The Montgomery County Times and Shropshire and Mid-Wales Advertiser

ALT. KIOITTS Jl.Ks.'niuv^n.] rHE STORY OF CHRIS; By ROWLAND GREY, Author of "hi Sunnt/ Sicif.zerlcuvl," "By rù.tU4 of Ihs Office," etc., etc.» Chapteii VI. AN AMirtLICAISr BEAUTY. "A rosebud set with little, wilful thorns." TENNYSON. Paris was as radiant as only Paris can be in the merry month of May. The boulevards were full of stir and movement—ladies in gay carriages, sol- diers in bright uniforms, nurses with little, lively children, all outlined sharply and clearly under the turquoise sky. The sun fairly flooded a dainty boudoir in one of the handsome houses on the Champs Eiysees, the temporary home of Mr. Silas P. Vamlci-deekeii, millionaire, who, with his only child and heiress, had occupied it at intervals for eighteen months past. It was fragrant with fresh flowers growing luxuriantly, or gracefully arranged in the daintiest of vases. Every sort of pretty expensive trifle covered the little tables, and a gilded cage, full of tropical birds, occupied one window. There was plenty of gilding on the frames of the numerous pictures, but the sun found nothing to caress half so golden as the hair of the only occu- pant of the room, a lovely girl of twenty. Indo- lently lying upon the green plush sofa, in a loose morning gown of soft yellow, Saidie Vanderdecken looked much prettier even than her charming por- trait. There are no beauties like American beauties we are for ever hearing, and certainly this one was exquisite, with her slender figure, large, violet-blue eyes and radiant complexion. She was playina noucha antly with the diamond rings on one little white hand, and as she did so two great tears quite as bright as the jewels, gathered and fell' .1 ust then the door opened, and a tall, spare man of about fifty came in. Mr. Vanderdecken's thin face, with its grizzled moustache, was a very p easant one, but it clouded anxiously as he glanced at Saidie, who made no attempt to check her evident unhappiness. Silas P. Vanderdecken had a decided accent in speaking, especially in moments of surprise, and there was a kind of shocked de- ference in the exclamation, "Saidie Vanderdecken you are crying Yes, poppa, I am," said that young person composedly. Her father sighed deeply, and with an injured air. "My daughter you know you have only got to ask and have.' lou can order your carriage, and drive to any store in Paris, and ask for what you require." Saidie shook her curly head. She had an accent > too, though her voice was neither loud nor shrill, but there was a tone of real tenderness in it as she said softly, "Money can't buy me what I want, poppa, but I can get it quickly enough if you will only let me. Poor Mr Vanderdecken looked miserable. His T11 e.1 SOOIJ after the birth of the one daughter for whom he had toiled all his life. By a series of lucky speculations he was master now of an immense fortune. He was a man who had risen entirely by Ins own energy and force of ciaracter; yet he was no Silas Lapham, but pos- ses,,ed much intelligence, some reading, and the admirable grace and courtesy of manner that seem to come naturally to a few elect Americans. Silas ±. V anderdeeken was kindly and tolerant, and in matters religious something of a Puritan, but side by side with his Republicanism had grown up that queer, exaggerated love of titles, and reverence for the powers that be, which, among his countrymen and women, is as common as it is incomprehensible I* Wisl111,°st1auxi0us that Saidie should marry an English lord. He did not know very much tw /i S °r e s, bit lie had a confused idea *1 eAf I^0re solidit>7 about the English than about the Continental aristocracy. Two years ago little Saidie herself had ideas of this kind; but even a fashionable New York school had not realty hardened a very soft heart. A few chance meetings with Mark Fenwick had altered all her visions, and she had felt, with a woman's quicK, unerring instinct, that Mark was fast be- ginning to care for her. She knew it, yet he w ono away without a word of any future meeting. He could not possibly have done anything more successful. In Saidie's romantic eyes