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(NOW FIRST PUBLISHED.] AUNT PARKER. BY B. L. FARJEON. Author of "No. 119, Great Porter Square," II The Sacred Nugget," At the Sign of the Silver Flagon," "Grif," Blade o' Grass," "The House of White Shadows," "Joshua Marvel," "An Island Pearl," &c., &c. THE RIGRT OF TRANSLATION IS RESBBVHD. CHAPTER XXXVII. HAPPY DAYS. This was the climax of my happiness. It seemed to me as if earth could afford no sweeter joy; and when, through my dear nurse's embraces and broken words I learnt that her brother's house was to be my home during my holiday, my happiness was complete. Rube was there in the background, waiting to be introduced; he justified every good opinion I had formed of him, and we immediately became friends. Mr. Lorimer did not stay long he divined that I wished to be alone with my nurse, and he soon took his departure. It is more than likely," he said, that you will see Ned this evening. Am I to say anything to him ?" Tell him, sir," was my reply," that I can never be sufficiently grateful to him for his kindness. i shall never, never forget it." His face beamed; no surer way to his heart could be found than to praise his Ned. "Am I to say anything about his plan ?" "There never was a plan like it, sir; tell him that; and that it could only have sprung from the kindest heart. He is quite right about fairy things happening. Of course he is quite right; I have never yet found him wrong." "Give him my love, sir." I will, my dear; it will please him to know that you have good remembrances of him. And now, my dear, 1 must go." I shall see you again, sir. Of course, my dear, of course." But soon, sir." Certainly, my dear, as you wish it." With that, he kissed me, and rode away, after shaking hands with Uube. The Lorimers are gentlemen, Miss Durham," said Rube. It sounded so formal to be called so that I said perhaps he would not mind calling me Lina; but I could not prevail upon him, and we made a com- promise that I should be Miss Lina to him. This preliminary being settled, my dear nurse took possession of me. She showed me the room they had prepared and kept for me. The flowers she had arranged there in anticipation of my arrival smiled a welcome; the evidences of affectionate thoughtfulness I beheld around made it like a coming home to a place with which I was already lovingly familiar. Opening out from this room— which Nurse Elliott said was my sitting-room when I did not wish to be bothered with her or Rube (as if that could ever happen)—was the prettiest bedroom it had ever been my good for- tune to call my own. Here a sweet surprise awaited me. At the sale which took place at Oak- lands Nurse Elliott had bought a couple of pictures of which she knew I was very fond, and also some of my toys—among them my favourite old horse, Dobbin. I was growing old for toys now the experiences I had gone through since the death of my parents had made almost a woman of me but Dobbin was no less dear to me now than then, and I am not ashamed to say that in the expres- sion of my feelings I committed some extrava- gances. I may well be excused for them, I had been for so long a time deprived of love. "You told Mr. Lorimer," said Nurse Elliott, "that you could not be sufficiently grateful to Mr. Ned for his kindness. Indeed, my dear, you can- not be too grateful. It was he who arranged everything. But for him I should not have the happiness of having you with me." He must like you, too, nurse," I said. '•I think so," said Nurse EHiott. It shows, at least, that he has confidence in me, and that he is satisfied I love you and am true." He came in the evening, and I need not say how he was welcomed. No prince was ever more honoured than he was in Rube's house. I could not persuade dad to come with me," said Ned. "He said he was certain you would prefer me alone; which I am not vain enough to quite believe. This is your first visit to London, Lina. How do you like it ?" It is the most delightful place in the world," I said. "Why, Miss Lina," cried Nurse Elliott, "you have seen nothing of it yet." But I maintained my opinion, and was not to be persuaded out of it. We will see," said Ned, if we can't give you good reasons for thinking so before your visit is ended. Let me see, now. Are you fond of theatres I have never been to one, Ned." "All the better; you will enjoy them all the more. We will pick out the funniest pieces." What are pieces ?" I asked. Plays," replied Ned. "Oh, but I think I should like serious plays, too." Then we will throw in a serious play or two, by way of balance. There is one thing, my dear dad enjoys a play more than anyone I know; he will be disappointed if he does not come with us." I am sure I shall be," I said. That's right. We could not do better than go to two a week." Nurse Elliott opened her eyes at this, and I saw that even Rube was astonished at the idea of such dissipation. The fact is," continued Ned, I enjoy a theatre almost as much as dad. I propose that we don't go as swells." Without at all understanding what he meant I said that I hoped we should not go as swells. Then we'll decide for the pit, and we will begin to-morrow night with the Adelphi. They always commence with a