-eight

-competitors were disqualified by breaking the

-rule as to size of paper and space to be filled. Then

-there were several charming essays on the story which

-were not miniatures of it. In a considerable number

-necessary parts of the outline were omitted, hence

-the work was incomplete.</p>

-

-<p>It gave me true pleasure to note how thoroughly

-most of you grasped the lesson which the story was

-intended to convey.</p>

-

-<p>Do not be disheartened. Try again. Such good

-papers cannot be called failures, and the exercise

-will benefit you whether you gain prizes or not.</p>

-

-<p>

-<span class="ml2">Your affectionate old friend,</span><br />

-<span class="smcap ml4">Ruth Lamb.</span><br />

-</p>

-

-<hr class="tb" />

-

-

-<p class='ph3'>OUR NEXT STORY COMPETITION.</p>

-

-<p class='ph3'>STORIES IN MINIATURE.</p>

-

-<p class='center'><i>Subject</i>:&mdash;"<span class="smcap">The G. O. P. Supplement for

-January.</span>"</p>

-

-

-<p class='ph3'>WHEN MY SHIP COMES HOME.</p>

-

-<p class='center'><span class="smcap">By</span> SARAH DOUDNEY, Author of "A Cluster

-of Roses," "A Flower of Light," etc.</p>

-

-<p>We offer three prizes of <span class="smcap">Two Guineas</span>,

-<span class="smcap">One Guinea</span>, and <span class="smcap">Half-a-Guinea</span> for the

-three best papers on our "Story Supplement"

-for this month. The essays are to give a brief

-account of the plot and action of the story in

-the Competitor's own words; in fact, each

-paper should be a carefully-constructed <i>Story

-in Miniature</i>, telling the reader in a few

-bright words what <span class="smcap">The Girl's Own Story

-Supplement</span> for the month is all about.</p>

-

-<p>One page of foolscap only is to be written

-upon, and is to be signed by the writer, followed

-by her full address, and posted to The

-Editor, <span class="smcap">Girl's Own Paper</span>, in an unsealed

-envelope, with the words "Stories in Miniature"

-written on the left-hand top corner.</p>

-

-<p>The last day for receiving the papers is

-January 20th; and no papers can in any case

-be returned.</p>

-

-<p><i>Examiners</i>:&mdash;The Author of the Story

-(Sarah Doudney), and the Editor of <span class="smcap">The

-Girl's Own Paper</span>.</p></div>

-

-<hr class="full" />

-

-<p>Transcriber's Note: The following changes have been made to this text.</p>

-

-<p>Page 218&mdash;prevenche changed to pervenche.</p>

-

-<p>Page 222&mdash;parafin changed to paraffin.</p>

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-<pre>

-

-

-

-

-

-End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Girl's Own Paper, Vol. XX, No.