his poverty was charming. She had money enough for both besides, money was not everything. Saidie was too thoroughly accustomed to get her own way to have any fear of telling her indulgent father the exact truth. A curious little scene had taken place after Mark's departure, just a year since. Saidie had quite fearlessly admitted that she had made up her mind in the matter, and that it was not to be changed. Mr. Vanderdecken had lis- tened, half in sorrow, half in the first fit of anger he had ever felt against his home-ruler. He had read her quite a severe lecture against Kudden fancies, and had been very stern against Mark. This sternness had settled it. Saidie was like the proverbial child crying for the moon—the more unattainable it is, the more it is desired The end of it had been that a compact had been matde between them. They were to travel for a year, and Saidie was to spend the winter in Rome. It at the year's end she was still of the same mind, why, then, perhaps, they would go to Lon don. Saidie had been much admired in Rome and luui,treat<,<1 •)>»<»»<*>!><« ii irfew ehsiM«. ™ny .lew- mental with the same easy, winning ">»i 'e th^ \an.le.dt dven was fairly bewildered. The simple «-,»»■ So vTrJorTof'beTr^* WOnderf'5 daughter of Tis V.A8 a so t of beatified puzzle to him. TOi/billsTt%itVti"t Jl0'" l" P1™*5- He i,„. he gave he^- have envied, and now at tb/„, countess miglit wn«5 Sn'rltA wi+u + ? e eU(^ °f all, here was baidie with tears m her lovely eves Thev had never mentioned Mark sinf»o 11, ? 1Y tunate interview, and Mr Vnnrl lt, one "nfor" his utter ignorance of wm« l er(. ec showed this silence v/a<j ,i„ + r,nen by imagining that t nk of Malk as hT foi'getfulne.ss. He did not but inclined to the his weePinS daiighter, -owns hTl not 1 0ry^at °ue °f the c?: is s&TJ'tr Amfio,>n ,hus- terest in, the clothino- nf tb vorence *01> anf^ hi- few Englishmen ever\ttain 1:" lT°m? t0 M"hlch own reward, their wonderful .>u tue ,ts Ea|!an!f: 1,0 lake 'to Vanderdecken's face fel]^ 11 l-T lie never called her Sarah « 'ie ^eg<'m—. eive moments—" I am verv XCep, mos^ 1Inl»'es- have just had a visit fCpr ir ^f10"116'1 1 "What Unf urn "rmce Iramontuno——" St™-1 vay » tears, and tried to took shook away r,er Sarah, said her father ^„d^l"C°}n3C!0«s- Yos, honour to ask my consent L hi m° tlle that is to say, if—-if hls ™-ymg you; him," finished Said'e wil h7 -f" w,?h"g to ,narr-v in her voice. I wonder I,1, '1111 nu^on;in'° ring it being an honour ^•tiT,'ou ca,u :a^ VandeSlecten a i'™" least, I pa-id enoutrh for #° education—at prince hi that wv » you speak of a shoulders and pouted • +( e s.hruSfe,e'1 her pretty a.»t wiH. a Ch"T"I shower, she hId her faeo against tIeM shoulder. "Oh, why did mamma die whon I was little, wh11 I wa..nt. he!" ,0'i I ia.n't h51p it, papa,; J can t ma.rry Pnuce Tramontt\no hecauS<\ you know I care for .some one olse. Wh;n you wère yom¡'; you marned Ilmmma. because, bccanse you h'Vfd M anted to have a title and to bo a "rcat ladv wl,J j U:f a »,rl ln school but when heWnie heshovVd r bettor things there « S have ft w' 'UBt f°r U Ubtl° Whih; lot Few fathers could have re6iute<l such an-auueil • certainly not Si^ns P. Vanderdecken. d"jrrI<llyainbitiai1 for this lovely ehiir :rf th "y m lmnuta Sweet "Emories of tn<^ b\gone woonig, so long before he made hi, pile w.sen another pair of violet eyes ha..l smikd p to las own, returned with convincing beauiv hini* ^id'e knBW il ;1 ki-^od i ^-y' ?°r Prlnce Tram out ano was ehnitely dwnnssed, and Saidie outshone all the evening a at th° Eml)assy that very W"tchod lier' ™ a dress cal- culated to make the sv/cv,test-tempered woman eiivious, leading the cotillion with a young French Vieomte. A new respect mingled with 'tho old wondering admiration. She was not merely a brilliant butterfly, this daughter of his, but a woman with a heart as true and tender 1IS that of the mother who said good-bye to him nineteen years since. It might be that the child was right It was a splendid thing to be a princess, and honest Silas heaved a sigh at the thought of that vanished magnificenco; but, perhaps after all it was better to be happy, as he had once been.