laughable piece, and there is plenty of fun in the principal dish. Is that agree- able if" Yes, Ned," I replied, drifting into a state of bewilderment at the prospect he was opening out. Nurse will come with us, of course," said Ned. She was overjoyed at the offer, and I afterwards knews that it was for her sake, and because Ned felt that I should be more comfortable if she was with me, that he had proposed going to the pit. His thoughtfulness was fully appreciated at the time both by her and Rube. Ned called her "Nurse'' quite naturally, and from that night, in my presence, never addressed her by any other title. We passed a merry night, Ned being the life and soul of our little party. Before he went away I presented him with the pipe I had bought for him, and he was so pleased that he delayed his depar- ture for another half-hour in order that he might take the first smoke out of it in our company. We all agreed that there never was a young gentleman like him, or in any way to compare with him, and he left happy hearts behind him, and, I hope, took away a happy heart with him. "I feel as if I had known him all my life," I said when he was gone. Nurse Elliott did not leave me till she saw m'3 comfortably in bed; the dear old days were re- newed, and I slept peacefully and contentedly in my new and strange bed. When I awoke in the morning I did not hear the singing of birds, but I was greeted by something even pleasanter than those sweet sounds. Nurse Elliott was in the room, moving noiselessly about. She had taken all my clothes out of my box, and was looking them over. I accepted her services gratefully, and when we went down to breakfast, Rube, with a laughing face, handed his sister a letter. "From an old friend of yours, Miss Lina," he said. It was from Sandy Whiskers, and my nurse read it to herself, laughing a little too, and parrying Rube's jokes as well as she could. He hopes to be kindly remembered," said my nurse to me, Why, how on earth," cried Rube, "did he know that Miss Lina was here ?" "How should he know," retorted Nurse Elliott, if I had not written to tell him ?" Miss Lina," said Rube, with pretended serious- ness, if this goes on much longer, I shall have to ask the gentleman his intentions." Don't be nonsensical," exclaimed Nurse Elliott; "you ought to be ashamed of yourself, putting such ideas into Miss Lina's head." Perhaps Fought to explain that, although in the course of my narrative I have constantly spoken of Nurse Elliott as my dear old nurse," she was not at all old. She was really not more than thirty- five years of age, and there were few pleasanter- looking faces than hers. She had married young, and had lost her husband a few months after marriage; this will account for her name being different from her brother's. "Give him my kind remembrances when you write, nurse," I said, referring to Sandy Whiskers, "and tell him I often think of his wonderful voice." We had arranged to meet Ned at the door of the Adelphi Theatre at a time in the evening early enough to get good seats in the front rows of the pit. I looked forward with solemn delight to the treat in store for me. It was, indeed, an expe- rience never to be forgotten. Mr. Lorimer and his son were waiting for us, and the exertions of Ned and Nurse Elliott prevented me from being more than slightly inconvenienced by the crush. All the miseries of the past faded away. I had thought the previous day the happiest and most wonderful in my life, but this transcended it. After the theatre Ned took us to a quiet restaurant, where we had supper, and then we returned to the Borough in a cab, and found Rube sitting up quite contentedly smoking his pipe. Thus the happy holiday commenced, and con-1 tinued without a cloud. Ned came three or four times a week to see me, and, if he did not take me to some entertainment, remained with us, chatting with one and the other. Occasionally Mr. Lorimer accompanied him, and the hours were no less agree- able. The tender affection that existed between father and son touched me deeply, and if a sad feeling intruded itself at the reflection of what I had lost by the death of my parents I did not allow it to mar my happiness. I understood now the meaning of death, and accepted it with tender resignation. What singularly affected me in my observance of the affectionate bond between Mr. Lorimer and Ned was the kind of Wistful depen- dence upon his son which was never ahsant from, their intercourse. It was as though he were en deavouring to gather strength from Ned's younger and stronger manhood. I cannot be quite certain whether it was derived from later knowledge or was learnt during that period, but I was haunted by an impression that there was in the father's mind a secret which Ned did not share, and of which Mr. Lorimer had a dread. There was no suspicion in Ned's mind that there was anything wrong, or that his father was secretly suffering. Ned was invariably in good spirits, and he so brightened up the room when be entered it that we used to call him Sunshine. There was never any flagging of conversation when he was present; he had invariably some merry topic to dilate upon, and we followed him readily enough, bestowing upon him all the