-992, December 31, 1898, by Various

-

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+    <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=UTF-8" />
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+    <title>
+      The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Girl's Own Paper, Vol. XX. No. 992, by Various.
+    </title>
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+
+
+    .poem span.i0     {display: block; margin-left: 0em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;}
+    .poem span.i18     {display: block; margin-left: 9em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;}
+    .poem span.i2     {display: block; margin-left: 1em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;}
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+  </head>
+<body>
+<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 52104 ***</div>
+
+<h1 class='faux'>THE GIRL'S OWN
+PAPER</h1>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">{209}</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter w600">
+<img src="images/header.jpg" width="600" height="202" alt="The Girl's Own Paper." />
+</div>
+
+<hr class="full" />
+
+<div class="center">
+<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="" width="100%">
+<tbody><tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Vol. XX.&mdash;No. 992.]</span></td><td align="center">DECEMBER 31, 1898.</td><td align="right"><span class="smcap">[Price One Penny.</span></td></tr>
+</tbody></table></div>
+
+<hr class="full" />
+
+<p class="center">[Transcriber's Note: This Table of Contents was not present in the original.]</p>
+
+<p class="center">
+<!-- Autogenerated TOC. Modify or delete as required. -->
+
+<a href="#OLD_ENGLISH_COTTAGE_HOMES">OLD ENGLISH COTTAGE HOMES.</a><br />
+<a href="#ABOUT_PEGGY_SAVILLE">ABOUT PEGGY SAVILLE.</a><br />
+<a href="#GIRLS_AS_I_HAVE_KNOWN_THEM">GIRLS AS I HAVE KNOWN THEM.</a><br />
+<a href="#OUR_HERO">"OUR HERO."</a><br />
+<a href="#FROCKS_FOR_TO-MORROW">FROCKS FOR TO-MORROW.</a><br />
+<a href="#OUR_PROSPECTUS_PUZZLE_REPORT">OUR PROSPECTUS PUZZLE REPORT.</a><br />
+<a href="#IN_THE_TWILIGHT_SIDE_BY_SIDE">IN THE TWILIGHT SIDE BY SIDE.</a><br />
+<a href="#SISTER_WARWICK_A_STORY_OF_INFLUENCE">"SISTER WARWICK": A STORY OF INFLUENCE.</a><br />
+<a href="#GUS">GUS.</a><br />
+<a href="#ANSWERS_TO_CORRESPONDENTS">ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.</a><br />
+<a href="#OUR_PUZZLE_POEMS">OUR PUZZLE POEMS.</a><br />
+<a href="#OUR_SUPPLEMENT_STORY">OUR SUPPLEMENT STORY COMPETITION.</a><br />
+
+<!-- End Autogenerated TOC. -->
+
+</p>
+
+
+
+<hr class="chap" /><div>
+<h2><a name="OLD_ENGLISH_COTTAGE_HOMES" id="OLD_ENGLISH_COTTAGE_HOMES">OLD ENGLISH COTTAGE HOMES;</a><br />
+<span class="smalltext">OR,<br /></span>
+VILLAGE ARCHITECTURE OF BYGONE TIMES.</h2>
+
+
+<div class="figcenter w500">
+<img src="images/i_209.jpg" width="500" height="353" alt="" />
+<div class="caption">AT CLARE, SUFFOLK.</div>
+</div>
+
+<p class='smalltext'><i>All rights reserved.</i>]</p>
+
+
+<h3>PART III.</h3>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">We</span> have already pointed out the simplicity
+of outline observable in old English cottages,
+and the absence of exaggeration and that disagreeable
+fussiness brought about by too
+much striving after the picturesque. It must
+not, however, from this be concluded that
+ancient village buildings are always plain and
+do not at times possess elegant ornamentation
+and graceful details.</p>
+
+<p>The general outline, however, is always
+simple and quiet, for, as will be seen by the
+examples we give (two of the most elaborate
+cottages in England), the roof lines are very
+little broken up or varied.</p>
+
+<p>The first of these buildings is at Clare in
+Suffolk, and the second is at Newport in
+Essex, the latter being one of the richest
+counties in England for cottage architecture,
+many of its villages retaining quite a mediæval
+aspect down to the present time.</p>
+
+<p>We will now say a few words upon the
+methods of applying ornamental detail to
+cottages adopted in mediæval times, and we
+shall commence with those structures erected
+in "Post-and-pan" construction. We trust
+that our readers have not forgotten what
+is meant by the ugly-sounding expression
+"Post-and-pan," and regret that we are quite
+unable to discover or invent some more
+elegant name for this description of building.
+Some years back a number of architects and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">{210}</a></span>
+archæologists were examined before a parliamentary
+commission. The commission objected
+to the words "Post-and-pan" being
+used in their report, and suggested to the
+witnesses that they should find some more
+scientific expression for this kind of work!
+It was found, however, impossible to invent
+any one which conveyed the idea so concisely
+and satisfactorily, so the old-fashioned name
+"Post-and-pan" received parliamentary sanction!
+This being the case, our girls need not
+scruple to use it, and may it not, after all, be
+as valuable for the formation of the lips as
+the "prunes" and "prism" of Little Dorritt?</p>
+
+<p>There are several ways of applying ornamentation
+to "Post-and-pan" buildings. The
+first is to add mouldings, tracery or carving,
+to the doorways, windows, cornices, corbels
+and other constructive parts of the building.</p>
+
+<p>The second is to arrange the "posts" in
+patterns by introducing curved beams amongst
+them, or other woodwork, forming a kind of
+tracery pattern.</p>
+
+<p>The third is to adorn the "pans" (panels)
+either with stamped plaster-work called "pargeting,"
+or with coloured plaster-work, or
+wood-carving.</p>
+
+<p>The first of these methods is seen in the
+beautiful example which we have sketched at
+Newport in Essex: here it will be noticed
+that the bow window of the upper storey is
+adorned with wood tracery, and its corbel
+richly carved with figure subjects, all executed
+in oak. The "spurs," as they are called,
+which carry the projection of the upper storey,
+are richly moulded and rest upon elegant little
+colonnettes. The pans are filled in with
+brickwork laid in herring-bone patterns. The
+centre of the building is recessed back, but
+in order to preserve the severe and simple
+lines of the roof, the latter does not follow
+the line of the recess, but is supported upon
+an arched beam, from the centre of which
+projects a lifting-crane, a treatment quite
+peculiar to the home counties and the south
+of England.</p>
+
+<p>Of course this building is far more elaborate
+than most cottages, and the tradition of the
+place accounts for this by the supposition
+that it was formerly the dwelling of a farm
+bailiff to the Abbot of Westminster.</p>
+
+<p>The beautiful little village of Newport has
+several examples of interesting domestic work
+and a very noble church.</p>
+
+<p>The building which we illustrate dates from
+the 15th century, and is still in excellent repair
+though not in any way restored.</p>
+
+<p>The very elaborate cottage represented
+in our first sketch is an excellent example
+of pargeting, the surface of the pans being
+covered by a rich kind of shawl-pattern
+executed in hard plaster, like the Newport
+example. The constructive portions of the
+building are elaborately treated. We are
+unable to account for the amount of
+elaboration bestowed on this cottage, but as
+it is close to the church, which is a very handsome
+building and liberally endowed with
+chantries, it is very probable that this may
+have been the dwelling of one of the chantry
+priests.</p>
+
+<p>Clare was an important place in the Middle
+Ages and possessed a castle, remains of which
+are still to be seen. Richard Strongbow, the
+Conqueror of Ireland, is said to have lived
+in it.</p>
+
+<p>The Manor of Clare in later times belonged
+to Edmund Mortimer, Earl of March. There
+was also a priory here, built in 1248 by
+Richard, Earl of Gloucester.</p>
+
+<p>A very curious poem exists in the form of
+a dialogue, "betwixt a secular askyng and a
+frere answering at the grave of Dame Johan
+of Acris" (of Clare). It is a quaint example
+of Old English and begins in rather a curious
+manner.</p>
+
+<p>Q. "What man lyeth here, sey me, Sir
+Frere?"</p>
+
+<p>A. "No man."</p>
+
+<p>Q. "What ellis?"</p>
+
+<p>A. "It is a woman."</p>
+
+<p>Then follows her pedigree all in rhyme,
+from which it appears that she was a daughter
+of King Edward I., and the remarkable circumstance
+is stated, that she was borne of her
+"moder"!</p>
+
+<p>As the poem is about three pages long and
+all pretty much like the sample we have given,
+we will not inflict it upon our readers.</p>
+
+<p class='right'>
+<span class="smcap">H. W. Brewer.</span>
+</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter w400">
+<img src="images/i_210.jpg" width="400" height="416" alt="" />
+<div class="caption">AT NEWPORT, ESSEX.</div>
+</div>
+
+<hr class="chap" /></div><div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">{211}</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2><a name="ABOUT_PEGGY_SAVILLE" id="ABOUT_PEGGY_SAVILLE">ABOUT PEGGY SAVILLE.</a></h2>
+
+<p class='ph3'><span class="smcap">By</span> JESSIE MANSERGH (Mrs. G. de Horne Vaizey), Author of "Sisters Three," etc.</p>
+
+
+<h3>CHAPTER XIII.</h3>
+
+<div>
+<img class="drop-cap" src="images/i_211.jpg" width="125" height="294" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<p class="drop-cap"><span class="upper-case">Peggy</span> felt weak and
+shaken for some
+days after her
+fright, and was
+thankful to stay
+quietly indoors and
+busy herself with
+her new task. The
+gas fire could be
+turned on in her
+room whenever she
+desired, and at
+every spare moment
+she ran upstairs,
+locked her
+door behind her,
+and began to write.
+Robert insisted
+that the work
+should be kept
+secret, and that
+not a word should
+be said about the competition downstairs,
+for he was sensitive about the remarks
+of his companions, and anxious to keep
+a possible failure to himself. All the
+work had to be done upstairs therefore,
+and the frequent absence of the partners
+from the schoolroom, though much
+regretted, did not seem at all inexplicable
+to the others. It was understood
+that Peggy and Robert had some
+interest in common, but as winter advanced
+this was no unusual occurrence
+in a house where Christmas was a
+carnival, and surprises of an elaborate
+nature were planned by every member of
+the household. It was taken for granted
+that the work had some connection with
+Christmas, and inquiries were discreetly
+avoided.</p>
+
+<p>With an old calendar before her as a
+model for the lettering, Peggy did her
+work neatly and well, and the gilt
+"arabesques" had an artistic flourish
+which was quite professional. When
+Robert was shown the first half-dozen
+sheets he whistled with surprise, and exclaimed,
+"Good old Mariquita!" a burst
+of approval before which Peggy glowed
+with delight. It had been agreed that,
+after printing the first ten days of
+January, Peggy should go on to the
+first ten of February, and so on throughout
+the year, so that Rob should be able
+to use what quotations had already been
+found under each heading, and should
+not be detained until the whole thirty
+or thirty-one had been chosen.</p>
+
+<p>The partners were most fastidious in
+their selection at the beginning of their
+work, but when half the time had passed
+and not one-third of the necessary
+number of quotations had been found,
+alarm seized upon the camp, and it was
+realised that a little more latitude must
+be shown.</p>
+
+<p>"We shall have to use up all the old
+ones which we struck off the list," said
+Rob disconsolately. "I'm sorry; but I
+never realised before that three hundred
+and sixty-five was such an outrageously
+large number. And we shall have to
+get books of extracts and read them
+through from beginning to end. Nearly
+two hundred more to find; a hundred
+and fifty, say, when we have used up
+those old ones! It will take us all our
+time!"</p>
+
+<p>"I'll get up at six every morning and
+read by my fire," said Peggy firmly.
+"If it's necessary I'll get up at five, and
+if I can't find bits to suit all the stupid
+old things, I'll&mdash;I'll write some myself!
+There! Why shouldn't I? I often
+make up things in my head, and you
+wouldn't believe how fine they are. I
+think of them days afterwards, and
+ask myself,'Now where did I read
+that?' and then it comes back to me.
+'Dear me; I made it up myself!' If
+we get very short, Rob, there wouldn't
+be any harm in writing a few sentences
+and signing them 'Saville,' would
+there?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not if they were good enough," said
+Rob, trying to suppress the laugh which
+would have hurt Peggy's feelings, and
+looking with twinkling eyes at the little
+figure by his side, so comically unprofessional,
+with her lace collar, dainty
+little feet, and pigtail of dark brown hair.
+"You mustn't get up too early in the
+morning and overtire yourself. I can't
+allow that!" he added firmly. "You
+have looked like a little white ghost the
+last few days, and your face is about
+the size of my hand. You must get
+some colour into your cheeks before the
+holidays, or that beloved Arthur will
+think we have been ill-treating you when
+he comes down."</p>
+
+<p>Peggy gave a sharp little sigh and
+relapsed into silence. It was the rarest
+thing in the world to hear her allude to
+any of her own people. When a letter
+arrived, and Mrs. Asplin asked questions
+concerning father, mother, or brother,
+she answered readily enough, but she
+never offered information, or voluntarily
+carried on the conversation. Friends
+less sympathetic might have imagined
+that she was so happy in her new home
+that she had no care beyond it, but no
+one in the Vicarage made that mistake.
+When the square Indian letter was
+handed to her across the breakfast table,
+the flush of delight on the pale cheeks
+brought a reflected smile to every face,
+and more than one pair of eyes watched
+her tenderly as she sat hugging the
+precious letter, waiting until the moment
+should come when she could rush
+upstairs and devour its contents in her
+own room. Once it had happened that
+mail day had arrived and brought no
+letter, and that had been a melancholy
+occasion. Mrs. Asplin had looked at
+one envelope after another, had read
+the addresses twice, thrice, even four
+times over before she summoned courage
+to tell of its absence.</p>
+
+<p>"There is no letter for you to-day,
+Peggy!" Her voice was full of commiseration
+as she spoke, but Peggy sat
+in silence, her face stiffened, her head
+thrown back with an assumption of calm
+indifference. "There must have been
+some delay in the mail. You will have
+two letters next week, dearie, instead
+of one."</p>
+
+<p>"Probably," said Peggy. Mellicent
+was staring at her with big, round eyes;
+the Vicar peered over the rim of his
+spectacles; Esther passed the marmalade
+with eager solicitude; her friends
+were all full of sympathy, but there
+was a "Touch-me-if-you-dare!" atmosphere
+about Peggy that day which
+silenced the words on their lip. It was
+evident that she preferred to be left
+alone, and though her eyes were red
+when she came down to lunch, she held
+her chin so high, and joined in the
+conversation with such an elegant flow
+of language, that no one dare comment
+on the fact. Two days later the letter
+arrived and all was sunshine again; but
+in spite of her cheery spirits, her friends
+realised that Peggy's heart was not in
+the vicarage, and that there were moments
+when the loneliness of her position
+pressed on her, and when she longed
+intensely for someone of her very own,
+whose place could not be taken by even
+the kindest of friends.</p>
+
+<p>Like most undemonstrative people,
+Peggy dearly loved to be appreciated,
+and to receive marks of favour from
+those around. Half the zest with which
+she entered into her new labour was
+owing to the fact that Robert had
+chosen her from all the rest to be his
+partner. She was aglow with satisfaction
+in this fact, and with pleasure in
+the work itself, and the only cloud which
+darkened her horizon at the present
+moment was caused by those incidental
+references to the fair Rosalind, which
+fell so often from her companion's lips.</p>
+
+<p>"Everything," said Peggy impatiently
+to herself, "everything ends in Rosalind!
+Whatever we are talking about,
+that stupid girl's name is bound to be
+introduced! I asked Mellicent if she
+would have a scone at tea this afternoon,
+and she said something about Rosalind
+in reply&mdash;Rosalind liked scones, or she
+didn't like scones, or some ridiculous
+nonsense of the sort! Who wants to
+know what Rosalind likes? I don't!
+I'm sick of the name! And Mrs. Asplin
+is as silly as the rest! The girls must
+have new dresses because Rosalind is
+coming, and they will be asked to tea at
+the Larches! If their green dresses are
+good enough for us, why won't they do
+for Rosalind, I should like to know?
+Rob is the only sensible one. I asked
+him if she were really such a marvellous
+creature, and he said she was an affected
+goose! He ought to know better than
+anyone else! Curls indeed! One would
+think it was something extraordinary to
+have curls! My hair would curl too, if
+I chose to make it, but I don't; I prefer
+to have it straight! If she is the
+'Honourable Rosalind,' I am Mariquita
+Saville, and I'm not going to be
+patronised by anybody, so there!" and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">{212}</a></span>
+Peggy tossed her head, and glared at
+the reflection in the glass in a lofty and
+scornful manner, as though it were the
+offending party who had had the
+audacity to assume superiority.</p>
+
+<p>Robert was one with Peggy in hoping
+that his people would not leave town
+until such time as the calendar should
+be despatched on its travels, for when
+they were installed at the Larches he
+was expected to be at home each week
+from Saturday until Monday, and the
+loss of that long holiday afternoon
+would interfere seriously with the work
+on hand. He had seen so little of his
+people for the last few years, that he
+would be expected to be sociable during
+the short time that he was with them,
+and could hardly shut himself up in his
+room for hours at a time. Despair then
+settled down upon both partners when a
+letter arrived to say that the Darcy
+family were coming down even earlier
+than had been expected, and summoning
+Robert to join them at the earliest
+possible moment.</p>
+
+<p>"This is awful!" cried the lad,
+ruffling his hair with a big, restless
+hand. "I know what it means&mdash;not
+only Saturdays off, but two or three
+nights during the week into the bargain!
+Between you and me, Mariquita, the
+governor is coming down here to economise
+and intends to stay much longer
+than usual. Hector has been getting
+into debt again; he's the eldest, you
+know&mdash;the one in the Life Guards. It's
+a lot too bad, for he has had it all his
+own way so far, and when he runs up bills
+like this, everyone has to suffer for it.
+Mother hates the country for more than
+a few weeks at a time, and will be
+wretched if she is kept here all through
+the winter. I know how it will be, she
+will keep asking people down, and
+getting up all sorts of entertainments to
+relieve the dulness. It's all very well in
+its way, but just now when I need every
+minute&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Shall you give up trying for the
+prize?" asked Peggy faintly, and Rob
+threw back his head with emphatic
+disclaimer.</p>
+
+<p>"I never give up a thing when I have
+made up my mind to do it! There are
+ten days still, and a great deal can be
+done in ten days. I'll take a couple of
+books upstairs with me every night and
+see if I can find something fresh. There
+is one good thing about it, I shall have
+a fresh stock of books to choose from
+at the Larches. It is the last step that
+costs in this case. It was easy enough
+to fix off the first hundred, but the last
+is a teaser!"</p>
+
+<p>On Saturday morning a dog-cart came
+over to convey Robert to the Larches,
+and the atmosphere of the vicarage
+seemed charged with expectation and
+excitement. The Darcys had arrived;
+to-morrow they would appear at church;
+on Monday they would probably drive
+over with Rob and pay a call. These
+were all important facts in a quiet
+country life, and seemed to afford
+unlimited satisfaction to every member
+of the household. Peggy grew so tired
+of the name of Darcy that she retired
+to her room at eight o'clock, and was
+busy at work over the September batch
+of cards, when a knock came to the
+door, and she had to cover them over
+with the blotting paper to admit Mellicent
+in her dressing-gown, with her hair
+arranged for the night in an extraordinary
+number of little plaited pig-tails.</p>
+
+<p>"Will you fasten the ends for me,
+Peggy, please?" she requested. "When
+I do it, the threads fall off, and the ends
+come loose. I want it to be specially
+nice for to-morrow!"</p>
+
+<p>"But it will look simply awful, Mellicent,
+if you leave it like this. It will be
+frizzed out almost on a level with your
+head. Let me do it up in just two tight
+plaits, it will be far, far nicer," urged
+Peggy, lifting one little tail after another,
+and counting their number in dismay.
+But no, Mellicent would not be persuaded.
+The extra plaits were a tribute
+to Rosalind, a mark of attention to her
+on her arrival with which she would
+suffer no interference, and as a consequence
+of her stubbornness, she marched
+to church next morning disfigured by
+a mop of untidy, tangled hair instead of
+the usual glossy locks.</p>
+
+<p>Peggy preserved a demeanour of
+stately calm, as she waited for the
+arrival of the Darcy family, but even
+she felt a tremor of excitement when the
+verger hobbled up to the square pew
+and stood holding the door open in his
+hand. The heads of the villagers turned
+with one consent to the doorway; only
+one person in the church disdained to
+move her position, but she heard the
+clatter of horses' hoofs from without, and
+presently the little procession passed
+the vicarage pew, and she could indulge
+her curiosity without sacrifice to pride.
+First of all came Lord Darcy, a thin, oldish
+man, with a face that looked tired and
+kind, and faintly amused by the amount
+of attention which his entrance had
+attracted. Then his wife, a tall, fair
+woman, with a beautiful profile, and an
+air of languid discontent who floated
+past with rustling silken skirts, leaving
+an impression of elegance and luxury,
+which made Mrs. Asplin sigh and
+Mellicent draw in her breath with a
+gasp of rapture. Then followed Robert
+with his shaggy head, scowling more
+fiercely than ever in his disgust at
+finding himself an object of attention,
+and last of all a girlish figure in a grey
+dress, with a collar of soft, fluffy chinchilla,
+and a velvet hat with drooping
+brim, beneath which could be seen a
+glimpse of a face pink and white as
+the blossoms of spring, and a mass of
+shining, golden hair. Peggy shut her
+lips with a snap, and the iron entered
+into her soul. It was no use pretending
+any longer! This was Rosalind, and she
+was fairer, sweeter, a hundred times
+more beautiful than she had ever
+imagined!</p>
+
+<p class='center'>(<i>To be continued.</i>)</p>
+
+
+<hr class="chap" /></div><div>
+
+<h2><a name="GIRLS_AS_I_HAVE_KNOWN_THEM" id="GIRLS_AS_I_HAVE_KNOWN_THEM">GIRLS AS I HAVE KNOWN THEM.</a></h2>
+
+<p class='ph3'><span class="smcap">By</span> ELSA D'ESTERRE-KEELING, Author of "Old Maids and Young."</p>
+
+
+<h3>PART III.</h3>
+
+<p class='ph3'>THE VULGAR GIRL.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">As</span> translated by Cowley,
+Horace is made to say&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Hence, ye profane, I hate ye all,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Both the great vulgar and the small!"<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<div class="figcenter w125">
+<img src="images/i_212a.jpg" width="125" height="293" alt="" />
+<div class="caption">The
+small
+vulgar</div>
+</div>
+
+<p>There will be no attempt
+made in this paper to deal with
+the great vulgar, but some
+attempt will be made in it to
+deal with the small, being the
+category to which, it may be
+assumed, belongs the average
+vulgar girl.</p>
+
+<p>It is of course impossible within the limits
+of a short essay to indicate more than a few of
+the leading characteristics of this girl. She it
+is who not only wants to monopolise the
+conversation, but who wants to confine it to
+one subject. She should remember the quaint
+counsel, "The honourablest part of talk is to
+give the occasion, and again to moderate, and
+pass to something else." Moreover in
+conversation she too often follows the rule laid
+down by a French author for those about to
+write love-letters:</p>
+
+<p>"Begin without knowing what you are
+going to say, and end without knowing what
+you have said."</p>
+
+<p>If at the end of a conversation she sometimes
+knew what she had said, the vulgar girl,
+who is not necessarily a callous girl, would feel
+very unhappy.</p>
+
+<p>Her tendency to talk indiscreetly has
+doubtless its origin in the precipitancy which
+causes her to break in upon the speech of
+others. There is a lesson which she might
+learn from a certain polite echo. This echo
+may be heard opposite to Mugdock Castle in
+Scotland. It will repeat any sentence of six
+syllables in the exact tone in which it is uttered&mdash;waiting
+till the sentence is finished.</p>
+
+<p>Another result of the lack of deliberation
+which characterises the vulgar girl is seen in
+the fact that the latest book, the latest play,
+the latest picture, is to her Thingimy by
+Thingimbob. That nomenclature is somewhat
+vague, and is moreover out of date, but it still
+commends itself to the vulgar
+girl, as does the soubriquet <i>The
+Bard</i> for Shakespeare.</p>
+
+<p>Her singular phraseology,
+which she conceives to set her
+at an advantage, in reality sometimes
+sets the vulgar girl at a
+disadvantage. Of Tennyson
+she said the other day&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"I don't pretend to understand
+him any more than
+Browning, but then he tootles
+on prettily, and that's what I
+like in poetry."</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter w125">
+<img src="images/i_212b.jpg" width="125" height="259" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">{213}</a></span></p>
+
+<p>A main difference between Browning and
+Tennyson was here correctly set forth, but the
+phrasing was in questionable taste. "Tootles"
+is a good word, but to say that Tennyson
+"tootles on prettily," is to understate his
+merits. It shall here be pointed out in passing
+that "I don't pretend" is a favourite form of
+asseveration with the vulgar girl, and is one
+which she should try to vary, if only because
+it inferentially asserts that other people do
+pretend.</p>
+
+<p>The vulgar girl is "by way of being" (her
+own phrase) witty. One part of her wit is to
+say "muchly" for much, and another part of
+it is to say "free gratis" for free of charge.</p>
+
+<p>Flippancy as a substitute for wit so often
+evokes mirth that the vulgar girl as would-be
+wit not incomprehensibly
+largely indulges in it. I
+sat beside her once during
+a performance of Beethoven's
+Septett, one of the
+loveliest things in music,
+with here and there a
+heart-delighting gaiety in
+it. During the fifth movement
+of it she whispered
+to me&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Isn't it like 'The Bogie Man'?"</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter w125">
+<img src="images/i_213a.jpg" width="125" height="167" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<p>The levity in what follows was even more
+remarkable. The speaker was a young bride.</p>
+
+<p>"I didn't feel a
+bit nervous at my
+wedding," she
+said. "You see,
+I have been used
+to private theatricals."</p>
+
+<p>A girl like that
+mistakes gaiety of
+head for gaiety of
+heart.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter w200">
+<img src="images/i_213b.jpg" width="200" height="204" alt="" />
+<div class="caption">Her
+first
+appearance in a
+new
+role</div>
+</div>
+
+<p>As a sample of
+vulgar girl-wit at
+its crudest, I give the following, in which a
+girl spoke of a lady&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"She couldn't turn white,
+but she went the colour of an
+unripe tomato."</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter w125">
+<img src="images/i_213c.jpg" width="125" height="114" alt="" />
+<div class="caption">Upset
+by
+Tomato
+sauce</div>
+</div>
+
+<p>The vulgar girl who is "by
+way of being" witty is not "by
+way of being" sentimental, and
+is rather addicted to signing her
+letters "Your's," which word she believes to be
+rightly written as above, with an apostrophe.
+This girl, for the rest, is generally good-natured,
+and her vein of censure is more often
+odd than terrible. Thus she said the other
+day of a dentist&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"He is a horrible little snob, but that
+doesn't matter when
+he gets into your
+mouth."</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter w175">
+<img src="images/i_213d.jpg" width="175" height="128" alt="" />
+<div class="caption">An
+old
+Fairy Tale</div>
+</div>
+
+<p>As often as not
+the vulgar girl has
+both sense and sensibility.
+Of the latter
+fact she is profoundly
+ashamed, and has
+been known to say of a book that has deeply
+agitated her&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"I got to feel quite eye-in-water over it."</p>
+
+<p>She affects to care, only for the gaieties of
+life, but knows something of its gravities, and
+has often a bit of heroine in her. The worst
+thing about her is her speech. "Jolly" is
+her favourite adverb. She is jolly glad when
+she is not jolly mad, and she will soon describe
+herself as jolly sad. She uses the verb
+"mashed" hideously; where her prototype
+of twenty years ago said "swell" she says
+"swagger;" and she does not stick at saying
+"beastly." For the rest, she has always
+some pet word of the hour. Thus "dotty"
+is an adjective now much in favour with her.
+Thereby hangs a tale. The vulgar girl sometimes
+knows Italian, and it was she who
+translated a line from a famous lady's epitaph&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"<i>Vergine magnanime, dotta, divina.</i>"<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"A virgin magnanimous, dotty, divine."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>On the other hand there are vulgar girls
+who do not know Latin, and one of them has
+been known to say "effluvia" for "smell,"
+the Latin for "smell" being "effluvium."</p>
+
+<p>The pronunciation of her own language is
+by some thought to offer insuperable difficulties
+to the English vulgar girl, who pronounces the
+"t" in "often" but does not pronounce it in
+"Westminster," whose favourite colour, she
+has been heard to aver, is "terrar cottar,"
+who plays an instrument which she calls "the
+varlin," who says "to<i>wards</i>" and "inter<i>est</i>ing,"
+who pronounces "ate" "et," and
+whose vocabulary has been known to include
+the words "pantomine," "Feb'uary" and
+"sec'etary." So far is this list from exhausting
+the faults of pronunciation of the said
+vulgar girl, that it must be added that she
+gives to no one vowel its proper sound, while
+among the consonants "h" initial and "g"
+final stumble her. She is particularly careless
+regarding the latter consonant when the
+form which her vulgarity takes is that of
+would-be "smartness."</p>
+
+<p>Very abominable to this
+girl is grammar, which is
+all but invariably set at
+defiance by her. Thus,
+even when she does not
+say "it were," as did Mrs.
+Cluppins, she favours such
+phrasing as "those sort of,"
+"very pleased," "different
+to" and "between you
+and I."</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter w125">
+<img src="images/i_213e.jpg" width="125" height="207" alt="" />
+<div class="caption">A
+model</div>
+</div>
+
+<p>Her predilection for abbreviations
+is another
+marked feature of the vulgar
+girl. To "'bus" she has lately added "biz,"
+and "spec" has found her approval.</p>
+
+<p>The pity of it!</p>
+
+<p>Just as she has always a favourite word, she
+has mostly a favourite phrase. In one instance
+known to me it is "You know what I mean,"
+and everyone knows what she means, as well
+everyone may.</p>
+
+<p>Take this assertion&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"It's one of those schools where they sleep
+in carbuncles&mdash;you know what I mean."</p>
+
+<p>Of course everyone knows what she means.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter w250">
+<img src="images/i_213f.jpg" width="250" height="267" alt="" />
+<div class="caption">not
+omnivorous</div>
+</div>
+
+<p>Or take this&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"I can't be in six or seven places at one;
+I'm not omnivorous&mdash;you know what I mean."</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter w125">
+<img src="images/i_213g.jpg" width="125" height="138" alt="" />
+<div class="caption">An
+extreme
+view</div>
+</div>
+
+<p>Of course everyone knows what she means.</p>
+
+<p>They call her Mrs. Malaprop; but, in point
+of fact, her case is a notable improvement
+upon that of Sheridan's heroine, the ignorance
+of that lady having been of a shade by just so
+much deeper that it left her unwitting of the
+fact that she was wrong. The girl here in
+view has a shrewd suspicion that she is wrong,
+but pays her hearers the compliment of
+assuming that they will understand her. In
+only one instance, so far as has come to my
+knowledge, has she ever overtaxed her listener's
+powers of comprehension. She spoke of a
+living novelist.</p>
+
+<p>"I can't bear his books," she said.
+"They're so very <i>femme de chambre</i>&mdash;you
+know what I mean."</p>
+
+<p>Not only did the person addressed not
+know what she meant, but he will not now
+be induced to believe that she meant "<i>fin de
+siècle</i>," and unconsciously used what, it seems
+to some of us, was a very happy substitute
+for this rather hackneyed phrase.</p>
+
+<p>I have in the foregoing dwelt more particularly
+on what is to me the most striking fact
+in connection with the vulgar girl, the base
+uses to which she puts her native speech; that
+my account of her may not, however, be
+wholly inadequate, I have also conferred with
+persons whose views on manners and deportment,
+as frequently expressed by them, have
+led me to believe that they may be better able
+than I am to point out what, from the social
+standpoint, constitutes a vulgar girl. Of the
+many <i>data</i> supplied me, I give below a few.</p>
+
+<p>The vulgar girl is "arch."</p>
+
+<p>The vulgar girl is "coy."</p>
+
+<p>The vulgar girl loves "chaff."</p>
+
+<p>The vulgar girl has sidelong
+looks.</p>
+
+<p>The vulgar girl calls milk
+"cream" and bacon "ham."</p>
+
+<p>The vulgar girl shouts or
+whispers.</p>
+
+<p>The vulgar girl thinks all
+other girls vulgar.</p>
+
+<p>The vulgar girl has never
+been told, or has been told in vain, to sit up
+and put her knees together.</p>
+
+<p>The vulgar girl is the girl of whom the
+vulgar boy says that she is "not half a bad
+sort."</p>
+
+<p class='center'>(<i>To be continued.</i>)</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter w300">
+<img src="images/i_213h.jpg" width="300" height="258" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<hr class="chap" /></div><div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">{214}</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2><a name="OUR_HERO" id="OUR_HERO">"OUR HERO."</a></h2>
+
+<p class='ph3'>A TALE OF THE FRANCO-ENGLISH WAR NINETY YEARS AGO.</p>
+
+<p class='ph3'><span class="smcap">By</span> AGNES GIBERNE, Author of "Sun, Moon and Stars," "The Girl at the Dower House," etc.</p>
+
+
+<h3>CHAPTER XIV.</h3>
+
+<p class='ph3'>IN A FORTIFIED
+TOWN.</p>
+
+<div>
+<img class="drop-cap" src="images/i_214.jpg" width="125" height="229" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<p class="drop-cap"><span class="upper-case">It</span> was growing
+dark when at
+length they
+drove through
+the gates into
+Verdun.</p>
+
+<p>No one then
+said a needless
+word, not
+even Roy. The
+sense of banishment
+and of captivity pressed
+upon them all with a new
+force, at the sight of this
+fortified town, with its
+massive encircling walls,
+its iron gates, its pervading
+gendarmerie. If any lack of
+realisation of their true position had
+helped them hitherto, it had small
+chance of surviving this hour.</p>
+
+<p>At the gate they had to pause, a
+gendarme coming to the coach door.
+He said something to Denham, which
+made Colonel Baron ask sharply&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Eh, what's that?"</p>
+
+<p>"We are to go first to the citadel.
+Not necessary for Mrs. Baron and Roy.
+You and I might walk it, sir, and send
+them on."</p>
+
+<p>"No, no," Mrs. Baron interposed;
+"I cannot go on alone. We will keep
+together."</p>
+
+<p>"A pity," murmured Ivor; and Colonel
+Baron looked doubtfully from him to his
+wife.</p>
+
+<p>"I am not going to do it," she
+repeated, with her manner of graceful
+determination; and then, earnestly,
+"Do not ask it of me&mdash;pray do not!"
+No more could be said, and the man was
+ordered to drive on.</p>
+
+<p>Verdun at that date lay in the then
+French province of Lorraine, the then
+French department of the Meuse, upon
+which river it was built. Distant from
+Paris somewhere about one hundred and
+fifty miles, it was also within about fifty
+miles, in different directions, of two
+towns which have since become vividly
+historic, Sédan and Metz. The river
+thereabouts follows a tortuous course,
+and the lower part of Verdun stood
+mainly on little islands in the Meuse,
+while the upper part led to the French
+citadel, which crowned a rocky summit.</p>
+
+<p>The valley, containing the town, ran
+north-west and south-east, being surrounded
+by hills.</p>
+
+<p>On reaching the citadel Mrs. Baron
+and Roy were desired by the Colonel to
+remain in the coach, while he and
+Denham disappeared within, there to be
+carefully examined and closely questioned,
+and having again to give their
+parole. After which they came out, the
+Colonel saying shortly&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"That business is done! Tell them
+where to go, Den. They seem determined
+to know us again."</p>
+
+<p>"Were they civil?" his wife asked.</p>
+
+<p>"No end of a fuss, my dear. As if
+the word of an English gentleman were
+not sufficient. Close description of us
+both written in the register."</p>
+
+<p>Once more they drove on, Roy gazing
+from side to side, noting the small
+insignificant shops, and exclaiming at
+occasional peeps of the river with an
+interest which never quite failed him.
+The others were for the most part silent.
+Mrs. Baron's eyes were dim, the Colonel
+was pre-occupied, and Ivor, usually the
+most observant of men, seemed to see
+nothing.</p>
+
+<p>Presently they stopped before the gateway
+of a large old house or small private
+"hôtel," with an untidy little courtyard.
+An old Frenchman, in quaint dress,
+grey-haired, with an imposing pig-tail,
+came to meet them, bowing profoundly
+to the gentlemen, and still more profoundly
+to Mrs. Baron.</p>
+
+<p>"C'est, sans doute, Monsieur le
+Colonel&mdash;et Madame&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>Colonel Baron's particular gift did not
+lie in the direction of foreign languages.
+He never could talk French, and probably
+he never would, no matter how
+many years he might be compelled to
+live in France.</p>
+
+<p>"Oui, monsieur. Bon jour. C'est
+nous qui sont viendrai," he responded,
+feeling it incumbent on him to say something,
+as he descended from the old
+coach. "J'espère que vous êtes bien.
+Je suis bien aise que nous sommes haut&mdash;pas
+bas&mdash;pas près de le rivière. Bother
+their grammar, Denham; you can do
+it better than I. Just say what's
+suitable."</p>
+
+<p>Denham obeyed, and the next object
+which dawned upon Roy's perceptions
+was the sad and gentle face of Lucille
+de St. Roques. He seized her hand
+vehemently.</p>
+
+<p>"I say, mademoiselle, it's nice to
+find you here. Isn't it, Den? Mamma,
+this is Mademoiselle de St. Roques.
+Papa, you know she helped to nurse
+me after I'd had small-pox. Are we
+going to live upstairs, mademoiselle?
+Is that what it's to be? The whole
+upstairs, all to ourselves? What fun!
+Which way is it? Oh, I see! This
+way, mamma. Those poor horses do
+look tired, just half-starved, and so
+skinny. Is there a stable for them?
+Are we to have tea? Dinner! that's
+right. We didn't get half a dinner to-day,
+and I'm famished. What a droll
+old staircase? Do look out of this
+window, mamma."</p>
+
+<p>Roy's flow of spirits helped them all.
+The Colonel and his wife gratefully
+expressed their thanks to the French
+girl for her past kindness to their boy,
+both being much attracted by her
+face and her pretty manner as she led
+the way upstairs to the first floor. There
+stood Madame Courant, a fat and
+smiling little Frenchwoman, ready to
+bestow unlimited welcomes upon the
+unfortunate foreigners.</p>
+
+<p>Lucille had exchanged bows with
+Ivor at first, and then had a few words
+with him, scanning his face as she
+talked, with rather troubled glances.
+There was, however, small leisure at
+first for any quiet conversation. The
+rooms had to be inspected, and they
+were found to be not at all bad as to
+size, though meagrely furnished. Lucille
+had set her heart on making everything
+wear as far as possible an English look,
+using her childish recollections of a home
+across the Channel; and if she was less
+successful than she had hoped, nobody
+betrayed the fact. It was clear to them
+all how hard she had worked to render
+the place comfortable.</p>
+
+<p>"But it has been no trouble&mdash;non,
+vraiment&mdash;not at all," she assured them,
+with her pensive smile, when they
+apologised.</p>
+
+<p>While sincerely anxious to help, full
+of sympathy for their position, and most
+desirous to cheer them up, she plainly
+feared to be guilty of intrusion, and very
+soon she took herself off with Madame
+Courant to the ground floor. A somewhat
+clumsy but well-intentioned maiden
+had been deputed to wait upon the
+upstairs party&mdash;probably had been hired
+for the purpose, since Madame Courant
+did most of her own house-work&mdash;and
+dinner was laid in the smaller salon in
+readiness for their arrival.</p>
+
+<p>On the whole that first meal might be
+reckoned a success. Madame Courant
+was no mean cook; and though not
+much could be said as to the actual
+waiting, from an English point of view,
+that was a minor matter, compared with
+the comfort of finding clean and cosy
+quarters, not to speak of a kind reception.
+Roy did his best to supply all
+deficiencies in the conversational line,
+and his efforts were seconded, though
+not vigorously, by Denham.</p>
+
+<p>When, however, dinner was at an end,
+and they had moved into the larger
+salon, which was to be their drawing-room&mdash;when
+a long evening lay before
+them, and there was nothing that had
+to be done, beyond a certain amount of
+unpacking and arranging, which no one
+felt disposed to begin upon at once&mdash;then
+a change came. Then the shadow
+of their captivity descended heavily
+upon them all, even upon the valiant
+Roy; and for once the spirit of cheerfulness
+and of keeping up seemed to
+vanish.</p>
+
+<p>For a quarter of an hour they all
+remained together, no one speaking.
+No one was able to speak. They had
+nothing whatever to say. And presently,
+when this had gone on a little
+while, Mrs. Baron made a move, retreating
+into her own bedroom, avowedly
+to "see to a few things," but in reality,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">{215}</a></span>
+as they all knew, to indulge in a breakdown&mdash;her
+husband, after a brief hesitation,
+going thither also. Denham had
+flagged completely, retreating to a shady
+corner near the big fireplace, where he
+could scarcely be seen; and for Ivor to
+flag meant the flagging of everybody.
+As for Roy&mdash;but that he would have
+been ashamed, counting himself already
+almost a man, he could at this stage have
+flung himself on the ground and cried
+like a little child for very home-sickness.</p>
+
+<p>He wanted Molly&mdash;oh, most awfully!
+He wanted her this evening more than
+he had ever wanted anything or anybody
+in his whole life. The craving that
+took possession of him for Molly's face,
+Molly's voice, Molly's companionship&mdash;the
+passionate desire to have dear little
+Molly once more by his side&mdash;was a pain
+never to be forgotten.</p>
+
+<p>Roy did not know how to bear himself
+under it. He had nothing to do, nothing
+with which to pass the time. He stood
+at the window, looking out upon the
+darkness, trying desperately to be cool
+and stoical, as one five minutes crawled
+by after another. Denham never moved,
+never spoke a word. Roy could just make
+out his dark outline, as motionless as a
+carved image, a few yards distant. If
+only Denham would have talked, if
+something would have happened, if
+somebody would have come in, it would
+have been easier to keep going. But
+nobody came, nothing happened, and
+Denham did not stir.</p>
+
+<p>Roy drummed with his fingers on the
+window-sill. He could hear shrill voices
+out in the street, not far off, and the
+sound of some tuneless instrument. One
+of the two candles was gone with Mrs.
+Baron, leaving the room dim. He tried
+to listen, tried not to think. And just
+when he counted himself victorious, there
+was a queer little catch of his breath
+which sounded suspicious. Roy drummed
+again angrily, hoping that Denham had
+not heard. He might be asleep, he was so
+still. But, after a slight break, he said&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Come here."</p>
+
+<p>Roy unwillingly obeyed. He would
+have liked to refuse, but he looked upon
+Ivor as in some sort his commanding
+officer, so of course he had no choice.</p>
+
+<p>"They're making no end of a row out
+there," he remarked in a tone of profound
+indifference, as he lounged nearer.
+"Can't think what it's all for. Just
+listen."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; I wish they would stop."</p>
+
+<p>"Don't know what's it's all about.
+Something or other&mdash;going on. I
+shouldn't wonder&mdash;if they're quarrelling."</p>
+
+<p>That odd little catch again.</p>
+
+<p>"Feel very bad this evening, Roy?"</p>
+
+<p>The question took Roy by surprise,
+and a lump in his throat prevented an
+immediate reply.</p>
+
+<p>Denham understood.</p>
+
+<p>"Never mind," he said. "It's the
+same with all of us, you know. And
+there's one comfort for you&mdash;that Molly
+wants you at least as much as you want
+her. Some people would give a good
+deal for that certainty."</p>
+
+<p>Roy tried to explain matters away.</p>
+
+<p>"I didn't say&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"My dear boy, there's no need for you
+to say anything; I know well enough.
+Don't you see?"</p>
+
+<p>Denham's chair shook as Roy leant
+against it, but no further sound came.
+He fought his battle courageously, and
+Denham waited.</p>
+
+<p>"We shall all feel better to-morrow,"
+the latter presently remarked. "It's a
+strange place, and things look uncomfortable
+to-night&mdash;can't well do otherwise.
+Suppose you and I have a game
+of chess. Better than to sit brooding
+over what can't be cured. My little
+travelling set is somewhere about, I
+believe."</p>
+
+<p>"O yes." Roy's voice told of
+instant relief. "You gave it to me to
+take care of. Don't you mind a game,
+really? I should like that. Will you
+give me your queen?"</p>
+
+<p>"No; not to-day. I'm not at my
+best. We'll try on even terms. Get out
+the pieces."</p>
+
+<p>Roy obeyed with alacrity, and whatever
+the move meant to Denham, it
+served to lift Roy out of his unwonted fit
+of misery. He was soon deeply absorbed
+in the mimic fight, and for once he found
+himself on the way to win an easy
+victory. Roy became exultant&mdash;till the
+honour and glory of success were impaired
+by the casual discovery that Ivor
+could not tell a knight from a bishop
+except by feeling. Roy stared wonderingly
+into the spare bronzed face.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, Den!"</p>
+
+<p>"All right; this is my bishop."</p>
+
+<p>"I say, you didn't take that for a
+knight?"</p>
+
+<p>"I believe I was under the delusion
+for a moment."</p>
+
+<p>"But why? There, now it's your
+turn. Oh, I say!&mdash;you're going to move
+my king."</p>
+
+<p>Denham laughed slightly.</p>
+
+<p>"I am rather a futile opponent, seemingly.
+Never mind. Now it is your
+turn."</p>
+
+<p>"What's the matter? Can't you
+see?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not well; just a headache. Go on;
+you'll soon end the game at this rate."</p>
+
+<p>Roy showed himself capable of heroism.
+Though he had never yet beaten
+Denham in full fight, without having
+some of his adversary's best pieces
+presented to him, though the desire
+of his heart was for a victory, and
+though he was on the high road to
+administering checkmate, one more
+glance decided him. He swept his arm
+over the board.</p>
+
+<p>Denham half smiled, and made no
+protest.</p>
+
+<p>"You are a kind fellow," he said, as
+he went back to his former retreat; and
+Roy dropped on the floor to pick up the
+scattered pieces.</p>
+
+<p>"Why didn't you tell me? You'd no
+business to play. Can't I do anything
+for you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, if you don't mind"&mdash;after a
+moment's racking of his brain to think
+of anything that might keep the boy
+occupied. "I wish you would unpack
+my valise&mdash;just the things that I shall
+want to-night."</p>
+
+<p>Roy was delighted and went off at full
+speed. In the passage he found himself
+face to face with Lucille, and all but
+rushed into her arms. Lucille drew
+back.</p>
+
+<p>"I say! Oh, I beg your pardon,
+mademoiselle. I'm going to unpack for
+Den. He's just floored; can't even play
+chess. It's all this horrid beastly bother,
+having to come to Verdun, you know.
+He never used to be like that. Den was
+always up to anything. What have you
+got there?" as she held up one hand.
+"A letter!"</p>
+
+<p>"It is medicine for Monsieur le Capitaine&mdash;from
+England," Lucille said,
+with a look of heartfelt pleasure.</p>
+
+<p>"It really is from England! Won't
+he be glad? Where did you get it
+from? You shall give it to him yourself.
+Yes; I declare you shall."</p>
+
+<p>Roy flung open the salon door, and
+announced, "Here's Mademoiselle de
+St. Roques. Den, she's got something
+for you! Guess what it is. Come in,
+Mademoiselle."</p>
+
+<p>Ivor stood up, not grateful to Roy at
+this moment.</p>
+
+<p>"Pray take a seat," he urged.</p>
+
+<p>"It's a letter&mdash;a letter&mdash;a letter from
+England," cried the boy.</p>
+
+<p>"You have brought this from the
+post?" asked Denham, as he received
+from her hand a folded and sealed
+packet.</p>
+
+<p>"Non, it is not that. The letter
+arrives from M. de Bertrand. It was
+send to him from England under cover,
+and he waited till he should learn your
+address and have opportunity to send it
+with safety. When I wrote to him that
+you all were ordered to Verdun, then he
+sent the letter to me by one travelling
+this way. It is but now arrived. I
+am glad!" Lucille added, under her
+breath.</p>
+
+<p>Denham bent nearer to the candle,
+trying with drawn brows to make out
+the handwriting. As he did so, a
+curious light crept over his face. Lucille
+thought she could read its meaning.</p>
+
+<p>"You are very good, mademoiselle.
+I am much indebted to you and to M. de
+Bertrand," he said.</p>
+
+<p>"Den, I do believe it's Polly's
+writing!" exclaimed Roy.</p>
+
+<p>Denham glanced towards him.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; it is from Polly."</p>
+
+<p class='center'>(<i>To be continued.</i>)</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter w275">
+<img src="images/i_215.jpg" width="275" height="103" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<hr class="chap" /></div><div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">{216}</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2><a name="FROCKS_FOR_TO-MORROW" id="FROCKS_FOR_TO-MORROW">FROCKS FOR TO-MORROW.</a></h2>
+
+<p class='ph3'><span class="smcap">By</span> "THE LADY DRESSMAKER."</p>
+
+
+<div class="figcenter w500">
+<img src="images/i_216.jpg" width="500" height="531" alt="" />
+<div class="caption">EVENING DRESSES FOR CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES.</div>
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">The</span> winter is always distinguished by a
+rather dowdy style of dress, especially in
+town, where, for at least three months of the
+year, the days are so dark and the light so
+poor at best that everyone says, "It really
+cannot matter what one puts on in such
+sombre weather as this." Such is the sentiment
+expressed by the general public, but, of
+course, does not apply to those who, having
+carriages at their disposal, can blossom out
+like the lilies of King Solomon, and be
+carried over the mud and through the gloom
+without let or hindrance. It is only on sunny
+days during the winter and at Church Parade
+in Hyde Park that one sees the brighter side
+of winter dress. Otherwise it only blooms in
+the shops, at the dressmakers', and at the
+endless afternoon teas which constitute the
+main amusement during the winter. One
+must have at least one nice walking-dress for
+the winter, in spite of the gloom, for these
+last-named festive occasions, and one generally
+needs a cape or mantle as well to wear
+in turn with our costume or with it as we
+may require. Besides this, most women have
+a certain amount of "wearing out" to do of
+clothes that must put in a second winter.
+Those wise people who have established a
+kind of rule for themselves in the purchase of
+dress get a handsome cape or mantle one
+year and a handsome gown the next, the
+latter becoming less visible and important the
+second year when worn under the new mantle.
+Both of these should come from first-rate
+shops, in order to get the full value out of
+them. Then there are the people who wait
+for the sales to supply themselves with winter
+clothes, and say they manage to finish out the
+last year's stock by this means in the still
+darker and shorter days before Christmas. I
+always consider the wearing out of one's
+winter things a grievous bother which falls
+most heavily on the shoulders of those who
+are very careful wearers of their garments. I
+know people who really are never able to
+wear out their clothes, and become quite
+dispirited at the constant sight of them. I
+know one lady who is able to clothe several
+others poorer than herself because she takes
+such good care of what she wears, and things
+are hardly worn in appearance when she has
+them repaired and brushed up.</p>
+
+<p>The class which has the most difficulty in
+clothing themselves so as to present a respectable
+appearance is composed of these very<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">{217}</a></span>
+poor ladies, who are governesses, lady-helps,
+or companions, and no doubt my readers will
+have noticed the moving appeals issued by
+many of the societies and agencies which are
+interested in procuring work for them. As
+we are always anxious to find out good works
+for our women and girls, we commend to
+them this one, as one of the most blessed both
+to giver and receiver.</p>
+
+<p>The return to fashion of dresses made from
+the same material entirely instead of those
+which have been so long in wear, which
+consisted of a blouse, more or less handsome,
+and a skirt, has brought in a necessity for
+mantles and capes, and so these are really the
+most fashionable of the out-of-door garments
+for the winter months. There is no fear,
+however, of the skirt and jacket disappearing
+from amongst us, for they have been found
+too useful to lose their place in our esteem;
+and the winter jackets are, some of them, very
+pretty and tight-fitting, with large buttons,
+and generally of three-quarter length, though
+there are many quite short ones, but which
+seem more used for cycling or golf than for
+real walking or driving.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter w400">
+<img src="images/i_217a.jpg" width="400" height="562" alt="" />
+<div class="caption">TWO WINTER GOWNS.</div>
+</div>
+
+<p>One of these costumes with a tight-fitting
+coat is shown in our illustration of "a gown
+with braid and fur," which is a very handsome
+example of the walking-gowns of the winter.
+The skirt is made with the fashionable tightness,
+the much-worn shaped flounce, and the
+braiding is carried down the front on either
+side in a graceful arabesque design, which is
+wider and fuller in detail at the top near the
+waist. The points are braided in the same
+manner, and the tops of the sleeves. The
+fronts have revers of mink fur. The dress
+itself is in dark blue cloth, and the braiding
+is in black. The hat is of blue velvet, with
+white and green wings, and blue and green
+velvet trimmings. This admixture of blue
+and green seems more popular than ever this
+winter, and I have frequently seen a blue hat
+with a bright green velvet choux bow placed
+in a conspicuous position in front.</p>
+
+<p>The choux and the Louis XII. or true
+lovers' knot are the two fashionable bows of
+the season, for hats and bonnets as well as for
+dress. The first-named seems ubiquitous in
+evening dress, where black velvet also appears