Thatjline full of elot'ies, so perfectly CLEANSBB'S been that ie eaBiu

CHAPTER VII. THE MESSAGE OF THE BEUJS. Hœr the mellow wedding bells, Golden bells; What a world of happiness their harmony foretells. E. A. POE. That second of June is likely to be long remem- bered in Bridgenorth. All things are remembered in qmet country towns, but 1890 saw some start- ling changes in that constituency, once so loyal to the Earl of Easterton. There was almost as much excitement as in the grand old days of bribery and uorrupuoa, Uiiu ulu.o apparent than at the "Star" otlioe. It was still very early, but Chris, with great baskets laden With golden broom, yellow buttercups, and late yellow tulips, walked briskly up tho. High Street, singing softly to herself. It was an ideal summer morning, and her plain white dress looked fresh and appropriate. She wore neither Conservat<i\ e blue nor Liberal yellow, but the llowers she had gathered surreptitiously on thepreviousevenillg had their own political signineaiiee- Jim, with an enormous bow of yellow ribbon, was standing at the door of the ofiice in the cheery sunshine, whilst Joseph Arch wore a snnuar decora- tion with a look of hearty detestation for the colours of his party, and scorn for the entnusiasni of his master. Jim pulled his thick forelock with tinkers that were never ovei-clean. Morning, Muss.vin't it a jolly day for the helection Mr. Barset's gone down to send » telegram about some- think, and Halphonse is baBY with the tables. "Good morning, Jim. Wiring Mr. Manton s colours, you and Joe ?" The latter Liberal malgri lttL made an abortive effort to tear off his decora- tions as he heard his own name. Yes, Miss but I only 'ope the stick to em. Chris thought that if there were y truth in the trans- migration of souls, Joe micrht perchance have been a knight-harbinger in a former state. She did not, however, stop to discuss this theory, but hurried upstairs to the pretty dining-1'00™/ v:'lieL'e break- fast was laid for twelve, with a profusion of dainty silver and old china. Mr. Manton and his chief supporters were ex- pected at nine o'clock, and aS Clmf £ ,led the vases with her golden blossoms she laughed to think how indignant Bulliva»t would have been to see her thus occupied. Po°r, Bullnant. he had had quite a scene with his «nde and been woeful y worsted over this very entertainment. Uncle Tom had insisted that Chris should preside over Alphonse's perfect coffee and not even his son's in- dignation could stir apathetic rc eJ fnfe his brother. (Lis f> changed had bloomed into a brilliant f[om a^' d l girl, and Tom's money might be hers, always sup- posing that Tom had his own way. Mrs. Barset wept, and declared that such tuals wo death of her, and such on ly^,i j v family connected with Lord Easterton Ouis ha wisely said nothing, utterly refusing t P Bullivant, until Uncle To"1 had at lc g 1 vaIled. „ ■, The decorations were quite her own iclea, and, when they were complete, she. had not suits with excusable satisff0^1011- S1. much time to spare, for the hell rang s:i<^rp y J » as she was finishing her task- In another mmute she was shaking hands w-ith H°rac° I niPSs He came in with his usual air of cheerful alei tne^s He was not in the least sentim#1 ^ut he thing very like a heartache as lle sf^. t i i Chris gave to Mark Fen^ck asuhe into the room. He did not, perhaps, quite uess her secret, but he decided somehow that it was desirable for him to attemptt0 Plead his own cause as soon as possible. More rings were heard at the door, and by the time Mr. 3arset had come back, the twelve guests were assented. Chris presided, and the convers-ation flowed on cheerily., Horace Manton was witty and clever, exerting hiinselt to shine, and Tom liarset was the very perfection of a host. He had a talent for drawing out the best of those with whom he caine i» contact, and of saying the right thing at the riaht momeut. When the excellent appetites of the party ap- peared to be satisfied, he stood up, and in .a few words wished good luck to the young candidate, concluding his speech with a quotation that caused Chris to blush like a rose and made Mark Fenwick look and feel conscious. Horace returned thanks with equal felicity and brevity* and when they left the table he went over to Chris and said hesitat- ingly, Miss Barset, I don't know a single htdy in Bridgenorth, and I do not want my cause to be quite bereft of feminine support. I do hope you will drive with Mr. Barset in one of the carnages and wear these roses." Chris accepted the knot of yellow roses, but shook her head and sighed. "It is impossible, though I should like it of all things. My people are horror-stricken as it is at the thought that I am down bere in the camp of the Philistines, and I really think my mother would take to her bed if sh<> V-nl I was seen driving about with what she calls those loathsome Liberals.' No; I must stay at home, or, rather, stay here quietly but, believe me, though am no politician, I wish you success with all my heart." The office was very quiet after the party had dis- persed. Jim had obtained a holiday, and was no« at Bridge End, in the region of the hustings, whe.re he had condemned Joseph to the penance of llIs- playing a vast placard covertly set up and prints hy himself—"Vote for Manton, the Friend of Working Man." Chris sent a note home to say that she should lunch alone, as her uncle had gOlle to support Mr. Manton at the Red Castle, and then felt with relief that a long, solitary day before her. She had always liked to be alone, t> now solitude had become especially dear and come. There was nothing in life, not even MarK company, so sweet to her as those vague, misty imaginings of a possible future happiness that haunted her. And then there was the book. Only those who have written themselves, and not all of these, can understand all the hopes and fears hound up in a bundle of blotted, untidy manu- script.. The election had interrupted the progress o The Sweet o' the Year," and now that, for the present, she could only wait in suspense as to tot, result of a good deal of work, she went back to it, and anxiously and critically re-read the finisiie chapters. She almost felt as if she had been neg- lecting a beloved friend, and as, pencil in hana, she altered here a word, there a sentence, the old, beautiful, irresistible impulse came over e Take thy Den and write auicklv." said thediv ° e to which we owe all talents, all ot tlut strange, subtle thing we call inspiration. MilliOns cannot buy it; the most frantic prayers cannot ?eP l1; with us. Sometimes we catch fair, fleeting lsions of the P&radise of our ideals; we see for a onient the white presences upon the hills, and ™ten are caught back to earth, with its sordid cares, suddenly and unwillingly.. i, ferhaps her whole future never gave Chris si golden hours as those of that cloudless June da}- c>u iside, in the streets, there was plenty of excK' lent ladies driving to and fro, making tie" selves charming to voters. Bullivant, gloriousi\ ai rayed, in the midst of a gay band of pnniioi t Raines, was ubiquitous. Knots of colliers, lcir P^le Sunday faces, were lounging abou sometimes singing. They sang one of the son0- Chris herself had written, set to a popular tunc- *eei nowed freely, and friendly farmers who i; t ii\on into Bridgenorth added their custom ° (;-lRC! the thriving trade at the public houses. <r]eCt10a is surely a most legitimate excuse for glass, and as such it was evidently regarded. ut within, all was quiet, and Chris phec pen with a rapidity that with her was a surc S1<;T o- success. It was the final chapter she was ,Vo' ulK)n, and the end was near at hand. i tie while she would part with her treasure, a send it out into the world, perhaps to be M coined perhaps, and more probably—for Chn* v* Humble over her work—to wander about y once did sweet Lorna Doone." All the ?Vr* "l°notony of copying a long novel, M *• J hiculties attending ita publication, and the p0*- uity of irksome delay, of ill-humoured crit»t-«,, J-°hl, dead failure—all these things might he '•1 lor. she gave them no heed. She tlother and a brighter world than this aW M'here patience, and love, and chivalry have r iiuuiediate and rich reward. It was a cliaraetcii^ • tndox of the change that had come over nei she had materially altered the plot of 'the o the Year." In the original sketch, the hei<^ "ad i>ceu condemned to die, as is so usiul M young writers; yet now Chris was describing sdver lining to dark clouds, the joy that is a t • sweete:- by its very contrast with the sorrow has co >uio before it. There were happy teai- ,y near uer eyes as she wrote on, never holding i time that fleeted away so fast. Suduuniy stopped short, and flung down the pen that- 11:11 written "Finis," and, as she did so, there s.<Ml.i»g through the open window the rapt««ou e. .i-ing of the pealing bells of the old ehuicu juding bells, golden bells." rl. 'Surely a fortunate omen," thought Chiu.j- she gathered up the sheets erf manuscript siiat.t. e. round hor, and fastened them securely toget-ic.. She was just locking her desk when thoic was a timid tap at the door, and Alphonse enterod, deru- catingly. He knew it would have cost hmi place to interrupt Mr. Barset in that room, ana .1 held Chris in much awe as a gavante. But it now three o'clock lunch had been ordered at o.jf, and he honestly believed she must be ill 01 "a' thus to neglect her meals. An Eugbshmau uum- a fetish of his dinner—he dresses for it, unconscionable time over it, and occasionallj merely to enjoy it; but a Frenchman, who ha* »i •" but roll and coffee for breakfast, approaches tLe middav meal in. enuato j of leisurely anticipation. Chris was very popular I at her uncle's house. The only French governess who had ever broken her heart over the stagnant dulness of Bridgenorth had given her fluent com- mand of the "language, and as Alphonse r.nd Jacques had awful difficulties with English, they were thankful for an inmate to whom they dare appeal in extreme cases. Mirobolant himself could hardly have created more stir in the streets of Chatteris tiian did A1 phonse when, in his clean white costume, with his basket