+to be most popular as a trimming.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter w250">
+<img src="images/i_217b.jpg" width="250" height="458" alt="" />
+<div class="caption">GOWN WITH BRAID AND FUR.</div>
+</div>
+
+<p>Both velvet and velveteen are much worn,
+and are suited to the fashions of the day, and
+the velveteen blouse retains its popularity,
+but is more dressy and fanciful than it was.
+In some cases velvet is used for the coat-shaped
+bodices, with short square tails that
+are much seen, and these have almost invariably
+fancy vests or yokes. In most instances,
+too, these are of finely tucked silk muslin,
+which, in cream or white, is quite the most
+popular material for them, in spite of its
+perishable nature and apparent unseasonableness.</p>
+
+<p>So far as materials are concerned, everything
+that is clinging and soft is sought after, and
+even the rustling silks that lined our skirts
+and gave us such a feeling of opulence have
+been relinquished in favour of something more
+clinging. Cashmere and nuns' veiling are used
+for the lining of day dresses, and China silks
+for evening ones. For slight people this
+clinging effect is sometimes trying, but where
+stout people are concerned the matter becomes
+worse, and we shall hear of all kinds of cures
+for obesity in order to wear the new skirts.</p>
+
+<p>Of course, as is usual at this season, many
+evening dresses for small Christmas festivities
+are simple, and our illustration shows three of
+these, which are inexpensive and pretty. The
+first seated figure to the right wears a pink
+silk muslin, plain for wearing over the accordion-kilted
+skirt, and having a small black
+leaf-like pattern on it for the pointed overskirt;
+a ruching of rose-coloured silk goes
+round the latter part of the bodice and sleeves,
+and the back is finished with a wide band and
+bow with ends of rose colour. This can, of
+course, be carried out in any hue, but in white
+or cream-colour it is very pretty, and there are
+such numbers of fancy gauzes and nets that a
+pretty choice can be made which would be
+more inexpensive than the model we present.</p>
+
+<p>The centre figure wears a dress of <i>mousseline-de-soie</i>
+of a pale shade of Parma violet,
+which is trimmed with narrow ribbons, drawn<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">{218}</a></span>
+up to form small ruches. These are of a
+slightly darker violet. The small Eton jacket
+is of the same shade of violet velvet or satin,
+with bands of velvet and paste buckles. The
+standing-up figure wears a dress of jet-embroidered
+net, with bands of <i>passementerie</i> on
+the front of the bodice. The evening wrap is
+of a soft yellow brocade, which is lined with
+a pale violet, and trimmed with flounces of
+lace and silk. The collar is edged with white
+fur, and a bow of chiffon ornaments the neck
+at the back. In giving these dresses I should
+observe that, although they seem costly, they
+can be copied in less expensive materials.
+Nuns' veiling, China silk, velveteen, taffetas,
+Russian net, and Brussels net are all in
+fashion, and all are comparatively so moderate
+in price as to be attainable by those who have
+slender purses. This season we also have the
+embroidered net skirts that were introduced
+last year, with the improvement that this
+season the bodice-piece is sold as well. So
+we have not to make troublesome inquiries
+and huntings for the material to decorate
+them. There seems to be a tendency likewise
+to return to the use of a three-quarter length
+sleeve, which fits the arm smoothly as far as
+the elbow and terminates in a frill. The long
+net and chiffon sleeves are still worn, and I
+notice that there are some very pretty high
+net bodices without sleeves, or, at least, with
+a few folds of satin, which answer the purpose.
+These will be a novelty if they should
+be adopted, and will be charming for the
+evening with all thin materials.</p>
+
+<p>The illustration of two winter gowns shows
+one of the new skirts and a bodice fastened at
+the back. The skirt is also fastened there in the
+newest fashion; the trimming consists of rows
+of fine black braid, the dress being of fine
+cloth, of a <i>pervenche</i> blue. The bodice is
+trimmed with points of velvet, of a darker
+shade of blue, and the same is used for the
+bows at the back. The second dress is one of
+those tucked throughout. It is of a soft satin
+cloth, of a pale shade of grey. The revers
+are braided, and there is a front of dark-grey
+velvet and a high collar, with the lining
+braided, like the revers. I hope you will
+notice that this skirt opens on one side, usually
+the left, and it is finished by a row of tiny
+buttons, or by a small ruching of ribbon.</p>
+
+<p>A great deal of this ribbon ruching is seen,
+as well as much piping. Silk braids, very
+fine and very narrow, in black and white,
+form a feature of this year's decorations,
+and silver braids as well. Crystal buttons
+are more liked than paste or steel ones,
+and there is a craze for old lace and for
+mixing fur with it. Black and white are in as
+much favour as this mixture has always found
+during the last four years, and the two are
+constantly mixed in trimmings.</p>
+
+<p>I think I mentioned in my last that the hair
+was worn low on the neck&mdash;certainly far lower
+than has been the custom for some little time.
+But I do not find that the knot of hair is quite
+so low just now. Evidently the idea has not
+quite "caught on," as the slang phrase has it,
+and most of the well-dressed heads I have
+lately seen have had the coil of hair at the
+back of the head midway down. Perhaps,
+later on, we shall see more of the low hair
+dressing than we do now.</p>
+
+<p>Truly the swing of the pendulum has quite
+carried us away from the neat and ever-becoming
+black stockings, and the new ones
+are a study in colour and design. I think the
+tartan ones will be worn, and will look well;
+but I cannot say I like the others; nevertheless,
+that may be because one has grown used to a
+lack of colour for so long.</p>
+
+<p>So far as boots and shoes are concerned,
+the most fashionable people wear the American
+ones with their extremely pointed toes and
+narrow feet, but it is open to the sensible to
+wear something more comfortable if they do
+not mind a loss of style, for we cannot be
+really smart unless our poor feet be pinched
+and pointed to the last degree.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" /></div><div>
+
+
+<h2><a name="OUR_PROSPECTUS_PUZZLE_REPORT" id="OUR_PROSPECTUS_PUZZLE_REPORT">OUR PROSPECTUS PUZZLE REPORT.</a></h2>
+
+
+<h3>SOLUTION.</h3>
+
+<p class='ph3'>ANOTHER NAUGHT.</p>
+
+<p class='ph3'><span class="smcap">A Roundel.</span></p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Time hastens onwards to the day<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">When our good, trusty printer ought<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Upon our numbers to display<br /></span>
+<span class="i18">Another naught.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i2">Oh! how tremendous is the thought:&mdash;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">A thousand weeks have passed away<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Since out our magazine was brought!<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">We love our work, it is but play;<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">"<i>Bon Voyage</i>" to the bark high-fraught;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And printer, sing as you in-lay<br /></span>
+<span class="i18">Another naught.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+
+<h4><span class="smcap">Prize Winners.</span></h4>
+
+<p class='center'><i>Ten Shillings Each.</i></p>
+
+
+<ul><li>J. Hunt, 42, Francis Road, Birmingham.</li>
+<li>A. Phillips, 15, South Hill Park, Hampstead.</li>
+<li>Emily M. Wood, Woodbank, Southport.</li>
+</ul>
+
+
+<p class='center'><i>Five Shillings Each.</i></p>
+
+
+<ul><li>Margaret Baggallay, 3, Clarence Lawn, Dover.</li>
+<li>Marie Behrendt, Scanthorpe, Doncaster.</li>
+<li>Lily Belling, Wribbenhall, Bewdley.</li>
+<li>Miss H. M. Brown, Longformacus, Duns, N.B.</li>
+<li>Charlotte D. Cole, 7, High Street, Beckenham.</li>
+<li>M. A. C. Crabb, Ipplepen, Alexandra Road, Hemel Hempstead.</li>
+<li>Agnes Dewhurst, 32, Lethbridge Road, Southport.</li>
+<li>Miss M. Hodgkinson, 2, Feversham Terrace, York.</li>
+<li>Benjamin Marcroft, High Legh, Grosvenor Drive, New Brighton.</li>
+<li>Nellie Meikle, 2, Newsham Drive, Liverpool.</li>
+<li>Henzell G. Robson, 7, Oxford Terrace, Gateshead-on-Tyne.</li>
+<li>F. A. Powell, 75, Hythe Road, Swindon.</li>
+<li>Anne Sifton, 230, Goldhawk Road, Shepherd's Bush.</li>
+<li>M. Stuart, The Shrubbery, Grove Park, Kent.</li>
+<li>Ellen C. Tarrant, 2, Palace Grove, Bromley.</li>
+<li>Violet C. Todd, Ford, Cornhill-on-Tweed.</li>
+</ul>
+
+
+<p class='center'><i>Very Highly Commended.</i></p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Acheson, Eliza Acworth, Lottie R.
+Biddle, E. J. Cameron, Mrs. J. Cumming,
+May Merrall, E. C. Milne, Lilla Patterson,
+Constance Taylor, Connie E. Thompson,
+Daisy Tyler, Martha Wood.</p>
+
+
+<p class='center'><i>For Artistic Execution.</i></p>
+
+<p>Maud Abbott.</p>
+
+
+<p class='center'><i>Highly Commended.</i></p>
+
+<p>Annie A. Arnott, Fanny Ashby, Ethel M.
+Atkins, Margaret Bailey, Eva M. Benson,
+R. S. Benson, E. K. Berry, Mary A. Blagg,
+Nancy Bolingbroke, M. S. Bourne, May
+Burlinsay, Annie J. Cather, Mabel E. Davis,
+Mrs. Deane, Edward R. Duffield, Alice M.
+Feurer, Emily Francis, Mrs. W. H. Gotch,
+Mrs. Grubbe, Edith E. Grundy, A. Hughes,
+George L. Ingram, Annie G. Luck, C. Y.
+MacGibbon, E. Mastin, Jessie Middlemiss,
+Mrs. Nicholls, Percy J. Powell, Alice M.
+Price, Gertrude Saffery, A. C. Sharp, Isabel
+Snell, Norah M. Sullivan, A. C. T., Phyllis
+Toker, Ann Toplis, Florence Whitlock, Mrs.
+Wigglesworth, E. Wilson.</p>
+
+
+<p class='center'><i>Honourable Mention.</i></p>
+
+<p>S. Ballard, Mary I. Chislett, Helen M.
+Coulthard, Mrs. H. Keel, K. H. Ingram,
+E. M. Le Mottée, Charlotte Hayward,
+Florence Hayward, Ethel C. Hobbs, Edith L.
+Howse, Annette E. Jackson, Alice E. Johnson,
+Fred Lindley, Ethel C. McMaster, Elsa P.
+Neel, Charles Parr, Elizabeth A. Reynolds,
+Annie Saunders, Dorothy Smith, Ellen R.
+Smith, Gertrude Smith, May Tutte, Anna
+Walker, J. Walker, Julia Waltenberg, John
+R. Whyberd, G. Watherston.</p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+
+<h3>EXAMINERS' REPORT.</h3>
+
+<p>The insatiability of an editor who is clamouring
+daily for our words of wisdom compels us
+to be very brief. This is all the more to be
+regretted because with such a subject to
+handle we could have risen to great literary
+heights. But to work!</p>
+
+<p>The title was not "Another aught," the
+reason being that aught is not synonymous
+with naught. The difference between the two
+is considerable, "aught" signifying anything,
+"naught" nothing. The importance of this
+pleasing fact is often overlooked, especially by
+schoolchildren, who frequently speak of a
+cipher as "an aught," or, as they in their
+childish wisdom spell it "ought."</p>
+
+<p>In many solutions the final letter of
+"onwards" was omitted. Doubtless, "onward"
+is grammatically just as good, but as
+the "s" was in the puzzle it was a pity not to
+transfer it to the solution.</p>
+
+<p>The beginning of the third line seems to
+have caused trouble. Those who failed to
+find the true solution generally gave "On our
+three figures," or "On our first numbers."
+Both readings are good interpretations of the
+text, but the first is meaningless and the
+second is incorrect. With "On all our
+numbers "&mdash;adopted by a few solvers&mdash;we
+have little fault to find.</p>
+
+<p>Many competitors kindly pointed out that
+the minus sign in line 6 ought to have been
+the sign of division. Let us examine their
+contention closely. Two weeks divided by
+two yields one week and the beginning of the
+line would run "A thousand one week."
+Two weeks minus two yields weeks, clearly,
+and we need pursue the instruction no further.
+Some of the readings at this point were remarkable,
+<i>e.g.</i>, "A thousand days"; "Twelve
+thousand days": "A thousand years," and
+"A million weeks."</p>
+
+<p>We have always been accustomed to regard
+<span class="smcap">The Girl's Own Paper</span> with much veneration,
+but the idea of its having first seen the
+light something like fourteen thousand years
+before Adam is somewhat startling.</p>
+
+<p>In the next line, "G. O. P." often took the
+place of "magazine." Our dislike of such
+irritating abbreviations did not prevent us
+from doing justice to the reading which is
+rhythmically correct.</p>
+
+<p>The number of solvers who wrote "barque"
+for "bark" was amazing. The latter was in
+the puzzle and signifies any small vessel. The
+former was not in the puzzle and defines a
+vessel of a particular rig. And there is really
+no need for more.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" /></div><div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">{219}</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2><a name="IN_THE_TWILIGHT_SIDE_BY_SIDE" id="IN_THE_TWILIGHT_SIDE_BY_SIDE">IN THE TWILIGHT SIDE BY SIDE.</a></h2>
+
+
+<p class='ph3'><span class="smcap">By</span> RUTH LAMB.</p>
+
+
+<h3>PART III.</h3>
+
+<p class='ph3'>HOW TO GROW OLD.</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+
+<p class='center'>"They shall still bring forth fruit in old
+age" (Psalm xcii. 14).</p></div>
+
+<hr class='tb' />
+
+<div>
+<img class="drop-cap" src="images/i_219.jpg" width="250" height="329" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<p class="drop-cap"><span class="upper-case">When</span> I was a child
+a dear old lady,
+who had been asking
+questions about my
+lessons, laid her
+gentle hand on my
+head and said, "I see you love
+school, my child. 'Learn
+young, learn fair.'"</p>
+
+<p>You, dear girl friends, will be at no loss to
+understand the teaching of the proverb. It
+says, in few words, that those lessons which
+are early imprinted on our minds are likely to
+have an abiding place in our memories and a
+lasting influence over our lives.</p>
+
+<p>There is one lesson amongst many which we
+ought to be constantly learning from the time
+that we can understand anything. It is, how
+to grow old.</p>
+
+<p>Do I see some of you smiling at each other,
+as if old age were such a far-away subject that
+it ought not to be introduced to my great
+gathering of girls? Why, if I could have
+spoken to you as children, one by one, I
+would have asked, "Are you learning how to
+grow old?"</p>
+
+<p>You ought to be, for the moment you
+began to live you started on the path that
+leads to old age. From that path none of us
+can turn aside and, perhaps without thinking
+much of the inevitable ending, we pursue our
+course thereon steadily and uninterruptedly.
+We may start on many other paths&mdash;those of
+duty, work, mental culture, etc.&mdash;and we may
+take up certain pursuits and relinquish them
+at our will, but the one onward journey is
+continuous. We travel by night and by day.
+Sleeping or waking, resting or working, we
+are ever progressing towards old age, whether
+we live to reach it or not.</p>
+
+<p>It is often said that every age has its special
+beauty, and yet I daresay many of you have
+never dreamed of associating the idea of beauty
+with old age. You are apt to claim it as the
+special prerogative of youth. Yet I believe
+that old age may be&mdash;and I assert that it
+ought to be in certain senses&mdash;the most
+beautiful of all, despite the white hair, the
+tremulous hand, the feeble step which seeks
+support from the strong arm of the young,
+and the wrinkles on brows that were once
+as smooth and fair as the fairest amongst
+yours.</p>
+
+<p>The young often shrink from the very
+thought of being old. One hears the girl in
+her teens whisper to her companion, as she
+glances at a third who is not out of her
+twenties, "She is getting to look quite old
+already. She might be five-and-thirty."</p>
+
+<p>The tone is half pitying, half disparaging,
+as if the object of the remark were somehow
+in fault because a few more years had passed
+over her young head than over the speaker's.</p>
+
+<p>Listen again to words from the lips of a
+girl who is just "sweet seventeen." (Alas
+that seventeen does not always deserve the
+adjective!) She has just stigmatised a friend
+of thirty as "a cross old thing." And for
+what? She has only been trying to bring her
+good common sense and sound judgment to
+bear upon the other's wilfulness. She is
+anxious to save her from doing a foolish thing
+on which her childish will is stubbornly set
+and which is certain to be followed by remorse
+and trouble.</p>
+
+<p>"Sweet seventeen" purses her pretty lips
+and tosses her foolish head whilst saying, "As
+if I were going to be ordered about by her!
+Cross old thing!" And she goes on her
+wilful way and pays for it.</p>
+
+<p>Still we must acknowledge that a dozen
+extra years do not always bring proportionate
+wisdom, any more than does the seventeenth
+birthday invariably carry sweetness in its train.
+We have to learn to grow old in such wise
+that each year's passage means also progress
+in everything that is best.</p>
+
+<p>It seems very strange&mdash;does it not?&mdash;that
+whilst everyone desires long life, so many
+dislike to look forward to old age in connection
+with themselves. Or, if they do, it is not so
+much in a frank and natural manner as in a
+secret and stealthy fashion. If they speak of
+it at all, they speak as of something which
+may be near to others, but is still far, far away
+from themselves. Such people would never
+tell you that they are learning how to grow
+old&mdash;striving each day after some knowledge
+which will tend towards the attainment of a
+really beautiful and lovable old age.</p>
+
+<p>The need for such a study is ignored by so
+many up to and beyond middle age, that one
+wonders little at its being ignored by the
+young. Yet other questions occupy their
+earnest attention in connection with increasing
+years.</p>
+
+<p>How to ward off the semblance of old age,
+for the reality cannot be deferred. How to
+look young in spite of it. How to conceal
+the number of the years that have passed over
+their heads. How best to utilise art so as to
+simulate the complexion of youth and to hide
+the marks of time on their features.</p>
+
+<p>Time is readily given in order to solve such
+questions to the exclusion of those higher
+lessons, attention to which would make old
+age the most beautiful and lovely of all.</p>
+
+<p>Girls, dear girls! you are generally keen
+observers of externals, and especially so in
+matters of female dress and adornment. If
+one of you has been at a social gathering,
+whether amongst humble workers or leaders
+in society, what is usually the first question
+asked by sisters or acquaintances on her
+return? Is it not about the dresses worn?
+You inquire how such a one looked, or if
+another again wore a dress which is too well
+known on account of its age. You want to
+hear all about novelties in the fashioning of
+new garments, and whether they were of a
+mode likely to be becoming to yourselves. It
+may be you give a little laugh as you say that
+such a girl would be sure to look dowdy, or
+inquire if the good taste of another was as
+conspicuous as usual.</p>
+
+<p>I am inclined to doubt whether you were as
+anxious to know how your friend was impressed
+by the words and conduct of those with whom
+she had been associating, or whether she had,
+during this little season of social enjoyment,
+received impressions likely to influence her for
+good. We ought to be learners in every place,
+but not merely in regard to externals.</p>
+
+<p>Now I want to ask you a question. I have
+given you credit for being keen observers.
+Tell me, can you imagine a picture more truly
+pitiable and contemptible than that of a
+woman on whose face is the stamp of age, but
+who imagines that she has succeeded in hiding
+it by paint and powder?</p>
+
+<p>One who hugs the thought that she has
+rendered her wrinkles invisible, or that her
+dyed hair, with its tell-tale line of grey near
+the roots, or the cunningly arranged golden
+hued substitute for whitened locks, deceives
+anyone but herself? All such shams make
+the old look older still. They add to the
+appearance of age instead of taking from it,
+and they rob old age of much of the beauty
+which is as real as that which pertains to the
+youth it tries to simulate. I am alluding to
+externals first because everyone sees them.</p>
+
+<p>I have no doubt that you have all discovered
+my liking for proverbial expressions. My
+native county is rich in these pithy sayings
+which convey so much meaning in few words.
+The subject of our present talk brings to mind
+one of these proverbs, which was often quoted
+in my hearing when I was a girl. I recall one
+occasion especially. A ruddy farmer turned to
+look after an elderly woman who had just
+passed him. She was girlishly dressed, and
+she strove to trip along in youthful fashion,
+feeling evidently well satisfied with herself,
+and claiming admiration by every gesture.</p>
+
+<p>What had our countryman to say about
+her appearance? He jogged his neighbour's
+elbow, and quoted the proverb, as he indicated
+the retreating figure with a jerk of his
+thumb: "Old ewe dressed lamb fashion."</p>
+
+<p>"Aye," said his friend, "and it's no good.
+Age will show in spite of paint and finery.
+She was turned twenty when I was twelve, and
+I'm over fifty-three to-day. Why, deary me!
+There's always somebody that remembers."</p>
+
+<p>These added words were as true as the
+proverb itself. There is always someone,
+amongst our many acquaintances and kinsfolk,
+who has a good memory for dates, and who
+can refer to the number of Life's milestones we
+have passed with unerring accuracy.</p>
+
+<p>I asked you if there could be anything
+more pitiable and contemptible than the sight
+of an elderly woman trying to defy time and
+age by such means as I have named?</p>
+
+<p>I will answer my own question, "Yes, there
+is. The sight of a girl who, possessing youth,
+health, and the share of good looks and
+attractiveness which must accompany these
+two things, is ever striving to improve Nature's
+handiwork by the use of unnatural means."
+Believe me, my dear girl friends, the sight of
+a young face disfigured by artificial colouring
+and unnaturally whitened by powder, of
+blackened eyebrows and eyelashes, together
+with similar shams, excites in my mind a
+feeling of true motherly regret. I love girls
+too well to say hard things or to speak of
+contempt for such practices; though they
+ought to be contemptible in the eyes of all
+pure and right-minded girls.</p>
+
+<p>One associates the use of them with small
+minds and natures whose chief end and aim
+are to gratify personal vanity and attract
+admiration, instead of striving to win respect
+by the exercise of far nobler powers. Can
+any girl be so self-deceived as to think she
+will win honest affection by such means?<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">{220}</a></span>
+She may win it in spite of them, but it will be
+because the one who gives it is able to discover
+something better and more deserving of
+love beneath this miserable upper crust of
+deception.</p>
+
+<p>One is always ready to recognise, with
+gratitude, even a mistaken attempt made by
+the young with a view of giving pleasure to
+others. But I am sure that self-pleasing and
+the gratification of vanity are, in nearly every
+case, the incentives to such displays as I have
+condemned.</p>
+
+<p>In looking round me, I have been struck
+with the fact that some of the girls who use
+paint, powder, and what are, I am informed,
+known under the general name of "make-ups,"
+are just those to whom Nature has
+been specially liberal in the gift of beauty.</p>
+
+<p>Beauty, when joined to vanity, has an
+insatiable longing to add to its attractions.
+It is more than conscious of all that it has,
+but it is never satisfied, because it craves to
+combine, in its own person, the attractions of
+every style which is, from time to time,
+commended in its hearing. Hence all these
+useless and foolish efforts to improve on
+Nature's handiwork.</p>
+
+<p>Do not misunderstand me so far as to think
+I condemn the use of many little toilet accessories,
+which add greatly both to comfort and
+health. It would be insulting to the good
+sense of my girls, if I were to specify what
+things are lawful and useful, and what are
+contemptible and to be avoided.</p>
+
+<p>You would smile, in pitying fashion, at the
+sight of an old lady, whose grey locks having
+become too scanty to cover her head, had
+thought fit to crown her wrinkled face with a
+wig and fringe of golden hair. But if the
+addition matched what remained of her own
+growth, I hope you would be glad to think
+that art had done something on behalf of
+comfort and comeliness for old age, as well as
+for youth. Depend on it the natural colour
+of your hair is that which agrees best with your
+features and complexion, and if there is anything
+really wrong with the latter, it will be
+better for you to consult your doctor than a
+manufacturer of cosmetics.</p>
+
+<p>I am glad to think I have not known many
+girls whose vanity led them to spoil their
+appearance in the manner I hope you join me
+in condemning, but we have all seen plenty of
+such. I picture two, however, both rather
+exceptionally attractive. One had beautiful,
+glossy, dark hair, with eyes to match, and a
+complexion like a blush rose.</p>
+
+<p>I did not see her for some time, and when
+we met I was horrified at the change. A mop
+of yellow, frizzled hair surmounted a face
+whence the blush-rose tint had fled, or been
+hidden under glaringly false red and white.
+All the dainty charm of the face was gone,
+and I am fain to confess that I went a little
+out of my way to avoid a closer meeting with
+my changed acquaintance. Happily I can tell
+of a pleasant sequel in this case. Some good
+influence has been brought to bear, or perhaps
+the girl's innate good sense has overcome her
+vanity, and she has found out that such shams
+are unworthy of a self-respecting girl.</p>
+
+<p>She has given fair play to Nature, and that
+just in time to save the blush-rose complexion
+from ruin, and to be once more her bonny
+self.</p>
+
+<p>The second girl possessed remarkable beauty
+especially of complexion, and her vanity and
+greed of admiration were in proportion to it.
+These impelled her to be ever experimenting
+on herself to produce greater perfection, with
+the result that whilst still a girl she looked
+many years older than her age, and I hear,
+though I do not see her now, that she is daily
+becoming less attractive, though no less vain
+than of old.</p>
+
+<p>Quite apart from the harm done to personal
+appearance by these foolish practices, but of
+far greater importance, is the moral injury they
+cause. One might call the exhibition of paint
+an acted falsehood, because it is an attempt
+to make ourselves appear what we are not.</p>
+
+<p>But such devices are too transparent to
+deceive. If begun, they become more and
+more injurious and difficult to discontinue,
+and those who practise them live in an
+atmosphere of anxiety and disappointment.
+Age comes, despite all efforts to delay its
+progress, and it leaves footprints which baffle
+art to disguise or obliterate.</p>
+
+<p>Doubtless you have all heard this expression
+used in relation to someone you know&mdash;"She
+knows how to grow old gracefully." You
+understand it to picture one who accepts age
+as the natural and inevitable sequence of
+youth; who is above the paltry vanity which
+would hide it&mdash;or, rather, try to hide it&mdash;yet
+who neglects nothing which can help to make
+it externally attractive, and especially to the
+young. For, if age is to have its full
+legitimate influence over youth, it must be
+beautiful in itself, both without and within.</p>
+
+<p>I will not ask you, my dear ones, to look
+again at that pitiable picture of Vanity battling
+with Age, despite the certainty of defeat and
+disappointment. But be assured of this&mdash;that
+the girl who starts on the same lines will reach
+the same goal; but it will not be that of a
+beautiful and lovable old age.</p>
+
+<p>Do not imagine that I undervalue externals.
+I would have you all be habitually careful
+about them. Let your complexion be kept at
+its best by scrupulous cleanliness. If your
+hair is beautiful and abundant, take pains to
+dress it in the fashion that best sets off such
+good looks as you possess. If you are less
+favoured in this respect, give the more care
+and pains so as to make the best of what you
+have.</p>
+
+<p>Exercise good taste in your dress, whilst
+carefully keeping your expenditure within your
+means. The girl who dresses quietly and
+becomingly will not make herself conspicuous
+in later years by the use of glaring colours or
+fantastic garments.</p>
+
+<p>Try to be graceful and quiet in your movements,
+and scrupulous in avoiding all little ways
+and habits likely to be disturbing, unpleasant,
+or offensive to others. And do not be
+offended if a well-meaning friend ventures to
+point out a tendency to any growing habit of
+the kind, knowing that if once established it
+will be almost impossible for you to overcome
+it. Bear in mind that such a warning can be
+only intended for your benefit and to help
+you on your way towards growing old
+gracefully.</p>
+
+<p>Study to modulate your voices so that the
+sound of them may fall pleasantly, even
+musically, on the ear. Shrill, harsh, and loud
+youthful voices become something too terrible
+when they accompany age.</p>
+
+<p>I wonder if any of you have heard our dear
+Queen speak? I regret to say that I have
+not, but friends have told me that they never
+heard a voice which equalled hers for its
+melodious tone, perfect clearness, and faultless
+enunciation.</p>
+
+<p>Try to avoid affectation in gesture and
+movement, and any form of facial contortion.
+Habit makes all these painful to witness, and
+age exaggerates them. Sometimes a habit of
+knitting the brows is contracted early in life,
+with the result that the forehead is furrowed
+and a forbidding expression given to the face
+which permanently spoils it. Age intensifies
+what is forbidding and disagreeable, but shows
+to the greatest advantage all that is most
+lastingly attractive in us, just as the flower
+fulfils the promise of the bud.</p>
+
+<p>In this lesson on "How to grow old" I
+have confined myself to externals. It is time
+for us to part, but when we meet again we
+will study the subject from the highest
+standpoint.</p>
+
+<p>Before then a new year will have dawned
+on us. Let me suggest as a fitting motto for
+it, "I will go in the strength of the Lord
+God." May it prove a very happy one to you
+all.</p>
+
+<p class='center'>(<i>To be continued.</i>)</p>
+
+
+
+<hr class="chap" /></div><div>
+
+
+<h2><a name="SISTER_WARWICK_A_STORY_OF_INFLUENCE" id="SISTER_WARWICK_A_STORY_OF_INFLUENCE">"SISTER WARWICK": A STORY OF INFLUENCE.</a></h2>
+
+<p class='ph3'><span class="smcap">By</span> H. MARY WILSON, Author of "In Warwick Ward," "In Monmouth Ward," "Miss Elsie," etc.</p>
+
+
+<h3>CHAPTER IV.</h3>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Granny 20</span> was in one of her most garrulous
+moods, but who was there to listen? She tried
+to catch a nurse or probationer as they hurried
+by the end of the bed, with a "Listen to me
+now, nurse." But a smile and a nod and a
+"By-and-by, Granny," was all she got for
+her pains.</p>
+
+<p>Her nearest bed-fellows were too sleepy
+for anything, and she had to content herself
+with murmuring to an imaginary audience
+until Sister had a moment's leisure, and came
+to her bedside.</p>
+
+<p>"I was saying, Sister, that Mrs. 21 there
+is one with me. We both rue our wedding-day!
+And we thought&mdash;bless yer!&mdash;we
+thought, when we stood up so proud and
+made our vows, that we was the luckiest
+women in the world."</p>
+
+<p>"And it all turned out badly, Granny?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, well! It might have been wuss for
+some of us. I won't say it mightn't; but me
+was in too much of a hurry&mdash;that was the
+mischief. Why, bless yer! Mrs. 21 there says
+she wasn't more'n sixteen when she took a
+'usband! And me? I was only just turned
+eighteen. We didn't know no better. We
+were took by a 'andsome face."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Granny, I cannot err on the side of
+marrying too young, whatever I do."</p>
+
+<p>"Sister! You ain't never thinking of matrimoany?
+Don't 'ee, dear! Don't 'ee! Just
+take the advice of a old woman what <i>knows</i>.
+This is what I say. If a man comes to you
+and seems true enough, don't trust him! No,
+not if trust was to sparkle like a diamond
+from the end of every hair on his head, don't
+trust him!"</p>
+
+<p>Hardly knowing how to contain herself
+for laughter, Sister promised to be very
+careful, and thanked Granny for her wise
+words.</p>
+
+<p>"They aire wise. You may well say so,"
+chuckled the old lady. "Now I could tell
+you&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Another time, Granny dear&mdash;and see!
+Here's nurse with your tea. A cup of tea!
+There's nothing like it, is there?"</p>
+
+<p>"Bless yer&mdash;no!"</p>
+
+<p>And Nurse Hudson&mdash;what of her? Had<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">{221}</a></span>
+the episode of yesterday's carelessness with
+the words of reproof that followed been the
+warning Sister Warwick hoped? The watchful
+eyes could detect very little that was amiss
+that day. But she was obliged to acknowledge
+that the nurse's manner towards herself was
+not what it should be. With her new efforts
+not to repel her nurses by the stiffness of her
+own manners she ignored what she could.
+Later she felt glad she had done so.</p>
+
+<p>After tea the medicines were given out.
+It was the staff-nurse's duty to-day, and
+following the instructions on her chart, Hudson
+went to and fro, pouring out the draughts, and
+bringing them to each bed in order.</p>
+
+<p>Sister, seated by No. 10, watched her
+silently. But when she brought the dose for
+this "typhoid," she took it from her hand to
+administer it herself.</p>
+
+<p>What instinct made her pause, before
+giving it, to ask:</p>
+
+<p>"Is this the new medicine, nurse?"</p>
+
+<p>"Of course it is, Sister!" The tone was
+offensive, but, ignoring it, Sister Warwick
+leant forward to hold the glass to the girl's
+lips. Again she paused. What was it stayed
+her hand?</p>
+
+<p>She raised the glass, smelt it, and then put
+it to her own lips and tasted the liquid, her
+eyes on the chart.</p>
+
+<p>"This is an overdose!" she said sternly.
+"Here are four times the right amount!"</p>
+
+<p>For she knew in a flash what the nurse had
+done, and she shuddered at the thought!
+Hudson had certainly, as she said, given the
+fresh medicine the chart directed, but in her
+heedlessness she had not looked to see if the
+quantity was altered too. She had poured
+out two tablespoonfuls instead of two teaspoonfuls&mdash;a
+dose that would have caused
+intense suffering, if nothing worse, to the
+sick girl.</p>
+
+<p>Sister Warwick rose from her chair and
+looked Nurse Hudson full in the face. Her
+utter scorn and indignation at this culpable
+carelessness rendered her speechless.</p>
+
+<p>But her glance was enough!</p>
+
+<p>Turning on her heel, she carried the
+medicine-glass into her room, placed it in a
+cupboard there, and locking it up, removed
+the key.</p>
+
+<p>Nurse Hudson watched it all&mdash;miserable
+and self-condemned&mdash;knowing what the action
+meant. Now that it was done, she would
+have given anything to have been more
+careful. Her colour came and went. She
+stood irresolute. Her better self was urging
+her to go at once and with a humble apology
+plead for another trial with an earnest promise
+of a different course in the future. But she
+could not bring herself to do that. Pride and
+Selfishness had been too closely her companions
+lately, excluding better impulses.</p>
+
+<p>No, she would not believe that Sister
+Warwick meant to report her to the Matron.
+Perhaps she would only ask for her removal
+to another ward; there she could make a fresh
+start. But she did not ask herself with what
+motive.</p>
+
+<p>Nurse Hudson's work had always been
+tarnished with the discolouring influences of
+her own low aims. No wonder now that she
+failed, and did not take the one step that
+might have saved her nursing career.</p>
+
+<p>She left the ward that evening without
+another word with the Sister&mdash;miserable, self-pitying,
+undecided, little thinking that she
+would never enter it again.</p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<p>"The whole affair shall be stopped at
+once!" The Matron's voice was full of
+decision and very stern. "I will send for
+Hudson and tell her I cannot keep her here
+any longer. Nor will I sign her certificate!
+I am not justified, after all you tell me, in
+sending her away to pass herself off as a
+qualified nurse."</p>
+
+<p>"You take a harder view of her conduct
+than I do, Matron." And Sister Warwick
+then and there began to plead for the
+nurse who had been such a "thorn in her
+side."</p>
+
+<p>"You will not move me, Sister! Hudson
+will go! It will seem right, from many
+points of view, when you can look at it
+dispassionately. I am only very thankful
+that we so rarely have such a failure among
+the nurses, and thankful most of all that no
+worse harm has been done. We might have
+had a case for the coroner."</p>
+
+<p>Sister Warwick knew the Matron's words
+were just. She left her and went back to
+her own room, sinking into her leaning-chair
+with the consciousness that an upset like this
+"took it out of her" far more than even an
+operation involving pain and suffering to one
+of her dear ward babies. And, sad at heart,
+she began to think of Ellen Hudson's future,
+then to search back in her own mind for
+possible opportunities missed in the past
+when she might have helped her more kindly.
+She realised bitterly that she herself might
+have done better too.</p>
+
+<p>She sat forward then and wrote a little note
+and sent it round to the Nurses' Home, timed
+to reach Nurse Hudson just after her interview
+with the Matron.</p>
+
+<p>It was to ask her staff-nurse to come and
+see her before she left. But she never came.
+She passed out of Sister Warwick's life
+from that hour, and her place knew her no
+more.</p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<p>Nurse Carden's bright face and ready sympathy
+were a pleasant interruption to the
+Sister's mournful ruminations that evening.
+She came in a little before her usual time,
+and the two had a quiet chat in the "Sisters'
+Room" before the night work began.</p>
+
+<p>Here Sister Cumberland joined them. These
+three women&mdash;so different in character, so
+united in aim and purpose&mdash;felt then the
+sustaining power of a friendship that was
+standing the wear and tear of life.</p>
+
+<p>Seeing how worried the elder "Sister" was
+by the present, the other two drew her thoughts
+back to the past and to their earlier experiences
+in the ward.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you remember?" was the introduction
+to many reminiscences Sister Cumberland
+recalled that night on duty, when she fought
+her fiercest fight with the craving for sleep.</p>
+
+<p>Nurse Carden talked of Tommie the waif
+and his whimsical ways. He could not be
+forgotten, for it was not many days since at
+the lodge-gate of her own home she had seen
+the Tommie of to-day. Such a contrast! A
+sturdy, ruddy, honest country lad, loving his
+life as a gardener's boy, and always ready, if
+questioned, to say, "Oh, I belong to Nurse
+Carden, I do! I ain't got nobody else! But
+she is good to me, she is!"</p>
+
+<p>So the three talked until the hour struck
+which took them to their various duties and
+closed the second of these days my pen has
+tried to describe&mdash;days chosen not because
+they were remarkably different from many
+others, but because they give an average picture
+of the cares and anxieties, the pleasures and
+interests that belong to a hospital Sister's
+life; because, too, they tell of an experience
+that had a lasting effect in softening Sister
+Warwick's character and in extending her
+influence over the nurses in her charge.</p>
+
+<p class='center'>[THE END.]</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" /></div><div>
+
+
+<h2><a name="GUS" id="GUS">GUS.</a></h2>
+
+
+<div>
+<img class="drop-cap" src="images/i_221.jpg" width="125" height="125" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<p class="drop-cap"><span class="upper-case">Ya</span> want ti knaw aboot
+ma maate Gus? Set
+ya doon, then, an'
+ah'll tell ya all
+aboot it.</p>
+
+<p>Me an' Gus wer
+friends fra' t' first.
+'E wer a shy, quiet
+soort o' lad, an' t'
+other chaps didn't
+seem ti taake ti 'im
+at first, an' it wer soort o' loansoom for a
+yoong chap lodgin' aloan i' a straange plaace,
+specially as 'e didn't seem ti care mooch for
+t' public-'oose o' neets. Soa wun evening, as
+we wer leavin' woork, ah says ti 'im, "Coom
+in an' 'ave a bit o' soopper wi' ma an' ma
+missus, lad."</p>
+
+<p>'E looked real pleased, an' said 'e would
+coom, bud 'e wouldn't coom straight 'oam
+wi' ma, as ah wanted 'im ti. Noa, 'e mun
+gang back ti 'is lodgins an' fettle issen oop.</p>
+
+<p>My missus weant best pleased when sha
+'eard 'e wer coming; mebbe, theer weant
+ower mooch for soopper, an' sha niver were
+fond o' straangers; bud 'e 'adn't been i' oor
+lahtle room aboove 'alf a minute afoor ah seed
+as sha'od taaken a fancy ti 'im. 'E com in
+rather shy an' bashful loike, for all 'e'd maade
+'issen soa graand wi' 'is Soonday coate an'
+all, an' ma missus, she says&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Set ya doon an' maak yersen at whoam,
+while ah get summat for ya ti eat," an' 'e set
+doon reet theer by t' door, on t' edge o' 'is
+cheer, an' 'adn't a woord to say for 'issen.</p>
+
+<p>Oor lahtle lass Polly&mdash;she wer nobbut
+fooer year owd then&mdash;shoo com in an' stood
+starin' at 'im wi' 'er finger i' 'er mooth, an' at
+sight o' 'er 'e foond 'is tongue.</p>
+
+<p>"Coom 'ere, lahtle ma'ad," says 'e; "ah'm
+wonnerful fond o' childer. Coom an' see
+what ah've got i' ma pocket."</p>
+
+<p>Bud t' lahtle lass still stood beside ma,
+starin' at 'im as if 'e wer summat i' a show.</p>
+
+<p>Gus didn't saay nowt moor, but 'e oots wi'
+'is knife an' a bit o' wood and starts carvin'
+summat.</p>
+
+<p>"Noo," says 'e, arter a bit, "what shall it
+be? Shall ah maak tha a 'orse, or a coo, or
+what?"</p>
+
+<p>T' lahtle lass foond 'er toongue at that.</p>
+
+<p>"A lad," says she, an' cooms a step nearer
+ti see what 'e wer at.</p>
+
+<p>"Shoo'll be a rare wun for t' lads when
+shoo's a bit bigger, ah'se warran'," says 'e,
+wi' a laugh; an' 'e goes on carvin' t' bit o'
+wood in a waay 'at wer wunnerful ti me.
+Soon t' head an' shoolthers appeared, an'
+then t' legs an' arms, an' all t' while t' tahtle
+lass crept nearer an' nearer, an' by t' tahm t'
+lad wer doon, shoo wer sittin' on 'is knee an'
+chatterin' awaay ti 'im as if 'e wer' an owd
+friend.</p>
+
+<p>That woon moother's 'eart, for shoo's
+powerful set on t' lahtle lass, seem' shoo's t'
+oanly wun wi' 'ave&mdash;an' ah reckon ah weant
+far be'ind 'er i' that&mdash;an' befoor 'e left
+shoo'd arst 'im ti taake 'is dinner wi' us
+Soonday next. Arter that, Gus wer in an'
+oot continual, an' 'e an't' lahtle lass wer as
+thick as thieves. It wer pratty ti see 'er
+perched o' 'is knee, wi' 'is arm roond 'er, an'
+ti 'ear 'er pratty prattle, all aboot 'er dolls an'
+toys an' sooch-like. 'E used ti call 'er 'is
+lahtle sweet-'eart, an' saay sha mun marry 'im<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">{222}</a></span>
+when sha wer growed a bit, an' t' lahtle lass
+'ud look oop i' 'is faace, as graave as graave,
+an' promise ti be 'is lahtle wife. 'Twer as
+pratty a pictur as 'eart could wish to see them
+thegither, an' 'e niver seemed ti tire o' 'er
+coompany, or care ti talk wi' me or t' missus
+when t' lahtle lass wer theer.</p>
+
+<p>Well tahm went on, an' t' job e'd coom
+doon 'ere for wer nigh finished&mdash;layin' rails
+o' new line it wer&mdash;an' 'e wer talkin' o'
+leavin', for 'e weant fra' oor parts; when wun
+daay&mdash;ah mind it wer t' first o' April, for
+theer'd been soom foolin' amoong t' lads
+earlier i' t' daay, an' t' blackthorn wer
+buddin' i' t' 'edges&mdash;we wer setting on t'
+railway bank eatin' oor dinners. Gus wer
+moor talkative than ordinary that daay; ah
+mind 'e'd been tellin' us o' t' waay they did
+'arvestin' i' 'is parts&mdash;Lancashire waay&mdash;an'
+'arvest-'oams, an' sooch-like, when all of a
+soodden ah caught sight o' ma lahtle lass
+runnin' along t' line. It did gie ma a toorn,
+for t' doon traain 'ad been signalled two or
+three minutes sin', an' even as ah caught
+sight o' 'er, ah 'eerd it roombling along i' t'
+distance.</p>
+
+<p>"Ma God!" ah cried. "Look theer!"</p>
+
+<p>Jack Wilson&mdash;'im as lives i' yon cottage
+wi' t' creepers doon by t' church&mdash;shoots as
+lood as 'e could, "Get oft t' line, bairn! Get
+off t' line!" Bud Polly, sha didn't taak noa
+'eed ti 'im.</p>
+
+<p>Then afoor ah 'ad got ma wits aboot ma,
+or 'ad ony idea what 'e wer goin ti do, Gus
+'ad joomped doon fra' t' bank, an' were
+roonnin' for 'is loife doon t' line ti meet t'
+lahtle lass. It wer awful to see 'im, while
+every moment t' thoonder o' t' train com
+nearer.</p>
+
+<p>"Is t' man mad?" cried Wilson. "It's
+certain death." An' even as 'e spoke, t'
+train com roond t' corner.</p>
+
+<p>Polly stood still, terrified, an' Gus ran on
+reet inti t' teeth o' t' train. Ah turned
+deadly sick, for ah niver thowt 'e would be i'
+tahm, an' it seemed nobbut a waaste o' two
+lives; bud 'e reached 'er joost afoor t' train
+did. Ah seed 'im catch 'er oop an' toss 'er
+on ti t' bank, an' then&mdash;then t' traan wer on
+'im, an' we saw noothing moor till it 'ad past.
+Then ah ran ti wheer 'e wer lyin', an' an
+awful sight it wer. It 'aunts ma yet, thoo it's
+nigh on ten year sin. 'E wer livin', poor
+chap, an' 'e looked up at ma wi' a smile,
+though t' death dews were gathering on 'is
+faace.</p>
+
+<p>"T' lahtle lass?" 'e asked anxiously.</p>
+
+<p>"Saafe an' well," ah answered. "Eh,
+Gus, lad, tha' shouldn't 'a doon it. Ah
+reckon she weant woorth it."</p>
+
+<p>"Niver saay that!" 'e said. "Wheer is
+sha? Ah'd like fine to bid her good-bye."</p>
+
+<p>Polly wer cryin' wi' fright on t' bank cloas
+at 'and. Ah called 'er, bud at first sha 'ung
+back, not knawin' as it wer 'er friend as lay
+theer, a sickenin' sight, an' not fit for a bairn
+ti see.</p>
+
+<p>"Niver mind, John," 'e said, sadly enough.
+"It's better soa. Ah wouldn't like 'er ti
+think o' ma like this." But ah went an'
+fetched 'er, an' bade 'er ti thank 'im for
+saavin' 'er loife.</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, nay," 'e said, smoilin' oop at 'er.
+"Good-bye, lahtle sweet'eart. Tha'lt 'ave ti
+get anoother lad noo."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, ah'll waait for thee an' be thy lahtle
+wife," says Polly sturdily, not un'erstan'in',
+poor lahtle lass, as 'e wer dyin'.</p>
+
+<p>"Tha'lt 'ave ti waait till tha gets ti t' New
+Jeroosalem, then," 'e answers, "if soa be as
+they'll let ma in." An' at that 'e looks
+serious.</p>
+
+<p>Ah maade 'aste ti cheer 'im oop.</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, lad, thoo need 'ave noa fear o' that,"
+ah says. "Tha mind hoo He said, 'Inasmooch
+as ye 'a doon it to wun o' t' least o' these, ye
+'a doon it unto Me.'"</p>
+
+<p>Hoo 'is faace lighted oop at that word!
+Then a spasm o' agony crossed it, an' t' death
+rattle began i' 'is throat.</p>
+
+<p>'E couldn't speak, bud 'e maade ma a sign
+ti send t' lahtle lass away, an' ah bade 'er
+roon 'oam ti 'er moother. Then ah knelt
+doon an' raised 'im in ma arms, an' it weant
+long&mdash;thank God, it weant long.</p>
+
+<p>Well, it's ten year sin, as ah said, an' it's
+an owd story noo, an' t' grass is green on 'is
+graave. T' lahtle lass keeps it rare an' gay
+wi' flooers. Shoo's growin' a graat gell noo,
+an' it weant be long afoor t' lads begin ti
+coom aboot 'er, for shoo's growin' bonny;
+bud shoo's niver forgotten Gus, an' if shoo
+iver did, ah wouldn't oan 'er as ma darter,
+that ah wouldn't!</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" /></div><div>
+
+
+<h2><a name="ANSWERS_TO_CORRESPONDENTS" id="ANSWERS_TO_CORRESPONDENTS">ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.</a></h2>
+
+
+<h3>MEDICAL.</h3>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Freda.</span>&mdash;Of the cause of exophthalmic goître but
+little is known for certain. Worry or anxiety often
+precede the onset of the disease. Unlike ordinary
+goître this affection is not limited in any way to
+certain districts, but occurs in every part of the
+country. "Is it curable, and if so, how long should
+a moderate case take to cure?" Yes, many cases
+do recover. When the disease is very marked, recovery
+is unusual. But now that surgeons have
+directed their attention to the disease there is every
+reason to believe that the severer grades of the
+affection may yield to operative treatment. We
+can no more tell you how long an attack of exophthalmic
+goître will last than we could tell you the
+day of your death. Sometimes the disease disappears
+in six months or a year, often it drags on
+for many years. As a rule, if the symptoms develop
+rapidly, the disease runs a rapid course.
+Men are comparatively rarely attacked. We can,
+however, call to mind a fair number of cases of
+exophthalmic goître in the male sex. Unmarried
+women of from twenty to thirty years of age are the
+usual victims of this disease.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Worried.</span>&mdash;1. In all probability your sister would
+get better and stronger after marriage. Of course
+it depends a good deal upon the cause of her malady.
+She had far better go to her family doctor and get
+his advice upon the matter. We cannot take the
+responsibility of giving a definite answer to your
+question from such a very scanty amount of information.&mdash;2.
+There are so many books on travel and
+science, suitable to ordinary readers, that it is rather
+difficult to choose any particular volume. One of
+the best books on science for a beginner&mdash;that is, a
+person who is beginning to read science&mdash;is a little
+work called <i>Ants and their Ways</i>, by the Rev.
+Farren White. It is a charming little volume
+which will instil into anyone who reads it the habit
+of observation&mdash;so all-important in science. The
+book is very moderate in price. It is published by
+the Religious Tract Society. If you turn to the
+advertisement sheets at the back of this paper you
+will see notices of a number of very good books on
+both science and travel.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Matron.</span>&mdash;Obviously the book you want is the <i>British
+Pharmacop&#339;ia</i>. This gives definite instructions
+how to make up every official preparation. There
+is a new edition just published. For the drugs
+which are not in the <i>British Pharmacop&#339;ia</i>, Squire's
+<i>Companion to the British Pharmacop&#339;ia</i> may be
+consulted. You will do well to thoroughly master
+the decimal measures, and to use them exclusively,
+as they are now official and will alone be used in
+the future. The old and confusing apothecaries'
+measures are now out of date.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Alta.</span>&mdash;For the bites and stings of midges, etc., rub
+a little dilute ammonia on the bite. This usually
+relieves the pain instantly. It is better to put a
+drop of dilute carbolic acid (about 1 in 100) upon
+the bite after using the ammonia. The reason for
+this is that the trouble from an insect's bite is dependent
+upon two causes. In the first place the
+insect actually drops poison into the bite. This,
+which is usually formic acid, makes the wound
+smart at once, but its effect passes off in a little
+time. Ammonia neutralises this acid and so gives
+instant relief. But there is a second cause of
+trouble which is far more serious. The bite of a
+fly has caused more deaths than you would think,
+and from this reason. Flies of all kinds are given
+to feed on garbage, and as they have not yet learnt
+to use a toothbrush, their mouths are always swarming
+with germs. Usually these germs are not of a
+very virulent kind. But suppose that a midge has
+been eating the carcase of an animal which has
+died from peritonitis. That fly is now more deadly
+than a viper, for on its tongue it has a poison which
+is capable of rapid increase if it ever finds a suitable
+home. If this fly bites you, you may die from
+the bite. Everyone knows that often an insect
+sting or bite does not ache or swell at first; but
+after several hours the place becomes hot and
+swollen, and if the place bitten be the hand, the
+arm begins to swell and the glands in the armpit
+enlarge. In this case a mild dose of microbes has
+been innoculated. Ammonia will not in most cases
+destroy these microbes. Therefore, we say, put a
+drop of dilute carbolic acid on the place as soon as
+you can. The ammonia simply relieves a little
+itching (for the poison of the insect itself is rarely
+dangerous), but the carbolic acid destroys organisms
+which are capable of great mischief. Rubbing
+the face and hands with oil of eucalyptus, or paraffin,
+will sometimes prevent insects from coming
+near you.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Lily, My Queenie.</span>&mdash;1. Is the skin round your eyebrows
+scarred? Hair never grows on scars, nor
+can it be made to do so by any means in our power.
+If there are no scars, try a little white precipitate
+ointment applied carefully to the eyebrows.&mdash;2.
+Moles cannot be cured. They can be removed by
+operation. If they are large and noticeable it is
+better to have them removed. Otherwise leave
+them severely alone.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Pearl.</span>&mdash;Take our advice and see a doctor at once.
+Severe headache is a very common symptom, and
+though it is usually caused by some trivial ailment,
+it is often the only subjective sign of a serious
+disease. Your attacks suggest megraine, but
+they might be due to far more serious things.
+Without a complete personal examination no man
+living could diagnose your malady.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Fox.</span>&mdash;What size corsets do you wear? Tight lacing
+is, or rather was, a very common cause of fatness
+about the face. What age are you? It is very
+common for women to get double chins and extra
+plump cheeks when they have passed their thirtieth
+year. Very many diseases cause fatness of the
+face. Kidney disease is one of the commonest of
+these. All we can advise you to do is to be careful
+about your diet. Avoid farinaceous puddings and
+sweets. Take plenty of exercise. No drug is of
+much good in obesity of any kind. Some of the
+mineral waters, especially Vichy, are sometimes
+useful to stout persons.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">A Weary and Careworn Girl.</span>&mdash;We are exceedingly
+sorry that we could not answer your letter
+earlier. The troubles that you have gone through
+are enough to depress any girl of twice your age.
+We think that all your sufferings are due to nervousness
+resulting from being "run down." What
+the impediment in your speech is, is not quite clear
+from your letter. Probably it is far less than you
+imagine, else your mother would certainly have
+noticed it. The difficulty which you find in commencing
+to talk is due to nervousness. As your
+health improves, and as you grow older this will
+tend to disappear. We will publish an article on
+blushing and nervousness next month. To the last
+of your questions your clergyman would be more
+competent to give you an answer than ever we
+could be. Go to your pastor and tell him your
+troubles. He is sure to be able to comfort you in
+your affliction and to help you to bear your cross
+with patience for the sake of Him who laid down
+His life for you.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Croyden.</span>&mdash;The habit of taking acids to cure indigestion
+is greatly to be deprecated. Acids and
+bitters are very useful in some forms of indigestion,
+but they should never be taken unless ordered by a
+physician. Alkalis, such as bicarbonate of soda,
+are on the other hand of great value in the majority
+of cases of indigestion. Indeed we will go further
+than this: we have never met with a case of indigestion
+from any cause which was not benefited,
+sometimes only temporarily, by alkalis. We have
+seen very few cases of indigestion which have been
+relieved by acids. Our candid opinion is that the
+habit of taking acids and bitters to cure disorders
+of the stomach or loss of appetite, is a very fertile
+cause of the life-long indigestion so common
+nowadays.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Black Eyes.</span>&mdash;In an answer to "Fair Isobel," which
+was published some months ago, the treatment of
+blackheads was thoroughly discussed.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Emily Phelps.</span>&mdash;Your glasses do not suit you. Go
+to an oculist and get his prescription for another
+pair. Your symptoms are very common in people
+who use unsuitable spectacles.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">{223}</a></span></p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Buttercup.</span>&mdash;Bunions are due to the pressure of