on his arm, he first appeared in the market- place at Bridgenorth. He looked so he entered that Chris really imagined some cit: .v trophe had occurred, and inquired if such wero the case. Alphonse shrugged his shoulders with a tragic gesture. Mademoiselle, you ask tual, anu it is three o'clock Alas at one, a little d'jrn, —an omelette not unworthy of my hand, a ru;io,n of rabbit- small and savoury, some examsate ^Ures01 en ernes, a cup 01 conee for an was in readiness. All these are nuned mademoiselle, my heart will break if I co.wi, with Monsieur. It is no place for an artis*, to sc« his cherished works destroyed (hilly. ] hoped wutsj so charming a lady came that it might iaAi better; but 110," and here he sighed dc,;>iy. Well, Alphonse," said Chris, doing her best not to laugh, I am really sorry that I fovgot ^.ui. excellent lunch but I will make up for it 12m\ my work is over, and I am very hungry. Lutth.- injured Alphonse looked more lugubrious ever. The omelette can be renewed in a nioanjnt, but the ragout—helasl Ictjeunense na qu'w. tCi/ii-x, and the tenderest little lapin that ever ran is as dry as his aged grandfather by this time. j But, in spite of this gloomy prognostication, I hungry Chris found no fault with the menu as sho leisurely discussed it, and saw with considerable j amusement that the Conservative County Clnb just opposite, the most pretentious building in Bridge- north, was in a decided bustle of preparation. Victory was evidently confidently anticipated, for she noticcd that a number of little lamps, which remembered at the Jubilee, were being cleaned and set in readiness. Supposing they should not win the election at all, the lamps would make a funny paragraph," she reflected, as she put on hei: hat and made her way home. in The front door was open, and there was ahum o. many voices and a tinkling of tea-cups audible the servants were running to and fro with trays aim, high above all, Bullivant might be heard saying, in accents of suave certainty, "A foregone conclusion, Lady Rosina. Our forces have had to fight, but I think we may lay down our arms and congratulate Ourselves." It was a prtfud moment for Mre. .Barset. JXo ie.wer than five titled ladies sat m lier hideous drawing-room, where the peerage occupied an emblematical prominent position. It Avas a dreadful room of the green damask suite epoch, though there were tokens of the efforts of the two younger Miss Barsets to bring it up to date by a number of excessively badly painted teria-cotta plates and silk pocket-handkerchiefs. There were about twenty-three women all talking to five men, as women always do when men are scarce. Bull., vant, however, was a host in himself. At first Chris intended to slip away upstairs, but she was in such good spirits that second tuoughts prevailed, and she went into the drawing room. Lady Rosina Ellison, who was neither young nor good-lookin", but clever enough herself to appre- ciate cleverness in other people, called over to her Come and talk to me, Miss Barset, and tell me all the scandal you hear about us down at your uncle's." Chris liked Lady Rosina, and obeyed the first part of the request, merely remarking that she feared that, with her brother in the room, it was not likely she could have any fresh news to report. H Cautious I see," said her interlocutor, laugnmg "but, seriously, I think you must find it much more amusing down at tnat office tiian it ks had almost said "here," but managed to change the word—"in most places." I am getting frightfully tired of the Primrose League, aiiu should quite relish a little Socialism for a change for I suppose you are awful Radicals down there and want to do away with us altogether." "I fancy you have got rather an exaggerated idet. cf my uncle's intentions. I am sure he would never wish to do away with you, L'^ly Hasina, si;c said frankly. Lady Rosina adored all people she thought clever, and she perfectly understood that Chris liked her, and was pleased at it. "Ah, that's all very well; but when you and that barrister get together, I expect our reputations suffer. Now, what are your own politics, if one may ask ?" There was a look of decided meni- ment in Chris's grey eyes. "Until two or three years ago, I was always trained to believe tint women had 110 business with polities; it is prob- 1ably true as far as I am concerned, for I have no inclination to join any kind of league, primrose or otherwise." Lady Rosina laughed. Sah row, Miss Chris, I dare say you have dond your share but as far as joining leagues is concerned, take my advice, and don't." Chris felt guilty, but the conversation was in- terrupted by the entrance of the Vicar of St. Anne's, who had not tended to increase his popu- larity among the colliers by his ardent champion- ship of the Honourable George Ellison. Yv ell, how goes it at the hustiii-s 9" said Lady Rosina, rather surprised at the titter which ran through the room as the Reverend Theodosius Cunninghame Graciously made his bow to Mrs. Barset. Two mini curates rushed to tneir superior in not nmts, before the Vicar could answer this