+badly-fitting boots. In the human foot the great
+or innermost toe bends away from the other toes.
+This gives to the inner border of the foot a direction
+slanting inwards towards the middle line of
+the body. Most boots are made with their inner
+border slanting outwards away from the middle
+line so as to meet the outer border of the boots at a
+more or less acute angle. We have therefore the
+great toe naturally tending to depart from its
+fellows, and we have the boot forcing the great toe
+towards, and possibly under or over, the other toes.
+The boot is an unyielding structure. The inner
+border of the foot is also practically unyielding,
+except at one spot, the joint of the great toe. The
+first toe is therefore forced inwards and its joint
+projects as an angle. The boot presses upon this
+joint, a corn forms, inflammation is set up, and the
+joint becomes diseased, forming a bunion. When
+once a bunion has developed, it is no good talking
+about its prevention. We must attempt to cure it,
+and it is not so very difficult to cure it, and keep it
+cured, if you fully understand how it originated.
+A bunion is caused by pressure upon the joint.
+The cure of the bunion consists of removing the
+pressure from the joint. To do this you should
+wear boots in which the inner border slopes away
+from the centre of the boot. We advise you to get
+a pair of boots of this shape made for yourself. If
+the bunion is intractable, you may need a "post"
+in the boot between the great and the second toe.
+Keep your foot scrupulously clean, and take a foot-bath
+every evening.</p>
+
+<p>J. S. N.&mdash;As your mother died from heart disease, it
+is no wonder that you imagine your own symptoms
+to be likewise due to heart trouble; but the symptoms
+you mention are all characteristic of simple
+dyspepsia; not one of them is common in heart
+disease. When you say "at times my pulse beats
+very fast and sometimes irregularly," we presume
+that you mean that you feel your heart beating
+fast or irregularly, in other words, that you have
+palpitation. When the heart is beating fast or
+irregularly, as it frequently does in heart disease,
+it produces no symptoms which might inform the
+sufferer of her state. It is only by feeling the pulse
+that irregularities in its action can be detected.
+We will not say that heart disease is not hereditary,
+but the importance of this factor has been
+greatly over-estimated. Disease of the heart is
+very frequently due to rheumatic fever; and the
+tendency to rheumatism is; to a certain extent,
+hereditary. You will find plenty of information
+about indigestion in our last year's volume.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Esther.</span>&mdash;We can well understand that you feel a
+little nervous about your chest, when you tell us
+that both your parents died of phthisis. You
+know that the risk of your developing the disease
+is considerable, yet it by no means follows that you
+will get phthisis. By no means are you certain to
+get phthisis. You must be very careful about
+yourself, and the least bit of a cough or cold which
+may attack you must be carefully attended to.
+Indeed we advise you to call in your family doctor
+the moment that you have any cough or other untoward
+symptom. Certainly you would do well to
+spend your winters in Switzerland.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Canary.</span>&mdash;1. A little dumb-bell exercise every morning
+will improve the form of your back and shoulders.
+The dumb-bells should be made of wood
+and not weigh more than two pounds each. Heavy
+bell exercise is very dangerous. It has always
+been considered beautiful for women to possess
+broad hips.&mdash;2. Why? Why do so many of our correspondents
+call themselves "constant readers"?
+Perhaps it is that they think that by using that
+pseudonym they will get answered sooner, or perhaps
+it is merely from lack of sufficient imagination
+to think of some phrase less commonplace.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">E. M. Walker.</span>&mdash;Cinnamon is more at home in the
+pantry than in pharmacy. The only medicinal
+action it possesses is that of all aromatic substances.
+It is occasionally used as a stomachic,
+but its chief use is for flavouring. Sometimes it is
+given for diarrh&#339;a as it is a mild astringent. Cinnamon
+has no action on cancer, neither has any
+drug the slightest effect upon the course of this
+disease. Indeed one might put down the medicinal
+action of cinnamon at zero.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Mabel B.</span>&mdash;It is not at all uncommon for the hair to
+fall out after a severe illness. It is, however, rare
+for permanent baldness to result. Usually after
+combing out in large quantities for some weeks or
+months the hair grows quickly and luxuriously again.
+A mildly stimulating hair-wash is often useful in
+these cases. Brilliantine, bay rum or rosemary
+hair-washes are suitable. We much doubt whether
+taking cod-liver oil would have any effect upon your
+hair, but it might help to restore your strength.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Florrie.</span>&mdash;1. We know of no recipe which will
+remove hairs from the face without doing serious
+damage to the skin at the same time.&mdash;2. Try
+sulphur soap for a shiny face. Do not use face
+powder.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Helena.</span>&mdash;Read the answer to "Florrie" above. The
+Laws of Libel prevent us from giving you our
+opinion on the preparation which you mention.
+We are allowed, however, to warn you to have
+nothing to do with any patent medicine of which
+you do not know the composition. It has not been
+our experience that peroxide of hydrogen makes
+the hair grow quickly.</p></div>
+
+
+<h3>STUDY AND STUDIO.</h3>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Irish May Flower.</span>&mdash;It is rather difficult to dispose
+of such sketches as you describe. We should suggest
+that you took them to any picture dealer in
+your neighbourhood, and asked him to try to sell
+them for you. Or you might write to the Irish
+Ladies' Work Society, 47, George Street, Kingstown,
+inquiring if that would be of any use to you.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Mabel Entwistle.</span>&mdash;We are very glad that you have
+been enabled through our means "to make the
+acquaintance of two extremely nice French girls."
+Your writing we like very much. It is clear, definite,
+and has a character of its own. If we gave any
+hint for its improvement, it would be to avoid the
+lapses in the middle of a word, making the writing
+flow consecutively.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">La Petite Violette.</span>&mdash;We have not forgotten you,
+and are very glad you have taken up some special
+study. We have placed your request in "Our
+Open Letter Box."</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Wild Rose.</span>&mdash;1. Your first quotation is from Tennyson's
+<i>In Memoriam</i>, xxvii., stanza 4.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"I hold it true, whate'er befall,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">I feel it when I sorrow most,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">'Tis better to have loved and lost,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Than never to have loved at all."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p class='noindent'>2. Look through the poetry of Thomas Moore for
+your second extract, and if you cannot find it there,
+send it again and we will place it in "Our Open
+Letter Box."</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Catalina.</span>&mdash;1. Apply to the Church Sunday School
+Institute, Serjeant's Inn, Fleet Street, E.C., or to
+the Sunday School Union (undenominational),
+57, Ludgate Hill, and you will receive the fullest
+information. The lessons for each Sunday are set
+forth in certain inexpensive books in detail, with
+comments and information upon every verse. In
+addition to these "lesson helps" you should read
+and study books upon the Old Testament and upon
+the life of our Lord, such as Farrar's <i>Life of Christ</i>.
+The Religious Tract Society has published one
+(<i>The Life of Jesus Christ the Saviour</i>, by Mrs.
+S. Watson), which is not too ambitious, and might
+help you. The net price is 3s. 9d.&mdash;2. Your writing
+is good for your age, but might be improved if
+the tails to your "g's," "y's," etc., were less
+straggling.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Erin-go-bragh.</span>&mdash;1. We have inserted your request,
+but (as you give a pseudonym) not your address.&mdash;2.
+Your handwriting is too upright and irregular,
+but there is the foundation of a good hand in it.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Exile of Erin.</span>&mdash;The "Fragment" you enclose is
+above the average of poems submitted to us, but
+your metre does not flow quite smoothly enough.
+You should avoid too many monosyllables in these
+long lines.</p>
+
+<p>L. A. T.&mdash;We should advise you to read Homer's
+"Odyssey," translated by Butcher and Lang, and
+if you find difficulty in understanding it, a "Primer"
+on the subject as well. But we think you will
+enjoy it. As for Plato, read "The Trial and Death
+of Socrates," translated by Dean Church, and
+consult a small history of Greece on the period
+(399 <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span>) Do not attempt too much at once, nor
+read Plato's deeper "Dialogues" to begin with.
+Your letter, which you ask us to criticise, is clearly
+written, with only one mistake in spelling.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Miss Bealey.</span>&mdash;We undertake no communication by
+post (see "Rules" in our November part and
+elsewhere). You will find the "Home Reading
+Union" an excellent society; apply to the Secretary,
+Surrey House, Victoria Embankment. Consult
+this column for amateur societies occasionally
+mentioned.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Miss Florence E. Smith</span> calls attention to the
+"Bedford Practising Society," of which she is
+secretary. She will be delighted to send particulars
+to any fellow reader of the <span class="smcap">Girl's Own Paper</span>.
+Address to her at Winfrith, The Crescent, Bedford.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Hoffnung.</span>&mdash;Many thanks for your letter. By all
+means try again.</p></div>
+
+
+<h3>INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENCE.</h3>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Mademoiselle Marguerite Gontard</span> (address
+"Nikopal Mariopol Co., Mariopol, South Russia,
+Engineer Prauss for M. Gontard"), wishes to be
+put into communication with a young English lady,
+resident in either of the continents of Asia, Africa,
+America, or Australia. She desires to correspond
+with her either in English or French. We thank
+Mademoiselle Gontard for her pretty English
+letter. She may certainly write to us in French if
+she prefers to do so.</p>
+
+<p>"<span class="smcap">Erin-go-bragh</span>" would like to correspond with a
+French girl of about her own age&mdash;twenty-one.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Florence</span> writes a kind letter from which we quote a
+sentence. "I am wondering whether some little
+girl belonging to the readers of our <span class="smcap">Girl's Own
+Paper</span> would care to have an older friend to write
+to; she would receive in return sympathy if in
+trouble, and an interest would be taken in all she
+might care to confide to one whom she could
+perhaps learn to look upon in the light of an elder
+sister." We regret that it is against our rules to
+undertake direct postal communication; but if any
+little girl sends us her address, we will insert it here
+for "Florence" to see. Perhaps some lonely, or
+motherless, or sad little girls might be glad to find
+a friend.</p></div>
+
+
+<h3>OUR OPEN LETTER BOX.</h3>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+
+<p><span class="smcap">La Petite Violette</span> wishes to find a poem with a
+refrain to each verse "Belle Marquise." She saw
+a quotation from it as a heading to a chapter in a
+book entitled <i>Woman and the Shadow</i>.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Miss M. A. C. Crabb</span> and <span class="smcap">Elpis</span> answer <span class="smcap">Lennox</span> by
+referring the verse she quotes&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Alas! how easily things go wrong,"<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p class='noindent'>to a poem in the 19th chapter of George Macdonald's
+"Phantastes: a Faerie Romance." They
+agree in saying that the second verse is not by the
+same pen.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Peterkin</span>, <span class="smcap">Gertrude Ashworth</span>, <span class="smcap">Klondyke</span>, <span class="smcap">B. D.
+Ward</span>, <span class="smcap">M. E. Bates</span>, "<span class="smcap">Stick</span>," <span class="smcap">R. M. Cooke</span>,
+<span class="smcap">Mabel Entwistle</span> and "<span class="smcap">The Eldest Girl</span>," inform
+Ethel Rimmer that Christina Rossetti's poem
+beginning&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"When I am dead, my dearest,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Sing no sad songs for me,"<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p class='noindent'>has been set to music by Malcolm Lawson, and is
+entitled "Hereafter," in keys E&#9837; and G. It appeared
+in the June number of the <i>Strand Musical
+Magazine</i> for 1895. "<span class="smcap">A Lover of the 'G.O.P.'</span>"
+says it has been set to music by C. A. Lee, either for
+a soprano or an alto voice.</p>
+
+<p>R. C. R. suggests to <span class="smcap">Gold Dust</span> that the poem "Tit
+for Tat" is contained in "Original Poems for
+Infant Minds," by Jane Taylor, her sisters and
+brother. If this is the poem sought for, we may
+add that the volume is published by Routledge.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">One of the First Readers, Azie</span>, asks for the
+author of a poem entitled "Maggie and the
+Angels," containing two lines&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Maggie, are they the angels?<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">And be they always there?"<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Perseveranza</span> would be glad to know the publishers
+of a picture-book of performing frogs or cats from
+which she could copy for painting on dessert
+doyleys.</p>
+
+<p>L B. N. R. wishes to know the author of the following
+lines&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"There is a river which flows for ever,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">And the flowers that bloom on its banks<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Grow bright, as they glitter in grateful endeavour<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">To vie in a perfume of thanks."<br /></span>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<h3>MISCELLANEOUS.</h3>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Edith.</span>&mdash;The origin of the Lions as a device on the
+Royal Arms we trace to William the Conqueror,
+who introduced those of Normandy. These two
+original Lions were supplemented by a third,
+added by Henry III., it is generally supposed, for
+Aquitaine.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Mater.</span>&mdash;To make an economical Christmas cake,
+take half a pound of butter, place in a bowl, and
+break five eggs over it, stirring continuously, while
+a second person sifts in slowly a pound and a half
+of currants (well washed, dried, and carefully
+picked), three-quarters of a pound of flour, and
+two ounces of citron peel chopped to moderately
+small pieces. Place in a papered shape&mdash;not
+buttered&mdash;several folds of paper being laid at the
+bottom of the tin, and bake in moderately hot oven
+during three hours.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Semper paratus.</span>&mdash;We answer two questions, and
+you have asked nineteen! It is impossible to
+describe the several Scotch tartans otherwise than
+by coloured illustrations. These you will find in a
+book published by W. and A. K. Johnston (Edinburgh
+and London), entitled, <i>The Scottish Clans
+and their Tartans</i>, now in its second (if not third)
+edition. Some account of every Clan is given.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Anxious.</span>&mdash;Rheumatism will, no doubt, be made
+worse by exposure to damp and draughts; but the
+origin is in acidity, which crystallises in the joints
+and muscles. You should abstain for a time from
+butchers' meat, and from sweet things. Attend to
+the action of the liver, which may be torpid; and
+if the pain be in the arms and shoulders, you should
+perform all kinds of exercises with them, and
+employ friction and rubbing with suitable embrocation.
+If you do not perform exercises, the joints
+and sinews will become stiff.</p>
+
+<p>A. E. C.&mdash;<i>Noah's Ark</i>, by Darley Dale, is published
+as a book by F. Warne, Bedford Street, Strand.
+Price 3s. 6d.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Helen of Troy.</span>&mdash;You will find several families of
+the name Marshall&mdash;though not necessarily related&mdash;in
+Burke's <i>Landed Gentry</i>. Perhaps you can
+claim your connection with one of them. The first
+on the list is G. H. Marshall, of Patterdale Hall,
+Westmoreland, descended from John of Yeadon
+Hall, Co. York, who made a large fortune from the
+mechanical improvements in a branch of the linen
+manufacture. There is Marshall of Treworgley,
+Cornwall; Marshall of Penwortham Hall, descended
+from M. of Ardwick, near Manchester;
+Marshall of Ward End House, Co. Warwick,
+descended from M. of Perlethorp, Co. Nottinghamshire;
+and Marshall of Broadwater, Surrey,
+apparently the oldest family of that name, anciently
+spelt Marchal, and long resident in that county.
+None of these families have the same arms, nor
+crest. The first-named (of Patterdale) has none
+ascribed to them in the <i>Landed Gentry</i>. You had
+better consult the second volume in some library.</p></div>
+
+<hr class="chap" /></div><div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">{224}</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2><a name="OUR_PUZZLE_POEMS" id="OUR_PUZZLE_POEMS">OUR PUZZLE POEMS.</a></h2>
+
+<p class='ph3'>A NEW DEPARTURE.</p>
+
+
+<p><span class="smcap">We</span> are publishing Three Puzzle Poems in succession dealing with accidents and the way to meet them, and
+the following is the second of the series. The lines should be carefully committed to memory for the sake of
+the valuable instruction they contain.</p>
+
+<p>In addition to the ordinary monthly prizes <span class="smcap">Three Special Prizes</span> are offered for the best solutions of the
+whole series.</p>
+
+<p>The first Special Prize will be <span class="smcap">Three Guineas</span>; the second Special Prize, <span class="smcap">Two Guineas</span>, and the third
+Special Prize, <span class="smcap">One Guinea</span>.</p>
+
+<p>A careful record of mistakes will be kept, and these prizes will be awarded to those competitors who
+perpetrate the fewest in all three puzzles.</p>
+
+<p>If a winner of one of these prizes has already received an ordinary prize in the series, the amount of the
+smaller prize will be deducted. This will then be sent to the most deserving non-prize-winner in the list
+relating to the puzzle for which the prize in question was awarded.</p>
+
+
+<h3>OUR NEW PUZZLE POEM.</h3>
+
+<div class="figcenter w450">
+<img src="images/i_224.jpg" width="450" height="665" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<p>&#8258; <span class="smcap">Prizes</span> to the amount of six guineas (one of which will be reserved for competitors living abroad)
+are offered for the best solutions of the above Puzzle Poem. The following conditions must be observed.</p>
+
+<p>1. Solutions to be written on one side of the paper only.</p>
+
+<p>2. Each paper to be headed with the name and address of the competitor.</p>
+
+<p>3. Attention must be paid to spelling, punctuation, and neatness.</p>
+
+<p>4. Send by post to Editor, <span class="smcap">Girl's Own Paper</span>, 56, Paternoster Row, London. "Puzzle Poem" to be
+written on the top left-hand corner of the envelope.</p>
+
+<p>5. The last day for receiving solutions from Great Britain and Ireland will be February 17, 1899; from
+Abroad, April 17, 1899.</p>
+
+<p>The competition is open to all without any restrictions as to sex or age.</p>
+
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<h2><a name="OUR_SUPPLEMENT_STORY" id="OUR_SUPPLEMENT_STORY">OUR SUPPLEMENT STORY
+COMPETITION.</a></h2>
+
+
+<p class='ph3'>SELF OR FRIEND?</p>
+
+<p class='ph3'>A STORY IN MINIATURE.</p>
+
+
+<p class='center'><span class="smcap">First Prize</span> (£2 2s.).</p>
+
+<p>Margaret A. Fish, 49, Foregate Street,
+Worcester.</p>
+
+
+<p class='center'><span class="smcap">Second Prize</span> (£1 1s.).</p>
+
+<p>Rose Cook, 2, South Cliff, Lowestoft.</p>
+
+
+<p class='center'><span class="smcap">Third Prize</span> (10s. 6d.).</p>
+
+<p>Edith Ivens, Mayfield, Station Road,
+Llandaff, nr. Cardiff.</p>
+
+
+<p class='center'><span class="smcap">Very Highly Commended.</span></p>
+
+<p>Emily M. P. Wood, Woodbank, Southport.</p>
+
+
+<p class='center'><span class="smcap">Honourable Mention.</span></p>
+
+<p>Mary Adamson, Eastbourne; Lucy H.
+Chapman, Weston-super-Mare; "Conor,"
+Bonchurch, I.W.; Rose L. Connor, Greenock,
+N.B.; "Editha," Birmingham; Kate Collins
+Ensor, Atherstone; "Excelsior," North Bow,
+E.; Annie F. Hepple, N. Shields; E. Marian
+Jupe, Warminster; "Mignonette," New
+Cross, S.E.; Edith Miller, Judd St., W.C.;
+Agnes Osborne, Sidcup; Minnie Reeves,
+Twyford; Lucy Richardson, York; Enid G.
+St. Aubyn, Retford; Mary Adéle Venn,
+West Kensington Park; L. M. Willis,
+Harrogate; Mabel Wilson, Bedford Park.</p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+
+<p class='center'><span class="smcap">To the Competitors.</span></p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">My dear Girls</span>,&mdash;To the prize winners and to those
+of you also who failed to gain prizes, I offer my
+hearty congratulations on the excellent papers you
+sent in. The work of selecting the very best was
+much less difficult than that of choosing a few for
+"Honourable Mention," out of hundreds of really
+good ones.</p>
+
+<p>It may interest you to know why some of you failed
+to obtain a place in the list of honours. Twenty-eight
+competitors were disqualified by breaking the
+rule as to size of paper and space to be filled. Then
+there were several charming essays on the story which
+were not miniatures of it. In a considerable number
+necessary parts of the outline were omitted, hence
+the work was incomplete.</p>
+
+<p>It gave me true pleasure to note how thoroughly
+most of you grasped the lesson which the story was
+intended to convey.</p>
+
+<p>Do not be disheartened. Try again. Such good
+papers cannot be called failures, and the exercise
+will benefit you whether you gain prizes or not.</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="ml2">Your affectionate old friend,</span><br />
+<span class="smcap ml4">Ruth Lamb.</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+
+<p class='ph3'>OUR NEXT STORY COMPETITION.</p>
+
+<p class='ph3'>STORIES IN MINIATURE.</p>
+
+<p class='center'><i>Subject</i>:&mdash;"<span class="smcap">The G. O. P. Supplement for
+January.</span>"</p>
+
+
+<p class='ph3'>WHEN MY SHIP COMES HOME.</p>
+
+<p class='center'><span class="smcap">By</span> SARAH DOUDNEY, Author of "A Cluster
+of Roses," "A Flower of Light," etc.</p>
+
+<p>We offer three prizes of <span class="smcap">Two Guineas</span>,
+<span class="smcap">One Guinea</span>, and <span class="smcap">Half-a-Guinea</span> for the
+three best papers on our "Story Supplement"
+for this month. The essays are to give a brief
+account of the plot and action of the story in
+the Competitor's own words; in fact, each
+paper should be a carefully-constructed <i>Story
+in Miniature</i>, telling the reader in a few
+bright words what <span class="smcap">The Girl's Own Story
+Supplement</span> for the month is all about.</p>
+
+<p>One page of foolscap only is to be written
+upon, and is to be signed by the writer, followed
+by her full address, and posted to The
+Editor, <span class="smcap">Girl's Own Paper</span>, in an unsealed
+envelope, with the words "Stories in Miniature"
+written on the left-hand top corner.</p>
+
+<p>The last day for receiving the papers is
+January 20th; and no papers can in any case
+be returned.</p>
+
+<p><i>Examiners</i>:&mdash;The Author of the Story
+(Sarah Doudney), and the Editor of <span class="smcap">The
+Girl's Own Paper</span>.</p></div>
+
+<hr class="full" />
+
+<p>Transcriber's Note: The following changes have been made to this text.</p>
+
+<p>Page 218&mdash;prevenche changed to pervenche.</p>
+
+<p>Page 222&mdash;parafin changed to paraffin.</p>
+
+<div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 52104 ***</div>
+</body>
+</html>
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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Girl's Own Paper, Vol. XX, No. 992,
+December 31, 1898, by Various
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most
+other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions
+whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of
+the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at
+www.gutenberg.org.  If you are not located in the United States, you'll have
+to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook.
+
+
+
+Title: The Girl's Own Paper, Vol. XX, No. 992, December 31, 1898
+
+Author: Various
+
+Release Date: May 19, 2016 [EBook #52104]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: UTF-8
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE GIRL'S OWN PAPER ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Susan Skinner, Chris Curnow, Pamela Patten and
+the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at
+http://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: THE GIRL'S OWN PAPER
+
+VOL. XX.--NO. 992.      DECEMBER 31, 1898.      [PRICE ONE PENNY.]
+
+
+
+
+OLD ENGLISH COTTAGE HOMES;
+
+OR,
+
+VILLAGE ARCHITECTURE OF BYGONE TIMES.
+
+
+[Illustration: AT CLARE, SUFFOLK.]
+
+_All rights reserved._]
+
+
+PART III.
+
+We have already pointed out the simplicity of outline observable
+in old English cottages, and the absence of exaggeration and that
+disagreeable fussiness brought about by too much striving after the
+picturesque. It must not, however, from this be concluded that ancient
+village buildings are always plain and do not at times possess elegant
+ornamentation and graceful details.
+
+The general outline, however, is always simple and quiet, for, as will
+be seen by the examples we give (two of the most elaborate cottages in
+England), the roof lines are very little broken up or varied.
+
+The first of these buildings is at Clare in Suffolk, and the second is
+at Newport in Essex, the latter being one of the richest counties in
+England for cottage architecture, many of its villages retaining quite
+a mediæval aspect down to the present time.
+
+We will now say a few words upon the methods of applying ornamental
+detail to cottages adopted in mediæval times, and we shall commence
+with those structures erected in "Post-and-pan" construction. We trust
+that our readers have not forgotten what is meant by the ugly-sounding
+expression "Post-and-pan," and regret that we are quite unable to
+discover or invent some more elegant name for this description of
+building. Some years back a number of architects and archæologists
+were examined before a parliamentary commission. The commission
+objected to the words "Post-and-pan" being used in their report, and
+suggested to the witnesses that they should find some more scientific
+expression for this kind of work! It was found, however, impossible to
+invent any one which conveyed the idea so concisely and satisfactorily,
+so the old-fashioned name "Post-and-pan" received parliamentary
+sanction! This being the case, our girls need not scruple to use it,
+and may it not, after all, be as valuable for the formation of the lips
+as the "prunes" and "prism" of Little Dorritt?
+
+There are several ways of applying ornamentation to "Post-and-pan"
+buildings. The first is to add mouldings, tracery or carving, to the
+doorways, windows, cornices, corbels and other constructive parts of
+the building.
+
+The second is to arrange the "posts" in patterns by introducing curved
+beams amongst them, or other woodwork, forming a kind of tracery
+pattern.
+
+The third is to adorn the "pans" (panels) either with stamped
+plaster-work called "pargeting," or with coloured plaster-work, or
+wood-carving.
+
+The first of these methods is seen in the beautiful example which we
+have sketched at Newport in Essex: here it will be noticed that the
+bow window of the upper storey is adorned with wood tracery, and its
+corbel richly carved with figure subjects, all executed in oak. The
+"spurs," as they are called, which carry the projection of the upper
+storey, are richly moulded and rest upon elegant little colonnettes.
+The pans are filled in with brickwork laid in herring-bone patterns.
+The centre of the building is recessed back, but in order to preserve
+the severe and simple lines of the roof, the latter does not follow
+the line of the recess, but is supported upon an arched beam, from the
+centre of which projects a lifting-crane, a treatment quite peculiar to
+the home counties and the south of England.
+
+Of course this building is far more elaborate than most cottages, and
+the tradition of the place accounts for this by the supposition that it
+was formerly the dwelling of a farm bailiff to the Abbot of Westminster.
+
+The beautiful little village of Newport has several examples of
+interesting domestic work and a very noble church.
+
+The building which we illustrate dates from the 15th century, and is
+still in excellent repair though not in any way restored.
+
+The very elaborate cottage represented in our first sketch is an
+excellent example of pargeting, the surface of the pans being covered
+by a rich kind of shawl-pattern executed in hard plaster, like the
+Newport example. The constructive portions of the building are
+elaborately treated. We are unable to account for the amount of
+elaboration bestowed on this cottage, but as it is close to the church,
+which is a very handsome building and liberally endowed with chantries,
+it is very probable that this may have been the dwelling of one of the
+chantry priests.
+
+Clare was an important place in the Middle Ages and possessed a castle,
+remains of which are still to be seen. Richard Strongbow, the Conqueror
+of Ireland, is said to have lived in it.
+
+The Manor of Clare in later times belonged to Edmund Mortimer, Earl of
+March. There was also a priory here, built in 1248 by Richard, Earl of
+Gloucester.
+
+A very curious poem exists in the form of a dialogue, "betwixt a
+secular askyng and a frere answering at the grave of Dame Johan of
+Acris" (of Clare). It is a quaint example of Old English and begins in
+rather a curious manner.
+
+Q. "What man lyeth here, sey me, Sir Frere?"
+
+A. "No man."
+
+Q. "What ellis?"
+
+A. "It is a woman."
+
+Then follows her pedigree all in rhyme, from which it appears that she
+was a daughter of King Edward I., and the remarkable circumstance is
+stated, that she was borne of her "moder"!
+
+As the poem is about three pages long and all pretty much like the
+sample we have given, we will not inflict it upon our readers.
+
+    H. W. BREWER.
+
+[Illustration: AT NEWPORT, ESSEX.]
+
+
+
+
+ABOUT PEGGY SAVILLE.
+
+BY JESSIE MANSERGH (Mrs. G. de Horne Vaizey), Author of "Sisters
+Three," etc.
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+Peggy felt weak and shaken for some days after her fright, and was
+thankful to stay quietly indoors and busy herself with her new task.
+The gas fire could be turned on in her room whenever she desired, and
+at every spare moment she ran upstairs, locked her door behind her, and
+began to write. Robert insisted that the work should be kept secret,
+and that not a word should be said about the competition downstairs,
+for he was sensitive about the remarks of his companions, and anxious
+to keep a possible failure to himself. All the work had to be done
+upstairs therefore, and the frequent absence of the partners from the
+schoolroom, though much regretted, did not seem at all inexplicable to
+the others. It was understood that Peggy and Robert had some interest
+in common, but as winter advanced this was no unusual occurrence in a
+house where Christmas was a carnival, and surprises of an elaborate
+nature were planned by every member of the household. It was taken for
+granted that the work had some connection with Christmas, and inquiries
+were discreetly avoided.
+
+With an old calendar before her as a model for the lettering, Peggy did
+her work neatly and well, and the gilt "arabesques" had an artistic
+flourish which was quite professional. When Robert was shown the first
+half-dozen sheets he whistled with surprise, and exclaimed, "Good old
+Mariquita!" a burst of approval before which Peggy glowed with delight.
+It had been agreed that, after printing the first ten days of January,
+Peggy should go on to the first ten of February, and so on throughout
+the year, so that Rob should be able to use what quotations had already
+been found under each heading, and should not be detained until the
+whole thirty or thirty-one had been chosen.
+
+The partners were most fastidious in their selection at the beginning
+of their work, but when half the time had passed and not one-third of
+the necessary number of quotations had been found, alarm seized upon
+the camp, and it was realised that a little more latitude must be shown.
+
+"We shall have to use up all the old ones which we struck off the
+list," said Rob disconsolately. "I'm sorry; but I never realised
+before that three hundred and sixty-five was such an outrageously
+large number. And we shall have to get books of extracts and read them
+through from beginning to end. Nearly two hundred more to find; a
+hundred and fifty, say, when we have used up those old ones! It will
+take us all our time!"
+
+"I'll get up at six every morning and read by my fire," said Peggy
+firmly. "If it's necessary I'll get up at five, and if I can't find
+bits to suit all the stupid old things, I'll--I'll write some myself!
+There! Why shouldn't I? I often make up things in my head, and you
+wouldn't believe how fine they are. I think of them days afterwards,
+and ask myself, 'Now where did I read that?' and then it comes back to
+me. 'Dear me; I made it up myself!' If we get very short, Rob, there
+wouldn't be any harm in writing a few sentences and signing them
+'Saville,' would there?"
+
+"Not if they were good enough," said Rob, trying to suppress the laugh
+which would have hurt Peggy's feelings, and looking with twinkling eyes
+at the little figure by his side, so comically unprofessional, with her
+lace collar, dainty little feet, and pigtail of dark brown hair. "You
+mustn't get up too early in the morning and overtire yourself. I can't
+allow that!" he added firmly. "You have looked like a little white
+ghost the last few days, and your face is about the size of my hand.
+You must get some colour into your cheeks before the holidays, or that
+beloved Arthur will think we have been ill-treating you when he comes
+down."
+
+Peggy gave a sharp little sigh and relapsed into silence. It was the
+rarest thing in the world to hear her allude to any of her own people.
+When a letter arrived, and Mrs. Asplin asked questions concerning
+father, mother, or brother, she answered readily enough, but she never
+offered information, or voluntarily carried on the conversation.
+Friends less sympathetic might have imagined that she was so happy in
+her new home that she had no care beyond it, but no one in the Vicarage
+made that mistake. When the square Indian letter was handed to her
+across the breakfast table, the flush of delight on the pale cheeks
+brought a reflected smile to every face, and more than one pair of eyes
+watched her tenderly as she sat hugging the precious letter, waiting
+until the moment should come when she could rush upstairs and devour
+its contents in her own room. Once it had happened that mail day had
+arrived and brought no letter, and that had been a melancholy occasion.
+Mrs. Asplin had looked at one envelope after another, had read the
+addresses twice, thrice, even four times over before she summoned
+courage to tell of its absence.
+
+"There is no letter for you to-day, Peggy!" Her voice was full
+of commiseration as she spoke, but Peggy sat in silence, her
+face stiffened, her head thrown back with an assumption of calm
+indifference. "There must have been some delay in the mail. You will
+have two letters next week, dearie, instead of one."
+
+"Probably," said Peggy. Mellicent was staring at her with big, round
+eyes; the Vicar peered over the rim of his spectacles; Esther passed
+the marmalade with eager solicitude; her friends were all full of
+sympathy, but there was a "Touch-me-if-you-dare!" atmosphere about
+Peggy that day which silenced the words on their lip. It was evident
+that she preferred to be left alone, and though her eyes were red
+when she came down to lunch, she held her chin so high, and joined in
+the conversation with such an elegant flow of language, that no one
+dare comment on the fact. Two days later the letter arrived and all
+was sunshine again; but in spite of her cheery spirits, her friends
+realised that Peggy's heart was not in the vicarage, and that there
+were moments when the loneliness of her position pressed on her, and
+when she longed intensely for someone of her very own, whose place
+could not be taken by even the kindest of friends.
+
+Like most undemonstrative people, Peggy dearly loved to be appreciated,
+and to receive marks of favour from those around. Half the zest with
+which she entered into her new labour was owing to the fact that Robert
+had chosen her from all the rest to be his partner. She was aglow with
+satisfaction in this fact, and with pleasure in the work itself, and
+the only cloud which darkened her horizon at the present moment was
+caused by those incidental references to the fair Rosalind, which fell
+so often from her companion's lips.
+
+"Everything," said Peggy impatiently to herself, "everything ends
+in Rosalind! Whatever we are talking about, that stupid girl's name
+is bound to be introduced! I asked Mellicent if she would have a
+scone at tea this afternoon, and she said something about Rosalind
+in reply--Rosalind liked scones, or she didn't like scones, or some
+ridiculous nonsense of the sort! Who wants to know what Rosalind likes?
+I don't! I'm sick of the name! And Mrs. Asplin is as silly as the rest!
+The girls must have new dresses because Rosalind is coming, and they
+will be asked to tea at the Larches! If their green dresses are good
+enough for us, why won't they do for Rosalind, I should like to know?
+Rob is the only sensible one. I asked him if she were really such a
+marvellous creature, and he said she was an affected goose! He ought
+to know better than anyone else! Curls indeed! One would think it was
+something extraordinary to have curls! My hair would curl too, if I
+chose to make it, but I don't; I prefer to have it straight! If she is
+the 'Honourable Rosalind,' I am Mariquita Saville, and I'm not going to
+be patronised by anybody, so there!" and Peggy tossed her head, and
+glared at the reflection in the glass in a lofty and scornful manner,
+as though it were the offending party who had had the audacity to
+assume superiority.
+
+Robert was one with Peggy in hoping that his people would not leave
+town until such time as the calendar should be despatched on its
+travels, for when they were installed at the Larches he was expected to
+be at home each week from Saturday until Monday, and the loss of that
+long holiday afternoon would interfere seriously with the work on hand.
+He had seen so little of his people for the last few years, that he
+would be expected to be sociable during the short time that he was with
+them, and could hardly shut himself up in his room for hours at a time.
+Despair then settled down upon both partners when a letter arrived to
+say that the Darcy family were coming down even earlier than had been
+expected, and summoning Robert to join them at the earliest possible
+moment.
+
+"This is awful!" cried the lad, ruffling his hair with a big, restless
+hand. "I know what it means--not only Saturdays off, but two or three
+nights during the week into the bargain! Between you and me, Mariquita,
+the governor is coming down here to economise and intends to stay much
+longer than usual. Hector has been getting into debt again; he's the
+eldest, you know--the one in the Life Guards. It's a lot too bad, for
+he has had it all his own way so far, and when he runs up bills like
+this, everyone has to suffer for it. Mother hates the country for more
+than a few weeks at a time, and will be wretched if she is kept here
+all through the winter. I know how it will be, she will keep asking
+people down, and getting up all sorts of entertainments to relieve the
+dulness. It's all very well in its way, but just now when I need every
+minute----"
+
+"Shall you give up trying for the prize?" asked Peggy faintly, and Rob
+threw back his head with emphatic disclaimer.
+
+"I never give up a thing when I have made up my mind to do it! There
+are ten days still, and a great deal can be done in ten days. I'll take
+a couple of books upstairs with me every night and see if I can find
+something fresh. There is one good thing about it, I shall have a fresh
+stock of books to choose from at the Larches. It is the last step that
+costs in this case. It was easy enough to fix off the first hundred,
+but the last is a teaser!"
+
+On Saturday morning a dog-cart came over to convey Robert to the
+Larches, and the atmosphere of the vicarage seemed charged with
+expectation and excitement. The Darcys had arrived; to-morrow they
+would appear at church; on Monday they would probably drive over with
+Rob and pay a call. These were all important facts in a quiet country
+life, and seemed to afford unlimited satisfaction to every member
+of the household. Peggy grew so tired of the name of Darcy that she
+retired to her room at eight o'clock, and was busy at work over the
+September batch of cards, when a knock came to the door, and she had
+to cover them over with the blotting paper to admit Mellicent in her
+dressing-gown, with her hair arranged for the night in an extraordinary
+number of little plaited pig-tails.
+
+"Will you fasten the ends for me, Peggy, please?" she requested. "When
+I do it, the threads fall off, and the ends come loose. I want it to be
+specially nice for to-morrow!"
+
+"But it will look simply awful, Mellicent, if you leave it like this.
+It will be frizzed out almost on a level with your head. Let me do it
+up in just two tight plaits, it will be far, far nicer," urged Peggy,
+lifting one little tail after another, and counting their number in
+dismay. But no, Mellicent would not be persuaded. The extra plaits were
+a tribute to Rosalind, a mark of attention to her on her arrival with
+which she would suffer no interference, and as a consequence of her
+stubbornness, she marched to church next morning disfigured by a mop of
+untidy, tangled hair instead of the usual glossy locks.
+
+Peggy preserved a demeanour of stately calm, as she waited for the
+arrival of the Darcy family, but even she felt a tremor of excitement
+when the verger hobbled up to the square pew and stood holding the door
+open in his hand. The heads of the villagers turned with one consent
+to the doorway; only one person in the church disdained to move her
+position, but she heard the clatter of horses' hoofs from without, and
+presently the little procession passed the vicarage pew, and she could
+indulge her curiosity without sacrifice to pride. First of all came
+Lord Darcy, a thin, oldish man, with a face that looked tired and kind,
+and faintly amused by the amount of attention which his entrance had
+attracted. Then his wife, a tall, fair woman, with a beautiful profile,
+and an air of languid discontent who floated past with rustling silken
+skirts, leaving an impression of elegance and luxury, which made Mrs.
+Asplin sigh and Mellicent draw in her breath with a gasp of rapture.
+Then followed Robert with his shaggy head, scowling more fiercely than
+ever in his disgust at finding himself an object of attention, and last
+of all a girlish figure in a grey dress, with a collar of soft, fluffy
+chinchilla, and a velvet hat with drooping brim, beneath which could be
+seen a glimpse of a face pink and white as the blossoms of spring, and
+a mass of shining, golden hair. Peggy shut her lips with a snap, and
+the iron entered into her soul. It was no use pretending any longer!
+This was Rosalind, and she was fairer, sweeter, a hundred times more
+beautiful than she had ever imagined!
+
+(_To be continued._)
+
+
+
+
+GIRLS AS I HAVE KNOWN THEM.
+
+BY ELSA D'ESTERRE-KEELING, Author of "Old Maids and Young."
+
+
+PART III.
+
+THE VULGAR GIRL.
+
+As translated by Cowley, Horace is made to say--
+
+    "Hence, ye profane, I hate ye all,
+    Both the great vulgar and the small!"
+
+[Illustration: The small vulgar]
+
+There will be no attempt made in this paper to deal with the great
+vulgar, but some attempt will be made in it to deal with the small,
+being the category to which, it may be assumed, belongs the average
+vulgar girl.
+
+It is of course impossible within the limits of a short essay to
+indicate more than a few of the leading characteristics of this girl.
+She it is who not only wants to monopolise the conversation, but who
+wants to confine it to one subject. She should remember the quaint
+counsel, "The honourablest part of talk is to give the occasion,
+and again to moderate, and pass to something else." Moreover in
+conversation she too often follows the rule laid down by a French
+author for those about to write love-letters:
+
+"Begin without knowing what you are going to say, and end without
+knowing what you have said."
+
+If at the end of a conversation she sometimes knew what she had said,
+the vulgar girl, who is not necessarily a callous girl, would feel very
+unhappy.
+
+Her tendency to talk indiscreetly has doubtless its origin in the
+precipitancy which causes her to break in upon the speech of others.
+There is a lesson which she might learn from a certain polite echo.
+This echo may be heard opposite to Mugdock Castle in Scotland. It will
+repeat any sentence of six syllables in the exact tone in which it is
+uttered--waiting till the sentence is finished.
+
+Another result of the lack of deliberation which characterises the
+vulgar girl is seen in the fact that the latest book, the latest play,
+the latest picture, is to her Thingimy by Thingimbob. That nomenclature
+is somewhat vague, and is moreover out of date, but it still commends
+itself to the vulgar girl, as does the soubriquet _The Bard_ for
+Shakespeare.
+
+Her singular phraseology, which she conceives to set her at an
+advantage, in reality sometimes sets the vulgar girl at a disadvantage.
+Of Tennyson she said the other day--
+
+"I don't pretend to understand him any more than Browning, but then he
+tootles on prettily, and that's what I like in poetry."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+A main difference between Browning and Tennyson was here correctly set
+forth, but the phrasing was in questionable taste. "Tootles" is a good
+word, but to say that Tennyson "tootles on prettily," is to understate
+his merits. It shall here be pointed out in passing that "I don't
+pretend" is a favourite form of asseveration with the vulgar girl, and
+is one which she should try to vary, if only because it inferentially
+asserts that other people do pretend.
+
+The vulgar girl is "by way of being" (her own phrase) witty. One part
+of her wit is to say "muchly" for much, and another part of it is to
+say "free gratis" for free of charge.
+
+Flippancy as a substitute for wit so often evokes mirth that the vulgar
+girl as would-be wit not incomprehensibly largely indulges in it. I sat
+beside her once during a performance of Beethoven's Septett, one of
+the loveliest things in music, with here and there a heart-delighting
+gaiety in it. During the fifth movement of it she whispered to me--
+
+"Isn't it like 'The Bogie Man'?"
+
+[Illustration]
+
+The levity in what follows was even more remarkable. The speaker was a
+young bride.
+
+"I didn't feel a bit nervous at my wedding," she said. "You see, I have
+been used to private theatricals."
+
+A girl like that mistakes gaiety of head for gaiety of heart.
+
+[Illustration: Her first appearance in a new role]
+
+As a sample of vulgar girl-wit at its crudest, I give the following, in
+which a girl spoke of a lady--
+
+"She couldn't turn white, but she went the colour of an unripe tomato."
+
+[Illustration: Upset by Tomato sauce]
+
+The vulgar girl who is "by way of being" witty is not "by way of
+being" sentimental, and is rather addicted to signing her letters
+"Your's," which word she believes to be rightly written as above, with
+an apostrophe. This girl, for the rest, is generally good-natured, and
+her vein of censure is more often odd than terrible. Thus she said the
+other day of a dentist--
+
+"He is a horrible little snob, but that doesn't matter when he gets
+into your mouth."
+
+[Illustration: An old Fairy Tale]
+
+As often as not the vulgar girl has both sense and sensibility. Of the
+latter fact she is profoundly ashamed, and has been known to say of a
+book that has deeply agitated her--
+
+"I got to feel quite eye-in-water over it."
+
+She affects to care, only for the gaieties of life, but knows something
+of its gravities, and has often a bit of heroine in her. The worst
+thing about her is her speech. "Jolly" is her favourite adverb. She
+is jolly glad when she is not jolly mad, and she will soon describe
+herself as jolly sad. She uses the verb "mashed" hideously; where her
+prototype of twenty years ago said "swell" she says "swagger;" and
+she does not stick at saying "beastly." For the rest, she has always
+some pet word of the hour. Thus "dotty" is an adjective now much in
+favour with her. Thereby hangs a tale. The vulgar girl sometimes knows
+Italian, and it was she who translated a line from a famous lady's
+epitaph--
+
+    "_Vergine magnanime, dotta, divina._"
+
+    "A virgin magnanimous, dotty, divine."
+
+On the other hand there are vulgar girls who do not know Latin, and one
+of them has been known to say "effluvia" for "smell," the Latin for
+"smell" being "effluvium."
+
+The pronunciation of her own language is by some thought to offer
+insuperable difficulties to the English vulgar girl, who pronounces
+the "t" in "often" but does not pronounce it in "Westminster," whose
+favourite colour, she has been heard to aver, is "terrar cottar,"
+who plays an instrument which she calls "the varlin," who says
+"to_wards_" and "inter_est_ing," who pronounces "ate" "et," and whose
+vocabulary has been known to include the words "pantomine," "Feb'uary"
+and "sec'etary." So far is this list from exhausting the faults of
+pronunciation of the said vulgar girl, that it must be added that she
+gives to no one vowel its proper sound, while among the consonants
+"h" initial and "g" final stumble her. She is particularly careless
+regarding the latter consonant when the form which her vulgarity takes
+is that of would-be "smartness."
+
+Very abominable to this girl is grammar, which is all but invariably
+set at defiance by her. Thus, even when she does not say "it were," as
+did Mrs. Cluppins, she favours such phrasing as "those sort of," "very
+pleased," "different to" and "between you and I."
+
+[Illustration: A model]
+
+Her predilection for abbreviations is another marked feature of the
+vulgar girl. To "'bus" she has lately added "biz," and "spec" has found
+her approval.
+
+The pity of it!
+
+Just as she has always a favourite word, she has mostly a favourite
+phrase. In one instance known to me it is "You know what I mean," and
+everyone knows what she means, as well everyone may.
+
+Take this assertion--
+
+"It's one of those schools where they sleep in carbuncles--you know
+what I mean."
+
+Of course everyone knows what she means.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Or take this--
+
+"I can't be in six or seven places at one; I'm not omnivorous--you know
+what I mean."
+
+[Illustration: not omnivorous]
+
+Of course everyone knows what she means.
+
+They call her Mrs. Malaprop; but, in point of fact, her case is a
+notable improvement upon that of Sheridan's heroine, the ignorance
+of that lady having been of a shade by just so much deeper that it
+left her unwitting of the fact that she was wrong. The girl here in
+view has a shrewd suspicion that she is wrong, but pays her hearers
+the compliment of assuming that they will understand her. In only one
+instance, so far as has come to my knowledge, has she ever overtaxed
+her listener's powers of comprehension. She spoke of a living novelist.
+
+"I can't bear his books," she said. "They're so very _femme de
+chambre_--you know what I mean."
+
+Not only did the person addressed not know what she meant, but he
+will not now be induced to believe that she meant "_fin de siècle_,"
+and unconsciously used what, it seems to some of us, was a very happy
+substitute for this rather hackneyed phrase.
+
+I have in the foregoing dwelt more particularly on what is to me the
+most striking fact in connection with the vulgar girl, the base uses
+to which she puts her native speech; that my account of her may not,
+however, be wholly inadequate, I have also conferred with persons whose
+views on manners and deportment, as frequently expressed by them, have
+led me to believe that they may be better able than I am to point out
+what, from the social standpoint, constitutes a vulgar girl. Of the
+many _data_ supplied me, I give below a few.
+
+The vulgar girl is "arch."
+
+The vulgar girl is "coy."
+
+The vulgar girl loves "chaff."
+
+The vulgar girl has sidelong looks.
+
+The vulgar girl calls milk "cream" and bacon "ham."
+
+The vulgar girl shouts or whispers.
+
+The vulgar girl thinks all other girls vulgar.
+
+[Illustration: An extreme view]
+
+The vulgar girl has never been told, or has been told in vain, to sit
+up and put her knees together.
+
+The vulgar girl is the girl of whom the vulgar boy says that she is
+"not half a bad sort."
+
+(_To be continued._)
+
+
+
+
+"OUR HERO."
+
+A TALE OF THE FRANCO-ENGLISH WAR NINETY YEARS AGO.
+
+BY AGNES GIBERNE, Author of "Sun, Moon and Stars," "The Girl at the
+Dower House," etc.
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+IN A FORTIFIED TOWN.
+
+It was growing dark when at length they drove through the gates into
+Verdun.
+
+No one then said a needless word, not even Roy. The sense of banishment
+and of captivity pressed upon them all with a new force, at the
+sight of this fortified town, with its massive encircling walls, its
+iron gates, its pervading gendarmerie. If any lack of realisation of
+their true position had helped them hitherto, it had small chance of
+surviving this hour.
+
+At the gate they had to pause, a gendarme coming to the coach door. He
+said something to Denham, which made Colonel Baron ask sharply--
+
+"Eh, what's that?"
+
+"We are to go first to the citadel. Not necessary for Mrs. Baron and
+Roy. You and I might walk it, sir, and send them on."
+
+"No, no," Mrs. Baron interposed; "I cannot go on alone. We will keep
+together."
+
+"A pity," murmured Ivor; and Colonel Baron looked doubtfully from him
+to his wife.
+
+"I am not going to do it," she repeated, with her manner of graceful
+determination; and then, earnestly, "Do not ask it of me--pray do not!"
+No more could be said, and the man was ordered to drive on.
+
+Verdun at that date lay in the then French province of Lorraine, the
+then French department of the Meuse, upon which river it was built.
+Distant from Paris somewhere about one hundred and fifty miles, it was
+also within about fifty miles, in different directions, of two towns
+which have since become vividly historic, Sédan and Metz. The river
+thereabouts follows a tortuous course, and the lower part of Verdun
+stood mainly on little islands in the Meuse, while the upper part led
+to the French citadel, which crowned a rocky summit.
+
+The valley, containing the town, ran north-west and south-east, being
+surrounded by hills.
+
+On reaching the citadel Mrs. Baron and Roy were desired by the Colonel
+to remain in the coach, while he and Denham disappeared within, there
+to be carefully examined and closely questioned, and having again
+to give their parole. After which they came out, the Colonel saying
+shortly--
+
+"That business is done! Tell them where to go, Den. They seem
+determined to know us again."
+
+"Were they civil?" his wife asked.
+
+"No end of a fuss, my dear. As if the word of an English gentleman were
+not sufficient. Close description of us both written in the register."
+
+Once more they drove on, Roy gazing from side to side, noting the
+small insignificant shops, and exclaiming at occasional peeps of the
+river with an interest which never quite failed him. The others were
+for the most part silent. Mrs. Baron's eyes were dim, the Colonel was
+pre-occupied, and Ivor, usually the most observant of men, seemed to
+see nothing.
+
+Presently they stopped before the gateway of a large old house or small
+private "hôtel," with an untidy little courtyard. An old Frenchman,
+in quaint dress, grey-haired, with an imposing pig-tail, came to meet
+them, bowing profoundly to the gentlemen, and still more profoundly to
+Mrs. Baron.
+
+"C'est, sans doute, Monsieur le Colonel--et Madame----"
+
+Colonel Baron's particular gift did not lie in the direction of foreign
+languages. He never could talk French, and probably he never would, no
+matter how many years he might be compelled to live in France.
+
+"Oui, monsieur. Bon jour. C'est nous qui sont viendrai," he responded,
+feeling it incumbent on him to say something, as he descended from the
+old coach. "J'espère que vous êtes bien. Je suis bien aise que nous
+sommes haut--pas bas--pas près de le rivière. Bother their grammar,
+Denham; you can do it better than I. Just say what's suitable."
+
+Denham obeyed, and the next object which dawned upon Roy's perceptions
+was the sad and gentle face of Lucille de St. Roques. He seized her
+hand vehemently.
+
+"I say, mademoiselle, it's nice to find you here. Isn't it, Den?
+Mamma, this is Mademoiselle de St. Roques. Papa, you know she helped
+to nurse me after I'd had small-pox. Are we going to live upstairs,
+mademoiselle? Is that what it's to be? The whole upstairs, all to
+ourselves? What fun! Which way is it? Oh, I see! This way, mamma. Those
+poor horses do look tired, just half-starved, and so skinny. Is there
+a stable for them? Are we to have tea? Dinner! that's right. We didn't
+get half a dinner to-day, and I'm famished. What a droll old staircase?
+Do look out of this window, mamma."
+
+Roy's flow of spirits helped them all. The Colonel and his wife
+gratefully expressed their thanks to the French girl for her past
+kindness to their boy, both being much attracted by her face and her
+pretty manner as she led the way upstairs to the first floor. There
+stood Madame Courant, a fat and smiling little Frenchwoman, ready to
+bestow unlimited welcomes upon the unfortunate foreigners.
+
+Lucille had exchanged bows with Ivor at first, and then had a few
+words with him, scanning his face as she talked, with rather troubled
+glances. There was, however, small leisure at first for any quiet
+conversation. The rooms had to be inspected, and they were found to be
+not at all bad as to size, though meagrely furnished. Lucille had set
+her heart on making everything wear as far as possible an English look,
+using her childish recollections of a home across the Channel; and if
+she was less successful than she had hoped, nobody betrayed the fact.
+It was clear to them all how hard she had worked to render the place
+comfortable.
+
+"But it has been no trouble--non, vraiment--not at all," she assured
+them, with her pensive smile, when they apologised.
+
+While sincerely anxious to help, full of sympathy for their position,
+and most desirous to cheer them up, she plainly feared to be guilty
+of intrusion, and very soon she took herself off with Madame Courant
+to the ground floor. A somewhat clumsy but well-intentioned maiden
+had been deputed to wait upon the upstairs party--probably had been
+hired for the purpose, since Madame Courant did most of her own
+house-work--and dinner was laid in the smaller salon in readiness for
+their arrival.
+
+On the whole that first meal might be reckoned a success. Madame
+Courant was no mean cook; and though not much could be said as to the
+actual waiting, from an English point of view, that was a minor matter,
+compared with the comfort of finding clean and cosy quarters, not to
+speak of a kind reception. Roy did his best to supply all deficiencies
+in the conversational line, and his efforts were seconded, though not
+vigorously, by Denham.
+
+When, however, dinner was at an end, and they had moved into the
+larger salon, which was to be their drawing-room--when a long evening
+lay before them, and there was nothing that had to be done, beyond a
+certain amount of unpacking and arranging, which no one felt disposed
+to begin upon at once--then a change came. Then the shadow of their
+captivity descended heavily upon them all, even upon the valiant Roy;
+and for once the spirit of cheerfulness and of keeping up seemed to
+vanish.
+
+For a quarter of an hour they all remained together, no one speaking.
+No one was able to speak. They had nothing whatever to say. And
+presently, when this had gone on a little while, Mrs. Baron made
+a move, retreating into her own bedroom, avowedly to "see to a
+few things," but in reality, as they all knew, to indulge in a
+breakdown--her husband, after a brief hesitation, going thither also.
+Denham had flagged completely, retreating to a shady corner near the
+big fireplace, where he could scarcely be seen; and for Ivor to flag
+meant the flagging of everybody. As for Roy--but that he would have
+been ashamed, counting himself already almost a man, he could at this
+stage have flung himself on the ground and cried like a little child
+for very home-sickness.
+
+He wanted Molly--oh, most awfully! He wanted her this evening more than
+he had ever wanted anything or anybody in his whole life. The craving
+that took possession of him for Molly's face, Molly's voice, Molly's
+companionship--the passionate desire to have dear little Molly once
+more by his side--was a pain never to be forgotten.
+
+Roy did not know how to bear himself under it. He had nothing to do,
+nothing with which to pass the time. He stood at the window, looking
+out upon the darkness, trying desperately to be cool and stoical, as
+one five minutes crawled by after another. Denham never moved, never
+spoke a word. Roy could just make out his dark outline, as motionless
+as a carved image, a few yards distant. If only Denham would have
+talked, if something would have happened, if somebody would have come
+in, it would have been easier to keep going. But nobody came, nothing
+happened, and Denham did not stir.
+
+Roy drummed with his fingers on the window-sill. He could hear shrill
+voices out in the street, not far off, and the sound of some tuneless
+instrument. One of the two candles was gone with Mrs. Baron, leaving
+the room dim. He tried to listen, tried not to think. And just when
+he counted himself victorious, there was a queer little catch of his
+breath which sounded suspicious. Roy drummed again angrily, hoping that
+Denham had not heard. He might be asleep, he was so still. But, after a
+slight break, he said--
+
+"Come here."
+
+Roy unwillingly obeyed. He would have liked to refuse, but he looked
+upon Ivor as in some sort his commanding officer, so of course he had
+no choice.
+
+"They're making no end of a row out there," he remarked in a tone of
+profound indifference, as he lounged nearer. "Can't think what it's all
+for. Just listen."
+
+"Yes; I wish they would stop."
+
+"Don't know what's it's all about. Something or other--going on. I
+shouldn't wonder--if they're quarrelling."
+
+That odd little catch again.
+
+"Feel very bad this evening, Roy?"
+
+The question took Roy by surprise, and a lump in his throat prevented
+an immediate reply.
+
+Denham understood.
+
+"Never mind," he said. "It's the same with all of us, you know. And
+there's one comfort for you--that Molly wants you at least as much as
+you want her. Some people would give a good deal for that certainty."
+
+Roy tried to explain matters away.
+
+"I didn't say----"
+
+"My dear boy, there's no need for you to say anything; I know well
+enough. Don't you see?"
+
+Denham's chair shook as Roy leant against it, but no further sound
+came. He fought his battle courageously, and Denham waited.
+
+"We shall all feel better to-morrow," the latter presently remarked.
+"It's a strange place, and things look uncomfortable to-night--can't
+well do otherwise. Suppose you and I have a game of chess. Better than
+to sit brooding over what can't be cured. My little travelling set is
+somewhere about, I believe."
+
+"O yes." Roy's voice told of instant relief. "You gave it to me to take
+care of. Don't you mind a game, really? I should like that. Will you
+give me your queen?"
+
+"No; not to-day. I'm not at my best. We'll try on even terms. Get out
+the pieces."
+
+Roy obeyed with alacrity, and whatever the move meant to Denham, it
+served to lift Roy out of his unwonted fit of misery. He was soon
+deeply absorbed in the mimic fight, and for once he found himself on
+the way to win an easy victory. Roy became exultant--till the honour
+and glory of success were impaired by the casual discovery that Ivor
+could not tell a knight from a bishop except by feeling. Roy stared
+wonderingly into the spare bronzed face.
+
+"Why, Den!"
+
+"All right; this is my bishop."
+
+"I say, you didn't take that for a knight?"
+
+"I believe I was under the delusion for a moment."
+
+"But why? There, now it's your turn. Oh, I say!--you're going to move
+my king."
+
+Denham laughed slightly.
+
+"I am rather a futile opponent, seemingly. Never mind. Now it is your
+turn."
+
+"What's the matter? Can't you see?"
+
+"Not well; just a headache. Go on; you'll soon end the game at this
+rate."
+
+Roy showed himself capable of heroism. Though he had never yet beaten
+Denham in full fight, without having some of his adversary's best
+pieces presented to him, though the desire of his heart was for a
+victory, and though he was on the high road to administering checkmate,
+one more glance decided him. He swept his arm over the board.
+
+Denham half smiled, and made no protest.
+
+"You are a kind fellow," he said, as he went back to his former
+retreat; and Roy dropped on the floor to pick up the scattered pieces.
+
+"Why didn't you tell me? You'd no business to play. Can't I do anything
+for you?"
+
+"Yes, if you don't mind"--after a moment's racking of his brain to
+think of anything that might keep the boy occupied. "I wish you would
+unpack my valise--just the things that I shall want to-night."
+
+Roy was delighted and went off at full speed. In the passage he found
+himself face to face with Lucille, and all but rushed into her arms.
+Lucille drew back.
+
+"I say! Oh, I beg your pardon, mademoiselle. I'm going to unpack for
+Den. He's just floored; can't even play chess. It's all this horrid
+beastly bother, having to come to Verdun, you know. He never used to be
+like that. Den was always up to anything. What have you got there?" as
+she held up one hand. "A letter!"
+
+"It is medicine for Monsieur le Capitaine--from England," Lucille said,
+with a look of heartfelt pleasure.
+
+"It really is from England! Won't he be glad? Where did you get it
+from? You shall give it to him yourself. Yes; I declare you shall."
+
+Roy flung open the salon door, and announced, "Here's Mademoiselle de
+St. Roques. Den, she's got something for you! Guess what it is. Come
+in, Mademoiselle."
+
+Ivor stood up, not grateful to Roy at this moment.
+
+"Pray take a seat," he urged.
+
+"It's a letter--a letter--a letter from England," cried the boy.
+
+"You have brought this from the post?" asked Denham, as he received
+from her hand a folded and sealed packet.
+
+"Non, it is not that. The letter arrives from M. de Bertrand. It was
+send to him from England under cover, and he waited till he should
+learn your address and have opportunity to send it with safety. When
+I wrote to him that you all were ordered to Verdun, then he sent the
+letter to me by one travelling this way. It is but now arrived. I am
+glad!" Lucille added, under her breath.
+
+Denham bent nearer to the candle, trying with drawn brows to make out
+the handwriting. As he did so, a curious light crept over his face.
+Lucille thought she could read its meaning.
+
+"You are very good, mademoiselle. I am much indebted to you and to M.
+de Bertrand," he said.
+
+"Den, I do believe it's Polly's writing!" exclaimed Roy.
+
+Denham glanced towards him.
+
+"Yes; it is from Polly."
+
+(_To be continued._)
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+FROCKS FOR TO-MORROW.
+
+BY "THE LADY DRESSMAKER."
+
+
+[Illustration: EVENING DRESSES FOR CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES.]
+
+The winter is always distinguished by a rather dowdy style of dress,
+especially in town, where, for at least three months of the year, the
+days are so dark and the light so poor at best that everyone says, "It
+really cannot matter what one puts on in such sombre weather as this."
+Such is the sentiment expressed by the general public, but, of course,
+does not apply to those who, having carriages at their disposal, can
+blossom out like the lilies of King Solomon, and be carried over the
+mud and through the gloom without let or hindrance. It is only on sunny
+days during the winter and at Church Parade in Hyde Park that one sees
+the brighter side of winter dress. Otherwise it only blooms in the
+shops, at the dressmakers', and at the endless afternoon teas which
+constitute the main amusement during the winter. One must have at least
+one nice walking-dress for the winter, in spite of the gloom, for these
+last-named festive occasions, and one generally needs a cape or mantle
+as well to wear in turn with our costume or with it as we may require.
+Besides this, most women have a certain amount of "wearing out" to do
+of clothes that must put in a second winter. Those wise people who have
+established a kind of rule for themselves in the purchase of dress get
+a handsome cape or mantle one year and a handsome gown the next, the
+latter becoming less visible and important the second year when worn
+under the new mantle. Both of these should come from first-rate shops,
+in order to get the full value out of them. Then there are the people
+who wait for the sales to supply themselves with winter clothes, and
+say they manage to finish out the last year's stock by this means in
+the still darker and shorter days before Christmas. I always consider
+the wearing out of one's winter things a grievous bother which falls
+most heavily on the shoulders of those who are very careful wearers of
+their garments. I know people who really are never able to wear out
+their clothes, and become quite dispirited at the constant sight of
+them. I know one lady who is able to clothe several others poorer than
+herself because she takes such good care of what she wears, and things
+are hardly worn in appearance when she has them repaired and brushed up.
+
+The class which has the most difficulty in clothing themselves so as
+to present a respectable appearance is composed of these very poor
+ladies, who are governesses, lady-helps, or companions, and no doubt
+my readers will have noticed the moving appeals issued by many of the
+societies and agencies which are interested in procuring work for them.
+As we are always anxious to find out good works for our women and
+girls, we commend to them this one, as one of the most blessed both to
+giver and receiver.
+
+The return to fashion of dresses made from the same material entirely
+instead of those which have been so long in wear, which consisted of a
+blouse, more or less handsome, and a skirt, has brought in a necessity
+for mantles and capes, and so these are really the most fashionable
+of the out-of-door garments for the winter months. There is no fear,
+however, of the skirt and jacket disappearing from amongst us, for they
+have been found too useful to lose their place in our esteem; and the
+winter jackets are, some of them, very pretty and tight-fitting, with
+large buttons, and generally of three-quarter length, though there are
+many quite short ones, but which seem more used for cycling or golf
+than for real walking or driving.
+
+[Illustration: TWO WINTER GOWNS.]
+
+One of these costumes with a tight-fitting coat is shown in our
+illustration of "a gown with braid and fur," which is a very handsome
+example of the walking-gowns of the winter. The skirt is made with the
+fashionable tightness, the much-worn shaped flounce, and the braiding
+is carried down the front on either side in a graceful arabesque
+design, which is wider and fuller in detail at the top near the waist.
+The points are braided in the same manner, and the tops of the sleeves.
+The fronts have revers of mink fur. The dress itself is in dark blue
+cloth, and the braiding is in black. The hat is of blue velvet, with
+white and green wings, and blue and green velvet trimmings. This
+admixture of blue and green seems more popular than ever this winter,
+and I have frequently seen a blue hat with a bright green velvet choux
+bow placed in a conspicuous position in front.
+
+The choux and the Louis XII. or true lovers' knot are the two
+fashionable bows of the season, for hats and bonnets as well as for
+dress. The first-named seems ubiquitous in evening dress, where black
+velvet also appears to be most popular as a trimming.
+
+[Illustration: GOWN WITH BRAID AND FUR.]
+
+Both velvet and velveteen are much worn, and are suited to the fashions
+of the day, and the velveteen blouse retains its popularity, but is
+more dressy and fanciful than it was. In some cases velvet is used
+for the coat-shaped bodices, with short square tails that are much
+seen, and these have almost invariably fancy vests or yokes. In most
+instances, too, these are of finely tucked silk muslin, which, in cream
+or white, is quite the most popular material for them, in spite of its
+perishable nature and apparent unseasonableness.
+
+So far as materials are concerned, everything that is clinging and soft
+is sought after, and even the rustling silks that lined our skirts and
+gave us such a feeling of opulence have been relinquished in favour of
+something more clinging. Cashmere and nuns' veiling are used for the
+lining of day dresses, and China silks for evening ones. For slight
+people this clinging effect is sometimes trying, but where stout people
+are concerned the matter becomes worse, and we shall hear of all kinds
+of cures for obesity in order to wear the new skirts.
+
+Of course, as is usual at this season, many evening dresses for small
+Christmas festivities are simple, and our illustration shows three
+of these, which are inexpensive and pretty. The first seated figure
+to the right wears a pink silk muslin, plain for wearing over the
+accordion-kilted skirt, and having a small black leaf-like pattern on
+it for the pointed overskirt; a ruching of rose-coloured silk goes
+round the latter part of the bodice and sleeves, and the back is
+finished with a wide band and bow with ends of rose colour. This can,
+of course, be carried out in any hue, but in white or cream-colour it
+is very pretty, and there are such numbers of fancy gauzes and nets
+that a pretty choice can be made which would be more inexpensive than
+the model we present.
+
+The centre figure wears a dress of _mousseline-de-soie_ of a pale shade
+of Parma violet, which is trimmed with narrow ribbons, drawn up to
+form small ruches. These are of a slightly darker violet. The small
+Eton jacket is of the same shade of violet velvet or satin, with bands
+of velvet and paste buckles. The standing-up figure wears a dress of
+jet-embroidered net, with bands of _passementerie_ on the front of the
+bodice. The evening wrap is of a soft yellow brocade, which is lined
+with a pale violet, and trimmed with flounces of lace and silk. The
+collar is edged with white fur, and a bow of chiffon ornaments the neck
+at the back. In giving these dresses I should observe that, although
+they seem costly, they can be copied in less expensive materials. Nuns'
+veiling, China silk, velveteen, taffetas, Russian net, and Brussels net
+are all in fashion, and all are comparatively so moderate in price as
+to be attainable by those who have slender purses. This season we also
+have the embroidered net skirts that were introduced last year, with
+the improvement that this season the bodice-piece is sold as well. So
+we have not to make troublesome inquiries and huntings for the material
+to decorate them. There seems to be a tendency likewise to return to
+the use of a three-quarter length sleeve, which fits the arm smoothly
+as far as the elbow and terminates in a frill. The long net and chiffon
+sleeves are still worn, and I notice that there are some very pretty
+high net bodices without sleeves, or, at least, with a few folds
+of satin, which answer the purpose. These will be a novelty if they
+should be adopted, and will be charming for the evening with all thin
+materials.
+
+The illustration of two winter gowns shows one of the new skirts and a
+bodice fastened at the back. The skirt is also fastened there in the
+newest fashion; the trimming consists of rows of fine black braid, the
+dress being of fine cloth, of a _pervenche_ blue. The bodice is trimmed
+with points of velvet, of a darker shade of blue, and the same is used
+for the bows at the back. The second dress is one of those tucked
+throughout. It is of a soft satin cloth, of a pale shade of grey. The
+revers are braided, and there is a front of dark-grey velvet and a
+high collar, with the lining braided, like the revers. I hope you will
+notice that this skirt opens on one side, usually the left, and it is
+finished by a row of tiny buttons, or by a small ruching of ribbon.
+
+A great deal of this ribbon ruching is seen, as well as much piping.
+Silk braids, very fine and very narrow, in black and white, form a
+feature of this year's decorations, and silver braids as well. Crystal
+buttons are more liked than paste or steel ones, and there is a craze
+for old lace and for mixing fur with it. Black and white are in as
+much favour as this mixture has always found during the last four
+years, and the two are constantly mixed in trimmings.
+
+I think I mentioned in my last that the hair was worn low on the
+neck--certainly far lower than has been the custom for some little
+time. But I do not find that the knot of hair is quite so low just now.
+Evidently the idea has not quite "caught on," as the slang phrase has
+it, and most of the well-dressed heads I have lately seen have had the
+coil of hair at the back of the head midway down. Perhaps, later on, we
+shall see more of the low hair dressing than we do now.
+
+Truly the swing of the pendulum has quite carried us away from the neat
+and ever-becoming black stockings, and the new ones are a study in
+colour and design. I think the tartan ones will be worn, and will look
+well; but I cannot say I like the others; nevertheless, that may be
+because one has grown used to a lack of colour for so long.
+
+So far as boots and shoes are concerned, the most fashionable people
+wear the American ones with their extremely pointed toes and narrow
+feet, but it is open to the sensible to wear something more comfortable
+if they do not mind a loss of style, for we cannot be really smart
+unless our poor feet be pinched and pointed to the last degree.
+
+
+
+
+OUR PROSPECTUS PUZZLE REPORT.
+
+
+SOLUTION.
+
+ANOTHER NAUGHT.
+
+A ROUNDEL.
+
+    Time hastens onwards to the day
+      When our good, trusty printer ought
+    Upon our numbers to display
+                      Another naught.
+
+      Oh! how tremendous is the thought:--
+    A thousand weeks have passed away
+      Since out our magazine was brought!
+
+    We love our work, it is but play;
+      "_Bon Voyage_" to the bark high-fraught;
+    And printer, sing as you in-lay
+                      Another naught.
+
+
+PRIZE WINNERS.
+
+_Ten Shillings Each._
+
+    J. Hunt, 42, Francis Road, Birmingham.
+    A. Phillips, 15, South Hill Park, Hampstead.
+    Emily M. Wood, Woodbank, Southport.
+
+
+_Five Shillings Each._
+
+    Margaret Baggallay, 3, Clarence Lawn, Dover.
+    Marie Behrendt, Scanthorpe, Doncaster.
+    Lily Belling, Wribbenhall, Bewdley.
+    Miss H. M. Brown, Longformacus, Duns, N.B.
+    Charlotte D. Cole, 7, High Street, Beckenham.
+    M. A. C. Crabb, Ipplepen, Alexandra Road, Hemel Hempstead.
+    Agnes Dewhurst, 32, Lethbridge Road, Southport.
+    Miss M. Hodgkinson, 2, Feversham Terrace, York.
+    Benjamin Marcroft, High Legh, Grosvenor Drive, New Brighton.
+    Nellie Meikle, 2, Newsham Drive, Liverpool.
+    Henzell G. Robson, 7, Oxford Terrace, Gateshead-on-Tyne.
+    F. A. Powell, 75, Hythe Road, Swindon.
+    Anne Sifton, 230, Goldhawk Road, Shepherd's Bush.
+    M. Stuart, The Shrubbery, Grove Park, Kent.
+    Ellen C. Tarrant, 2, Palace Grove, Bromley.
+    Violet C. Todd, Ford, Cornhill-on-Tweed.
+
+
+_Very Highly Commended._
+
+Mrs. Acheson, Eliza Acworth, Lottie R. Biddle, E. J. Cameron, Mrs. J.
+Cumming, May Merrall, E. C. Milne, Lilla Patterson, Constance Taylor,
+Connie E. Thompson, Daisy Tyler, Martha Wood.
+
+
+_For Artistic Execution._
+
+Maud Abbott.
+
+
+_Highly Commended._
+
+Annie A. Arnott, Fanny Ashby, Ethel M. Atkins, Margaret Bailey, Eva M.
+Benson, R. S. Benson, E. K. Berry, Mary A. Blagg, Nancy Bolingbroke, M.
+S. Bourne, May Burlinsay, Annie J. Cather, Mabel E. Davis, Mrs. Deane,
+Edward R. Duffield, Alice M. Feurer, Emily Francis, Mrs. W. H. Gotch,
+Mrs. Grubbe, Edith E. Grundy, A. Hughes, George L. Ingram, Annie G.
+Luck, C. Y. MacGibbon, E. Mastin, Jessie Middlemiss, Mrs. Nicholls,
+Percy J. Powell, Alice M. Price, Gertrude Saffery, A. C. Sharp, Isabel
+Snell, Norah M. Sullivan, A. C. T., Phyllis Toker, Ann Toplis, Florence
+Whitlock, Mrs. Wigglesworth, E. Wilson.
+
+
+_Honourable Mention._
+
+S. Ballard, Mary I. Chislett, Helen M. Coulthard, Mrs. H. Keel, K. H.
+Ingram, E. M. Le Mottée, Charlotte Hayward, Florence Hayward, Ethel
+C. Hobbs, Edith L. Howse, Annette E. Jackson, Alice E. Johnson, Fred
+Lindley, Ethel C. McMaster, Elsa P. Neel, Charles Parr, Elizabeth A.
+Reynolds, Annie Saunders, Dorothy Smith, Ellen R. Smith, Gertrude
+Smith, May Tutte, Anna Walker, J. Walker, Julia Waltenberg, John R.
+Whyberd, G. Watherston.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+EXAMINERS' REPORT.
+
+The insatiability of an editor who is clamouring daily for our words
+of wisdom compels us to be very brief. This is all the more to be
+regretted because with such a subject to handle we could have risen to
+great literary heights. But to work!
+
+The title was not "Another aught," the reason being that aught is not
+synonymous with naught. The difference between the two is considerable,
+"aught" signifying anything, "naught" nothing. The importance of this
+pleasing fact is often overlooked, especially by schoolchildren, who
+frequently speak of a cipher as "an aught," or, as they in their
+childish wisdom spell it "ought."
+
+In many solutions the final letter of "onwards" was omitted. Doubtless,
+"onward" is grammatically just as good, but as the "s" was in the
+puzzle it was a pity not to transfer it to the solution.
+
+The beginning of the third line seems to have caused trouble. Those who
+failed to find the true solution generally gave "On our three figures,"
+or "On our first numbers." Both readings are good interpretations of
+the text, but the first is meaningless and the second is incorrect.
+With "On all our numbers "--adopted by a few solvers--we have little
+fault to find.
+
+Many competitors kindly pointed out that the minus sign in line 6 ought
+to have been the sign of division. Let us examine their contention
+closely. Two weeks divided by two yields one week and the beginning of
+the line would run "A thousand one week." Two weeks minus two yields
+weeks, clearly, and we need pursue the instruction no further. Some of
+the readings at this point were remarkable, _e.g._, "A thousand days";
+"Twelve thousand days": "A thousand years," and "A million weeks."
+
+We have always been accustomed to regard THE GIRL'S OWN PAPER with much
+veneration, but the idea of its having first seen the light something
+like fourteen thousand years before Adam is somewhat startling.
+
+In the next line, "G. O. P." often took the place of "magazine." Our
+dislike of such irritating abbreviations did not prevent us from doing
+justice to the reading which is rhythmically correct.
+
+The number of solvers who wrote "barque" for "bark" was amazing. The
+latter was in the puzzle and signifies any small vessel. The former was
+not in the puzzle and defines a vessel of a particular rig. And there
+is really no need for more.
+
+
+
+
+IN THE TWILIGHT SIDE BY SIDE.
+
+BY RUTH LAMB.
+
+
+PART III.
+
+HOW TO GROW OLD.
+
+    "They shall still bring forth fruit in old age" (Psalm xcii. 14).
+
+When I was a child a dear old lady, who had been asking questions about
+my lessons, laid her gentle hand on my head and said, "I see you love
+school, my child. 'Learn young, learn fair.'"
+
+You, dear girl friends, will be at no loss to understand the teaching
+of the proverb. It says, in few words, that those lessons which are
+early imprinted on our minds are likely to have an abiding place in our
+memories and a lasting influence over our lives.
+
+There is one lesson amongst many which we ought to be constantly
+learning from the time that we can understand anything. It is, how to
+grow old.
+
+Do I see some of you smiling at each other, as if old age were such
+a far-away subject that it ought not to be introduced to my great
+gathering of girls? Why, if I could have spoken to you as children, one
+by one, I would have asked, "Are you learning how to grow old?"
+
+You ought to be, for the moment you began to live you started on the
+path that leads to old age. From that path none of us can turn aside
+and, perhaps without thinking much of the inevitable ending, we pursue
+our course thereon steadily and uninterruptedly. We may start on many
+other paths--those of duty, work, mental culture, etc.--and we may
+take up certain pursuits and relinquish them at our will, but the one
+onward journey is continuous. We travel by night and by day. Sleeping
+or waking, resting or working, we are ever progressing towards old age,
+whether we live to reach it or not.
+
+It is often said that every age has its special beauty, and yet I
+daresay many of you have never dreamed of associating the idea of
+beauty with old age. You are apt to claim it as the special prerogative
+of youth. Yet I believe that old age may be--and I assert that it ought
+to be in certain senses--the most beautiful of all, despite the white
+hair, the tremulous hand, the feeble step which seeks support from the
+strong arm of the young, and the wrinkles on brows that were once as
+smooth and fair as the fairest amongst yours.
+
+The young often shrink from the very thought of being old. One hears
+the girl in her teens whisper to her companion, as she glances at a
+third who is not out of her twenties, "She is getting to look quite old
+already. She might be five-and-thirty."
+
+The tone is half pitying, half disparaging, as if the object of the
+remark were somehow in fault because a few more years had passed over
+her young head than over the speaker's.
+
+Listen again to words from the lips of a girl who is just "sweet
+seventeen." (Alas that seventeen does not always deserve the
+adjective!) She has just stigmatised a friend of thirty as "a cross old
+thing." And for what? She has only been trying to bring her good common
+sense and sound judgment to bear upon the other's wilfulness. She is
+anxious to save her from doing a foolish thing on which her childish
+will is stubbornly set and which is certain to be followed by remorse
+and trouble.
+
+"Sweet seventeen" purses her pretty lips and tosses her foolish head
+whilst saying, "As if I were going to be ordered about by her! Cross
+old thing!" And she goes on her wilful way and pays for it.
+
+Still we must acknowledge that a dozen extra years do not always bring
+proportionate wisdom, any more than does the seventeenth birthday
+invariably carry sweetness in its train. We have to learn to grow old
+in such wise that each year's passage means also progress in everything
+that is best.
+
+It seems very strange--does it not?--that whilst everyone desires long
+life, so many dislike to look forward to old age in connection with
+themselves. Or, if they do, it is not so much in a frank and natural
+manner as in a secret and stealthy fashion. If they speak of it at
+all, they speak as of something which may be near to others, but is
+still far, far away from themselves. Such people would never tell you
+that they are learning how to grow old--striving each day after some
+knowledge which will tend towards the attainment of a really beautiful
+and lovable old age.
+
+The need for such a study is ignored by so many up to and beyond middle
+age, that one wonders little at its being ignored by the young. Yet
+other questions occupy their earnest attention in connection with
+increasing years.
+
+How to ward off the semblance of old age, for the reality cannot be
+deferred. How to look young in spite of it. How to conceal the number
+of the years that have passed over their heads. How best to utilise art
+so as to simulate the complexion of youth and to hide the marks of time
+on their features.
+
+Time is readily given in order to solve such questions to the exclusion
+of those higher lessons, attention to which would make old age the most
+beautiful and lovely of all.
+
+Girls, dear girls! you are generally keen observers of externals, and
+especially so in matters of female dress and adornment. If one of you
+has been at a social gathering, whether amongst humble workers or
+leaders in society, what is usually the first question asked by sisters
+or acquaintances on her return? Is it not about the dresses worn? You
+inquire how such a one looked, or if another again wore a dress which
+is too well known on account of its age. You want to hear all about
+novelties in the fashioning of new garments, and whether they were of a
+mode likely to be becoming to yourselves. It may be you give a little
+laugh as you say that such a girl would be sure to look dowdy, or
+inquire if the good taste of another was as conspicuous as usual.
+
+I am inclined to doubt whether you were as anxious to know how your
+friend was impressed by the words and conduct of those with whom she
+had been associating, or whether she had, during this little season
+of social enjoyment, received impressions likely to influence her for
+good. We ought to be learners in every place, but not merely in regard
+to externals.
+
+Now I want to ask you a question. I have given you credit for being
+keen observers. Tell me, can you imagine a picture more truly pitiable
+and contemptible than that of a woman on whose face is the stamp of
+age, but who imagines that she has succeeded in hiding it by paint and
+powder?
+
+One who hugs the thought that she has rendered her wrinkles invisible,
+or that her dyed hair, with its tell-tale line of grey near the roots,
+or the cunningly arranged golden hued substitute for whitened locks,
+deceives anyone but herself? All such shams make the old look older
+still. They add to the appearance of age instead of taking from it, and
+they rob old age of much of the beauty which is as real as that which
+pertains to the youth it tries to simulate. I am alluding to externals
+first because everyone sees them.
+
+I have no doubt that you have all discovered my liking for proverbial
+expressions. My native county is rich in these pithy sayings which
+convey so much meaning in few words. The subject of our present talk
+brings to mind one of these proverbs, which was often quoted in my
+hearing when I was a girl. I recall one occasion especially. A ruddy
+farmer turned to look after an elderly woman who had just passed him.
+She was girlishly dressed, and she strove to trip along in youthful
+fashion, feeling evidently well satisfied with herself, and claiming
+admiration by every gesture.
+
+What had our countryman to say about her appearance? He jogged his
+neighbour's elbow, and quoted the proverb, as he indicated the
+retreating figure with a jerk of his thumb: "Old ewe dressed lamb
+fashion."
+
+"Aye," said his friend, "and it's no good. Age will show in spite of
+paint and finery. She was turned twenty when I was twelve, and I'm
+over fifty-three to-day. Why, deary me! There's always somebody that
+remembers."
+
+These added words were as true as the proverb itself. There is always
+someone, amongst our many acquaintances and kinsfolk, who has a good
+memory for dates, and who can refer to the number of Life's milestones
+we have passed with unerring accuracy.
+
+I asked you if there could be anything more pitiable and contemptible
+than the sight of an elderly woman trying to defy time and age by such
+means as I have named?
+
+I will answer my own question, "Yes, there is. The sight of a girl
+who, possessing youth, health, and the share of good looks and
+attractiveness which must accompany these two things, is ever striving
+to improve Nature's handiwork by the use of unnatural means." Believe
+me, my dear girl friends, the sight of a young face disfigured by
+artificial colouring and unnaturally whitened by powder, of blackened
+eyebrows and eyelashes, together with similar shams, excites in my mind
+a feeling of true motherly regret. I love girls too well to say hard
+things or to speak of contempt for such practices; though they ought to
+be contemptible in the eyes of all pure and right-minded girls.
+
+One associates the use of them with small minds and natures whose chief
+end and aim are to gratify personal vanity and attract admiration,
+instead of striving to win respect by the exercise of far nobler
+powers. Can any girl be so self-deceived as to think she will win
+honest affection by such means? She may win it in spite of them, but
+it will be because the one who gives it is able to discover something
+better and more deserving of love beneath this miserable upper crust of
+deception.
+
+One is always ready to recognise, with gratitude, even a mistaken
+attempt made by the young with a view of giving pleasure to others. But
+I am sure that self-pleasing and the gratification of vanity are, in
+nearly every case, the incentives to such displays as I have condemned.
+
+In looking round me, I have been struck with the fact that some of the
+girls who use paint, powder, and what are, I am informed, known under
+the general name of "make-ups," are just those to whom Nature has been
+specially liberal in the gift of beauty.
+
+Beauty, when joined to vanity, has an insatiable longing to add to its
+attractions. It is more than conscious of all that it has, but it is
+never satisfied, because it craves to combine, in its own person, the
+attractions of every style which is, from time to time, commended in
+its hearing. Hence all these useless and foolish efforts to improve on
+Nature's handiwork.
+
+Do not misunderstand me so far as to think I condemn the use of many
+little toilet accessories, which add greatly both to comfort and
+health. It would be insulting to the good sense of my girls, if I were
+to specify what things are lawful and useful, and what are contemptible
+and to be avoided.
+
+You would smile, in pitying fashion, at the sight of an old lady, whose
+grey locks having become too scanty to cover her head, had thought fit
+to crown her wrinkled face with a wig and fringe of golden hair. But if
+the addition matched what remained of her own growth, I hope you would
+be glad to think that art had done something on behalf of comfort and
+comeliness for old age, as well as for youth. Depend on it the natural
+colour of your hair is that which agrees best with your features and
+complexion, and if there is anything really wrong with the latter, it
+will be better for you to consult your doctor than a manufacturer of
+cosmetics.
+
+I am glad to think I have not known many girls whose vanity led them to
+spoil their appearance in the manner I hope you join me in condemning,
+but we have all seen plenty of such. I picture two, however, both
+rather exceptionally attractive. One had beautiful, glossy, dark hair,
+with eyes to match, and a complexion like a blush rose.
+
+I did not see her for some time, and when we met I was horrified at
+the change. A mop of yellow, frizzled hair surmounted a face whence
+the blush-rose tint had fled, or been hidden under glaringly false red
+and white. All the dainty charm of the face was gone, and I am fain to
+confess that I went a little out of my way to avoid a closer meeting
+with my changed acquaintance. Happily I can tell of a pleasant sequel
+in this case. Some good influence has been brought to bear, or perhaps
+the girl's innate good sense has overcome her vanity, and she has found
+out that such shams are unworthy of a self-respecting girl.
+
+She has given fair play to Nature, and that just in time to save the
+blush-rose complexion from ruin, and to be once more her bonny self.
+
+The second girl possessed remarkable beauty especially of complexion,
+and her vanity and greed of admiration were in proportion to it. These
+impelled her to be ever experimenting on herself to produce greater
+perfection, with the result that whilst still a girl she looked many
+years older than her age, and I hear, though I do not see her now, that
+she is daily becoming less attractive, though no less vain than of old.
+
+Quite apart from the harm done to personal appearance by these foolish
+practices, but of far greater importance, is the moral injury they
+cause. One might call the exhibition of paint an acted falsehood,
+because it is an attempt to make ourselves appear what we are not.
+
+But such devices are too transparent to deceive. If begun, they become
+more and more injurious and difficult to discontinue, and those who
+practise them live in an atmosphere of anxiety and disappointment.
+Age comes, despite all efforts to delay its progress, and it leaves
+footprints which baffle art to disguise or obliterate.
+
+Doubtless you have all heard this expression used in relation to
+someone you know--"She knows how to grow old gracefully." You
+understand it to picture one who accepts age as the natural and
+inevitable sequence of youth; who is above the paltry vanity which
+would hide it--or, rather, try to hide it--yet who neglects nothing
+which can help to make it externally attractive, and especially to the
+young. For, if age is to have its full legitimate influence over youth,
+it must be beautiful in itself, both without and within.
+
+I will not ask you, my dear ones, to look again at that pitiable
+picture of Vanity battling with Age, despite the certainty of defeat
+and disappointment. But be assured of this--that the girl who starts on
+the same lines will reach the same goal; but it will not be that of a
+beautiful and lovable old age.
+
+Do not imagine that I undervalue externals. I would have you all be
+habitually careful about them. Let your complexion be kept at its best
+by scrupulous cleanliness. If your hair is beautiful and abundant, take
+pains to dress it in the fashion that best sets off such good looks as
+you possess. If you are less favoured in this respect, give the more
+care and pains so as to make the best of what you have.
+
+Exercise good taste in your dress, whilst carefully keeping your
+expenditure within your means. The girl who dresses quietly and
+becomingly will not make herself conspicuous in later years by the use
+of glaring colours or fantastic garments.
+
+Try to be graceful and quiet in your movements, and scrupulous
+in avoiding all little ways and habits likely to be disturbing,
+unpleasant, or offensive to others. And do not be offended if a
+well-meaning friend ventures to point out a tendency to any growing
+habit of the kind, knowing that if once established it will be almost
+impossible for you to overcome it. Bear in mind that such a warning can
+be only intended for your benefit and to help you on your way towards
+growing old gracefully.
+
+Study to modulate your voices so that the sound of them may fall
+pleasantly, even musically, on the ear. Shrill, harsh, and loud
+youthful voices become something too terrible when they accompany age.
+
+I wonder if any of you have heard our dear Queen speak? I regret to say
+that I have not, but friends have told me that they never heard a voice
+which equalled hers for its melodious tone, perfect clearness, and
+faultless enunciation.
+
+Try to avoid affectation in gesture and movement, and any form of
+facial contortion. Habit makes all these painful to witness, and age
+exaggerates them. Sometimes a habit of knitting the brows is contracted
+early in life, with the result that the forehead is furrowed and a
+forbidding expression given to the face which permanently spoils it.
+Age intensifies what is forbidding and disagreeable, but shows to the
+greatest advantage all that is most lastingly attractive in us, just as
+the flower fulfils the promise of the bud.
+
+In this lesson on "How to grow old" I have confined myself to
+externals. It is time for us to part, but when we meet again we will
+study the subject from the highest standpoint.
+
+Before then a new year will have dawned on us. Let me suggest as a
+fitting motto for it, "I will go in the strength of the Lord God." May
+it prove a very happy one to you all.
+
+(_To be continued._)
+
+
+
+
+"SISTER WARWICK": A STORY OF INFLUENCE.
+
+BY H. MARY WILSON, Author of "In Warwick Ward," "In Monmouth Ward,"
+"Miss Elsie," etc.
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+Granny 20 was in one of her most garrulous moods, but who was there to
+listen? She tried to catch a nurse or probationer as they hurried by
+the end of the bed, with a "Listen to me now, nurse." But a smile and a
+nod and a "By-and-by, Granny," was all she got for her pains.
+
+Her nearest bed-fellows were too sleepy for anything, and she had to
+content herself with murmuring to an imaginary audience until Sister
+had a moment's leisure, and came to her bedside.
+
+"I was saying, Sister, that Mrs. 21 there is one with me. We both rue
+our wedding-day! And we thought--bless yer!--we thought, when we stood
+up so proud and made our vows, that we was the luckiest women in the
+world."
+
+"And it all turned out badly, Granny?"
+
+"Oh, well! It might have been wuss for some of us. I won't say it
+mightn't; but me was in too much of a hurry--that was the mischief.
+Why, bless yer! Mrs. 21 there says she wasn't more'n sixteen when she
+took a 'usband! And me? I was only just turned eighteen. We didn't know
+no better. We were took by a 'andsome face."
+
+"Well, Granny, I cannot err on the side of marrying too young, whatever
+I do."
+
+"Sister! You ain't never thinking of matrimoany? Don't 'ee, dear! Don't
+'ee! Just take the advice of a old woman what _knows_. This is what I
+say. If a man comes to you and seems true enough, don't trust him! No,
+not if trust was to sparkle like a diamond from the end of every hair
+on his head, don't trust him!"
+
+Hardly knowing how to contain herself for laughter, Sister promised to
+be very careful, and thanked Granny for her wise words.
+
+"They aire wise. You may well say so," chuckled the old lady. "Now I
+could tell you----"
+
+"Another time, Granny dear--and see! Here's nurse with your tea. A cup
+of tea! There's nothing like it, is there?"
+
+"Bless yer--no!"
+
+And Nurse Hudson--what of her? Had the episode of yesterday's
+carelessness with the words of reproof that followed been the warning
+Sister Warwick hoped? The watchful eyes could detect very little that
+was amiss that day. But she was obliged to acknowledge that the nurse's
+manner towards herself was not what it should be. With her new efforts
+not to repel her nurses by the stiffness of her own manners she ignored
+what she could. Later she felt glad she had done so.
+
+After tea the medicines were given out. It was the staff-nurse's duty
+to-day, and following the instructions on her chart, Hudson went to and
+fro, pouring out the draughts, and bringing them to each bed in order.
+
+Sister, seated by No. 10, watched her silently. But when she brought
+the dose for this "typhoid," she took it from her hand to administer it
+herself.
+
+What instinct made her pause, before giving it, to ask:
+
+"Is this the new medicine, nurse?"
+
+"Of course it is, Sister!" The tone was offensive, but, ignoring it,
+Sister Warwick leant forward to hold the glass to the girl's lips.
+Again she paused. What was it stayed her hand?
+
+She raised the glass, smelt it, and then put it to her own lips and
+tasted the liquid, her eyes on the chart.
+
+"This is an overdose!" she said sternly. "Here are four times the right
+amount!"
+
+For she knew in a flash what the nurse had done, and she shuddered
+at the thought! Hudson had certainly, as she said, given the fresh
+medicine the chart directed, but in her heedlessness she had not
+looked to see if the quantity was altered too. She had poured out two
+tablespoonfuls instead of two teaspoonfuls--a dose that would have
+caused intense suffering, if nothing worse, to the sick girl.
+
+Sister Warwick rose from her chair and looked Nurse Hudson full in the
+face. Her utter scorn and indignation at this culpable carelessness
+rendered her speechless.
+
+But her glance was enough!
+
+Turning on her heel, she carried the medicine-glass into her room,
+placed it in a cupboard there, and locking it up, removed the key.
+
+Nurse Hudson watched it all--miserable and self-condemned--knowing
+what the action meant. Now that it was done, she would have given
+anything to have been more careful. Her colour came and went. She
+stood irresolute. Her better self was urging her to go at once and with
+a humble apology plead for another trial with an earnest promise of a
+different course in the future. But she could not bring herself to do
+that. Pride and Selfishness had been too closely her companions lately,
+excluding better impulses.
+
+No, she would not believe that Sister Warwick meant to report her to
+the Matron. Perhaps she would only ask for her removal to another ward;
+there she could make a fresh start. But she did not ask herself with
+what motive.
+
+Nurse Hudson's work had always been tarnished with the discolouring
+influences of her own low aims. No wonder now that she failed, and did
+not take the one step that might have saved her nursing career.
+
+She left the ward that evening without another word with the
+Sister--miserable, self-pitying, undecided, little thinking that she
+would never enter it again.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"The whole affair shall be stopped at once!" The Matron's voice was
+full of decision and very stern. "I will send for Hudson and tell her
+I cannot keep her here any longer. Nor will I sign her certificate! I
+am not justified, after all you tell me, in sending her away to pass
+herself off as a qualified nurse."
+
+"You take a harder view of her conduct than I do, Matron." And Sister
+Warwick then and there began to plead for the nurse who had been such a
+"thorn in her side."
+
+"You will not move me, Sister! Hudson will go! It will seem right, from
+many points of view, when you can look at it dispassionately. I am only
+very thankful that we so rarely have such a failure among the nurses,
+and thankful most of all that no worse harm has been done. We might
+have had a case for the coroner."
+
+Sister Warwick knew the Matron's words were just. She left her and
+went back to her own room, sinking into her leaning-chair with the
+consciousness that an upset like this "took it out of her" far more
+than even an operation involving pain and suffering to one of her dear
+ward babies. And, sad at heart, she began to think of Ellen Hudson's
+future, then to search back in her own mind for possible opportunities
+missed in the past when she might have helped her more kindly. She
+realised bitterly that she herself might have done better too.
+
+She sat forward then and wrote a little note and sent it round to the
+Nurses' Home, timed to reach Nurse Hudson just after her interview with
+the Matron.
+
+It was to ask her staff-nurse to come and see her before she left. But
+she never came. She passed out of Sister Warwick's life from that hour,
+and her place knew her no more.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Nurse Carden's bright face and ready sympathy were a pleasant
+interruption to the Sister's mournful ruminations that evening. She
+came in a little before her usual time, and the two had a quiet chat in
+the "Sisters' Room" before the night work began.
+
+Here Sister Cumberland joined them. These three women--so different in
+character, so united in aim and purpose--felt then the sustaining power
+of a friendship that was standing the wear and tear of life.
+
+Seeing how worried the elder "Sister" was by the present, the other two
+drew her thoughts back to the past and to their earlier experiences in
+the ward.
+
+"Do you remember?" was the introduction to many reminiscences Sister
+Cumberland recalled that night on duty, when she fought her fiercest
+fight with the craving for sleep.
+
+Nurse Carden talked of Tommie the waif and his whimsical ways. He could
+not be forgotten, for it was not many days since at the lodge-gate of
+her own home she had seen the Tommie of to-day. Such a contrast! A
+sturdy, ruddy, honest country lad, loving his life as a gardener's boy,
+and always ready, if questioned, to say, "Oh, I belong to Nurse Carden,
+I do! I ain't got nobody else! But she is good to me, she is!"
+
+So the three talked until the hour struck which took them to their
+various duties and closed the second of these days my pen has tried to
+describe--days chosen not because they were remarkably different from
+many others, but because they give an average picture of the cares
+and anxieties, the pleasures and interests that belong to a hospital
+Sister's life; because, too, they tell of an experience that had a
+lasting effect in softening Sister Warwick's character and in extending
+her influence over the nurses in her charge.
+
+[THE END.]
+
+
+
+
+GUS.
+
+
+Ya want ti knaw aboot ma maate Gus? Set ya doon, then, an' ah'll tell
+ya all aboot it.
+
+Me an' Gus wer friends fra' t' first. 'E wer a shy, quiet soort o' lad,
+an' t' other chaps didn't seem ti taake ti 'im at first, an' it wer
+soort o' loansoom for a yoong chap lodgin' aloan i' a straange plaace,
+specially as 'e didn't seem ti care mooch for t' public-'oose o' neets.
+Soa wun evening, as we wer leavin' woork, ah says ti 'im, "Coom in an'
+'ave a bit o' soopper wi' ma an' ma missus, lad."
+
+'E looked real pleased, an' said 'e would coom, bud 'e wouldn't coom
+straight 'oam wi' ma, as ah wanted 'im ti. Noa, 'e mun gang back ti 'is
+lodgins an' fettle issen oop.
+
+My missus weant best pleased when sha 'eard 'e wer coming; mebbe, theer
+weant ower mooch for soopper, an' sha niver were fond o' straangers;
+bud 'e 'adn't been i' oor lahtle room aboove 'alf a minute afoor ah
+seed as sha'od taaken a fancy ti 'im. 'E com in rather shy an' bashful
+loike, for all 'e'd maade 'issen soa graand wi' 'is Soonday coate an'
+all, an' ma missus, she says--
+
+"Set ya doon an' maak yersen at whoam, while ah get summat for ya ti
+eat," an' 'e set doon reet theer by t' door, on t' edge o' 'is cheer,
+an' 'adn't a woord to say for 'issen.
+
+Oor lahtle lass Polly--she wer nobbut fooer year owd then--shoo com in
+an' stood starin' at 'im wi' 'er finger i' 'er mooth, an' at sight o'
+'er 'e foond 'is tongue.
+
+"Coom 'ere, lahtle ma'ad," says 'e; "ah'm wonnerful fond o' childer.
+Coom an' see what ah've got i' ma pocket."
+
+Bud t' lahtle lass still stood beside ma, starin' at 'im as if 'e wer
+summat i' a show.
+
+Gus didn't saay nowt moor, but 'e oots wi' 'is knife an' a bit o' wood
+and starts carvin' summat.
+
+"Noo," says 'e, arter a bit, "what shall it be? Shall ah maak tha a
+'orse, or a coo, or what?"
+
+T' lahtle lass foond 'er toongue at that.
+
+"A lad," says she, an' cooms a step nearer ti see what 'e wer at.
+
+"Shoo'll be a rare wun for t' lads when shoo's a bit bigger, ah'se
+warran'," says 'e, wi' a laugh; an' 'e goes on carvin' t' bit o'
+wood in a waay 'at wer wunnerful ti me. Soon t' head an' shoolthers
+appeared, an' then t' legs an' arms, an' all t' while t' tahtle lass
+crept nearer an' nearer, an' by t' tahm t' lad wer doon, shoo wer
+sittin' on 'is knee an' chatterin' awaay ti 'im as if 'e wer' an owd
+friend.
+
+That woon moother's 'eart, for shoo's powerful set on t' lahtle lass,
+seem' shoo's t' oanly wun wi' 'ave--an' ah reckon ah weant far be'ind
+'er i' that--an' befoor 'e left shoo'd arst 'im ti taake 'is dinner
+wi' us Soonday next. Arter that, Gus wer in an' oot continual, an' 'e
+an' t' lahtle lass wer as thick as thieves. It wer pratty ti see 'er
+perched o' 'is knee, wi' 'is arm roond 'er, an' ti 'ear 'er pratty
+prattle, all aboot 'er dolls an' toys an' sooch-like. 'E used ti call
+'er 'is lahtle sweet-'eart, an' saay sha mun marry 'im when sha wer
+growed a bit, an' t' lahtle lass 'ud look oop i' 'is faace, as graave
+as graave, an' promise ti be 'is lahtle wife. 'Twer as pratty a pictur
+as 'eart could wish to see them thegither, an' 'e niver seemed ti tire
+o' 'er coompany, or care ti talk wi' me or t' missus when t' lahtle
+lass wer theer.
+
+Well tahm went on, an' t' job e'd coom doon 'ere for wer nigh
+finished--layin' rails o' new line it wer--an' 'e wer talkin' o'
+leavin', for 'e weant fra' oor parts; when wun daay--ah mind it wer t'
+first o' April, for theer'd been soom foolin' amoong t' lads earlier
+i' t' daay, an' t' blackthorn wer buddin' i' t' 'edges--we wer setting
+on t' railway bank eatin' oor dinners. Gus wer moor talkative than
+ordinary that daay; ah mind 'e'd been tellin' us o' t' waay they did
+'arvestin' i' 'is parts--Lancashire waay--an' 'arvest-'oams, an'
+sooch-like, when all of a soodden ah caught sight o' ma lahtle lass
+runnin' along t' line. It did gie ma a toorn, for t' doon traain 'ad
+been signalled two or three minutes sin', an' even as ah caught sight
+o' 'er, ah 'eerd it roombling along i' t' distance.