abrupt question, and hastily removed a placard which some wit had pinned upon the broad shoulders of his fashionable coat. It was on bright yellow paper, and bore in giant letters the inscription, Vote for Manton, the Friend of the Working Man." The indignation of the Rev. Theodosius was so tremendous as to be better imagined than des- cribed. This., then, was the reason why he had been loudly cheered by the workpeople lounging at the hustings, whom he had fondly fancied con- ,1 ,_c voi-ted to the right side. This was tne itauon 01 the sensation in the High Street when he had driven his s?n.J! phaeton with such skill, and oowed with such dignified grace. It was too much for a jiiau to whom deportment was as dear as to the ancient Turveydrop himself. He could ha\e shaken, yes, actually shaken, the noble daughter of the Eat'i of Easterton, when she laughed loudly at ijis embarrassment. No one else dared to do so, but Lady Rosnias have the golden privilege of being as rude as they choose. Chris felt the room was becoming too hot to hold her, with all her guilty secret3 but, by a superhuman eilort, she controlled her mirth. She cutessed at once who was the perpetrator of the outrage, and could picture Jim's deliuht as he ioineu in the applause of his own handiwork. All tli' other ladies sympathised volubly and simul- 1 ■i-'ieously, and after a cup of coffee, Mr. Cunning- b ime crew slightly calmer and was able to speak onie words besides those of his first incoherent .re and indignation. Matthew Arnold was indeed right when ne -noke of the lack of reverence being the curse of h,p ace he began pathetically. Ah, we live 111 sad Vini'es. These abominable Liberals are like an infectious disease, tainting even good old county Lwns like Bridgenorth." "No matter, as long as h0ui the seat, though," said Bullivant, bowin0 fo Lady Rosina, who was still enjoying the majestic Ws discomfiture. As long as we do hold it, j the Rev. Theodosius with a dubiousness in voice that caused a3 decided a flutter among fbe ladies as the entrance of a cat into a poultry 1 "There can be no doubt of the result of M^WtJon put in Lady Rosina, suddenly be- ™ Certainly not, l,„t I ,1m,d not P;k„ to have to answer for the next." Duly Rosin a 1 o';cd reassured, and Bullivant smiled as if m B^rn at anv doubt upon the subject." (To be continued.)

LLANLLUGAK lit NT Ax-"IT.—The rent audit of Mr. Herbert, of A*ork. was held at the Cefucoeh Inn on Saturday. j«-r Bennett Kowlnnds, the respected agent, was riifortiuiatelv iudiVpoi-ed, and not able to attend. rtnzt of the "tenant*! were present, whon » capital .ili.nor v.aw provided by Mrs Timm. Ten per cent, was returned to tho tenantf.

LLANFAIK. Bent ArniTS.—On Saturday the half-yearly Brvi)yla.F, Ft;tut(- was held at the Goat Hotel The rents were received by Mr. J. M. Fowells. of Cfaigvdon, Aberdovey the respected 1 ardlord, assisted by Mr. David Astly, the agem On Tuesday the half-yearly rent audit of tllGl Ilirlies Hall nd the Trefedrid Estates was re- reived by Mr. Thomas Evans, the agent The verl, "oO(I, and a capital dinner provided at the Goat Hotel by the host and Mr. and Mrs. J. B. ^ones. After ample ius'icf liad been done to the good things laid fore tkem several toasts were duly honoured. ■V remittance of 10 per cent was given the tenants. I

THE IMPROVED PNEUMATIC CARRIAGE TYRE. NO NOISE. NO VIBRATION.. LUXURY COMBINED WITH ECONOMY. Particulars and Prieae from tho Makers, HCTHKATIOHAL PNEUMATIC TYEB CO., USD., OPENSHAW, MANCHESTER. >^7^ir"PI^ Wanted~Weekly. Best Valu* firW# all kimd. M-fcr

PONTROBERT. Litkkaky Mketino.—A literary meeting was held at the Calvinistie Methodist Chapel on Christ- mas Day, when lie v. O. Foulkes presided. Tho fullcwi1Jg' was the prngramme:-A.ddrfí8s by the Cliairiitaa song, Dos i'r frwydyr," Mr. Jlebh Keel; for the best questions on Acts 13, Miss Thomas, Meifod; song, Miss Jones, Oswestry; ndjudication en essays, The Sabbath School," MiasRobertg. I'.Ieifod; adjudication on penillion Ymaithagef," Sir E. Williams, Dolanog com- petition in singing any solo, Mr. Joseph Jones, Cwaenyuog adjudication on epigram Y Cyngor plwyf," Mr. N. Ellis Berth song, •' Cymru fyd," Mr. Bebbdebate on temperance, Misses Slorris, Yoel; first sight singing, Mr. Jones, Llanfihangel adjudication on essays, "Palll the Apostle," Mr Jones, Llanfihangel; recitation, "Y gath a'r llygoden," Davies.Pontrobert; song, Mr. E. Lewis, Treg vuon competitioIl in singing tl o old hymn, Dwv nden coiommen pe cawn," for children, best Miss M Baily, Nengapel: any recitation for children, bei-t 2.1 it-tes S llogers and M Baily equal; recitation, foiiy esu o' Nazareth il, Fc,,l Wr. J. Jones, (I u atnynog; trio, "Daw tydd drugarog," Mr. Jieoh and party, Kell: competition 1M singing tho Rotterdam," the party only sang and won the prize recitation, Ohoi daeir'Doleg yu dod," iliss Rogers. Bwlch- galen best pair of gloves, Mrs. Richards, Tybrith; competition in singing, Peniel," the prize was awarded to the Dolanog party. A vote of thanks to the chairman and adjudicators terminated a pleasant and well attended meeting.