+
+"Ma God!" ah cried. "Look theer!"
+
+Jack Wilson--'im as lives i' yon cottage wi' t' creepers doon by t'
+church--shoots as lood as 'e could, "Get oft t' line, bairn! Get off t'
+line!" Bud Polly, sha didn't taak noa 'eed ti 'im.
+
+Then afoor ah 'ad got ma wits aboot ma, or 'ad ony idea what 'e wer
+goin ti do, Gus 'ad joomped doon fra' t' bank, an' were roonnin' for
+'is loife doon t' line ti meet t' lahtle lass. It wer awful to see 'im,
+while every moment t' thoonder o' t' train com nearer.
+
+"Is t' man mad?" cried Wilson. "It's certain death." An' even as 'e
+spoke, t' train com roond t' corner.
+
+Polly stood still, terrified, an' Gus ran on reet inti t' teeth o' t'
+train. Ah turned deadly sick, for ah niver thowt 'e would be i' tahm,
+an' it seemed nobbut a waaste o' two lives; bud 'e reached 'er joost
+afoor t' train did. Ah seed 'im catch 'er oop an' toss 'er on ti t'
+bank, an' then--then t' traan wer on 'im, an' we saw noothing moor till
+it 'ad past. Then ah ran ti wheer 'e wer lyin', an' an awful sight it
+wer. It 'aunts ma yet, thoo it's nigh on ten year sin. 'E wer livin',
+poor chap, an' 'e looked up at ma wi' a smile, though t' death dews
+were gathering on 'is faace.
+
+"T' lahtle lass?" 'e asked anxiously.
+
+"Saafe an' well," ah answered. "Eh, Gus, lad, tha' shouldn't 'a doon
+it. Ah reckon she weant woorth it."
+
+"Niver saay that!" 'e said. "Wheer is sha? Ah'd like fine to bid her
+good-bye."
+
+Polly wer cryin' wi' fright on t' bank cloas at 'and. Ah called 'er,
+bud at first sha 'ung back, not knawin' as it wer 'er friend as lay
+theer, a sickenin' sight, an' not fit for a bairn ti see.
+
+"Niver mind, John," 'e said, sadly enough. "It's better soa. Ah
+wouldn't like 'er ti think o' ma like this." But ah went an' fetched
+'er, an' bade 'er ti thank 'im for saavin' 'er loife.
+
+"Nay, nay," 'e said, smoilin' oop at 'er. "Good-bye, lahtle sweet'eart.
+Tha'lt 'ave ti get anoother lad noo."
+
+"Nay, ah'll waait for thee an' be thy lahtle wife," says Polly
+sturdily, not un'erstan'in', poor lahtle lass, as 'e wer dyin'.
+
+"Tha'lt 'ave ti waait till tha gets ti t' New Jeroosalem, then," 'e
+answers, "if soa be as they'll let ma in." An' at that 'e looks serious.
+
+Ah maade 'aste ti cheer 'im oop.
+
+"Nay, lad, thoo need 'ave noa fear o' that," ah says. "Tha mind hoo He
+said, 'Inasmooch as ye 'a doon it to wun o' t' least o' these, ye 'a
+doon it unto Me.'"
+
+Hoo 'is faace lighted oop at that word! Then a spasm o' agony crossed
+it, an' t' death rattle began i' 'is throat.
+
+'E couldn't speak, bud 'e maade ma a sign ti send t' lahtle lass away,
+an' ah bade 'er roon 'oam ti 'er moother. Then ah knelt doon an' raised
+'im in ma arms, an' it weant long--thank God, it weant long.
+
+Well, it's ten year sin, as ah said, an' it's an owd story noo, an' t'
+grass is green on 'is graave. T' lahtle lass keeps it rare an' gay wi'
+flooers. Shoo's growin' a graat gell noo, an' it weant be long afoor
+t' lads begin ti coom aboot 'er, for shoo's growin' bonny; bud shoo's
+niver forgotten Gus, an' if shoo iver did, ah wouldn't oan 'er as ma
+darter, that ah wouldn't!
+
+
+
+
+ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.
+
+
+MEDICAL.
+
+FREDA.--Of the cause of exophthalmic goître but little is known for
+certain. Worry or anxiety often precede the onset of the disease.
+Unlike ordinary goître this affection is not limited in any way to
+certain districts, but occurs in every part of the country. "Is it
+curable, and if so, how long should a moderate case take to cure?"
+Yes, many cases do recover. When the disease is very marked, recovery
+is unusual. But now that surgeons have directed their attention to the
+disease there is every reason to believe that the severer grades of the
+affection may yield to operative treatment. We can no more tell you how
+long an attack of exophthalmic goître will last than we could tell you
+the day of your death. Sometimes the disease disappears in six months
+or a year, often it drags on for many years. As a rule, if the symptoms
+develop rapidly, the disease runs a rapid course. Men are comparatively
+rarely attacked. We can, however, call to mind a fair number of cases
+of exophthalmic goître in the male sex. Unmarried women of from twenty
+to thirty years of age are the usual victims of this disease.
+
+WORRIED.--1. In all probability your sister would get better and
+stronger after marriage. Of course it depends a good deal upon the
+cause of her malady. She had far better go to her family doctor and
+get his advice upon the matter. We cannot take the responsibility of
+giving a definite answer to your question from such a very scanty
+amount of information.--2. There are so many books on travel and
+science, suitable to ordinary readers, that it is rather difficult to
+choose any particular volume. One of the best books on science for a
+beginner--that is, a person who is beginning to read science--is a
+little work called _Ants and their Ways_, by the Rev. Farren White. It
+is a charming little volume which will instil into anyone who reads it
+the habit of observation--so all-important in science. The book is very
+moderate in price. It is published by the Religious Tract Society. If
+you turn to the advertisement sheets at the back of this paper you will
+see notices of a number of very good books on both science and travel.
+
+MATRON.--Obviously the book you want is the _British Pharmacopœia_.
+This gives definite instructions how to make up every official
+preparation. There is a new edition just published. For the drugs which
+are not in the _British Pharmacopœia_, Squire's _Companion to the
+British Pharmacopœia_ may be consulted. You will do well to thoroughly
+master the decimal measures, and to use them exclusively, as they
+are now official and will alone be used in the future. The old and
+confusing apothecaries' measures are now out of date.
+
+ALTA.--For the bites and stings of midges, etc., rub a little dilute
+ammonia on the bite. This usually relieves the pain instantly. It is
+better to put a drop of dilute carbolic acid (about 1 in 100) upon the
+bite after using the ammonia. The reason for this is that the trouble
+from an insect's bite is dependent upon two causes. In the first place
+the insect actually drops poison into the bite. This, which is usually
+formic acid, makes the wound smart at once, but its effect passes off
+in a little time. Ammonia neutralises this acid and so gives instant
+relief. But there is a second cause of trouble which is far more
+serious. The bite of a fly has caused more deaths than you would think,
+and from this reason. Flies of all kinds are given to feed on garbage,
+and as they have not yet learnt to use a toothbrush, their mouths are
+always swarming with germs. Usually these germs are not of a very
+virulent kind. But suppose that a midge has been eating the carcase of
+an animal which has died from peritonitis. That fly is now more deadly
+than a viper, for on its tongue it has a poison which is capable of
+rapid increase if it ever finds a suitable home. If this fly bites you,
+you may die from the bite. Everyone knows that often an insect sting
+or bite does not ache or swell at first; but after several hours the
+place becomes hot and swollen, and if the place bitten be the hand,
+the arm begins to swell and the glands in the armpit enlarge. In this
+case a mild dose of microbes has been innoculated. Ammonia will not
+in most cases destroy these microbes. Therefore, we say, put a drop
+of dilute carbolic acid on the place as soon as you can. The ammonia
+simply relieves a little itching (for the poison of the insect itself
+is rarely dangerous), but the carbolic acid destroys organisms which
+are capable of great mischief. Rubbing the face and hands with oil of
+eucalyptus, or paraffin, will sometimes prevent insects from coming
+near you.
+
+LILY, MY QUEENIE.--1. Is the skin round your eyebrows scarred? Hair
+never grows on scars, nor can it be made to do so by any means in our
+power. If there are no scars, try a little white precipitate ointment
+applied carefully to the eyebrows.--2. Moles cannot be cured. They can
+be removed by operation. If they are large and noticeable it is better
+to have them removed. Otherwise leave them severely alone.
+
+PEARL.--Take our advice and see a doctor at once. Severe headache is a
+very common symptom, and though it is usually caused by some trivial
+ailment, it is often the only subjective sign of a serious disease.
+Your attacks suggest megraine, but they might be due to far more
+serious things. Without a complete personal examination no man living
+could diagnose your malady.
+
+FOX.--What size corsets do you wear? Tight lacing is, or rather was,
+a very common cause of fatness about the face. What age are you? It
+is very common for women to get double chins and extra plump cheeks
+when they have passed their thirtieth year. Very many diseases cause
+fatness of the face. Kidney disease is one of the commonest of these.
+All we can advise you to do is to be careful about your diet. Avoid
+farinaceous puddings and sweets. Take plenty of exercise. No drug
+is of much good in obesity of any kind. Some of the mineral waters,
+especially Vichy, are sometimes useful to stout persons.
+
+A WEARY AND CAREWORN GIRL.--We are exceedingly sorry that we could not
+answer your letter earlier. The troubles that you have gone through are
+enough to depress any girl of twice your age. We think that all your
+sufferings are due to nervousness resulting from being "run down." What
+the impediment in your speech is, is not quite clear from your letter.
+Probably it is far less than you imagine, else your mother would
+certainly have noticed it. The difficulty which you find in commencing
+to talk is due to nervousness. As your health improves, and as you
+grow older this will tend to disappear. We will publish an article on
+blushing and nervousness next month. To the last of your questions your
+clergyman would be more competent to give you an answer than ever we
+could be. Go to your pastor and tell him your troubles. He is sure to
+be able to comfort you in your affliction and to help you to bear your
+cross with patience for the sake of Him who laid down His life for you.
+
+CROYDEN.--The habit of taking acids to cure indigestion is greatly
+to be deprecated. Acids and bitters are very useful in some forms
+of indigestion, but they should never be taken unless ordered by a
+physician. Alkalis, such as bicarbonate of soda, are on the other hand
+of great value in the majority of cases of indigestion. Indeed we will
+go further than this: we have never met with a case of indigestion
+from any cause which was not benefited, sometimes only temporarily, by
+alkalis. We have seen very few cases of indigestion which have been
+relieved by acids. Our candid opinion is that the habit of taking acids
+and bitters to cure disorders of the stomach or loss of appetite, is a
+very fertile cause of the life-long indigestion so common nowadays.
+
+BLACK EYES.--In an answer to "Fair Isobel," which was published some
+months ago, the treatment of blackheads was thoroughly discussed.
+
+EMILY PHELPS.--Your glasses do not suit you. Go to an oculist and get
+his prescription for another pair. Your symptoms are very common in
+people who use unsuitable spectacles.
+
+BUTTERCUP.--Bunions are due to the pressure of badly-fitting boots. In
+the human foot the great or innermost toe bends away from the other
+toes. This gives to the inner border of the foot a direction slanting
+inwards towards the middle line of the body. Most boots are made
+with their inner border slanting outwards away from the middle line
+so as to meet the outer border of the boots at a more or less acute
+angle. We have therefore the great toe naturally tending to depart
+from its fellows, and we have the boot forcing the great toe towards,
+and possibly under or over, the other toes. The boot is an unyielding
+structure. The inner border of the foot is also practically unyielding,
+except at one spot, the joint of the great toe. The first toe is
+therefore forced inwards and its joint projects as an angle. The boot
+presses upon this joint, a corn forms, inflammation is set up, and
+the joint becomes diseased, forming a bunion. When once a bunion has
+developed, it is no good talking about its prevention. We must attempt
+to cure it, and it is not so very difficult to cure it, and keep it
+cured, if you fully understand how it originated. A bunion is caused by
+pressure upon the joint. The cure of the bunion consists of removing
+the pressure from the joint. To do this you should wear boots in which
+the inner border slopes away from the centre of the boot. We advise you
+to get a pair of boots of this shape made for yourself. If the bunion
+is intractable, you may need a "post" in the boot between the great and
+the second toe. Keep your foot scrupulously clean, and take a foot-bath
+every evening.
+
+J. S. N.--As your mother died from heart disease, it is no wonder that
+you imagine your own symptoms to be likewise due to heart trouble; but
+the symptoms you mention are all characteristic of simple dyspepsia;
+not one of them is common in heart disease. When you say "at times my
+pulse beats very fast and sometimes irregularly," we presume that you
+mean that you feel your heart beating fast or irregularly, in other
+words, that you have palpitation. When the heart is beating fast or
+irregularly, as it frequently does in heart disease, it produces no
+symptoms which might inform the sufferer of her state. It is only by
+feeling the pulse that irregularities in its action can be detected. We
+will not say that heart disease is not hereditary, but the importance
+of this factor has been greatly over-estimated. Disease of the heart
+is very frequently due to rheumatic fever; and the tendency to
+rheumatism is; to a certain extent, hereditary. You will find plenty of
+information about indigestion in our last year's volume.
+
+ESTHER.--We can well understand that you feel a little nervous about
+your chest, when you tell us that both your parents died of phthisis.
+You know that the risk of your developing the disease is considerable,
+yet it by no means follows that you will get phthisis. By no means are
+you certain to get phthisis. You must be very careful about yourself,
+and the least bit of a cough or cold which may attack you must be
+carefully attended to. Indeed we advise you to call in your family
+doctor the moment that you have any cough or other untoward symptom.
+Certainly you would do well to spend your winters in Switzerland.
+
+CANARY.--1. A little dumb-bell exercise every morning will improve
+the form of your back and shoulders. The dumb-bells should be made of
+wood and not weigh more than two pounds each. Heavy bell exercise is
+very dangerous. It has always been considered beautiful for women to
+possess broad hips.--2. Why? Why do so many of our correspondents call
+themselves "constant readers"? Perhaps it is that they think that by
+using that pseudonym they will get answered sooner, or perhaps it is
+merely from lack of sufficient imagination to think of some phrase less
+commonplace.
+
+E. M. WALKER.--Cinnamon is more at home in the pantry than in pharmacy.
+The only medicinal action it possesses is that of all aromatic
+substances. It is occasionally used as a stomachic, but its chief use
+is for flavouring. Sometimes it is given for diarrhœa as it is a mild
+astringent. Cinnamon has no action on cancer, neither has any drug the
+slightest effect upon the course of this disease. Indeed one might put
+down the medicinal action of cinnamon at zero.
+
+MABEL B.--It is not at all uncommon for the hair to fall out after a
+severe illness. It is, however, rare for permanent baldness to result.
+Usually after combing out in large quantities for some weeks or months
+the hair grows quickly and luxuriously again. A mildly stimulating
+hair-wash is often useful in these cases. Brilliantine, bay rum or
+rosemary hair-washes are suitable. We much doubt whether taking
+cod-liver oil would have any effect upon your hair, but it might help
+to restore your strength.
+
+FLORRIE.--1. We know of no recipe which will remove hairs from the face
+without doing serious damage to the skin at the same time.--2. Try
+sulphur soap for a shiny face. Do not use face powder.
+
+HELENA.--Read the answer to "Florrie" above. The Laws of Libel prevent
+us from giving you our opinion on the preparation which you mention. We
+are allowed, however, to warn you to have nothing to do with any patent
+medicine of which you do not know the composition. It has not been our
+experience that peroxide of hydrogen makes the hair grow quickly.
+
+
+STUDY AND STUDIO.
+
+IRISH MAY FLOWER.--It is rather difficult to dispose of such sketches
+as you describe. We should suggest that you took them to any picture
+dealer in your neighbourhood, and asked him to try to sell them for
+you. Or you might write to the Irish Ladies' Work Society, 47, George
+Street, Kingstown, inquiring if that would be of any use to you.
+
+MABEL ENTWISTLE.--We are very glad that you have been enabled through
+our means "to make the acquaintance of two extremely nice French
+girls." Your writing we like very much. It is clear, definite, and
+has a character of its own. If we gave any hint for its improvement,
+it would be to avoid the lapses in the middle of a word, making the
+writing flow consecutively.
+
+LA PETITE VIOLETTE.--We have not forgotten you, and are very glad you
+have taken up some special study. We have placed your request in "Our
+Open Letter Box."
+
+WILD ROSE.--1. Your first quotation is from Tennyson's _In Memoriam_,
+xxvii., stanza 4.
+
+    "I hold it true, whate'er befall,
+      I feel it when I sorrow most,
+      'Tis better to have loved and lost,
+    Than never to have loved at all."
+
+2. Look through the poetry of Thomas Moore for your second extract, and
+if you cannot find it there, send it again and we will place it in "Our
+Open Letter Box."
+
+CATALINA.--1. Apply to the Church Sunday School Institute,
+Serjeant's Inn, Fleet Street, E.C., or to the Sunday School Union
+(undenominational), 57, Ludgate Hill, and you will receive the fullest
+information. The lessons for each Sunday are set forth in certain
+inexpensive books in detail, with comments and information upon every
+verse. In addition to these "lesson helps" you should read and study
+books upon the Old Testament and upon the life of our Lord, such as
+Farrar's _Life of Christ_. The Religious Tract Society has published
+one (_The Life of Jesus Christ the Saviour_, by Mrs. S. Watson), which
+is not too ambitious, and might help you. The net price is 3s. 9d.--2.
+Your writing is good for your age, but might be improved if the tails
+to your "g's," "y's," etc., were less straggling.
+
+ERIN-GO-BRAGH.--1. We have inserted your request, but (as you give a
+pseudonym) not your address.--2. Your handwriting is too upright and
+irregular, but there is the foundation of a good hand in it.
+
+EXILE OF ERIN.--The "Fragment" you enclose is above the average of
+poems submitted to us, but your metre does not flow quite smoothly
+enough. You should avoid too many monosyllables in these long lines.
+
+L. A. T.--We should advise you to read Homer's "Odyssey," translated
+by Butcher and Lang, and if you find difficulty in understanding it,
+a "Primer" on the subject as well. But we think you will enjoy it. As
+for Plato, read "The Trial and Death of Socrates," translated by Dean
+Church, and consult a small history of Greece on the period (399 B.C.)
+Do not attempt too much at once, nor read Plato's deeper "Dialogues"
+to begin with. Your letter, which you ask us to criticise, is clearly
+written, with only one mistake in spelling.
+
+MISS BEALEY.--We undertake no communication by post (see "Rules" in our
+November part and elsewhere). You will find the "Home Reading Union"
+an excellent society; apply to the Secretary, Surrey House, Victoria
+Embankment. Consult this column for amateur societies occasionally
+mentioned.
+
+MISS FLORENCE E. SMITH calls attention to the "Bedford Practising
+Society," of which she is secretary. She will be delighted to send
+particulars to any fellow reader of the GIRL'S OWN PAPER. Address to
+her at Winfrith, The Crescent, Bedford.
+
+HOFFNUNG.--Many thanks for your letter. By all means try again.
+
+
+INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENCE.
+
+MADEMOISELLE MARGUERITE GONTARD (address "Nikopal Mariopol Co.,
+Mariopol, South Russia, Engineer Prauss for M. Gontard"), wishes to be
+put into communication with a young English lady, resident in either of
+the continents of Asia, Africa, America, or Australia. She desires to
+correspond with her either in English or French. We thank Mademoiselle
+Gontard for her pretty English letter. She may certainly write to us in
+French if she prefers to do so.
+
+"ERIN-GO-BRAGH" would like to correspond with a French girl of about
+her own age--twenty-one.
+
+FLORENCE writes a kind letter from which we quote a sentence. "I am
+wondering whether some little girl belonging to the readers of our
+GIRL'S OWN PAPER would care to have an older friend to write to; she
+would receive in return sympathy if in trouble, and an interest would
+be taken in all she might care to confide to one whom she could perhaps
+learn to look upon in the light of an elder sister." We regret that
+it is against our rules to undertake direct postal communication; but
+if any little girl sends us her address, we will insert it here for
+"Florence" to see. Perhaps some lonely, or motherless, or sad little
+girls might be glad to find a friend.
+
+
+OUR OPEN LETTER BOX.
+
+LA PETITE VIOLETTE wishes to find a poem with a refrain to each verse
+"Belle Marquise." She saw a quotation from it as a heading to a chapter
+in a book entitled _Woman and the Shadow_.
+
+MISS M. A. C. CRABB and ELPIS answer LENNOX by referring the verse she
+quotes--
+
+    "Alas! how easily things go wrong,"
+
+to a poem in the 19th chapter of George Macdonald's "Phantastes: a
+Faerie Romance." They agree in saying that the second verse is not by
+the same pen.
+
+PETERKIN, GERTRUDE ASHWORTH, KLONDYKE, B. D. WARD, M. E. BATES,
+"STICK," R. M. COOKE, MABEL ENTWISTLE and "THE ELDEST GIRL," inform
+Ethel Rimmer that Christina Rossetti's poem beginning--
+
+    "When I am dead, my dearest,
+      Sing no sad songs for me,"
+
+has been set to music by Malcolm Lawson, and is entitled "Hereafter,"
+in keys E♭ and G. It appeared in the June number of the _Strand Musical
+Magazine_ for 1895. "A LOVER OF THE 'G.O.P.'" says it has been set to
+music by C. A. Lee, either for a soprano or an alto voice.
+
+R. C. R. suggests to GOLD DUST that the poem "Tit for Tat" is contained
+in "Original Poems for Infant Minds," by Jane Taylor, her sisters and
+brother. If this is the poem sought for, we may add that the volume is
+published by Routledge.
+
+ONE OF THE FIRST READERS, AZIE, asks for the author of a poem entitled
+"Maggie and the Angels," containing two lines--
+
+    "Maggie, are they the angels?
+      And be they always there?"
+
+PERSEVERANZA would be glad to know the publishers of a picture-book
+of performing frogs or cats from which she could copy for painting on
+dessert doyleys.
+
+L B. N. R. wishes to know the author of the following lines--
+
+    "There is a river which flows for ever,
+      And the flowers that bloom on its banks
+    Grow bright, as they glitter in grateful endeavour
+      To vie in a perfume of thanks."
+
+
+MISCELLANEOUS.
+
+EDITH.--The origin of the Lions as a device on the Royal Arms we trace
+to William the Conqueror, who introduced those of Normandy. These two
+original Lions were supplemented by a third, added by Henry III., it is
+generally supposed, for Aquitaine.
+
+MATER.--To make an economical Christmas cake, take half a pound
+of butter, place in a bowl, and break five eggs over it, stirring
+continuously, while a second person sifts in slowly a pound and
+a half of currants (well washed, dried, and carefully picked),
+three-quarters of a pound of flour, and two ounces of citron peel
+chopped to moderately small pieces. Place in a papered shape--not
+buttered--several folds of paper being laid at the bottom of the tin,
+and bake in moderately hot oven during three hours.
+
+SEMPER PARATUS.--We answer two questions, and you have asked nineteen!
+It is impossible to describe the several Scotch tartans otherwise than
+by coloured illustrations. These you will find in a book published by
+W. and A. K. Johnston (Edinburgh and London), entitled, _The Scottish
+Clans and their Tartans_, now in its second (if not third) edition.
+Some account of every Clan is given.
+
+ANXIOUS.--Rheumatism will, no doubt, be made worse by exposure to damp
+and draughts; but the origin is in acidity, which crystallises in the
+joints and muscles. You should abstain for a time from butchers' meat,
+and from sweet things. Attend to the action of the liver, which may
+be torpid; and if the pain be in the arms and shoulders, you should
+perform all kinds of exercises with them, and employ friction and
+rubbing with suitable embrocation. If you do not perform exercises, the
+joints and sinews will become stiff.
+
+A. E. C.--_Noah's Ark_, by Darley Dale, is published as a book by F.
+Warne, Bedford Street, Strand. Price 3s. 6d.
+
+HELEN OF TROY.--You will find several families of the name
+Marshall--though not necessarily related--in Burke's _Landed Gentry_.
+Perhaps you can claim your connection with one of them. The first on
+the list is G. H. Marshall, of Patterdale Hall, Westmoreland, descended
+from John of Yeadon Hall, Co. York, who made a large fortune from
+the mechanical improvements in a branch of the linen manufacture.
+There is Marshall of Treworgley, Cornwall; Marshall of Penwortham
+Hall, descended from M. of Ardwick, near Manchester; Marshall of
+Ward End House, Co. Warwick, descended from M. of Perlethorp, Co.
+Nottinghamshire; and Marshall of Broadwater, Surrey, apparently the
+oldest family of that name, anciently spelt Marchal, and long resident
+in that county. None of these families have the same arms, nor crest.
+The first-named (of Patterdale) has none ascribed to them in the
+_Landed Gentry_. You had better consult the second volume in some
+library.
+
+
+
+
+OUR PUZZLE POEMS.
+
+A NEW DEPARTURE.
+
+
+We are publishing Three Puzzle Poems in succession dealing with
+accidents and the way to meet them, and the following is the second of
+the series. The lines should be carefully committed to memory for the
+sake of the valuable instruction they contain.
+
+In addition to the ordinary monthly prizes THREE SPECIAL PRIZES are
+offered for the best solutions of the whole series.
+
+The first Special Prize will be THREE GUINEAS; the second Special
+Prize, TWO GUINEAS, and the third Special Prize, ONE GUINEA.
+
+A careful record of mistakes will be kept, and these prizes will be
+awarded to those competitors who perpetrate the fewest in all three
+puzzles.
+
+If a winner of one of these prizes has already received an ordinary
+prize in the series, the amount of the smaller prize will be deducted.
+This will then be sent to the most deserving non-prize-winner in the
+list relating to the puzzle for which the prize in question was awarded.
+
+
+OUR NEW PUZZLE POEM.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+⁂ Prizes to the amount of six guineas (one of which will be reserved
+for competitors living abroad) are offered for the best solutions of
+the above Puzzle Poem. The following conditions must be observed.
+
+1. Solutions to be written on one side of the paper only.
+
+2. Each paper to be headed with the name and address of the competitor.
+
+3. Attention must be paid to spelling, punctuation, and neatness.
+
+4. Send by post to Editor, GIRL'S OWN PAPER, 56, Paternoster Row,
+London. "Puzzle Poem" to be written on the top left-hand corner of the
+envelope.
+
+5. The last day for receiving solutions from Great Britain and Ireland
+will be February 17, 1899; from Abroad, April 17, 1899.
+
+The competition is open to all without any restrictions as to sex or
+age.
+
+
+
+
+OUR SUPPLEMENT STORY COMPETITION.
+
+
+SELF OR FRIEND?
+
+A STORY IN MINIATURE.
+
+
+FIRST PRIZE (£2 2s.).
+
+Margaret A. Fish, 49, Foregate Street, Worcester.
+
+
+SECOND PRIZE (£1 1s.).
+
+Rose Cook, 2, South Cliff, Lowestoft.
+
+
+THIRD PRIZE (10s. 6d.).
+
+Edith Ivens, Mayfield, Station Road, Llandaff, nr. Cardiff.
+
+
+VERY HIGHLY COMMENDED.
+
+Emily M. P. Wood, Woodbank, Southport.
+
+
+HONOURABLE MENTION.
+
+Mary Adamson, Eastbourne; Lucy H. Chapman, Weston-super-Mare; "Conor,"
+Bonchurch, I.W.; Rose L. Connor, Greenock, N.B.; "Editha," Birmingham;
+Kate Collins Ensor, Atherstone; "Excelsior," North Bow, E.; Annie F.
+Hepple, N. Shields; E. Marian Jupe, Warminster; "Mignonette," New
+Cross, S.E.; Edith Miller, Judd St., W.C.; Agnes Osborne, Sidcup;
+Minnie Reeves, Twyford; Lucy Richardson, York; Enid G. St. Aubyn,
+Retford; Mary Adéle Venn, West Kensington Park; L. M. Willis,
+Harrogate; Mabel Wilson, Bedford Park.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+TO THE COMPETITORS.
+
+MY DEAR GIRLS,--To the prize winners and to those of you also who
+failed to gain prizes, I offer my hearty congratulations on the
+excellent papers you sent in. The work of selecting the very best
+was much less difficult than that of choosing a few for "Honourable
+Mention," out of hundreds of really good ones.
+
+It may interest you to know why some of you failed to obtain a place
+in the list of honours. Twenty-eight competitors were disqualified
+by breaking the rule as to size of paper and space to be filled.
+Then there were several charming essays on the story which were not
+miniatures of it. In a considerable number necessary parts of the
+outline were omitted, hence the work was incomplete.
+
+It gave me true pleasure to note how thoroughly most of you grasped the
+lesson which the story was intended to convey.
+
+Do not be disheartened. Try again. Such good papers cannot be called
+failures, and the exercise will benefit you whether you gain prizes or
+not.
+
+    Your affectionate old friend,
+        RUTH LAMB.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+OUR NEXT STORY COMPETITION.
+
+STORIES IN MINIATURE.
+
+_Subject_:--"THE G. O. P. SUPPLEMENT FOR JANUARY."
+
+
+WHEN MY SHIP COMES HOME.
+
+BY SARAH DOUDNEY, Author of "A Cluster of Roses," "A Flower of Light,"
+etc.
+
+We offer three prizes of TWO GUINEAS, ONE GUINEA, and HALF-A-GUINEA
+for the three best papers on our "Story Supplement" for this month.
+The essays are to give a brief account of the plot and action of the
+story in the Competitor's own words; in fact, each paper should be a
+carefully-constructed _Story in Miniature_, telling the reader in a few
+bright words what THE GIRL'S OWN STORY SUPPLEMENT for the month is all
+about.
+
+One page of foolscap only is to be written upon, and is to be signed
+by the writer, followed by her full address, and posted to The Editor,
+GIRL'S OWN PAPER, in an unsealed envelope, with the words "Stories in
+Miniature" written on the left-hand top corner.
+
+The last day for receiving the papers is January 20th; and no papers
+can in any case be returned.
+
+_Examiners_:--The Author of the Story (Sarah Doudney), and the Editor
+of THE GIRL'S OWN PAPER.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Transcriber's Note: The following changes have been made to this text.
+
+Page 218--prevenche changed to pervenche.
+
+Page 222--parafin changed to paraffin.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Girl's Own Paper, Vol. XX, No.
+992, December 31, 1898, by Various
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE GIRL'S OWN PAPER ***
+
+***** This file should be named 52104-0.txt or 52104-0.zip *****
+This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
+        http://www.gutenberg.org/5/2/1/0/52104/
+
+Produced by Susan Skinner, Chris Curnow, Pamela Patten and
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+      The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Girl's Own Paper, Vol. XX. No. 992, by Various.
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+<pre>
+
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Girl's Own Paper, Vol. XX, No. 992,
+December 31, 1898, by Various
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most
+other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions
+whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of
+the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at
+www.gutenberg.org.  If you are not located in the United States, you'll have
+to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook.
+
+
+
+Title: The Girl's Own Paper, Vol. XX, No. 992, December 31, 1898
+
+Author: Various
+
+Release Date: May 19, 2016 [EBook #52104]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE GIRL'S OWN PAPER ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Susan Skinner, Chris Curnow, Pamela Patten and
+the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at
+http://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+<h1 class='faux'>THE GIRL'S OWN
+PAPER</h1>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">{209}</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter w600">
+<img src="images/header.jpg" width="600" height="202" alt="The Girl's Own Paper." />
+</div>
+
+<hr class="full" />
+
+<div class="center">
+<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="" width="100%">
+<tbody><tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Vol. XX.&mdash;No. 992.]</span></td><td align="center">DECEMBER 31, 1898.</td><td align="right"><span class="smcap">[Price One Penny.</span></td></tr>
+</tbody></table></div>
+
+<hr class="full" />
+
+<p class="center">[Transcriber's Note: This Table of Contents was not present in the original.]</p>
+
+<p class="center">
+<!-- Autogenerated TOC. Modify or delete as required. -->
+
+<a href="#OLD_ENGLISH_COTTAGE_HOMES">OLD ENGLISH COTTAGE HOMES.</a><br />
+<a href="#ABOUT_PEGGY_SAVILLE">ABOUT PEGGY SAVILLE.</a><br />
+<a href="#GIRLS_AS_I_HAVE_KNOWN_THEM">GIRLS AS I HAVE KNOWN THEM.</a><br />
+<a href="#OUR_HERO">"OUR HERO."</a><br />
+<a href="#FROCKS_FOR_TO-MORROW">FROCKS FOR TO-MORROW.</a><br />
+<a href="#OUR_PROSPECTUS_PUZZLE_REPORT">OUR PROSPECTUS PUZZLE REPORT.</a><br />
+<a href="#IN_THE_TWILIGHT_SIDE_BY_SIDE">IN THE TWILIGHT SIDE BY SIDE.</a><br />
+<a href="#SISTER_WARWICK_A_STORY_OF_INFLUENCE">"SISTER WARWICK": A STORY OF INFLUENCE.</a><br />
+<a href="#GUS">GUS.</a><br />
+<a href="#ANSWERS_TO_CORRESPONDENTS">ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.</a><br />
+<a href="#OUR_PUZZLE_POEMS">OUR PUZZLE POEMS.</a><br />
+<a href="#OUR_SUPPLEMENT_STORY">OUR SUPPLEMENT STORY COMPETITION.</a><br />
+
+<!-- End Autogenerated TOC. -->
+
+</p>
+
+
+
+<hr class="chap" /><div>
+<h2><a name="OLD_ENGLISH_COTTAGE_HOMES" id="OLD_ENGLISH_COTTAGE_HOMES">OLD ENGLISH COTTAGE HOMES;</a><br />
+<span class="smalltext">OR,<br /></span>
+VILLAGE ARCHITECTURE OF BYGONE TIMES.</h2>
+
+
+<div class="figcenter w500">
+<img src="images/i_209.jpg" width="500" height="353" alt="" />
+<div class="caption">AT CLARE, SUFFOLK.</div>
+</div>
+
+<p class='smalltext'><i>All rights reserved.</i>]</p>
+
+
+<h3>PART III.</h3>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">We</span> have already pointed out the simplicity
+of outline observable in old English cottages,
+and the absence of exaggeration and that disagreeable
+fussiness brought about by too
+much striving after the picturesque. It must
+not, however, from this be concluded that
+ancient village buildings are always plain and
+do not at times possess elegant ornamentation
+and graceful details.</p>
+
+<p>The general outline, however, is always
+simple and quiet, for, as will be seen by the
+examples we give (two of the most elaborate
+cottages in England), the roof lines are very
+little broken up or varied.</p>
+
+<p>The first of these buildings is at Clare in
+Suffolk, and the second is at Newport in
+Essex, the latter being one of the richest
+counties in England for cottage architecture,
+many of its villages retaining quite a medi�val
+aspect down to the present time.</p>
+
+<p>We will now say a few words upon the
+methods of applying ornamental detail to
+cottages adopted in medi�val times, and we
+shall commence with those structures erected
+in "Post-and-pan" construction. We trust
+that our readers have not forgotten what
+is meant by the ugly-sounding expression
+"Post-and-pan," and regret that we are quite
+unable to discover or invent some more
+elegant name for this description of building.
+Some years back a number of architects and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">{210}</a></span>
+arch�ologists were examined before a parliamentary
+commission. The commission objected
+to the words "Post-and-pan" being
+used in their report, and suggested to the
+witnesses that they should find some more
+scientific expression for this kind of work!
+It was found, however, impossible to invent
+any one which conveyed the idea so concisely
+and satisfactorily, so the old-fashioned name
+"Post-and-pan" received parliamentary sanction!
+This being the case, our girls need not
+scruple to use it, and may it not, after all, be
+as valuable for the formation of the lips as
+the "prunes" and "prism" of Little Dorritt?</p>
+
+<p>There are several ways of applying ornamentation
+to "Post-and-pan" buildings. The
+first is to add mouldings, tracery or carving,
+to the doorways, windows, cornices, corbels
+and other constructive parts of the building.</p>
+
+<p>The second is to arrange the "posts" in
+patterns by introducing curved beams amongst
+them, or other woodwork, forming a kind of
+tracery pattern.</p>
+
+<p>The third is to adorn the "pans" (panels)
+either with stamped plaster-work called "pargeting,"
+or with coloured plaster-work, or
+wood-carving.</p>
+
+<p>The first of these methods is seen in the
+beautiful example which we have sketched at
+Newport in Essex: here it will be noticed
+that the bow window of the upper storey is
+adorned with wood tracery, and its corbel
+richly carved with figure subjects, all executed
+in oak. The "spurs," as they are called,
+which carry the projection of the upper storey,
+are richly moulded and rest upon elegant little
+colonnettes. The pans are filled in with
+brickwork laid in herring-bone patterns. The
+centre of the building is recessed back, but
+in order to preserve the severe and simple
+lines of the roof, the latter does not follow
+the line of the recess, but is supported upon
+an arched beam, from the centre of which
+projects a lifting-crane, a treatment quite
+peculiar to the home counties and the south
+of England.</p>
+
+<p>Of course this building is far more elaborate
+than most cottages, and the tradition of the
+place accounts for this by the supposition
+that it was formerly the dwelling of a farm
+bailiff to the Abbot of Westminster.</p>
+
+<p>The beautiful little village of Newport has
+several examples of interesting domestic work
+and a very noble church.</p>
+
+<p>The building which we illustrate dates from
+the 15th century, and is still in excellent repair
+though not in any way restored.</p>
+
+<p>The very elaborate cottage represented
+in our first sketch is an excellent example
+of pargeting, the surface of the pans being
+covered by a rich kind of shawl-pattern
+executed in hard plaster, like the Newport
+example. The constructive portions of the
+building are elaborately treated. We are
+unable to account for the amount of
+elaboration bestowed on this cottage, but as
+it is close to the church, which is a very handsome
+building and liberally endowed with
+chantries, it is very probable that this may
+have been the dwelling of one of the chantry
+priests.</p>
+
+<p>Clare was an important place in the Middle
+Ages and possessed a castle, remains of which
+are still to be seen. Richard Strongbow, the
+Conqueror of Ireland, is said to have lived
+in it.</p>
+
+<p>The Manor of Clare in later times belonged
+to Edmund Mortimer, Earl of March. There
+was also a priory here, built in 1248 by
+Richard, Earl of Gloucester.</p>
+
+<p>A very curious poem exists in the form of
+a dialogue, "betwixt a secular askyng and a
+frere answering at the grave of Dame Johan
+of Acris" (of Clare). It is a quaint example
+of Old English and begins in rather a curious
+manner.</p>
+
+<p>Q. "What man lyeth here, sey me, Sir
+Frere?"</p>
+
+<p>A. "No man."</p>
+
+<p>Q. "What ellis?"</p>
+
+<p>A. "It is a woman."</p>
+
+<p>Then follows her pedigree all in rhyme,
+from which it appears that she was a daughter
+of King Edward I., and the remarkable circumstance
+is stated, that she was borne of her
+"moder"!</p>
+
+<p>As the poem is about three pages long and
+all pretty much like the sample we have given,
+we will not inflict it upon our readers.</p>
+
+<p class='right'>
+<span class="smcap">H. W. Brewer.</span>
+</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter w400">
+<img src="images/i_210.jpg" width="400" height="416" alt="" />
+<div class="caption">AT NEWPORT, ESSEX.</div>
+</div>
+
+<hr class="chap" /></div><div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">{211}</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2><a name="ABOUT_PEGGY_SAVILLE" id="ABOUT_PEGGY_SAVILLE">ABOUT PEGGY SAVILLE.</a></h2>
+
+<p class='ph3'><span class="smcap">By</span> JESSIE MANSERGH (Mrs. G. de Horne Vaizey), Author of "Sisters Three," etc.</p>
+
+
+<h3>CHAPTER XIII.</h3>
+
+<div>
+<img class="drop-cap" src="images/i_211.jpg" width="125" height="294" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<p class="drop-cap"><span class="upper-case">Peggy</span> felt weak and
+shaken for some
+days after her
+fright, and was
+thankful to stay
+quietly indoors and
+busy herself with
+her new task. The
+gas fire could be
+turned on in her
+room whenever she
+desired, and at
+every spare moment
+she ran upstairs,
+locked her
+door behind her,
+and began to write.
+Robert insisted
+that the work
+should be kept
+secret, and that
+not a word should
+be said about the competition downstairs,
+for he was sensitive about the remarks
+of his companions, and anxious to keep
+a possible failure to himself. All the
+work had to be done upstairs therefore,
+and the frequent absence of the partners
+from the schoolroom, though much
+regretted, did not seem at all inexplicable
+to the others. It was understood
+that Peggy and Robert had some
+interest in common, but as winter advanced
+this was no unusual occurrence
+in a house where Christmas was a
+carnival, and surprises of an elaborate
+nature were planned by every member of
+the household. It was taken for granted
+that the work had some connection with
+Christmas, and inquiries were discreetly
+avoided.</p>
+
+<p>With an old calendar before her as a
+model for the lettering, Peggy did her
+work neatly and well, and the gilt
+"arabesques" had an artistic flourish
+which was quite professional. When
+Robert was shown the first half-dozen
+sheets he whistled with surprise, and exclaimed,
+"Good old Mariquita!" a burst
+of approval before which Peggy glowed
+with delight. It had been agreed that,
+after printing the first ten days of
+January, Peggy should go on to the
+first ten of February, and so on throughout
+the year, so that Rob should be able
+to use what quotations had already been
+found under each heading, and should
+not be detained until the whole thirty
+or thirty-one had been chosen.</p>
+
+<p>The partners were most fastidious in
+their selection at the beginning of their
+work, but when half the time had passed
+and not one-third of the necessary
+number of quotations had been found,
+alarm seized upon the camp, and it was
+realised that a little more latitude must
+be shown.</p>
+
+<p>"We shall have to use up all the old
+ones which we struck off the list," said
+Rob disconsolately. "I'm sorry; but I
+never realised before that three hundred
+and sixty-five was such an outrageously
+large number. And we shall have to
+get books of extracts and read them
+through from beginning to end. Nearly
+two hundred more to find; a hundred
+and fifty, say, when we have used up
+those old ones! It will take us all our
+time!"</p>
+
+<p>"I'll get up at six every morning and
+read by my fire," said Peggy firmly.
+"If it's necessary I'll get up at five, and
+if I can't find bits to suit all the stupid
+old things, I'll&mdash;I'll write some myself!
+There! Why shouldn't I? I often
+make up things in my head, and you
+wouldn't believe how fine they are. I
+think of them days afterwards, and
+ask myself,'Now where did I read
+that?' and then it comes back to me.
+'Dear me; I made it up myself!' If
+we get very short, Rob, there wouldn't
+be any harm in writing a few sentences
+and signing them 'Saville,' would
+there?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not if they were good enough," said
+Rob, trying to suppress the laugh which
+would have hurt Peggy's feelings, and
+looking with twinkling eyes at the little
+figure by his side, so comically unprofessional,
+with her lace collar, dainty
+little feet, and pigtail of dark brown hair.
+"You mustn't get up too early in the
+morning and overtire yourself. I can't
+allow that!" he added firmly. "You
+have looked like a little white ghost the
+last few days, and your face is about
+the size of my hand. You must get
+some colour into your cheeks before the
+holidays, or that beloved Arthur will
+think we have been ill-treating you when
+he comes down."</p>
+
+<p>Peggy gave a sharp little sigh and
+relapsed into silence. It was the rarest
+thing in the world to hear her allude to
+any of her own people. When a letter
+arrived, and Mrs. Asplin asked questions
+concerning father, mother, or brother,
+she answered readily enough, but she
+never offered information, or voluntarily
+carried on the conversation. Friends
+less sympathetic might have imagined
+that she was so happy in her new home
+that she had no care beyond it, but no
+one in the Vicarage made that mistake.
+When the square Indian letter was
+handed to her across the breakfast table,
+the flush of delight on the pale cheeks
+brought a reflected smile to every face,
+and more than one pair of eyes watched
+her tenderly as she sat hugging the
+precious letter, waiting until the moment
+should come when she could rush
+upstairs and devour its contents in her
+own room. Once it had happened that
+mail day had arrived and brought no
+letter, and that had been a melancholy
+occasion. Mrs. Asplin had looked at
+one envelope after another, had read
+the addresses twice, thrice, even four
+times over before she summoned courage
+to tell of its absence.</p>
+
+<p>"There is no letter for you to-day,
+Peggy!" Her voice was full of commiseration
+as she spoke, but Peggy sat
+in silence, her face stiffened, her head
+thrown back with an assumption of calm
+indifference. "There must have been
+some delay in the mail. You will have
+two letters next week, dearie, instead
+of one."</p>
+
+<p>"Probably," said Peggy. Mellicent
+was staring at her with big, round eyes;
+the Vicar peered over the rim of his
+spectacles; Esther passed the marmalade
+with eager solicitude; her friends
+were all full of sympathy, but there
+was a "Touch-me-if-you-dare!" atmosphere
+about Peggy that day which
+silenced the words on their lip. It was
+evident that she preferred to be left
+alone, and though her eyes were red
+when she came down to lunch, she held
+her chin so high, and joined in the
+conversation with such an elegant flow
+of language, that no one dare comment
+on the fact. Two days later the letter
+arrived and all was sunshine again; but
+in spite of her cheery spirits, her friends
+realised that Peggy's heart was not in
+the vicarage, and that there were moments
+when the loneliness of her position
+pressed on her, and when she longed
+intensely for someone of her very own,
+whose place could not be taken by even
+the kindest of friends.</p>
+
+<p>Like most undemonstrative people,
+Peggy dearly loved to be appreciated,
+and to receive marks of favour from
+those around. Half the zest with which
+she entered into her new labour was
+owing to the fact that Robert had
+chosen her from all the rest to be his
+partner. She was aglow with satisfaction
+in this fact, and with pleasure in
+the work itself, and the only cloud which
+darkened her horizon at the present
+moment was caused by those incidental
+references to the fair Rosalind, which
+fell so often from her companion's lips.</p>
+
+<p>"Everything," said Peggy impatiently
+to herself, "everything ends in Rosalind!
+Whatever we are talking about,
+that stupid girl's name is bound to be
+introduced! I asked Mellicent if she
+would have a scone at tea this afternoon,
+and she said something about Rosalind
+in reply&mdash;Rosalind liked scones, or she
+didn't like scones, or some ridiculous
+nonsense of the sort! Who wants to
+know what Rosalind likes? I don't!
+I'm sick of the name! And Mrs. Asplin
+is as silly as the rest! The girls must
+have new dresses because Rosalind is
+coming, and they will be asked to tea at
+the Larches! If their green dresses are
+good enough for us, why won't they do
+for Rosalind, I should like to know?
+Rob is the only sensible one. I asked
+him if she were really such a marvellous
+creature, and he said she was an affected
+goose! He ought to know better than
+anyone else! Curls indeed! One would
+think it was something extraordinary to
+have curls! My hair would curl too, if
+I chose to make it, but I don't; I prefer
+to have it straight! If she is the
+'Honourable Rosalind,' I am Mariquita
+Saville, and I'm not going to be
+patronised by anybody, so there!" and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">{212}</a></span>
+Peggy tossed her head, and glared at
+the reflection in the glass in a lofty and
+scornful manner, as though it were the
+offending party who had had the
+audacity to assume superiority.</p>
+
+<p>Robert was one with Peggy in hoping
+that his people would not leave town
+until such time as the calendar should
+be despatched on its travels, for when
+they were installed at the Larches he
+was expected to be at home each week
+from Saturday until Monday, and the
+loss of that long holiday afternoon
+would interfere seriously with the work
+on hand. He had seen so little of his
+people for the last few years, that he
+would be expected to be sociable during
+the short time that he was with them,
+and could hardly shut himself up in his
+room for hours at a time. Despair then
+settled down upon both partners when a
+letter arrived to say that the Darcy
+family were coming down even earlier
+than had been expected, and summoning
+Robert to join them at the earliest
+possible moment.</p>
+
+<p>"This is awful!" cried the lad,
+ruffling his hair with a big, restless
+hand. "I know what it means&mdash;not
+only Saturdays off, but two or three
+nights during the week into the bargain!
+Between you and me, Mariquita, the
+governor is coming down here to economise
+and intends to stay much longer
+than usual. Hector has been getting
+into debt again; he's the eldest, you
+know&mdash;the one in the Life Guards. It's
+a lot too bad, for he has had it all his
+own way so far, and when he runs up bills
+like this, everyone has to suffer for it.
+Mother hates the country for more than
+a few weeks at a time, and will be
+wretched if she is kept here all through
+the winter. I know how it will be, she
+will keep asking people down, and
+getting up all sorts of entertainments to
+relieve the dulness. It's all very well in
+its way, but just now when I need every
+minute&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Shall you give up trying for the
+prize?" asked Peggy faintly, and Rob
+threw back his head with emphatic
+disclaimer.</p>
+
+<p>"I never give up a thing when I have
+made up my mind to do it! There are
+ten days still, and a great deal can be
+done in ten days. I'll take a couple of
+books upstairs with me every night and
+see if I can find something fresh. There
+is one good thing about it, I shall have
+a fresh stock of books to choose from
+at the Larches. It is the last step that
+costs in this case. It was easy enough
+to fix off the first hundred, but the last
+is a teaser!"</p>
+
+<p>On Saturday morning a dog-cart came
+over to convey Robert to the Larches,
+and the atmosphere of the vicarage
+seemed charged with expectation and
+excitement. The Darcys had arrived;
+to-morrow they would appear at church;
+on Monday they would probably drive
+over with Rob and pay a call. These
+were all important facts in a quiet
+country life, and seemed to afford
+unlimited satisfaction to every member
+of the household. Peggy grew so tired
+of the name of Darcy that she retired
+to her room at eight o'clock, and was
+busy at work over the September batch
+of cards, when a knock came to the
+door, and she had to cover them over
+with the blotting paper to admit Mellicent
+in her dressing-gown, with her hair
+arranged for the night in an extraordinary
+number of little plaited pig-tails.</p>
+
+<p>"Will you fasten the ends for me,
+Peggy, please?" she requested. "When
+I do it, the threads fall off, and the ends
+come loose. I want it to be specially
+nice for to-morrow!"</p>
+
+<p>"But it will look simply awful, Mellicent,
+if you leave it like this. It will be
+frizzed out almost on a level with your
+head. Let me do it up in just two tight
+plaits, it will be far, far nicer," urged
+Peggy, lifting one little tail after another,
+and counting their number in dismay.
+But no, Mellicent would not be persuaded.
+The extra plaits were a tribute
+to Rosalind, a mark of attention to her
+on her arrival with which she would
+suffer no interference, and as a consequence
+of her stubbornness, she marched
+to church next morning disfigured by
+a mop of untidy, tangled hair instead of
+the usual glossy locks.</p>
+
+<p>Peggy preserved a demeanour of
+stately calm, as she waited for the
+arrival of the Darcy family, but even
+she felt a tremor of excitement when the
+verger hobbled up to the square pew
+and stood holding the door open in his
+hand. The heads of the villagers turned
+with one consent to the doorway; only
+one person in the church disdained to
+move her position, but she heard the
+clatter of horses' hoofs from without, and
+presently the little procession passed
+the vicarage pew, and she could indulge
+her curiosity without sacrifice to pride.
+First of all came Lord Darcy, a thin, oldish
+man, with a face that looked tired and
+kind, and faintly amused by the amount
+of attention which his entrance had
+attracted. Then his wife, a tall, fair
+woman, with a beautiful profile, and an
+air of languid discontent who floated
+past with rustling silken skirts, leaving
+an impression of elegance and luxury,
+which made Mrs. Asplin sigh and
+Mellicent draw in her breath with a
+gasp of rapture. Then followed Robert
+with his shaggy head, scowling more
+fiercely than ever in his disgust at
+finding himself an object of attention,
+and last of all a girlish figure in a grey
+dress, with a collar of soft, fluffy chinchilla,
+and a velvet hat with drooping
+brim, beneath which could be seen a
+glimpse of a face pink and white as
+the blossoms of spring, and a mass of
+shining, golden hair. Peggy shut her
+lips with a snap, and the iron entered
+into her soul. It was no use pretending
+any longer! This was Rosalind, and she
+was fairer, sweeter, a hundred times
+more beautiful than she had ever
+imagined!</p>
+
+<p class='center'>(<i>To be continued.</i>)</p>
+
+
+<hr class="chap" /></div><div>
+
+<h2><a name="GIRLS_AS_I_HAVE_KNOWN_THEM" id="GIRLS_AS_I_HAVE_KNOWN_THEM">GIRLS AS I HAVE KNOWN THEM.</a></h2>
+
+<p class='ph3'><span class="smcap">By</span> ELSA D'ESTERRE-KEELING, Author of "Old Maids and Young."</p>
+
+
+<h3>PART III.</h3>
+
+<p class='ph3'>THE VULGAR GIRL.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">As</span> translated by Cowley,
+Horace is made to say&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Hence, ye profane, I hate ye all,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Both the great vulgar and the small!"<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<div class="figcenter w125">
+<img src="images/i_212a.jpg" width="125" height="293" alt="" />
+<div class="caption">The
+small
+vulgar</div>
+</div>
+
+<p>There will be no attempt
+made in this paper to deal with
+the great vulgar, but some
+attempt will be made in it to
+deal with the small, being the
+category to which, it may be
+assumed, belongs the average
+vulgar girl.</p>
+
+<p>It is of course impossible within the limits
+of a short essay to indicate more than a few of
+the leading characteristics of this girl. She it
+is who not only wants to monopolise the
+conversation, but who wants to confine it to
+one subject. She should remember the quaint
+counsel, "The honourablest part of talk is to
+give the occasion, and again to moderate, and
+pass to something else." Moreover in
+conversation she too often follows the rule laid
+down by a French author for those about to
+write love-letters:</p>
+
+<p>"Begin without knowing what you are
+going to say, and end without knowing what
+you have said."</p>
+
+<p>If at the end of a conversation she sometimes
+knew what she had said, the vulgar girl,
+who is not necessarily a callous girl, would feel
+very unhappy.</p>
+
+<p>Her tendency to talk indiscreetly has
+doubtless its origin in the precipitancy which
+causes her to break in upon the speech of
+others. There is a lesson which she might
+learn from a certain polite echo. This echo
+may be heard opposite to Mugdock Castle in
+Scotland. It will repeat any sentence of six
+syllables in the exact tone in which it is uttered&mdash;waiting
+till the sentence is finished.</p>
+
+<p>Another result of the lack of deliberation
+which characterises the vulgar girl is seen in
+the fact that the latest book, the latest play,
+the latest picture, is to her Thingimy by
+Thingimbob. That nomenclature is somewhat
+vague, and is moreover out of date, but it still
+commends itself to the vulgar
+girl, as does the soubriquet <i>The
+Bard</i> for Shakespeare.</p>
+
+<p>Her singular phraseology,
+which she conceives to set her
+at an advantage, in reality sometimes
+sets the vulgar girl at a
+disadvantage. Of Tennyson
+she said the other day&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"I don't pretend to understand
+him any more than
+Browning, but then he tootles
+on prettily, and that's what I
+like in poetry."</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter w125">
+<img src="images/i_212b.jpg" width="125" height="259" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">{213}</a></span></p>
+
+<p>A main difference between Browning and
+Tennyson was here correctly set forth, but the
+phrasing was in questionable taste. "Tootles"
+is a good word, but to say that Tennyson
+"tootles on prettily," is to understate his
+merits. It shall here be pointed out in passing
+that "I don't pretend" is a favourite form of
+asseveration with the vulgar girl, and is one
+which she should try to vary, if only because
+it inferentially asserts that other people do
+pretend.</p>
+
+<p>The vulgar girl is "by way of being" (her
+own phrase) witty. One part of her wit is to
+say "muchly" for much, and another part of
+it is to say "free gratis" for free of charge.</p>
+
+<p>Flippancy as a substitute for wit so often
+evokes mirth that the vulgar girl as would-be
+wit not incomprehensibly
+largely indulges in it. I
+sat beside her once during
+a performance of Beethoven's
+Septett, one of the
+loveliest things in music,
+with here and there a
+heart-delighting gaiety in
+it. During the fifth movement
+of it she whispered
+to me&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Isn't it like 'The Bogie Man'?"</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter w125">
+<img src="images/i_213a.jpg" width="125" height="167" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<p>The levity in what follows was even more
+remarkable. The speaker was a young bride.</p>
+
+<p>"I didn't feel a
+bit nervous at my
+wedding," she
+said. "You see,
+I have been used
+to private theatricals."</p>
+
+<p>A girl like that
+mistakes gaiety of
+head for gaiety of
+heart.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter w200">
+<img src="images/i_213b.jpg" width="200" height="204" alt="" />
+<div class="caption">Her
+first
+appearance in a
+new
+role</div>
+</div>
+
+<p>As a sample of
+vulgar girl-wit at
+its crudest, I give the following, in which a
+girl spoke of a lady&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"She couldn't turn white,
+but she went the colour of an
+unripe tomato."</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter w125">
+<img src="images/i_213c.jpg" width="125" height="114" alt="" />
+<div class="caption">Upset
+by
+Tomato
+sauce</div>
+</div>
+
+<p>The vulgar girl who is "by
+way of being" witty is not "by
+way of being" sentimental, and
+is rather addicted to signing her
+letters "Your's," which word she believes to be
+rightly written as above, with an apostrophe.
+This girl, for the rest, is generally good-natured,
+and her vein of censure is more often
+odd than terrible. Thus she said the other
+day of a dentist&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"He is a horrible little snob, but that
+doesn't matter when
+he gets into your
+mouth."</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter w175">
+<img src="images/i_213d.jpg" width="175" height="128" alt="" />
+<div class="caption">An
+old
+Fairy Tale</div>
+</div>
+
+<p>As often as not
+the vulgar girl has
+both sense and sensibility.
+Of the latter
+fact she is profoundly
+ashamed, and has
+been known to say of a book that has deeply
+agitated her&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"I got to feel quite eye-in-water over it."</p>
+
+<p>She affects to care, only for the gaieties of
+life, but knows something of its gravities, and
+has often a bit of heroine in her. The worst
+thing about her is her speech. "Jolly" is
+her favourite adverb. She is jolly glad when
+she is not jolly mad, and she will soon describe
+herself as jolly sad. She uses the verb
+"mashed" hideously; where her prototype
+of twenty years ago said "swell" she says
+"swagger;" and she does not stick at saying
+"beastly." For the rest, she has always
+some pet word of the hour. Thus "dotty"
+is an adjective now much in favour with her.
+Thereby hangs a tale. The vulgar girl sometimes
+knows Italian, and it was she who
+translated a line from a famous lady's epitaph&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"<i>Vergine magnanime, dotta, divina.</i>"<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"A virgin magnanimous, dotty, divine."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>On the other hand there are vulgar girls
+who do not know Latin, and one of them has
+been known to say "effluvia" for "smell,"
+the Latin for "smell" being "effluvium."</p>
+
+<p>The pronunciation of her own language is
+by some thought to offer insuperable difficulties
+to the English vulgar girl, who pronounces the
+"t" in "often" but does not pronounce it in
+"Westminster," whose favourite colour, she
+has been heard to aver, is "terrar cottar,"
+who plays an instrument which she calls "the
+varlin," who says "to<i>wards</i>" and "inter<i>est</i>ing,"
+who pronounces "ate" "et," and
+whose vocabulary has been known to include
+the words "pantomine," "Feb'uary" and
+"sec'etary." So far is this list from exhausting
+the faults of pronunciation of the said
+vulgar girl, that it must be added that she
+gives to no one vowel its proper sound, while
+among the consonants "h" initial and "g"
+final stumble her. She is particularly careless
+regarding the latter consonant when the
+form which her vulgarity takes is that of
+would-be "smartness."</p>
+
+<p>Very abominable to this
+girl is grammar, which is
+all but invariably set at
+defiance by her. Thus,
+even when she does not
+say "it were," as did Mrs.
+Cluppins, she favours such
+phrasing as "those sort of,"
+"very pleased," "different
+to" and "between you
+and I."</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter w125">
+<img src="images/i_213e.jpg" width="125" height="207" alt="" />
+<div class="caption">A
+model</div>
+</div>
+
+<p>Her predilection for abbreviations
+is another
+marked feature of the vulgar
+girl. To "'bus" she has lately added "biz,"
+and "spec" has found her approval.</p>
+
+<p>The pity of it!</p>
+
+<p>Just as she has always a favourite word, she
+has mostly a favourite phrase. In one instance
+known to me it is "You know what I mean,"
+and everyone knows what she means, as well
+everyone may.</p>
+
+<p>Take this assertion&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"It's one of those schools where they sleep
+in carbuncles&mdash;you know what I mean."</p>
+
+<p>Of course everyone knows what she means.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter w250">
+<img src="images/i_213f.jpg" width="250" height="267" alt="" />
+<div class="caption">not
+omnivorous</div>
+</div>
+
+<p>Or take this&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"I can't be in six or seven places at one;
+I'm not omnivorous&mdash;you know what I mean."</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter w125">
+<img src="images/i_213g.jpg" width="125" height="138" alt="" />
+<div class="caption">An
+extreme
+view</div>
+</div>
+
+<p>Of course everyone knows what she means.</p>
+
+<p>They call her Mrs. Malaprop; but, in point
+of fact, her case is a notable improvement
+upon that of Sheridan's heroine, the ignorance
+of that lady having been of a shade by just so
+much deeper that it left her unwitting of the
+fact that she was wrong. The girl here in
+view has a shrewd suspicion that she is wrong,
+but pays her hearers the compliment of
+assuming that they will understand her. In
+only one instance, so far as has come to my
+knowledge, has she ever overtaxed her listener's
+powers of comprehension. She spoke of a
+living novelist.</p>
+
+<p>"I can't bear his books," she said.
+"They're so very <i>femme de chambre</i>&mdash;you
+know what I mean."</p>
+
+<p>Not only did the person addressed not
+know what she meant, but he will not now
+be induced to believe that she meant "<i>fin de
+si�cle</i>," and unconsciously used what, it seems
+to some of us, was a very happy substitute
+for this rather hackneyed phrase.</p>
+
+<p>I have in the foregoing dwelt more particularly
+on what is to me the most striking fact
+in connection with the vulgar girl, the base
+uses to which she puts her native speech; that
+my account of her may not, however, be
+wholly inadequate, I have also conferred with
+persons whose views on manners and deportment,
+as frequently expressed by them, have
+led me to believe that they may be better able
+than I am to point out what, from the social
+standpoint, constitutes a vulgar girl. Of the
+many <i>data</i> supplied me, I give below a few.</p>
+
+<p>The vulgar girl is "arch."</p>
+
+<p>The vulgar girl is "coy."</p>
+
+<p>The vulgar girl loves "chaff."</p>
+
+<p>The vulgar girl has sidelong
+looks.</p>
+
+<p>The vulgar girl calls milk
+"cream" and bacon "ham."</p>
+
+<p>The vulgar girl shouts or
+whispers.</p>
+
+<p>The vulgar girl thinks all
+other girls vulgar.</p>
+
+<p>The vulgar girl has never
+been told, or has been told in vain, to sit up
+and put her knees together.</p>
+
+<p>The vulgar girl is the girl of whom the
+vulgar boy says that she is "not half a bad
+sort."</p>
+
+<p class='center'>(<i>To be continued.</i>)</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter w300">
+<img src="images/i_213h.jpg" width="300" height="258" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<hr class="chap" /></div><div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">{214}</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2><a name="OUR_HERO" id="OUR_HERO">"OUR HERO."</a></h2>
+
+<p class='ph3'>A TALE OF THE FRANCO-ENGLISH WAR NINETY YEARS AGO.</p>
+
+<p class='ph3'><span class="smcap">By</span> AGNES GIBERNE, Author of "Sun, Moon and Stars," "The Girl at the Dower House," etc.</p>
+
+
+<h3>CHAPTER XIV.</h3>
+
+<p class='ph3'>IN A FORTIFIED
+TOWN.</p>
+
+<div>
+<img class="drop-cap" src="images/i_214.jpg" width="125" height="229" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<p class="drop-cap"><span class="upper-case">It</span> was growing
+dark when at
+length they
+drove through
+the gates into
+Verdun.</p>
+
+<p>No one then
+said a needless
+word, not
+even Roy. The
+sense of banishment
+and of captivity pressed
+upon them all with a new
+force, at the sight of this
+fortified town, with its
+massive encircling walls,
+its iron gates, its pervading
+gendarmerie. If any lack of
+realisation of their true position had
+helped them hitherto, it had small
+chance of surviving this hour.</p>
+
+<p>At the gate they had to pause, a
+gendarme coming to the coach door.
+He said something to Denham, which
+made Colonel Baron ask sharply&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Eh, what's that?"</p>
+
+<p>"We are to go first to the citadel.
+Not necessary for Mrs. Baron and Roy.
+You and I might walk it, sir, and send
+them on."</p>
+
+<p>"No, no," Mrs. Baron interposed;
+"I cannot go on alone. We will keep
+together."</p>
+
+<p>"A pity," murmured Ivor; and Colonel
+Baron looked doubtfully from him to his
+wife.</p>
+
+<p>"I am not going to do it," she
+repeated, with her manner of graceful
+determination; and then, earnestly,
+"Do not ask it of me&mdash;pray do not!"
+No more could be said, and the man was
+ordered to drive on.</p>
+
+<p>Verdun at that date lay in the then
+French province of Lorraine, the then
+French department of the Meuse, upon
+which river it was built. Distant from
+Paris somewhere about one hundred and
+fifty miles, it was also within about fifty
+miles, in different directions, of two
+towns which have since become vividly
+historic, S�dan and Metz. The river
+thereabouts follows a tortuous course,
+and the lower part of Verdun stood
+mainly on little islands in the Meuse,
+while the upper part led to the French
+citadel, which crowned a rocky summit.</p>
+
+<p>The valley, containing the town, ran
+north-west and south-east, being surrounded
+by hills.</p>
+
+<p>On reaching the citadel Mrs. Baron
+and Roy were desired by the Colonel to
+remain in the coach, while he and
+Denham disappeared within, there to be
+carefully examined and closely questioned,
+and having again to give their
+parole. After which they came out, the
+Colonel saying shortly&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"That business is done! Tell them
+where to go, Den. They seem determined
+to know us again."</p>
+
+<p>"Were they civil?" his wife asked.</p>
+
+<p>"No end of a fuss, my dear. As if
+the word of an English gentleman were
+not sufficient. Close description of us
+both written in the register."</p>
+
+<p>Once more they drove on, Roy gazing
+from side to side, noting the small
+insignificant shops, and exclaiming at
+occasional peeps of the river with an
+interest which never quite failed him.
+The others were for the most part silent.
+Mrs. Baron's eyes were dim, the Colonel
+was pre-occupied, and Ivor, usually the
+most observant of men, seemed to see
+nothing.</p>
+
+<p>Presently they stopped before the gateway
+of a large old house or small private
+"h�tel," with an untidy little courtyard.
+An old Frenchman, in quaint dress,
+grey-haired, with an imposing pig-tail,
+came to meet them, bowing profoundly
+to the gentlemen, and still more profoundly
+to Mrs. Baron.</p>
+
+<p>"C'est, sans doute, Monsieur le
+Colonel&mdash;et Madame&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>Colonel Baron's particular gift did not
+lie in the direction of foreign languages.
+He never could talk French, and probably
+he never would, no matter how
+many years he might be compelled to
+live in France.</p>
+
+<p>"Oui, monsieur. Bon jour. C'est
+nous qui sont viendrai," he responded,
+feeling it incumbent on him to say something,
+as he descended from the old
+coach. "J'esp�re que vous �tes bien.
+Je suis bien aise que nous sommes haut&mdash;pas
+bas&mdash;pas pr�s de le rivi�re. Bother
+their grammar, Denham; you can do
+it better than I. Just say what's
+suitable."</p>
+
+<p>Denham obeyed, and the next object
+which dawned upon Roy's perceptions
+was the sad and gentle face of Lucille
+de St. Roques. He seized her hand
+vehemently.</p>
+
+<p>"I say, mademoiselle, it's nice to
+find you here. Isn't it, Den? Mamma,
+this is Mademoiselle de St. Roques.
+Papa, you know she helped to nurse
+me after I'd had small-pox. Are we
+going to live upstairs, mademoiselle?
+Is that what it's to be? The whole
+upstairs, all to ourselves? What fun!
+Which way is it? Oh, I see! This
+way, mamma. Those poor horses do
+look tired, just half-starved, and so
+skinny. Is there a stable for them?
+Are we to have tea? Dinner! that's
+right. We didn't get half a dinner to-day,
+and I'm famished. What a droll
+old staircase? Do look out of this
+window, mamma."</p>
+
+<p>Roy's flow of spirits helped them all.
+The Colonel and his wife gratefully
+expressed their thanks to the French
+girl for her past kindness to their boy,
+both being much attracted by her
+face and her pretty manner as she led
+the way upstairs to the first floor. There
+stood Madame Courant, a fat and
+smiling little Frenchwoman, ready to
+bestow unlimited welcomes upon the
+unfortunate foreigners.</p>
+
+<p>Lucille had exchanged bows with
+Ivor at first, and then had a few words
+with him, scanning his face as she
+talked, with rather troubled glances.
+There was, however, small leisure at
+first for any quiet conversation. The
+rooms had to be inspected, and they
+were found to be not at all bad as to
+size, though meagrely furnished. Lucille
+had set her heart on making everything
+wear as far as possible an English look,
+using her childish recollections of a home
+across the Channel; and if she was less
+successful than she had hoped, nobody
+betrayed the fact. It was clear to them
+all how hard she had worked to render
+the place comfortable.</p>
+
+<p>"But it has been no trouble&mdash;non,
+vraiment&mdash;not at all," she assured them,
+with her pensive smile, when they
+apologised.</p>
+
+<p>While sincerely anxious to help, full
+of sympathy for their position, and most
+desirous to cheer them up, she plainly
+feared to be guilty of intrusion, and very
+soon she took herself off with Madame
+Courant to the ground floor. A somewhat
+clumsy but well-intentioned maiden
+had been deputed to wait upon the
+upstairs party&mdash;probably had been hired
+for the purpose, since Madame Courant
+did most of her own house-work&mdash;and
+dinner was laid in the smaller salon in
+readiness for their arrival.</p>
+
+<p>On the whole that first meal might be
+reckoned a success. Madame Courant
+was no mean cook; and though not
+much could be said as to the actual
+waiting, from an English point of view,
+that was a minor matter, compared with
+the comfort of finding clean and cosy
+quarters, not to speak of a kind reception.
+Roy did his best to supply all
+deficiencies in the conversational line,
+and his efforts were seconded, though
+not vigorously, by Denham.</p>
+
+<p>When, however, dinner was at an end,
+and they had moved into the larger
+salon, which was to be their drawing-room&mdash;when
+a long evening lay before
+them, and there was nothing that had
+to be done, beyond a certain amount of
+unpacking and arranging, which no one
+felt disposed to begin upon at once&mdash;then
+a change came. Then the shadow
+of their captivity descended heavily
+upon them all, even upon the valiant
+Roy; and for once the spirit of cheerfulness
+and of keeping up seemed to
+vanish.</p>
+
+<p>For a quarter of an hour they all
+remained together, no one speaking.
+No one was able to speak. They had
+nothing whatever to say. And presently,
+when this had gone on a little
+while, Mrs. Baron made a move, retreating
+into her own bedroom, avowedly
+to "see to a few things," but in reality,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">{215}</a></span>
+as they all knew, to indulge in a breakdown&mdash;her
+husband, after a brief hesitation,
+going thither also. Denham had
+flagged completely, retreating to a shady
+corner near the big fireplace, where he
+could scarcely be seen; and for Ivor to
+flag meant the flagging of everybody.
+As for Roy&mdash;but that he would have
+been ashamed, counting himself already
+almost a man, he could at this stage have
+flung himself on the ground and cried
+like a little child for very home-sickness.</p>
+
+<p>He wanted Molly&mdash;oh, most awfully!
+He wanted her this evening more than
+he had ever wanted anything or anybody
+in his whole life. The craving that
+took possession of him for Molly's face,
+Molly's voice, Molly's companionship&mdash;the
+passionate desire to have dear little
+Molly once more by his side&mdash;was a pain
+never to be forgotten.</p>
+
+<p>Roy did not know how to bear himself
+under it. He had nothing to do, nothing
+with which to pass the time. He stood
+at the window, looking out upon the
+darkness, trying desperately to be cool
+and stoical, as one five minutes crawled
+by after another. Denham never moved,
+never spoke a word. Roy could just make
+out his dark outline, as motionless as a
+carved image, a few yards distant. If
+only Denham would have talked, if
+something would have happened, if
+somebody would have come in, it would
+have been easier to keep going. But
+nobody came, nothing happened, and
+Denham did not stir.</p>
+
+<p>Roy drummed with his fingers on the
+window-sill. He could hear shrill voices
+out in the street, not far off, and the
+sound of some tuneless instrument. One
+of the two candles was gone with Mrs.
+Baron, leaving the room dim. He tried
+to listen, tried not to think. And just
+when he counted himself victorious, there
+was a queer little catch of his breath
+which sounded suspicious. Roy drummed
+again angrily, hoping that Denham had
+not heard. He might be asleep, he was so
+still. But, after a slight break, he said&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Come here."</p>
+
+<p>Roy unwillingly obeyed. He would
+have liked to refuse, but he looked upon
+Ivor as in some sort his commanding
+officer, so of course he had no choice.</p>
+
+<p>"They're making no end of a row out
+there," he remarked in a tone of profound
+indifference, as he lounged nearer.
+"Can't think what it's all for. Just
+listen."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; I wish they would stop."</p>
+
+<p>"Don't know what's it's all about.
+Something or other&mdash;going on. I
+shouldn't wonder&mdash;if they're quarrelling."</p>
+
+<p>That odd little catch again.</p>
+
+<p>"Feel very bad this evening, Roy?"</p>
+
+<p>The question took Roy by surprise,
+and a lump in his throat prevented an
+immediate reply.</p>
+
+<p>Denham understood.</p>
+
+<p>"Never mind," he said. "It's the
+same with all of us, you know. And
+there's one comfort for you&mdash;that Molly
+wants you at least as much as you want
+her. Some people would give a good
+deal for that certainty."</p>
+
+<p>Roy tried to explain matters away.</p>
+
+<p>"I didn't say&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"My dear boy, there's no need for you
+to say anything; I know well enough.
+Don't you see?"</p>
+
+<p>Denham's chair shook as Roy leant
+against it, but no further sound came.
+He fought his battle courageously, and
+Denham waited.</p>
+
+<p>"We shall all feel better to-morrow,"
+the latter presently remarked. "It's a
+strange place, and things look uncomfortable
+to-night&mdash;can't well do otherwise.
+Suppose you and I have a game
+of chess. Better than to sit brooding
+over what can't be cured. My little
+travelling set is somewhere about, I
+believe."</p>
+
+<p>"O yes." Roy's voice told of
+instant relief. "You gave it to me to
+take care of. Don't you mind a game,
+really? I should like that. Will you
+give me your queen?"</p>
+
+<p>"No; not to-day. I'm not at my
+best. We'll try on even terms. Get out
+the pieces."</p>
+
+<p>Roy obeyed with alacrity, and whatever
+the move meant to Denham, it
+served to lift Roy out of his unwonted fit
+of misery. He was soon deeply absorbed
+in the mimic fight, and for once he found
+himself on the way to win an easy
+victory. Roy became exultant&mdash;till the
+honour and glory of success were impaired
+by the casual discovery that Ivor
+could not tell a knight from a bishop
+except by feeling. Roy stared wonderingly
+into the spare bronzed face.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, Den!"</p>
+
+<p>"All right; this is my bishop."</p>
+
+<p>"I say, you didn't take that for a
+knight?"</p>
+
+<p>"I believe I was under the delusion
+for a moment."</p>
+
+<p>"But why? There, now it's your
+turn. Oh, I say!&mdash;you're going to move
+my king."</p>
+
+<p>Denham laughed slightly.</p>
+
+<p>"I am rather a futile opponent, seemingly.
+Never mind. Now it is your
+turn."</p>
+
+<p>"What's the matter? Can't you
+see?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not well; just a headache. Go on;
+you'll soon end the game at this rate."</p>
+
+<p>Roy showed himself capable of heroism.
+Though he had never yet beaten
+Denham in full fight, without having
+some of his adversary's best pieces
+presented to him, though the desire
+of his heart was for a victory, and
+though he was on the high road to
+administering checkmate, one more
+glance decided him. He swept his arm
+over the board.</p>
+
+<p>Denham half smiled, and made no
+protest.</p>
+
+<p>"You are a kind fellow," he said, as
+he went back to his former retreat; and
+Roy dropped on the floor to pick up the
+scattered pieces.</p>
+
+<p>"Why didn't you tell me? You'd no
+business to play. Can't I do anything
+for you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, if you don't mind"&mdash;after a
+moment's racking of his brain to think
+of anything that might keep the boy
+occupied. "I wish you would unpack
+my valise&mdash;just the things that I shall
+want to-night."</p>
+
+<p>Roy was delighted and went off at full
+speed. In the passage he found himself
+face to face with Lucille, and all but
+rushed into her arms. Lucille drew
+back.</p>
+
+<p>"I say! Oh, I beg your pardon,
+mademoiselle. I'm going to unpack for
+Den. He's just floored; can't even play
+chess. It's all this horrid beastly bother,
+having to come to Verdun, you know.
+He never used to be like that. Den was
+always up to anything. What have you
+got there?" as she held up one hand.
+"A letter!"</p>
+
+<p>"It is medicine for Monsieur le Capitaine&mdash;from
+England," Lucille said,
+with a look of heartfelt pleasure.</p>
+
+<p>"It really is from England! Won't
+he be glad? Where did you get it
+from? You shall give it to him yourself.
+Yes; I declare you shall."</p>
+
+<p>Roy flung open the salon door, and
+announced, "Here's Mademoiselle de
+St. Roques. Den, she's got something
+for you! Guess what it is. Come in,
+Mademoiselle."</p>
+
+<p>Ivor stood up, not grateful to Roy at
+this moment.</p>
+
+<p>"Pray take a seat," he urged.</p>
+
+<p>"It's a letter&mdash;a letter&mdash;a letter from
+England," cried the boy.</p>
+
+<p>"You have brought this from the
+post?" asked Denham, as he received
+from her hand a folded and sealed
+packet.</p>
+
+<p>"Non, it is not that. The letter
+arrives from M. de Bertrand. It was
+send to him from England under cover,
+and he waited till he should learn your
+address and have opportunity to send it
+with safety. When I wrote to him that
+you all were ordered to Verdun, then he
+sent the letter to me by one travelling
+this way. It is but now arrived. I
+am glad!" Lucille added, under her
+breath.</p>
+
+<p>Denham bent nearer to the candle,
+trying with drawn brows to make out
+the handwriting. As he did so, a
+curious light crept over his face. Lucille
+thought she could read its meaning.</p>
+
+<p>"You are very good, mademoiselle.
+I am much indebted to you and to M. de
+Bertrand," he said.</p>
+
+<p>"Den, I do believe it's Polly's
+writing!" exclaimed Roy.</p>
+
+<p>Denham glanced towards him.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; it is from Polly."</p>
+
+<p class='center'>(<i>To be continued.</i>)</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter w275">
+<img src="images/i_215.jpg" width="275" height="103" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<hr class="chap" /></div><div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">{216}</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2><a name="FROCKS_FOR_TO-MORROW" id="FROCKS_FOR_TO-MORROW">FROCKS FOR TO-MORROW.</a></h2>
+
+<p class='ph3'><span class="smcap">By</span> "THE LADY DRESSMAKER."</p>
+
+
+<div class="figcenter w500">
+<img src="images/i_216.jpg" width="500" height="531" alt="" />
+<div class="caption">EVENING DRESSES FOR CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES.</div>
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">The</span> winter is always distinguished by a
+rather dowdy style of dress, especially in
+town, where, for at least three months of the
+year, the days are so dark and the light so
+poor at best that everyone says, "It really
+cannot matter what one puts on in such
+sombre weather as this." Such is the sentiment
+expressed by the general public, but, of
+course, does not apply to those who, having
+carriages at their disposal, can blossom out
+like the lilies of King Solomon, and be
+carried over the mud and through the gloom
+without let or hindrance. It is only on sunny
+days during the winter and at Church Parade
+in Hyde Park that one sees the brighter side
+of winter dress. Otherwise it only blooms in
+the shops, at the dressmakers', and at the
+endless afternoon teas which constitute the
+main amusement during the winter. One
+must have at least one nice walking-dress for
+the winter, in spite of the gloom, for these
+last-named festive occasions, and one generally
+needs a cape or mantle as well to wear
+in turn with our costume or with it as we
+may require. Besides this, most women have
+a certain amount of "wearing out" to do of
+clothes that must put in a second winter.
+Those wise people who have established a
+kind of rule for themselves in the purchase of
+dress get a handsome cape or mantle one
+year and a handsome gown the next, the
+latter becoming less visible and important the
+second year when worn under the new mantle.
+Both of these should come from first-rate
+shops, in order to get the full value out of
+them. Then there are the people who wait
+for the sales to supply themselves with winter
+clothes, and say they manage to finish out the
+last year's stock by this means in the still
+darker and shorter days before Christmas. I
+always consider the wearing out of one's
+winter things a grievous bother which falls
+most heavily on the shoulders of those who
+are very careful wearers of their garments. I
+know people who really are never able to
+wear out their clothes, and become quite
+dispirited at the constant sight of them. I
+know one lady who is able to clothe several
+others poorer than herself because she takes
+such good care of what she wears, and things
+are hardly worn in appearance when she has
+them repaired and brushed up.</p>
+
+<p>The class which has the most difficulty in
+clothing themselves so as to present a respectable
+appearance is composed of these very<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">{217}</a></span>
+poor ladies, who are governesses, lady-helps,
+or companions, and no doubt my readers will
+have noticed the moving appeals issued by
+many of the societies and agencies which are
+interested in procuring work for them. As
+we are always anxious to find out good works
+for our women and girls, we commend to
+them this one, as one of the most blessed both
+to giver and receiver.</p>
+
+<p>The return to fashion of dresses made from
+the same material entirely instead of those
+which have been so long in wear, which
+consisted of a blouse, more or less handsome,
+and a skirt, has brought in a necessity for
+mantles and capes, and so these are really the
+most fashionable of the out-of-door garments
+for the winter months. There is no fear,
+however, of the skirt and jacket disappearing
+from amongst us, for they have been found
+too useful to lose their place in our esteem;
+and the winter jackets are, some of them, very
+pretty and tight-fitting, with large buttons,
+and generally of three-quarter length, though
+there are many quite short ones, but which
+seem more used for cycling or golf than for
+real walking or driving.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter w400">
+<img src="images/i_217a.jpg" width="400" height="562" alt="" />
+<div class="caption">TWO WINTER GOWNS.</div>
+</div>
+
+<p>One of these costumes with a tight-fitting
+coat is shown in our illustration of "a gown
+with braid and fur," which is a very handsome
+example of the walking-gowns of the winter.
+The skirt is made with the fashionable tightness,
+the much-worn shaped flounce, and the
+braiding is carried down the front on either
+side in a graceful arabesque design, which is
+wider and fuller in detail at the top near the
+waist. The points are braided in the same
+manner, and the tops of the sleeves. The
+fronts have revers of mink fur. The dress
+itself is in dark blue cloth, and the braiding
+is in black. The hat is of blue velvet, with
+white and green wings, and blue and green
+velvet trimmings. This admixture of blue
+and green seems more popular than ever this
+winter, and I have frequently seen a blue hat
+with a bright green velvet choux bow placed
+in a conspicuous position in front.</p>
+
+<p>The choux and the Louis XII. or true
+lovers' knot are the two fashionable bows of
+the season, for hats and bonnets as well as for
+dress. The first-named seems ubiquitous in
+evening dress, where black velvet also appears
+to be most popular as a trimming.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter w250">
+<img src="images/i_217b.jpg" width="250" height="458" alt="" />
+<div class="caption">GOWN WITH BRAID AND FUR.</div>
+</div>
+
+<p>Both velvet and velveteen are much worn,
+and are suited to the fashions of the day, and
+the velveteen blouse retains its popularity,
+but is more dressy and fanciful than it was.
+In some cases velvet is used for the coat-shaped
+bodices, with short square tails that
+are much seen, and these have almost invariably
+fancy vests or yokes. In most instances,
+too, these are of finely tucked silk muslin,
+which, in cream or white, is quite the most
+popular material for them, in spite of its
+perishable nature and apparent unseasonableness.</p>
+
+<p>So far as materials are concerned, everything
+that is clinging and soft is sought after, and
+even the rustling silks that lined our skirts
+and gave us such a feeling of opulence have
+been relinquished in favour of something more
+clinging. Cashmere and nuns' veiling are used
+for the lining of day dresses, and China silks
+for evening ones. For slight people this
+clinging effect is sometimes trying, but where
+stout people are concerned the matter becomes
+worse, and we shall hear of all kinds of cures
+for obesity in order to wear the new skirts.</p>
+
+<p>Of course, as is usual at this season, many
+evening dresses for small Christmas festivities
+are simple, and our illustration shows three of
+these, which are inexpensive and pretty. The
+first seated figure to the right wears a pink
+silk muslin, plain for wearing over the accordion-kilted
+skirt, and having a small black
+leaf-like pattern on it for the pointed overskirt;
+a ruching of rose-coloured silk goes
+round the latter part of the bodice and sleeves,
+and the back is finished with a wide band and
+bow with ends of rose colour. This can, of
+course, be carried out in any hue, but in white
+or cream-colour it is very pretty, and there are
+such numbers of fancy gauzes and nets that a
+pretty choice can be made which would be
+more inexpensive than the model we present.</p>
+
+<p>The centre figure wears a dress of <i>mousseline-de-soie</i>
+of a pale shade of Parma violet,
+which is trimmed with narrow ribbons, drawn<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">{218}</a></span>
+up to form small ruches. These are of a
+slightly darker violet. The small Eton jacket
+is of the same shade of violet velvet or satin,
+with bands of velvet and paste buckles. The
+standing-up figure wears a dress of jet-embroidered
+net, with bands of <i>passementerie</i> on
+the front of the bodice. The evening wrap is
+of a soft yellow brocade, which is lined with
+a pale violet, and trimmed with flounces of
+lace and silk. The collar is edged with white
+fur, and a bow of chiffon ornaments the neck
+at the back. In giving these dresses I should
+observe that, although they seem costly, they
+can be copied in less expensive materials.
+Nuns' veiling, China silk, velveteen, taffetas,
+Russian net, and Brussels net are all in
+fashion, and all are comparatively so moderate
+in price as to be attainable by those who have
+slender purses. This season we also have the
+embroidered net skirts that were introduced
+last year, with the improvement that this
+season the bodice-piece is sold as well. So
+we have not to make troublesome inquiries
+and huntings for the material to decorate
+them. There seems to be a tendency likewise
+to return to the use of a three-quarter length
+sleeve, which fits the arm smoothly as far as
+the elbow and terminates in a frill. The long
+net and chiffon sleeves are still worn, and I
+notice that there are some very pretty high
+net bodices without sleeves, or, at least, with
+a few folds of satin, which answer the purpose.
+These will be a novelty if they should
+be adopted, and will be charming for the
+evening with all thin materials.</p>
+
+<p>The illustration of two winter gowns shows
+one of the new skirts and a bodice fastened at
+the back. The skirt is also fastened there in the
+newest fashion; the trimming consists of rows
+of fine black braid, the dress being of fine
+cloth, of a <i>pervenche</i> blue. The bodice is
+trimmed with points of velvet, of a darker
+shade of blue, and the same is used for the
+bows at the back. The second dress is one of
+those tucked throughout. It is of a soft satin
+cloth, of a pale shade of grey. The revers
+are braided, and there is a front of dark-grey
+velvet and a high collar, with the lining
+braided, like the revers. I hope you will
+notice that this skirt opens on one side, usually
+the left, and it is finished by a row of tiny
+buttons, or by a small ruching of ribbon.</p>
+
+<p>A great deal of this ribbon ruching is seen,
+as well as much piping. Silk braids, very
+fine and very narrow, in black and white,
+form a feature of this year's decorations,
+and silver braids as well. Crystal buttons
+are more liked than paste or steel ones,
+and there is a craze for old lace and for
+mixing fur with it. Black and white are in as
+much favour as this mixture has always found
+during the last four years, and the two are
+constantly mixed in trimmings.</p>
+
+<p>I think I mentioned in my last that the hair
+was worn low on the neck&mdash;certainly far lower
+than has been the custom for some little time.
+But I do not find that the knot of hair is quite
+so low just now. Evidently the idea has not
+quite "caught on," as the slang phrase has it,
+and most of the well-dressed heads I have
+lately seen have had the coil of hair at the
+back of the head midway down. Perhaps,
+later on, we shall see more of the low hair
+dressing than we do now.</p>
+
+<p>Truly the swing of the pendulum has quite
+carried us away from the neat and ever-becoming
+black stockings, and the new ones
+are a study in colour and design. I think the
+tartan ones will be worn, and will look well;
+but I cannot say I like the others; nevertheless,
+that may be because one has grown used to a
+lack of colour for so long.</p>
+
+<p>So far as boots and shoes are concerned,
+the most fashionable people wear the American
+ones with their extremely pointed toes and
+narrow feet, but it is open to the sensible to
+wear something more comfortable if they do
+not mind a loss of style, for we cannot be
+really smart unless our poor feet be pinched
+and pointed to the last degree.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" /></div><div>
+
+
+<h2><a name="OUR_PROSPECTUS_PUZZLE_REPORT" id="OUR_PROSPECTUS_PUZZLE_REPORT">OUR PROSPECTUS PUZZLE REPORT.</a></h2>
+
+
+<h3>SOLUTION.</h3>
+
+<p class='ph3'>ANOTHER NAUGHT.</p>
+
+<p class='ph3'><span class="smcap">A Roundel.</span></p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Time hastens onwards to the day<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">When our good, trusty printer ought<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Upon our numbers to display<br /></span>
+<span class="i18">Another naught.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i2">Oh! how tremendous is the thought:&mdash;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">A thousand weeks have passed away<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Since out our magazine was brought!<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">We love our work, it is but play;<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">"<i>Bon Voyage</i>" to the bark high-fraught;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And printer, sing as you in-lay<br /></span>
+<span class="i18">Another naught.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+
+<h4><span class="smcap">Prize Winners.</span></h4>
+
+<p class='center'><i>Ten Shillings Each.</i></p>
+
+
+<ul><li>J. Hunt, 42, Francis Road, Birmingham.</li>
+<li>A. Phillips, 15, South Hill Park, Hampstead.</li>
+<li>Emily M. Wood, Woodbank, Southport.</li>
+</ul>
+
+
+<p class='center'><i>Five Shillings Each.</i></p>
+
+
+<ul><li>Margaret Baggallay, 3, Clarence Lawn, Dover.</li>
+<li>Marie Behrendt, Scanthorpe, Doncaster.</li>
+<li>Lily Belling, Wribbenhall, Bewdley.</li>
+<li>Miss H. M. Brown, Longformacus, Duns, N.B.</li>
+<li>Charlotte D. Cole, 7, High Street, Beckenham.</li>
+<li>M. A. C. Crabb, Ipplepen, Alexandra Road, Hemel Hempstead.</li>
+<li>Agnes Dewhurst, 32, Lethbridge Road, Southport.</li>
+<li>Miss M. Hodgkinson, 2, Feversham Terrace, York.</li>
+<li>Benjamin Marcroft, High Legh, Grosvenor Drive, New Brighton.</li>
+<li>Nellie Meikle, 2, Newsham Drive, Liverpool.</li>
+<li>Henzell G. Robson, 7, Oxford Terrace, Gateshead-on-Tyne.</li>
+<li>F. A. Powell, 75, Hythe Road, Swindon.</li>
+<li>Anne Sifton, 230, Goldhawk Road, Shepherd's Bush.</li>
+<li>M. Stuart, The Shrubbery, Grove Park, Kent.</li>
+<li>Ellen C. Tarrant, 2, Palace Grove, Bromley.</li>
+<li>Violet C. Todd, Ford, Cornhill-on-Tweed.</li>
+</ul>
+
+
+<p class='center'><i>Very Highly Commended.</i></p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Acheson, Eliza Acworth, Lottie R.
+Biddle, E. J. Cameron, Mrs. J. Cumming,
+May Merrall, E. C. Milne, Lilla Patterson,
+Constance Taylor, Connie E. Thompson,
+Daisy Tyler, Martha Wood.</p>
+
+
+<p class='center'><i>For Artistic Execution.</i></p>
+
+<p>Maud Abbott.</p>
+
+
+<p class='center'><i>Highly Commended.</i></p>
+
+<p>Annie A. Arnott, Fanny Ashby, Ethel M.
+Atkins, Margaret Bailey, Eva M. Benson,
+R. S. Benson, E. K. Berry, Mary A. Blagg,
+Nancy Bolingbroke, M. S. Bourne, May
+Burlinsay, Annie J. Cather, Mabel E. Davis,
+Mrs. Deane, Edward R. Duffield, Alice M.
+Feurer, Emily Francis, Mrs. W. H. Gotch,
+Mrs. Grubbe, Edith E. Grundy, A. Hughes,
+George L. Ingram, Annie G. Luck, C. Y.
+MacGibbon, E. Mastin, Jessie Middlemiss,
+Mrs. Nicholls, Percy J. Powell, Alice M.
+Price, Gertrude Saffery, A. C. Sharp, Isabel
+Snell, Norah M. Sullivan, A. C. T., Phyllis
+Toker, Ann Toplis, Florence Whitlock, Mrs.
+Wigglesworth, E. Wilson.</p>
+
+
+<p class='center'><i>Honourable Mention.</i></p>
+
+<p>S. Ballard, Mary I. Chislett, Helen M.
+Coulthard, Mrs. H. Keel, K. H. Ingram,
+E. M. Le Mott�e, Charlotte Hayward,
+Florence Hayward, Ethel C. Hobbs, Edith L.
+Howse, Annette E. Jackson, Alice E. Johnson,
+Fred Lindley, Ethel C. McMaster, Elsa P.
+Neel, Charles Parr, Elizabeth A. Reynolds,
+Annie Saunders, Dorothy Smith, Ellen R.
+Smith, Gertrude Smith, May Tutte, Anna
+Walker, J. Walker, Julia Waltenberg, John
+R. Whyberd, G. Watherston.</p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+
+<h3>EXAMINERS' REPORT.</h3>
+
+<p>The insatiability of an editor who is clamouring
+daily for our words of wisdom compels us
+to be very brief. This is all the more to be
+regretted because with such a subject to
+handle we could have risen to great literary
+heights. But to work!</p>
+
+<p>The title was not "Another aught," the
+reason being that aught is not synonymous
+with naught. The difference between the two
+is considerable, "aught" signifying anything,
+"naught" nothing. The importance of this
+pleasing fact is often overlooked, especially by
+schoolchildren, who frequently speak of a
+cipher as "an aught," or, as they in their
+childish wisdom spell it "ought."</p>
+
+<p>In many solutions the final letter of
+"onwards" was omitted. Doubtless, "onward"
+is grammatically just as good, but as
+the "s" was in the puzzle it was a pity not to
+transfer it to the solution.</p>
+
+<p>The beginning of the third line seems to
+have caused trouble. Those who failed to
+find the true solution generally gave "On our
+three figures," or "On our first numbers."
+Both readings are good interpretations of the
+text, but the first is meaningless and the
+second is incorrect. With "On all our
+numbers "&mdash;adopted by a few solvers&mdash;we
+have little fault to find.</p>
+
+<p>Many competitors kindly pointed out that
+the minus sign in line 6 ought to have been
+the sign of division. Let us examine their
+contention closely. Two weeks divided by
+two yields one week and the beginning of the
+line would run "A thousand one week."
+Two weeks minus two yields weeks, clearly,
+and we need pursue the instruction no further.
+Some of the readings at this point were remarkable,
+<i>e.g.</i>, "A thousand days"; "Twelve
+thousand days": "A thousand years," and
+"A million weeks."</p>
+
+<p>We have always been accustomed to regard
+<span class="smcap">The Girl's Own Paper</span> with much veneration,
+but the idea of its having first seen the
+light something like fourteen thousand years
+before Adam is somewhat startling.</p>
+
+<p>In the next line, "G. O. P." often took the
+place of "magazine." Our dislike of such
+irritating abbreviations did not prevent us
+from doing justice to the reading which is
+rhythmically correct.</p>
+
+<p>The number of solvers who wrote "barque"
+for "bark" was amazing. The latter was in
+the puzzle and signifies any small vessel. The
+former was not in the puzzle and defines a
+vessel of a particular rig. And there is really
+no need for more.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" /></div><div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">{219}</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2><a name="IN_THE_TWILIGHT_SIDE_BY_SIDE" id="IN_THE_TWILIGHT_SIDE_BY_SIDE">IN THE TWILIGHT SIDE BY SIDE.</a></h2>
+
+
+<p class='ph3'><span class="smcap">By</span> RUTH LAMB.</p>
+
+
+<h3>PART III.</h3>
+
+<p class='ph3'>HOW TO GROW OLD.</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+
+<p class='center'>"They shall still bring forth fruit in old
+age" (Psalm xcii. 14).</p></div>
+
+<hr class='tb' />
+
+<div>
+<img class="drop-cap" src="images/i_219.jpg" width="250" height="329" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<p class="drop-cap"><span class="upper-case">When</span> I was a child
+a dear old lady,
+who had been asking
+questions about my
+lessons, laid her
+gentle hand on my
+head and said, "I see you love
+school, my child. 'Learn
+young, learn fair.'"</p>
+
+<p>You, dear girl friends, will be at no loss to
+understand the teaching of the proverb. It
+says, in few words, that those lessons which
+are early imprinted on our minds are likely to
+have an abiding place in our memories and a
+lasting influence over our lives.</p>
+
+<p>There is one lesson amongst many which we
+ought to be constantly learning from the time
+that we can understand anything. It is, how
+to grow old.</p>
+
+<p>Do I see some of you smiling at each other,
+as if old age were such a far-away subject that
+it ought not to be introduced to my great
+gathering of girls? Why, if I could have
+spoken to you as children, one by one, I
+would have asked, "Are you learning how to
+grow old?"</p>
+
+<p>You ought to be, for the moment you
+began to live you started on the path that
+leads to old age. From that path none of us
+can turn aside and, perhaps without thinking
+much of the inevitable ending, we pursue our
+course thereon steadily and uninterruptedly.
+We may start on many other paths&mdash;those of
+duty, work, mental culture, etc.&mdash;and we may
+take up certain pursuits and relinquish them
+at our will, but the one onward journey is
+continuous. We travel by night and by day.
+Sleeping or waking, resting or working, we
+are ever progressing towards old age, whether
+we live to reach it or not.</p>
+
+<p>It is often said that every age has its special
+beauty, and yet I daresay many of you have
+never dreamed of associating the idea of beauty
+with old age. You are apt to claim it as the
+special prerogative of youth. Yet I believe
+that old age may be&mdash;and I assert that it
+ought to be in certain senses&mdash;the most
+beautiful of all, despite the white hair, the
+tremulous hand, the feeble step which seeks
+support from the strong arm of the young,
+and the wrinkles on brows that were once
+as smooth and fair as the fairest amongst
+yours.</p>
+
+<p>The young often shrink from the very
+thought of being old. One hears the girl in
+her teens whisper to her companion, as she
+glances at a third who is not out of her
+twenties, "She is getting to look quite old
+already. She might be five-and-thirty."</p>
+
+<p>The tone is half pitying, half disparaging,
+as if the object of the remark were somehow
+in fault because a few more years had passed
+over her young head than over the speaker's.</p>
+
+<p>Listen again to words from the lips of a
+girl who is just "sweet seventeen." (Alas
+that seventeen does not always deserve the
+adjective!) She has just stigmatised a friend
+of thirty as "a cross old thing." And for
+what? She has only been trying to bring her
+good common sense and sound judgment to
+bear upon the other's wilfulness. She is
+anxious to save her from doing a foolish thing
+on which her childish will is stubbornly set
+and which is certain to be followed by remorse
+and trouble.</p>
+
+<p>"Sweet seventeen" purses her pretty lips
+and tosses her foolish head whilst saying, "As
+if I were going to be ordered about by her!
+Cross old thing!" And she goes on her
+wilful way and pays for it.</p>
+
+<p>Still we must acknowledge that a dozen
+extra years do not always bring proportionate
+wisdom, any more than does the seventeenth
+birthday invariably carry sweetness in its train.
+We have to learn to grow old in such wise
+that each year's passage means also progress
+in everything that is best.</p>
+
+<p>It seems very strange&mdash;does it not?&mdash;that
+whilst everyone desires long life, so many
+dislike to look forward to old age in connection
+with themselves. Or, if they do, it is not so
+much in a frank and natural manner as in a
+secret and stealthy fashion. If they speak of
+it at all, they speak as of something which
+may be near to others, but is still far, far away
+from themselves. Such people would never
+tell you that they are learning how to grow
+old&mdash;striving each day after some knowledge
+which will tend towards the attainment of a
+really beautiful and lovable old age.</p>
+
+<p>The need for such a study is ignored by so
+many up to and beyond middle age, that one
+wonders little at its being ignored by the
+young. Yet other questions occupy their
+earnest attention in connection with increasing
+years.</p>
+
+<p>How to ward off the semblance of old age,
+for the reality cannot be deferred. How to
+look young in spite of it. How to conceal
+the number of the years that have passed over
+their heads. How best to utilise art so as to
+simulate the complexion of youth and to hide
+the marks of time on their features.</p>
+
+<p>Time is readily given in order to solve such
+questions to the exclusion of those higher
+lessons, attention to which would make old
+age the most beautiful and lovely of all.</p>
+
+<p>Girls, dear girls! you are generally keen
+observers of externals, and especially so in
+matters of female dress and adornment. If
+one of you has been at a social gathering,
+whether amongst humble workers or leaders
+in society, what is usually the first question
+asked by sisters or acquaintances on her
+return? Is it not about the dresses worn?
+You inquire how such a one looked, or if
+another again wore a dress which is too well
+known on account of its age. You want to
+hear all about novelties in the fashioning of
+new garments, and whether they were of a
+mode likely to be becoming to yourselves. It
+may be you give a little laugh as you say that
+such a girl would be sure to look dowdy, or
+inquire if the good taste of another was as
+conspicuous as usual.</p>
+
+<p>I am inclined to doubt whether you were as
+anxious to know how your friend was impressed
+by the words and conduct of those with whom
+she had been associating, or whether she had,
+during this little season of social enjoyment,
+received impressions likely to influence her for
+good. We ought to be learners in every place,
+but not merely in regard to externals.</p>
+
+<p>Now I want to ask you a question. I have
+given you credit for being keen observers.
+Tell me, can you imagine a picture more truly
+pitiable and contemptible than that of a
+woman on whose face is the stamp of age, but
+who imagines that she has succeeded in hiding
+it by paint and powder?</p>
+
+<p>One who hugs the thought that she has
+rendered her wrinkles invisible, or that her
+dyed hair, with its tell-tale line of grey near
+the roots, or the cunningly arranged golden
+hued substitute for whitened locks, deceives
+anyone but herself? All such shams make
+the old look older still. They add to the
+appearance of age instead of taking from it,
+and they rob old age of much of the beauty
+which is as real as that which pertains to the
+youth it tries to simulate. I am alluding to
+externals first because everyone sees them.</p>
+
+<p>I have no doubt that you have all discovered
+my liking for proverbial expressions. My
+native county is rich in these pithy sayings
+which convey so much meaning in few words.
+The subject of our present talk brings to mind
+one of these proverbs, which was often quoted
+in my hearing when I was a girl. I recall one
+occasion especially. A ruddy farmer turned to
+look after an elderly woman who had just
+passed him. She was girlishly dressed, and
+she strove to trip along in youthful fashion,
+feeling evidently well satisfied with herself,
+and claiming admiration by every gesture.</p>
+
+<p>What had our countryman to say about
+her appearance? He jogged his neighbour's
+elbow, and quoted the proverb, as he indicated
+the retreating figure with a jerk of his
+thumb: "Old ewe dressed lamb fashion."</p>
+
+<p>"Aye," said his friend, "and it's no good.
+Age will show in spite of paint and finery.
+She was turned twenty when I was twelve, and
+I'm over fifty-three to-day. Why, deary me!
+There's always somebody that remembers."</p>
+
+<p>These added words were as true as the
+proverb itself. There is always someone,
+amongst our many acquaintances and kinsfolk,
+who has a good memory for dates, and who
+can refer to the number of Life's milestones we
+have passed with unerring accuracy.</p>
+
+<p>I asked you if there could be anything
+more pitiable and contemptible than the sight
+of an elderly woman trying to defy time and
+age by such means as I have named?</p>
+
+<p>I will answer my own question, "Yes, there
+is. The sight of a girl who, possessing youth,
+health, and the share of good looks and
+attractiveness which must accompany these
+two things, is ever striving to improve Nature's
+handiwork by the use of unnatural means."
+Believe me, my dear girl friends, the sight of
+a young face disfigured by artificial colouring
+and unnaturally whitened by powder, of
+blackened eyebrows and eyelashes, together
+with similar shams, excites in my mind a
+feeling of true motherly regret. I love girls
+too well to say hard things or to speak of
+contempt for such practices; though they
+ought to be contemptible in the eyes of all
+pure and right-minded girls.</p>
+
+<p>One associates the use of them with small
+minds and natures whose chief end and aim
+are to gratify personal vanity and attract
+admiration, instead of striving to win respect
+by the exercise of far nobler powers. Can
+any girl be so self-deceived as to think she
+will win honest affection by such means?<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">{220}</a></span>
+She may win it in spite of them, but it will be
+because the one who gives it is able to discover
+something better and more deserving of
+love beneath this miserable upper crust of
+deception.</p>
+
+<p>One is always ready to recognise, with
+gratitude, even a mistaken attempt made by
+the young with a view of giving pleasure to
+others. But I am sure that self-pleasing and
+the gratification of vanity are, in nearly every
+case, the incentives to such displays as I have
+condemned.</p>
+
+<p>In looking round me, I have been struck
+with the fact that some of the girls who use
+paint, powder, and what are, I am informed,
+known under the general name of "make-ups,"
+are just those to whom Nature has
+been specially liberal in the gift of beauty.</p>
+
+<p>Beauty, when joined to vanity, has an
+insatiable longing to add to its attractions.
+It is more than conscious of all that it has,
+but it is never satisfied, because it craves to
+combine, in its own person, the attractions of
+every style which is, from time to time,
+commended in its hearing. Hence all these
+useless and foolish efforts to improve on
+Nature's handiwork.</p>
+
+<p>Do not misunderstand me so far as to think
+I condemn the use of many little toilet accessories,
+which add greatly both to comfort and
+health. It would be insulting to the good
+sense of my girls, if I were to specify what
+things are lawful and useful, and what are
+contemptible and to be avoided.</p>
+
+<p>You would smile, in pitying fashion, at the
+sight of an old lady, whose grey locks having
+become too scanty to cover her head, had
+thought fit to crown her wrinkled face with a
+wig and fringe of golden hair. But if the
+addition matched what remained of her own
+growth, I hope you would be glad to think
+that art had done something on behalf of
+comfort and comeliness for old age, as well as
+for youth. Depend on it the natural colour
+of your hair is that which agrees best with your
+features and complexion, and if there is anything
+really wrong with the latter, it will be
+better for you to consult your doctor than a
+manufacturer of cosmetics.</p>
+
+<p>I am glad to think I have not known many
+girls whose vanity led them to spoil their
+appearance in the manner I hope you join me
+in condemning, but we have all seen plenty of
+such. I picture two, however, both rather
+exceptionally attractive. One had beautiful,