GREAT WOLLASTON. Sujtday SCHOOL Treat.—The annual treat for the scholars attending the morning class at the School, and the afternoon class at the Lecture Room, was held on Friday the 4th inst. The children assembled at the 1 ^cture Room about 3 o'clock, and Tery soon afterwards sat down to a capital tea. There were present llev. H .E. Taylor, vicar, Mrs. Taylor, MissPeele, :.11'. Morris, Miss M. Wilde, and Mr. and Mrs. Baker. After tea, the children engaged in all kinds of amusing games, and enjoyed themselves very much. During the. evening; Mrs. Taylor presented each child with a toy. au orange, and a nieco of cake before going home. Mitis Peele kindly bought a box of crackers, which she distributed among the children and which caused much fun. Several of the parishioners sent milk and butter for the tea. Before dispers- j ing, h earty cheers were given for Mr. and Mrs. Taylor, and for all who had assisted in the day's enjoyment.

LLANDYSILIO. THE Anntil BALL.The annual invitation ball in aid of the new school took place on Thursday, January 3rd, and was again, as usual, a most suc- cessful one. thanks to the onerous exertions of the ball committee. The committee was composed of the following entle-nien J. Downes, sen., G. Lloyd, R. Downes. W. Downes, W. Pritchard, J. D- Rogers, J. Teece, J. Downes, junr., S. Robinson. W. Evans, J. Evans, W. Ridge, J. Lloyd, T.H.Manford. Of these Mr. J. Down- s, Itliantregnnwyn, acted as chairman, and Mr. H. L. Stee;e as a most efficient hon. see., and all the numerous arrangements were carried out without the slightest hitch. The ball was held at the Assembly Rooms, Four Crosses, winch were kindly placed at the disposal of the committee by Mrs. Kempster, and for which they are very grateful, as without them it would have been impossible, any- where else in the parish, to have accommodated the large company assembled, numbering about 120. The decorations of the ball room were most artistically designed and executed, the wail being draped with blue and pink art muslin, with ivy trails, evergreens, and Japanese fans most taste- fully arranged, as were the lot of house plants kindly lent by Mr. T. Pryce, Pentreheylin Hall, ai d Mr. J. Lloyd, florist. The room was also adorned with a large number of appropriate mottoes, which were executed in capital style by Mr. Coleman, Llanymynech. A large mirror at the hea.d of the ball room was surrounded by very choice plants, and the general effect was extremely tasteful, and reflected the highest. credit upon the decorators, who were Miss N. Pryce, Street House; Miss Wcodville, Wrexham; and Messrs. R. and W. Downes, llhantregunwyu. A good staff of waitresses had been engaged, and the arrangements in the refreshment room were everything tlat could be desired. The following contributed towards the refreshments :—Rev. J. Matthews, the Rectory Mr. T. Pryce, Pentreheylin Hall; Captain Davidson, 'Ithysnanfc Hall; Messrs J. Downes, Bhar.t regilnwyn; W. Itidge, Domgay; W. Pritcliard, Iihysnant Farm; Ed. Downes, Haughton; T. H. Manford, Plas Foxen; Miss Tanat, Street House Mrs. G. Lloyd; Street Farm and Mr. J. Teece, Haughton. Dancing commenced about nine o'clock, aud was carried on with much spirit until 5 a.m., to the strains of Mr. II. H. Tims' (Oswestry) quadrille band, which played the latest dance music. The following is an approxi- mate list of those present:- Mr and Miss Asterley, Pentref; Mr and the Misses Rowdier (2), Cardestou; Mr. J. H. Batho. Winston; Mr. E. n. Batigli, Llany- mynech Mixs Bebb, Gravel Hill; Mr. R. Bromley, Llanymynech; Mr. J. Beddoes, Llandrinio Messrs J. 11. an:l W. Downes, Haughton; Mr. and Mrs. Downes, Paradise; Miss Davies, Prospect House; Miss Downes, Haughton Miss Davies, Little Ness the Evans (2), Golden Lion the Misses Edwards (2), Pentrearou; Tho Misses Evans (2), Cross. Oswestry-. Mr. E. Evans, Euabon; Mr. E. Groeu, Maesvdd Mr. F. Greyorv, Little Ness; Mr. and Mrs. F. Gou"li. Os- westry; Mr. and Mit-s Gregory, Criggion Miss F. Green, Maesydd; Miss f<. lin^hes. Oswestry; Mr. Harhndge, t. arnbwl Mr. Jc«ik.s, Lower House: MiF,!i House )1; .Jones, Penthryn Mr. Jones, Hilloy Mr. unci _drs. Jackson, Man lev Hall, Ruabon Mr. and Miss Jiiekson. Oswestrv Mrs. TI. Jones. Oswestry Mr. J. E. Jones, Lower House, Crigpion Miss Jones. P,.„tr( wcrn Mr. and Mrs. W. Kynaston, Bridge End Mr. and Mrs. C. Lloyd, Street Farm Mr. and Mrs. J. Llüyd, West Feltoll Mr and rs. Harding. Lees; W. Last, Oswestry; The Misses Lee (2), Four Crosses; Mr. I Lioyd, Treflach Miss Lloyd, Crickheath Mr. and Mrs. Lewis, Llaudrinio; lir. Llewellyn-Wattles- borough; Mr. and Mrs Manford, Phis Foxen; Mr. J. Moon. Llandriuio; Mr. E. Morgan, Oswestry; Mrs. J. Morgan, Trodeiley; J|r. aiicf Morgan, Tre- derwen Hail Messrs. 11, E., J. T., and Miss Man- ford, Llwyn llr. Pryce, Pentreheylin Hall; The Misses Pry co (2), Street House; Mr. and Mrs.' Peate, Pentreclawdd Miss Pugh, Pool <^uay; Mr. C. Pritchard, Rhysnant Mrs. and tjie Misses Pritehard (2), llaitn Mr. Parry, Brynford Mr. J. H. Pugh, Llanymynech; The Masses Pritchard (2), Rhvsnant; Mr. and Miss Roberts, Peritredarid Mr. Walter Ridge, Domgay Mr. and Mrs. Robinson, Don-gay Mr. and Miss Rogers; Mr. J. The Grove Itra. and Mibs Swavne, Miss Sands, Cross Lane; Mr. Sockett: Mr. and Mrs. Tvir:u>r, The ithos, Llandrinio; Mr. J. Teece, Hough- ton Mr. and Miss Thomas, Llandrinio liectorr Mr. Wallace; Mr. and Mrs. TTilkii'^on- Tan Hohs* Mr. and Mrs. T. H. Williams, Oswustry Mr. nnd Mirs WiJdG, Great Woolaston; Miss WoodTille, Wio.\hu.m.

RAINFALL 1894. POOL QUAY VICARAGE. [ Nnm of Grvatast fall in a ays rain a4 hours. tan on Total Month Date Amount Depth, jark 24 26 '30 2'78 i Feb 23 17 "50 2-69 Mar 14 12 '75 1-73 April 21 29 '23 l'ôl May 18 15 1'24 355 June 15 4 '41 1'67 July 17 24 1-01 2-37 August 20 25 '95 3'07 September 12 26 "37 J/25 October 21 24 1'13 4"51 NoTeuiber 16 13 1'38 359 Doceinb«r 13 21 '63 2'59 Tctals 219 31'66 Average rainfall 18S7-94 (inclusive*). Fell on 187'9 days, total 25'66 inches. But for "01 inohoj. Freezing on 23rd. An absolute llraugh of 17 days frem March 15th to end of month. Rainfall last year, fell on 169 days. Total 22 87. No fall of one inch in 24 hours registered between November 1390 and May 1894. This year four falls of oiiw inch in 24 hours. In 1886 the same number, but in no other year from 1879. This year's rainfall IJls been the heariest hiece 1886, 38-31 inches. Mean temperature of the year, 47 56 e'egrt^s; maximum temperature, June 29th, 74 degrees; Minimum temperature, January 6tla, 8 dagr. es. Bwrwineter (uncorrected), MAX. Deeembar 27th, 30-36 inches, at 49 degree# tem., 230 feet above sea; Min., Octolmr 25th, 28'67 ieiches, a.t 54 degrees temp. It varied between December 22rid and Dec-*iber 27th, frem 28'99 inohea to 30 36 inches-. Saow fall on May 28tu, when Long Mouaiaiu w.u, white in the uiornirig, for a time. Blltwaeu October 20th and XoTeaiher 15th (inelasive), 7 53 iaches of raia fell.

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