+glossy, dark hair, with eyes to match, and a
+complexion like a blush rose.</p>
+
+<p>I did not see her for some time, and when
+we met I was horrified at the change. A mop
+of yellow, frizzled hair surmounted a face
+whence the blush-rose tint had fled, or been
+hidden under glaringly false red and white.
+All the dainty charm of the face was gone,
+and I am fain to confess that I went a little
+out of my way to avoid a closer meeting with
+my changed acquaintance. Happily I can tell
+of a pleasant sequel in this case. Some good
+influence has been brought to bear, or perhaps
+the girl's innate good sense has overcome her
+vanity, and she has found out that such shams
+are unworthy of a self-respecting girl.</p>
+
+<p>She has given fair play to Nature, and that
+just in time to save the blush-rose complexion
+from ruin, and to be once more her bonny
+self.</p>
+
+<p>The second girl possessed remarkable beauty
+especially of complexion, and her vanity and
+greed of admiration were in proportion to it.
+These impelled her to be ever experimenting
+on herself to produce greater perfection, with
+the result that whilst still a girl she looked
+many years older than her age, and I hear,
+though I do not see her now, that she is daily
+becoming less attractive, though no less vain
+than of old.</p>
+
+<p>Quite apart from the harm done to personal
+appearance by these foolish practices, but of
+far greater importance, is the moral injury they
+cause. One might call the exhibition of paint
+an acted falsehood, because it is an attempt
+to make ourselves appear what we are not.</p>
+
+<p>But such devices are too transparent to
+deceive. If begun, they become more and
+more injurious and difficult to discontinue,
+and those who practise them live in an
+atmosphere of anxiety and disappointment.
+Age comes, despite all efforts to delay its
+progress, and it leaves footprints which baffle
+art to disguise or obliterate.</p>
+
+<p>Doubtless you have all heard this expression
+used in relation to someone you know&mdash;"She
+knows how to grow old gracefully." You
+understand it to picture one who accepts age
+as the natural and inevitable sequence of
+youth; who is above the paltry vanity which
+would hide it&mdash;or, rather, try to hide it&mdash;yet
+who neglects nothing which can help to make
+it externally attractive, and especially to the
+young. For, if age is to have its full
+legitimate influence over youth, it must be
+beautiful in itself, both without and within.</p>
+
+<p>I will not ask you, my dear ones, to look
+again at that pitiable picture of Vanity battling
+with Age, despite the certainty of defeat and
+disappointment. But be assured of this&mdash;that
+the girl who starts on the same lines will reach
+the same goal; but it will not be that of a
+beautiful and lovable old age.</p>
+
+<p>Do not imagine that I undervalue externals.
+I would have you all be habitually careful
+about them. Let your complexion be kept at
+its best by scrupulous cleanliness. If your
+hair is beautiful and abundant, take pains to
+dress it in the fashion that best sets off such
+good looks as you possess. If you are less
+favoured in this respect, give the more care
+and pains so as to make the best of what you
+have.</p>
+
+<p>Exercise good taste in your dress, whilst
+carefully keeping your expenditure within your
+means. The girl who dresses quietly and
+becomingly will not make herself conspicuous
+in later years by the use of glaring colours or
+fantastic garments.</p>
+
+<p>Try to be graceful and quiet in your movements,
+and scrupulous in avoiding all little ways
+and habits likely to be disturbing, unpleasant,
+or offensive to others. And do not be
+offended if a well-meaning friend ventures to
+point out a tendency to any growing habit of
+the kind, knowing that if once established it
+will be almost impossible for you to overcome
+it. Bear in mind that such a warning can be
+only intended for your benefit and to help
+you on your way towards growing old
+gracefully.</p>
+
+<p>Study to modulate your voices so that the
+sound of them may fall pleasantly, even
+musically, on the ear. Shrill, harsh, and loud
+youthful voices become something too terrible
+when they accompany age.</p>
+
+<p>I wonder if any of you have heard our dear
+Queen speak? I regret to say that I have
+not, but friends have told me that they never
+heard a voice which equalled hers for its
+melodious tone, perfect clearness, and faultless
+enunciation.</p>
+
+<p>Try to avoid affectation in gesture and
+movement, and any form of facial contortion.
+Habit makes all these painful to witness, and
+age exaggerates them. Sometimes a habit of
+knitting the brows is contracted early in life,
+with the result that the forehead is furrowed
+and a forbidding expression given to the face
+which permanently spoils it. Age intensifies
+what is forbidding and disagreeable, but shows
+to the greatest advantage all that is most
+lastingly attractive in us, just as the flower
+fulfils the promise of the bud.</p>
+
+<p>In this lesson on "How to grow old" I
+have confined myself to externals. It is time
+for us to part, but when we meet again we
+will study the subject from the highest
+standpoint.</p>
+
+<p>Before then a new year will have dawned
+on us. Let me suggest as a fitting motto for
+it, "I will go in the strength of the Lord
+God." May it prove a very happy one to you
+all.</p>
+
+<p class='center'>(<i>To be continued.</i>)</p>
+
+
+
+<hr class="chap" /></div><div>
+
+
+<h2><a name="SISTER_WARWICK_A_STORY_OF_INFLUENCE" id="SISTER_WARWICK_A_STORY_OF_INFLUENCE">"SISTER WARWICK": A STORY OF INFLUENCE.</a></h2>
+
+<p class='ph3'><span class="smcap">By</span> H. MARY WILSON, Author of "In Warwick Ward," "In Monmouth Ward," "Miss Elsie," etc.</p>
+
+
+<h3>CHAPTER IV.</h3>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Granny 20</span> was in one of her most garrulous
+moods, but who was there to listen? She tried
+to catch a nurse or probationer as they hurried
+by the end of the bed, with a "Listen to me
+now, nurse." But a smile and a nod and a
+"By-and-by, Granny," was all she got for
+her pains.</p>
+
+<p>Her nearest bed-fellows were too sleepy
+for anything, and she had to content herself
+with murmuring to an imaginary audience
+until Sister had a moment's leisure, and came
+to her bedside.</p>
+
+<p>"I was saying, Sister, that Mrs. 21 there
+is one with me. We both rue our wedding-day!
+And we thought&mdash;bless yer!&mdash;we
+thought, when we stood up so proud and
+made our vows, that we was the luckiest
+women in the world."</p>
+
+<p>"And it all turned out badly, Granny?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, well! It might have been wuss for
+some of us. I won't say it mightn't; but me
+was in too much of a hurry&mdash;that was the
+mischief. Why, bless yer! Mrs. 21 there says
+she wasn't more'n sixteen when she took a
+'usband! And me? I was only just turned
+eighteen. We didn't know no better. We
+were took by a 'andsome face."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Granny, I cannot err on the side of
+marrying too young, whatever I do."</p>
+
+<p>"Sister! You ain't never thinking of matrimoany?
+Don't 'ee, dear! Don't 'ee! Just
+take the advice of a old woman what <i>knows</i>.
+This is what I say. If a man comes to you
+and seems true enough, don't trust him! No,
+not if trust was to sparkle like a diamond
+from the end of every hair on his head, don't
+trust him!"</p>
+
+<p>Hardly knowing how to contain herself
+for laughter, Sister promised to be very
+careful, and thanked Granny for her wise
+words.</p>
+
+<p>"They aire wise. You may well say so,"
+chuckled the old lady. "Now I could tell
+you&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Another time, Granny dear&mdash;and see!
+Here's nurse with your tea. A cup of tea!
+There's nothing like it, is there?"</p>
+
+<p>"Bless yer&mdash;no!"</p>
+
+<p>And Nurse Hudson&mdash;what of her? Had<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">{221}</a></span>
+the episode of yesterday's carelessness with
+the words of reproof that followed been the
+warning Sister Warwick hoped? The watchful
+eyes could detect very little that was amiss
+that day. But she was obliged to acknowledge
+that the nurse's manner towards herself was
+not what it should be. With her new efforts
+not to repel her nurses by the stiffness of her
+own manners she ignored what she could.
+Later she felt glad she had done so.</p>
+
+<p>After tea the medicines were given out.
+It was the staff-nurse's duty to-day, and
+following the instructions on her chart, Hudson
+went to and fro, pouring out the draughts, and
+bringing them to each bed in order.</p>
+
+<p>Sister, seated by No. 10, watched her
+silently. But when she brought the dose for
+this "typhoid," she took it from her hand to
+administer it herself.</p>
+
+<p>What instinct made her pause, before
+giving it, to ask:</p>
+
+<p>"Is this the new medicine, nurse?"</p>
+
+<p>"Of course it is, Sister!" The tone was
+offensive, but, ignoring it, Sister Warwick
+leant forward to hold the glass to the girl's
+lips. Again she paused. What was it stayed
+her hand?</p>
+
+<p>She raised the glass, smelt it, and then put
+it to her own lips and tasted the liquid, her
+eyes on the chart.</p>
+
+<p>"This is an overdose!" she said sternly.
+"Here are four times the right amount!"</p>
+
+<p>For she knew in a flash what the nurse had
+done, and she shuddered at the thought!
+Hudson had certainly, as she said, given the
+fresh medicine the chart directed, but in her
+heedlessness she had not looked to see if the
+quantity was altered too. She had poured
+out two tablespoonfuls instead of two teaspoonfuls&mdash;a
+dose that would have caused
+intense suffering, if nothing worse, to the
+sick girl.</p>
+
+<p>Sister Warwick rose from her chair and
+looked Nurse Hudson full in the face. Her
+utter scorn and indignation at this culpable
+carelessness rendered her speechless.</p>
+
+<p>But her glance was enough!</p>
+
+<p>Turning on her heel, she carried the
+medicine-glass into her room, placed it in a
+cupboard there, and locking it up, removed
+the key.</p>
+
+<p>Nurse Hudson watched it all&mdash;miserable
+and self-condemned&mdash;knowing what the action
+meant. Now that it was done, she would
+have given anything to have been more
+careful. Her colour came and went. She
+stood irresolute. Her better self was urging
+her to go at once and with a humble apology
+plead for another trial with an earnest promise
+of a different course in the future. But she
+could not bring herself to do that. Pride and
+Selfishness had been too closely her companions
+lately, excluding better impulses.</p>
+
+<p>No, she would not believe that Sister
+Warwick meant to report her to the Matron.
+Perhaps she would only ask for her removal
+to another ward; there she could make a fresh
+start. But she did not ask herself with what
+motive.</p>
+
+<p>Nurse Hudson's work had always been
+tarnished with the discolouring influences of
+her own low aims. No wonder now that she
+failed, and did not take the one step that
+might have saved her nursing career.</p>
+
+<p>She left the ward that evening without
+another word with the Sister&mdash;miserable, self-pitying,
+undecided, little thinking that she
+would never enter it again.</p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<p>"The whole affair shall be stopped at
+once!" The Matron's voice was full of
+decision and very stern. "I will send for
+Hudson and tell her I cannot keep her here
+any longer. Nor will I sign her certificate!
+I am not justified, after all you tell me, in
+sending her away to pass herself off as a
+qualified nurse."</p>
+
+<p>"You take a harder view of her conduct
+than I do, Matron." And Sister Warwick
+then and there began to plead for the
+nurse who had been such a "thorn in her
+side."</p>
+
+<p>"You will not move me, Sister! Hudson
+will go! It will seem right, from many
+points of view, when you can look at it
+dispassionately. I am only very thankful
+that we so rarely have such a failure among
+the nurses, and thankful most of all that no
+worse harm has been done. We might have
+had a case for the coroner."</p>
+
+<p>Sister Warwick knew the Matron's words
+were just. She left her and went back to
+her own room, sinking into her leaning-chair
+with the consciousness that an upset like this
+"took it out of her" far more than even an
+operation involving pain and suffering to one
+of her dear ward babies. And, sad at heart,
+she began to think of Ellen Hudson's future,
+then to search back in her own mind for
+possible opportunities missed in the past
+when she might have helped her more kindly.
+She realised bitterly that she herself might
+have done better too.</p>
+
+<p>She sat forward then and wrote a little note
+and sent it round to the Nurses' Home, timed
+to reach Nurse Hudson just after her interview
+with the Matron.</p>
+
+<p>It was to ask her staff-nurse to come and
+see her before she left. But she never came.
+She passed out of Sister Warwick's life
+from that hour, and her place knew her no
+more.</p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<p>Nurse Carden's bright face and ready sympathy
+were a pleasant interruption to the
+Sister's mournful ruminations that evening.
+She came in a little before her usual time,
+and the two had a quiet chat in the "Sisters'
+Room" before the night work began.</p>
+
+<p>Here Sister Cumberland joined them. These
+three women&mdash;so different in character, so
+united in aim and purpose&mdash;felt then the
+sustaining power of a friendship that was
+standing the wear and tear of life.</p>
+
+<p>Seeing how worried the elder "Sister" was
+by the present, the other two drew her thoughts
+back to the past and to their earlier experiences
+in the ward.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you remember?" was the introduction
+to many reminiscences Sister Cumberland
+recalled that night on duty, when she fought
+her fiercest fight with the craving for sleep.</p>
+
+<p>Nurse Carden talked of Tommie the waif
+and his whimsical ways. He could not be
+forgotten, for it was not many days since at
+the lodge-gate of her own home she had seen
+the Tommie of to-day. Such a contrast! A
+sturdy, ruddy, honest country lad, loving his
+life as a gardener's boy, and always ready, if
+questioned, to say, "Oh, I belong to Nurse
+Carden, I do! I ain't got nobody else! But
+she is good to me, she is!"</p>
+
+<p>So the three talked until the hour struck
+which took them to their various duties and
+closed the second of these days my pen has
+tried to describe&mdash;days chosen not because
+they were remarkably different from many
+others, but because they give an average picture
+of the cares and anxieties, the pleasures and
+interests that belong to a hospital Sister's
+life; because, too, they tell of an experience
+that had a lasting effect in softening Sister
+Warwick's character and in extending her
+influence over the nurses in her charge.</p>
+
+<p class='center'>[THE END.]</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" /></div><div>
+
+
+<h2><a name="GUS" id="GUS">GUS.</a></h2>
+
+
+<div>
+<img class="drop-cap" src="images/i_221.jpg" width="125" height="125" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<p class="drop-cap"><span class="upper-case">Ya</span> want ti knaw aboot
+ma maate Gus? Set
+ya doon, then, an'
+ah'll tell ya all
+aboot it.</p>
+
+<p>Me an' Gus wer
+friends fra' t' first.
+'E wer a shy, quiet
+soort o' lad, an' t'
+other chaps didn't
+seem ti taake ti 'im
+at first, an' it wer soort o' loansoom for a
+yoong chap lodgin' aloan i' a straange plaace,
+specially as 'e didn't seem ti care mooch for
+t' public-'oose o' neets. Soa wun evening, as
+we wer leavin' woork, ah says ti 'im, "Coom
+in an' 'ave a bit o' soopper wi' ma an' ma
+missus, lad."</p>
+
+<p>'E looked real pleased, an' said 'e would
+coom, bud 'e wouldn't coom straight 'oam
+wi' ma, as ah wanted 'im ti. Noa, 'e mun
+gang back ti 'is lodgins an' fettle issen oop.</p>
+
+<p>My missus weant best pleased when sha
+'eard 'e wer coming; mebbe, theer weant
+ower mooch for soopper, an' sha niver were
+fond o' straangers; bud 'e 'adn't been i' oor
+lahtle room aboove 'alf a minute afoor ah seed
+as sha'od taaken a fancy ti 'im. 'E com in
+rather shy an' bashful loike, for all 'e'd maade
+'issen soa graand wi' 'is Soonday coate an'
+all, an' ma missus, she says&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Set ya doon an' maak yersen at whoam,
+while ah get summat for ya ti eat," an' 'e set
+doon reet theer by t' door, on t' edge o' 'is
+cheer, an' 'adn't a woord to say for 'issen.</p>
+
+<p>Oor lahtle lass Polly&mdash;she wer nobbut
+fooer year owd then&mdash;shoo com in an' stood
+starin' at 'im wi' 'er finger i' 'er mooth, an' at
+sight o' 'er 'e foond 'is tongue.</p>
+
+<p>"Coom 'ere, lahtle ma'ad," says 'e; "ah'm
+wonnerful fond o' childer. Coom an' see
+what ah've got i' ma pocket."</p>
+
+<p>Bud t' lahtle lass still stood beside ma,
+starin' at 'im as if 'e wer summat i' a show.</p>
+
+<p>Gus didn't saay nowt moor, but 'e oots wi'
+'is knife an' a bit o' wood and starts carvin'
+summat.</p>
+
+<p>"Noo," says 'e, arter a bit, "what shall it
+be? Shall ah maak tha a 'orse, or a coo, or
+what?"</p>
+
+<p>T' lahtle lass foond 'er toongue at that.</p>
+
+<p>"A lad," says she, an' cooms a step nearer
+ti see what 'e wer at.</p>
+
+<p>"Shoo'll be a rare wun for t' lads when
+shoo's a bit bigger, ah'se warran'," says 'e,
+wi' a laugh; an' 'e goes on carvin' t' bit o'
+wood in a waay 'at wer wunnerful ti me.
+Soon t' head an' shoolthers appeared, an'
+then t' legs an' arms, an' all t' while t' tahtle
+lass crept nearer an' nearer, an' by t' tahm t'
+lad wer doon, shoo wer sittin' on 'is knee an'
+chatterin' awaay ti 'im as if 'e wer' an owd
+friend.</p>
+
+<p>That woon moother's 'eart, for shoo's
+powerful set on t' lahtle lass, seem' shoo's t'
+oanly wun wi' 'ave&mdash;an' ah reckon ah weant
+far be'ind 'er i' that&mdash;an' befoor 'e left
+shoo'd arst 'im ti taake 'is dinner wi' us
+Soonday next. Arter that, Gus wer in an'
+oot continual, an' 'e an't' lahtle lass wer as
+thick as thieves. It wer pratty ti see 'er
+perched o' 'is knee, wi' 'is arm roond 'er, an'
+ti 'ear 'er pratty prattle, all aboot 'er dolls an'
+toys an' sooch-like. 'E used ti call 'er 'is
+lahtle sweet-'eart, an' saay sha mun marry 'im<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">{222}</a></span>
+when sha wer growed a bit, an' t' lahtle lass
+'ud look oop i' 'is faace, as graave as graave,
+an' promise ti be 'is lahtle wife. 'Twer as
+pratty a pictur as 'eart could wish to see them
+thegither, an' 'e niver seemed ti tire o' 'er
+coompany, or care ti talk wi' me or t' missus
+when t' lahtle lass wer theer.</p>
+
+<p>Well tahm went on, an' t' job e'd coom
+doon 'ere for wer nigh finished&mdash;layin' rails
+o' new line it wer&mdash;an' 'e wer talkin' o'
+leavin', for 'e weant fra' oor parts; when wun
+daay&mdash;ah mind it wer t' first o' April, for
+theer'd been soom foolin' amoong t' lads
+earlier i' t' daay, an' t' blackthorn wer
+buddin' i' t' 'edges&mdash;we wer setting on t'
+railway bank eatin' oor dinners. Gus wer
+moor talkative than ordinary that daay; ah
+mind 'e'd been tellin' us o' t' waay they did
+'arvestin' i' 'is parts&mdash;Lancashire waay&mdash;an'
+'arvest-'oams, an' sooch-like, when all of a
+soodden ah caught sight o' ma lahtle lass
+runnin' along t' line. It did gie ma a toorn,
+for t' doon traain 'ad been signalled two or
+three minutes sin', an' even as ah caught
+sight o' 'er, ah 'eerd it roombling along i' t'
+distance.</p>
+
+<p>"Ma God!" ah cried. "Look theer!"</p>
+
+<p>Jack Wilson&mdash;'im as lives i' yon cottage
+wi' t' creepers doon by t' church&mdash;shoots as
+lood as 'e could, "Get oft t' line, bairn! Get
+off t' line!" Bud Polly, sha didn't taak noa
+'eed ti 'im.</p>
+
+<p>Then afoor ah 'ad got ma wits aboot ma,
+or 'ad ony idea what 'e wer goin ti do, Gus
+'ad joomped doon fra' t' bank, an' were
+roonnin' for 'is loife doon t' line ti meet t'
+lahtle lass. It wer awful to see 'im, while
+every moment t' thoonder o' t' train com
+nearer.</p>
+
+<p>"Is t' man mad?" cried Wilson. "It's
+certain death." An' even as 'e spoke, t'
+train com roond t' corner.</p>
+
+<p>Polly stood still, terrified, an' Gus ran on
+reet inti t' teeth o' t' train. Ah turned
+deadly sick, for ah niver thowt 'e would be i'
+tahm, an' it seemed nobbut a waaste o' two
+lives; bud 'e reached 'er joost afoor t' train
+did. Ah seed 'im catch 'er oop an' toss 'er
+on ti t' bank, an' then&mdash;then t' traan wer on
+'im, an' we saw noothing moor till it 'ad past.
+Then ah ran ti wheer 'e wer lyin', an' an
+awful sight it wer. It 'aunts ma yet, thoo it's
+nigh on ten year sin. 'E wer livin', poor
+chap, an' 'e looked up at ma wi' a smile,
+though t' death dews were gathering on 'is
+faace.</p>
+
+<p>"T' lahtle lass?" 'e asked anxiously.</p>
+
+<p>"Saafe an' well," ah answered. "Eh,
+Gus, lad, tha' shouldn't 'a doon it. Ah
+reckon she weant woorth it."</p>
+
+<p>"Niver saay that!" 'e said. "Wheer is
+sha? Ah'd like fine to bid her good-bye."</p>
+
+<p>Polly wer cryin' wi' fright on t' bank cloas
+at 'and. Ah called 'er, bud at first sha 'ung
+back, not knawin' as it wer 'er friend as lay
+theer, a sickenin' sight, an' not fit for a bairn
+ti see.</p>
+
+<p>"Niver mind, John," 'e said, sadly enough.
+"It's better soa. Ah wouldn't like 'er ti
+think o' ma like this." But ah went an'
+fetched 'er, an' bade 'er ti thank 'im for
+saavin' 'er loife.</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, nay," 'e said, smoilin' oop at 'er.
+"Good-bye, lahtle sweet'eart. Tha'lt 'ave ti
+get anoother lad noo."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, ah'll waait for thee an' be thy lahtle
+wife," says Polly sturdily, not un'erstan'in',
+poor lahtle lass, as 'e wer dyin'.</p>
+
+<p>"Tha'lt 'ave ti waait till tha gets ti t' New
+Jeroosalem, then," 'e answers, "if soa be as
+they'll let ma in." An' at that 'e looks
+serious.</p>
+
+<p>Ah maade 'aste ti cheer 'im oop.</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, lad, thoo need 'ave noa fear o' that,"
+ah says. "Tha mind hoo He said, 'Inasmooch
+as ye 'a doon it to wun o' t' least o' these, ye
+'a doon it unto Me.'"</p>
+
+<p>Hoo 'is faace lighted oop at that word!
+Then a spasm o' agony crossed it, an' t' death
+rattle began i' 'is throat.</p>
+
+<p>'E couldn't speak, bud 'e maade ma a sign
+ti send t' lahtle lass away, an' ah bade 'er
+roon 'oam ti 'er moother. Then ah knelt
+doon an' raised 'im in ma arms, an' it weant
+long&mdash;thank God, it weant long.</p>
+
+<p>Well, it's ten year sin, as ah said, an' it's
+an owd story noo, an' t' grass is green on 'is
+graave. T' lahtle lass keeps it rare an' gay
+wi' flooers. Shoo's growin' a graat gell noo,
+an' it weant be long afoor t' lads begin ti
+coom aboot 'er, for shoo's growin' bonny;
+bud shoo's niver forgotten Gus, an' if shoo
+iver did, ah wouldn't oan 'er as ma darter,
+that ah wouldn't!</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" /></div><div>
+
+
+<h2><a name="ANSWERS_TO_CORRESPONDENTS" id="ANSWERS_TO_CORRESPONDENTS">ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.</a></h2>
+
+
+<h3>MEDICAL.</h3>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Freda.</span>&mdash;Of the cause of exophthalmic go�tre but
+little is known for certain. Worry or anxiety often
+precede the onset of the disease. Unlike ordinary
+go�tre this affection is not limited in any way to
+certain districts, but occurs in every part of the
+country. "Is it curable, and if so, how long should
+a moderate case take to cure?" Yes, many cases
+do recover. When the disease is very marked, recovery
+is unusual. But now that surgeons have
+directed their attention to the disease there is every
+reason to believe that the severer grades of the
+affection may yield to operative treatment. We
+can no more tell you how long an attack of exophthalmic
+go�tre will last than we could tell you the
+day of your death. Sometimes the disease disappears
+in six months or a year, often it drags on
+for many years. As a rule, if the symptoms develop
+rapidly, the disease runs a rapid course.
+Men are comparatively rarely attacked. We can,
+however, call to mind a fair number of cases of
+exophthalmic go�tre in the male sex. Unmarried
+women of from twenty to thirty years of age are the
+usual victims of this disease.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Worried.</span>&mdash;1. In all probability your sister would
+get better and stronger after marriage. Of course
+it depends a good deal upon the cause of her malady.
+She had far better go to her family doctor and get
+his advice upon the matter. We cannot take the
+responsibility of giving a definite answer to your
+question from such a very scanty amount of information.&mdash;2.
+There are so many books on travel and
+science, suitable to ordinary readers, that it is rather
+difficult to choose any particular volume. One of
+the best books on science for a beginner&mdash;that is, a
+person who is beginning to read science&mdash;is a little
+work called <i>Ants and their Ways</i>, by the Rev.
+Farren White. It is a charming little volume
+which will instil into anyone who reads it the habit
+of observation&mdash;so all-important in science. The
+book is very moderate in price. It is published by
+the Religious Tract Society. If you turn to the
+advertisement sheets at the back of this paper you
+will see notices of a number of very good books on
+both science and travel.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Matron.</span>&mdash;Obviously the book you want is the <i>British
+Pharmacop&#339;ia</i>. This gives definite instructions
+how to make up every official preparation. There
+is a new edition just published. For the drugs
+which are not in the <i>British Pharmacop&#339;ia</i>, Squire's
+<i>Companion to the British Pharmacop&#339;ia</i> may be
+consulted. You will do well to thoroughly master
+the decimal measures, and to use them exclusively,
+as they are now official and will alone be used in
+the future. The old and confusing apothecaries'
+measures are now out of date.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Alta.</span>&mdash;For the bites and stings of midges, etc., rub
+a little dilute ammonia on the bite. This usually
+relieves the pain instantly. It is better to put a
+drop of dilute carbolic acid (about 1 in 100) upon
+the bite after using the ammonia. The reason for
+this is that the trouble from an insect's bite is dependent
+upon two causes. In the first place the
+insect actually drops poison into the bite. This,
+which is usually formic acid, makes the wound
+smart at once, but its effect passes off in a little
+time. Ammonia neutralises this acid and so gives
+instant relief. But there is a second cause of
+trouble which is far more serious. The bite of a
+fly has caused more deaths than you would think,
+and from this reason. Flies of all kinds are given
+to feed on garbage, and as they have not yet learnt
+to use a toothbrush, their mouths are always swarming
+with germs. Usually these germs are not of a
+very virulent kind. But suppose that a midge has
+been eating the carcase of an animal which has
+died from peritonitis. That fly is now more deadly
+than a viper, for on its tongue it has a poison which
+is capable of rapid increase if it ever finds a suitable
+home. If this fly bites you, you may die from
+the bite. Everyone knows that often an insect
+sting or bite does not ache or swell at first; but
+after several hours the place becomes hot and
+swollen, and if the place bitten be the hand, the
+arm begins to swell and the glands in the armpit
+enlarge. In this case a mild dose of microbes has
+been innoculated. Ammonia will not in most cases
+destroy these microbes. Therefore, we say, put a
+drop of dilute carbolic acid on the place as soon as
+you can. The ammonia simply relieves a little
+itching (for the poison of the insect itself is rarely
+dangerous), but the carbolic acid destroys organisms
+which are capable of great mischief. Rubbing
+the face and hands with oil of eucalyptus, or paraffin,
+will sometimes prevent insects from coming
+near you.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Lily, My Queenie.</span>&mdash;1. Is the skin round your eyebrows
+scarred? Hair never grows on scars, nor
+can it be made to do so by any means in our power.
+If there are no scars, try a little white precipitate
+ointment applied carefully to the eyebrows.&mdash;2.
+Moles cannot be cured. They can be removed by
+operation. If they are large and noticeable it is
+better to have them removed. Otherwise leave
+them severely alone.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Pearl.</span>&mdash;Take our advice and see a doctor at once.
+Severe headache is a very common symptom, and
+though it is usually caused by some trivial ailment,
+it is often the only subjective sign of a serious
+disease. Your attacks suggest megraine, but
+they might be due to far more serious things.
+Without a complete personal examination no man
+living could diagnose your malady.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Fox.</span>&mdash;What size corsets do you wear? Tight lacing
+is, or rather was, a very common cause of fatness
+about the face. What age are you? It is very
+common for women to get double chins and extra
+plump cheeks when they have passed their thirtieth
+year. Very many diseases cause fatness of the
+face. Kidney disease is one of the commonest of
+these. All we can advise you to do is to be careful
+about your diet. Avoid farinaceous puddings and
+sweets. Take plenty of exercise. No drug is of
+much good in obesity of any kind. Some of the
+mineral waters, especially Vichy, are sometimes
+useful to stout persons.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">A Weary and Careworn Girl.</span>&mdash;We are exceedingly
+sorry that we could not answer your letter
+earlier. The troubles that you have gone through
+are enough to depress any girl of twice your age.
+We think that all your sufferings are due to nervousness
+resulting from being "run down." What
+the impediment in your speech is, is not quite clear
+from your letter. Probably it is far less than you
+imagine, else your mother would certainly have
+noticed it. The difficulty which you find in commencing
+to talk is due to nervousness. As your
+health improves, and as you grow older this will
+tend to disappear. We will publish an article on
+blushing and nervousness next month. To the last
+of your questions your clergyman would be more
+competent to give you an answer than ever we
+could be. Go to your pastor and tell him your
+troubles. He is sure to be able to comfort you in
+your affliction and to help you to bear your cross
+with patience for the sake of Him who laid down
+His life for you.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Croyden.</span>&mdash;The habit of taking acids to cure indigestion
+is greatly to be deprecated. Acids and
+bitters are very useful in some forms of indigestion,
+but they should never be taken unless ordered by a
+physician. Alkalis, such as bicarbonate of soda,
+are on the other hand of great value in the majority
+of cases of indigestion. Indeed we will go further
+than this: we have never met with a case of indigestion
+from any cause which was not benefited,
+sometimes only temporarily, by alkalis. We have
+seen very few cases of indigestion which have been
+relieved by acids. Our candid opinion is that the
+habit of taking acids and bitters to cure disorders
+of the stomach or loss of appetite, is a very fertile
+cause of the life-long indigestion so common
+nowadays.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Black Eyes.</span>&mdash;In an answer to "Fair Isobel," which
+was published some months ago, the treatment of
+blackheads was thoroughly discussed.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Emily Phelps.</span>&mdash;Your glasses do not suit you. Go
+to an oculist and get his prescription for another
+pair. Your symptoms are very common in people
+who use unsuitable spectacles.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">{223}</a></span></p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Buttercup.</span>&mdash;Bunions are due to the pressure of
+badly-fitting boots. In the human foot the great
+or innermost toe bends away from the other toes.
+This gives to the inner border of the foot a direction
+slanting inwards towards the middle line of
+the body. Most boots are made with their inner
+border slanting outwards away from the middle
+line so as to meet the outer border of the boots at a
+more or less acute angle. We have therefore the
+great toe naturally tending to depart from its
+fellows, and we have the boot forcing the great toe
+towards, and possibly under or over, the other toes.
+The boot is an unyielding structure. The inner
+border of the foot is also practically unyielding,
+except at one spot, the joint of the great toe. The
+first toe is therefore forced inwards and its joint
+projects as an angle. The boot presses upon this
+joint, a corn forms, inflammation is set up, and the
+joint becomes diseased, forming a bunion. When
+once a bunion has developed, it is no good talking
+about its prevention. We must attempt to cure it,
+and it is not so very difficult to cure it, and keep it
+cured, if you fully understand how it originated.
+A bunion is caused by pressure upon the joint.
+The cure of the bunion consists of removing the
+pressure from the joint. To do this you should
+wear boots in which the inner border slopes away
+from the centre of the boot. We advise you to get
+a pair of boots of this shape made for yourself. If
+the bunion is intractable, you may need a "post"
+in the boot between the great and the second toe.
+Keep your foot scrupulously clean, and take a foot-bath
+every evening.</p>
+
+<p>J. S. N.&mdash;As your mother died from heart disease, it
+is no wonder that you imagine your own symptoms
+to be likewise due to heart trouble; but the symptoms
+you mention are all characteristic of simple
+dyspepsia; not one of them is common in heart
+disease. When you say "at times my pulse beats
+very fast and sometimes irregularly," we presume
+that you mean that you feel your heart beating
+fast or irregularly, in other words, that you have
+palpitation. When the heart is beating fast or
+irregularly, as it frequently does in heart disease,
+it produces no symptoms which might inform the
+sufferer of her state. It is only by feeling the pulse
+that irregularities in its action can be detected.
+We will not say that heart disease is not hereditary,
+but the importance of this factor has been
+greatly over-estimated. Disease of the heart is
+very frequently due to rheumatic fever; and the
+tendency to rheumatism is; to a certain extent,
+hereditary. You will find plenty of information
+about indigestion in our last year's volume.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Esther.</span>&mdash;We can well understand that you feel a
+little nervous about your chest, when you tell us
+that both your parents died of phthisis. You
+know that the risk of your developing the disease
+is considerable, yet it by no means follows that you
+will get phthisis. By no means are you certain to
+get phthisis. You must be very careful about
+yourself, and the least bit of a cough or cold which
+may attack you must be carefully attended to.
+Indeed we advise you to call in your family doctor
+the moment that you have any cough or other untoward
+symptom. Certainly you would do well to
+spend your winters in Switzerland.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Canary.</span>&mdash;1. A little dumb-bell exercise every morning
+will improve the form of your back and shoulders.
+The dumb-bells should be made of wood
+and not weigh more than two pounds each. Heavy
+bell exercise is very dangerous. It has always
+been considered beautiful for women to possess
+broad hips.&mdash;2. Why? Why do so many of our correspondents
+call themselves "constant readers"?
+Perhaps it is that they think that by using that
+pseudonym they will get answered sooner, or perhaps
+it is merely from lack of sufficient imagination
+to think of some phrase less commonplace.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">E. M. Walker.</span>&mdash;Cinnamon is more at home in the
+pantry than in pharmacy. The only medicinal
+action it possesses is that of all aromatic substances.
+It is occasionally used as a stomachic,
+but its chief use is for flavouring. Sometimes it is
+given for diarrh&#339;a as it is a mild astringent. Cinnamon
+has no action on cancer, neither has any
+drug the slightest effect upon the course of this
+disease. Indeed one might put down the medicinal
+action of cinnamon at zero.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Mabel B.</span>&mdash;It is not at all uncommon for the hair to
+fall out after a severe illness. It is, however, rare
+for permanent baldness to result. Usually after
+combing out in large quantities for some weeks or
+months the hair grows quickly and luxuriously again.
+A mildly stimulating hair-wash is often useful in
+these cases. Brilliantine, bay rum or rosemary
+hair-washes are suitable. We much doubt whether
+taking cod-liver oil would have any effect upon your
+hair, but it might help to restore your strength.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Florrie.</span>&mdash;1. We know of no recipe which will
+remove hairs from the face without doing serious
+damage to the skin at the same time.&mdash;2. Try
+sulphur soap for a shiny face. Do not use face
+powder.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Helena.</span>&mdash;Read the answer to "Florrie" above. The
+Laws of Libel prevent us from giving you our
+opinion on the preparation which you mention.
+We are allowed, however, to warn you to have
+nothing to do with any patent medicine of which
+you do not know the composition. It has not been
+our experience that peroxide of hydrogen makes
+the hair grow quickly.</p></div>
+
+
+<h3>STUDY AND STUDIO.</h3>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Irish May Flower.</span>&mdash;It is rather difficult to dispose
+of such sketches as you describe. We should suggest
+that you took them to any picture dealer in
+your neighbourhood, and asked him to try to sell
+them for you. Or you might write to the Irish
+Ladies' Work Society, 47, George Street, Kingstown,
+inquiring if that would be of any use to you.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Mabel Entwistle.</span>&mdash;We are very glad that you have
+been enabled through our means "to make the
+acquaintance of two extremely nice French girls."
+Your writing we like very much. It is clear, definite,
+and has a character of its own. If we gave any
+hint for its improvement, it would be to avoid the
+lapses in the middle of a word, making the writing
+flow consecutively.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">La Petite Violette.</span>&mdash;We have not forgotten you,
+and are very glad you have taken up some special
+study. We have placed your request in "Our
+Open Letter Box."</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Wild Rose.</span>&mdash;1. Your first quotation is from Tennyson's
+<i>In Memoriam</i>, xxvii., stanza 4.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"I hold it true, whate'er befall,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">I feel it when I sorrow most,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">'Tis better to have loved and lost,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Than never to have loved at all."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p class='noindent'>2. Look through the poetry of Thomas Moore for
+your second extract, and if you cannot find it there,
+send it again and we will place it in "Our Open
+Letter Box."</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Catalina.</span>&mdash;1. Apply to the Church Sunday School
+Institute, Serjeant's Inn, Fleet Street, E.C., or to
+the Sunday School Union (undenominational),
+57, Ludgate Hill, and you will receive the fullest
+information. The lessons for each Sunday are set
+forth in certain inexpensive books in detail, with
+comments and information upon every verse. In
+addition to these "lesson helps" you should read
+and study books upon the Old Testament and upon
+the life of our Lord, such as Farrar's <i>Life of Christ</i>.
+The Religious Tract Society has published one
+(<i>The Life of Jesus Christ the Saviour</i>, by Mrs.
+S. Watson), which is not too ambitious, and might
+help you. The net price is 3s. 9d.&mdash;2. Your writing
+is good for your age, but might be improved if
+the tails to your "g's," "y's," etc., were less
+straggling.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Erin-go-bragh.</span>&mdash;1. We have inserted your request,
+but (as you give a pseudonym) not your address.&mdash;2.
+Your handwriting is too upright and irregular,
+but there is the foundation of a good hand in it.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Exile of Erin.</span>&mdash;The "Fragment" you enclose is
+above the average of poems submitted to us, but
+your metre does not flow quite smoothly enough.
+You should avoid too many monosyllables in these
+long lines.</p>
+
+<p>L. A. T.&mdash;We should advise you to read Homer's
+"Odyssey," translated by Butcher and Lang, and
+if you find difficulty in understanding it, a "Primer"
+on the subject as well. But we think you will
+enjoy it. As for Plato, read "The Trial and Death
+of Socrates," translated by Dean Church, and
+consult a small history of Greece on the period
+(399 <span class="smcap lowercase">B.C.</span>) Do not attempt too much at once, nor
+read Plato's deeper "Dialogues" to begin with.
+Your letter, which you ask us to criticise, is clearly
+written, with only one mistake in spelling.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Miss Bealey.</span>&mdash;We undertake no communication by
+post (see "Rules" in our November part and
+elsewhere). You will find the "Home Reading
+Union" an excellent society; apply to the Secretary,
+Surrey House, Victoria Embankment. Consult
+this column for amateur societies occasionally
+mentioned.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Miss Florence E. Smith</span> calls attention to the
+"Bedford Practising Society," of which she is
+secretary. She will be delighted to send particulars
+to any fellow reader of the <span class="smcap">Girl's Own Paper</span>.
+Address to her at Winfrith, The Crescent, Bedford.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Hoffnung.</span>&mdash;Many thanks for your letter. By all
+means try again.</p></div>
+
+
+<h3>INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENCE.</h3>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Mademoiselle Marguerite Gontard</span> (address
+"Nikopal Mariopol Co., Mariopol, South Russia,
+Engineer Prauss for M. Gontard"), wishes to be
+put into communication with a young English lady,
+resident in either of the continents of Asia, Africa,
+America, or Australia. She desires to correspond
+with her either in English or French. We thank
+Mademoiselle Gontard for her pretty English
+letter. She may certainly write to us in French if
+she prefers to do so.</p>
+
+<p>"<span class="smcap">Erin-go-bragh</span>" would like to correspond with a
+French girl of about her own age&mdash;twenty-one.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Florence</span> writes a kind letter from which we quote a
+sentence. "I am wondering whether some little
+girl belonging to the readers of our <span class="smcap">Girl's Own
+Paper</span> would care to have an older friend to write
+to; she would receive in return sympathy if in
+trouble, and an interest would be taken in all she
+might care to confide to one whom she could
+perhaps learn to look upon in the light of an elder
+sister." We regret that it is against our rules to
+undertake direct postal communication; but if any
+little girl sends us her address, we will insert it here
+for "Florence" to see. Perhaps some lonely, or
+motherless, or sad little girls might be glad to find
+a friend.</p></div>
+
+
+<h3>OUR OPEN LETTER BOX.</h3>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+
+<p><span class="smcap">La Petite Violette</span> wishes to find a poem with a
+refrain to each verse "Belle Marquise." She saw
+a quotation from it as a heading to a chapter in a
+book entitled <i>Woman and the Shadow</i>.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Miss M. A. C. Crabb</span> and <span class="smcap">Elpis</span> answer <span class="smcap">Lennox</span> by
+referring the verse she quotes&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Alas! how easily things go wrong,"<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p class='noindent'>to a poem in the 19th chapter of George Macdonald's
+"Phantastes: a Faerie Romance." They
+agree in saying that the second verse is not by the
+same pen.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Peterkin</span>, <span class="smcap">Gertrude Ashworth</span>, <span class="smcap">Klondyke</span>, <span class="smcap">B. D.
+Ward</span>, <span class="smcap">M. E. Bates</span>, "<span class="smcap">Stick</span>," <span class="smcap">R. M. Cooke</span>,
+<span class="smcap">Mabel Entwistle</span> and "<span class="smcap">The Eldest Girl</span>," inform
+Ethel Rimmer that Christina Rossetti's poem
+beginning&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"When I am dead, my dearest,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Sing no sad songs for me,"<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p class='noindent'>has been set to music by Malcolm Lawson, and is
+entitled "Hereafter," in keys E&#9837; and G. It appeared
+in the June number of the <i>Strand Musical
+Magazine</i> for 1895. "<span class="smcap">A Lover of the 'G.O.P.'</span>"
+says it has been set to music by C. A. Lee, either for
+a soprano or an alto voice.</p>
+
+<p>R. C. R. suggests to <span class="smcap">Gold Dust</span> that the poem "Tit
+for Tat" is contained in "Original Poems for
+Infant Minds," by Jane Taylor, her sisters and
+brother. If this is the poem sought for, we may
+add that the volume is published by Routledge.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">One of the First Readers, Azie</span>, asks for the
+author of a poem entitled "Maggie and the
+Angels," containing two lines&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Maggie, are they the angels?<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">And be they always there?"<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Perseveranza</span> would be glad to know the publishers
+of a picture-book of performing frogs or cats from
+which she could copy for painting on dessert
+doyleys.</p>
+
+<p>L B. N. R. wishes to know the author of the following
+lines&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"There is a river which flows for ever,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">And the flowers that bloom on its banks<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Grow bright, as they glitter in grateful endeavour<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">To vie in a perfume of thanks."<br /></span>
+</div></div></div>
+
+
+<h3>MISCELLANEOUS.</h3>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Edith.</span>&mdash;The origin of the Lions as a device on the
+Royal Arms we trace to William the Conqueror,
+who introduced those of Normandy. These two
+original Lions were supplemented by a third,
+added by Henry III., it is generally supposed, for
+Aquitaine.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Mater.</span>&mdash;To make an economical Christmas cake,
+take half a pound of butter, place in a bowl, and
+break five eggs over it, stirring continuously, while
+a second person sifts in slowly a pound and a half
+of currants (well washed, dried, and carefully
+picked), three-quarters of a pound of flour, and
+two ounces of citron peel chopped to moderately
+small pieces. Place in a papered shape&mdash;not
+buttered&mdash;several folds of paper being laid at the
+bottom of the tin, and bake in moderately hot oven
+during three hours.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Semper paratus.</span>&mdash;We answer two questions, and
+you have asked nineteen! It is impossible to
+describe the several Scotch tartans otherwise than
+by coloured illustrations. These you will find in a
+book published by W. and A. K. Johnston (Edinburgh
+and London), entitled, <i>The Scottish Clans
+and their Tartans</i>, now in its second (if not third)
+edition. Some account of every Clan is given.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Anxious.</span>&mdash;Rheumatism will, no doubt, be made
+worse by exposure to damp and draughts; but the
+origin is in acidity, which crystallises in the joints
+and muscles. You should abstain for a time from
+butchers' meat, and from sweet things. Attend to
+the action of the liver, which may be torpid; and
+if the pain be in the arms and shoulders, you should
+perform all kinds of exercises with them, and
+employ friction and rubbing with suitable embrocation.
+If you do not perform exercises, the joints
+and sinews will become stiff.</p>
+
+<p>A. E. C.&mdash;<i>Noah's Ark</i>, by Darley Dale, is published
+as a book by F. Warne, Bedford Street, Strand.
+Price 3s. 6d.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Helen of Troy.</span>&mdash;You will find several families of
+the name Marshall&mdash;though not necessarily related&mdash;in
+Burke's <i>Landed Gentry</i>. Perhaps you can
+claim your connection with one of them. The first
+on the list is G. H. Marshall, of Patterdale Hall,
+Westmoreland, descended from John of Yeadon
+Hall, Co. York, who made a large fortune from the
+mechanical improvements in a branch of the linen
+manufacture. There is Marshall of Treworgley,
+Cornwall; Marshall of Penwortham Hall, descended
+from M. of Ardwick, near Manchester;
+Marshall of Ward End House, Co. Warwick,
+descended from M. of Perlethorp, Co. Nottinghamshire;
+and Marshall of Broadwater, Surrey,
+apparently the oldest family of that name, anciently
+spelt Marchal, and long resident in that county.
+None of these families have the same arms, nor
+crest. The first-named (of Patterdale) has none
+ascribed to them in the <i>Landed Gentry</i>. You had
+better consult the second volume in some library.</p></div>
+
+<hr class="chap" /></div><div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">{224}</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h2><a name="OUR_PUZZLE_POEMS" id="OUR_PUZZLE_POEMS">OUR PUZZLE POEMS.</a></h2>
+
+<p class='ph3'>A NEW DEPARTURE.</p>
+
+
+<p><span class="smcap">We</span> are publishing Three Puzzle Poems in succession dealing with accidents and the way to meet them, and
+the following is the second of the series. The lines should be carefully committed to memory for the sake of
+the valuable instruction they contain.</p>
+
+<p>In addition to the ordinary monthly prizes <span class="smcap">Three Special Prizes</span> are offered for the best solutions of the
+whole series.</p>
+
+<p>The first Special Prize will be <span class="smcap">Three Guineas</span>; the second Special Prize, <span class="smcap">Two Guineas</span>, and the third
+Special Prize, <span class="smcap">One Guinea</span>.</p>
+
+<p>A careful record of mistakes will be kept, and these prizes will be awarded to those competitors who
+perpetrate the fewest in all three puzzles.</p>
+
+<p>If a winner of one of these prizes has already received an ordinary prize in the series, the amount of the
+smaller prize will be deducted. This will then be sent to the most deserving non-prize-winner in the list
+relating to the puzzle for which the prize in question was awarded.</p>
+
+
+<h3>OUR NEW PUZZLE POEM.</h3>
+
+<div class="figcenter w450">
+<img src="images/i_224.jpg" width="450" height="665" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<p>&#8258; <span class="smcap">Prizes</span> to the amount of six guineas (one of which will be reserved for competitors living abroad)
+are offered for the best solutions of the above Puzzle Poem. The following conditions must be observed.</p>
+
+<p>1. Solutions to be written on one side of the paper only.</p>
+
+<p>2. Each paper to be headed with the name and address of the competitor.</p>
+
+<p>3. Attention must be paid to spelling, punctuation, and neatness.</p>
+
+<p>4. Send by post to Editor, <span class="smcap">Girl's Own Paper</span>, 56, Paternoster Row, London. "Puzzle Poem" to be
+written on the top left-hand corner of the envelope.</p>
+
+<p>5. The last day for receiving solutions from Great Britain and Ireland will be February 17, 1899; from
+Abroad, April 17, 1899.</p>
+
+<p>The competition is open to all without any restrictions as to sex or age.</p>
+
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<h2><a name="OUR_SUPPLEMENT_STORY" id="OUR_SUPPLEMENT_STORY">OUR SUPPLEMENT STORY
+COMPETITION.</a></h2>
+
+
+<p class='ph3'>SELF OR FRIEND?</p>
+
+<p class='ph3'>A STORY IN MINIATURE.</p>
+
+
+<p class='center'><span class="smcap">First Prize</span> (�2 2s.).</p>
+
+<p>Margaret A. Fish, 49, Foregate Street,
+Worcester.</p>
+
+
+<p class='center'><span class="smcap">Second Prize</span> (�1 1s.).</p>
+
+<p>Rose Cook, 2, South Cliff, Lowestoft.</p>
+
+
+<p class='center'><span class="smcap">Third Prize</span> (10s. 6d.).</p>
+
+<p>Edith Ivens, Mayfield, Station Road,
+Llandaff, nr. Cardiff.</p>
+
+
+<p class='center'><span class="smcap">Very Highly Commended.</span></p>
+
+<p>Emily M. P. Wood, Woodbank, Southport.</p>
+
+
+<p class='center'><span class="smcap">Honourable Mention.</span></p>
+
+<p>Mary Adamson, Eastbourne; Lucy H.
+Chapman, Weston-super-Mare; "Conor,"
+Bonchurch, I.W.; Rose L. Connor, Greenock,
+N.B.; "Editha," Birmingham; Kate Collins
+Ensor, Atherstone; "Excelsior," North Bow,
+E.; Annie F. Hepple, N. Shields; E. Marian
+Jupe, Warminster; "Mignonette," New
+Cross, S.E.; Edith Miller, Judd St., W.C.;
+Agnes Osborne, Sidcup; Minnie Reeves,
+Twyford; Lucy Richardson, York; Enid G.
+St. Aubyn, Retford; Mary Ad�le Venn,
+West Kensington Park; L. M. Willis,
+Harrogate; Mabel Wilson, Bedford Park.</p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+
+<p class='center'><span class="smcap">To the Competitors.</span></p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">My dear Girls</span>,&mdash;To the prize winners and to those
+of you also who failed to gain prizes, I offer my
+hearty congratulations on the excellent papers you
+sent in. The work of selecting the very best was
+much less difficult than that of choosing a few for
+"Honourable Mention," out of hundreds of really
+good ones.</p>
+
+<p>It may interest you to know why some of you failed
+to obtain a place in the list of honours. Twenty-eight
+competitors were disqualified by breaking the
+rule as to size of paper and space to be filled. Then
+there were several charming essays on the story which
+were not miniatures of it. In a considerable number
+necessary parts of the outline were omitted, hence
+the work was incomplete.</p>
+
+<p>It gave me true pleasure to note how thoroughly
+most of you grasped the lesson which the story was
+intended to convey.</p>
+
+<p>Do not be disheartened. Try again. Such good
+papers cannot be called failures, and the exercise
+will benefit you whether you gain prizes or not.</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="ml2">Your affectionate old friend,</span><br />
+<span class="smcap ml4">Ruth Lamb.</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+
+<p class='ph3'>OUR NEXT STORY COMPETITION.</p>
+
+<p class='ph3'>STORIES IN MINIATURE.</p>
+
+<p class='center'><i>Subject</i>:&mdash;"<span class="smcap">The G. O. P. Supplement for
+January.</span>"</p>
+
+
+<p class='ph3'>WHEN MY SHIP COMES HOME.</p>
+
+<p class='center'><span class="smcap">By</span> SARAH DOUDNEY, Author of "A Cluster
+of Roses," "A Flower of Light," etc.</p>
+
+<p>We offer three prizes of <span class="smcap">Two Guineas</span>,
+<span class="smcap">One Guinea</span>, and <span class="smcap">Half-a-Guinea</span> for the
+three best papers on our "Story Supplement"
+for this month. The essays are to give a brief
+account of the plot and action of the story in
+the Competitor's own words; in fact, each
+paper should be a carefully-constructed <i>Story
+in Miniature</i>, telling the reader in a few
+bright words what <span class="smcap">The Girl's Own Story
+Supplement</span> for the month is all about.</p>
+
+<p>One page of foolscap only is to be written
+upon, and is to be signed by the writer, followed
+by her full address, and posted to The
+Editor, <span class="smcap">Girl's Own Paper</span>, in an unsealed
+envelope, with the words "Stories in Miniature"
+written on the left-hand top corner.</p>
+
+<p>The last day for receiving the papers is
+January 20th; and no papers can in any case
+be returned.</p>
+
+<p><i>Examiners</i>:&mdash;The Author of the Story
+(Sarah Doudney), and the Editor of <span class="smcap">The
+Girl's Own Paper</span>.</p></div>
+
+<hr class="full" />
+
+<p>Transcriber's Note: The following changes have been made to this text.</p>
+
+<p>Page 218&mdash;prevenche changed to pervenche.</p>
+
+<p>Page 222&mdash;parafin changed to paraffin.</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Girl's Own Paper, Vol. XX, No.
+992, December 31, 1898, by Various
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE GIRL'S OWN PAPER ***
+
+***** This file should be named 52104-h.htm or 52104-h.zip *****
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+</pre>
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+</body>
+</html>
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