honours—which, indeed, were rightly his due. His resources for making the time pass pleasantly were inexhaustible. Now it was a flower exhibition, now the Crystal Palace, now a jaunt into the country, now a dinner at a foreign restaurant, and of course the theatres. Thus the days flew by until three weeks were spent. During the whole of this time no allusion what- ever had been made to" Mr. Bathgate or Aunt Parker. Without any further conversation than that which took place between me and Mr. Lorimer, there appeared to be a private and binding under- standing that the name of either my guardian or my aunt should not be mentioned. I settled within myself that Mr. Lorimer was the person who was responsible for this silent agreement, and that im- plicit adherence to it was necessary in order to save him in some way from annoyance. The cause I had for deep gratitude towards Mr- Lorimer and Ned would have been sufficient to make me respect this unexpressed bond but, apart from that, I so grew to love these dear friends that I would have sacrificed much to avoid giving them pain. I make mention of these matters as properly belonging to the fairy time I was enjoying, but I did not allow them to trouble me. Indeed, my days were so full of delight that all anxiety was, as it were, sweetly poisoned and laid to rest. Then, I had sufficient reason to look forward even to the future with delightful anticipation. We three were together— Mr. Lorimer, Ned, and I, when Mr. Lorimer asked me whether I was really happy. I answered that I was completely so. You are to leave us this day week," he said. Yes, sir," I said, and for a moment—only for a moment—a chill fell upon my heart. I think I can give you a piece of good news to take back with you," he said. I shall take the most beautiful thoughts of your kindness back with me, sir," I said, with tears in my eyes. My life has become very bright. After I lost my dear parents I thought I had not a friend in the world, and now I have so many—so many! 1 can never forget their goodness to me." But," said Mr. Lorimer, taking my hand and patting it softly, which he was in the habit of doing when I was in a tender mood, you might begin to think again that you were friendless if you were to pass too long a time in solitude, so I have arranged that you shall come to London at least once every year for four weeks." My heart gave a bound. This was indeed joyful news, and I raised his hand to my lips and kissed it. And then," continued Mr. Lorimer, I daresay, during the interval, that Ned will find time to run down to see you for an hour or so. Things might be a great deal worse than they are atter all." Not only might they be a great deal worse, I thought, but next to my being taken entirely out of Aunt Parker's charge—which I understood from Mr. Lorimers words was not to be thought of— they could not very well be better. When I was again in Restoration Hall, living my silent life, there would be Ned's visit to look forward to, and after that the visit to London to look forward to. And every year would bring me nearer to the time when I should be free, when I should be able to say to Aunt Parker, You have no longer any con- trol over me. Farewell." "There is still something more," said Mr. Lorimer, and I awoke from my musings a piano is now on its way to the country, and you will find it in your room upon your return. No no, my child J" —I had thrown my arms round his neck—"It is not my doing. It is Ned's. The fact is, my dear, I am growing old-" Now, dad!" said Ned, in a tone of affectionate warning. But it is true, Ned," persisted Mr. Lorimer. I am growing old. I forget things, or rather I don't remember things. Then, my dear, Ned says—he was addressing me now-" this must be done, that must be done. And when Ned makes up his mind it is of no use resisting him. That explains the piano, and perhaps one or two other trifles which would certainly have escaped me." I murmured my thanks in words which my agitation would have rendered incoherent had not my manner made them clear. I held out my hand to Ned, and he took it smilingly. If I happen to be wrong in anything," said Mr. Lorimer, as I very often am (the misfortune being that, if left to myself, I seldom find it out till it is too late), you may depend upon Ned to set it right. In saying this, my dear, I am thinking of the past." I knew that this was meant as an excuse and an atonement for the change in his behavour towards me when he and Mr. Rathgate visited Oaklands, and in that spirit I accepted it, and I did not distress him by telling him how I had suffered on that occasion. When Nurse Elliott, late in the night, heard the good news I had to impart to her she expressed great joy, and said she did not know when she felt so happy, and that Mr. Lorimer was quite right in giving Ned all the credit for the brighter future that was opening out to me. Upon this point we were perfectly agreed, and I am sure Ned would have blushed had he heard the praises we shovsred upon him. It would have been a de- cided contradiction to the proverb that listeners never hear any good of themselves. CHAPTER XXXVril. AN OFFER. OF MARRIAGE AND NEWS OF ALONZO. My dear," said Nurse Elliott to me on the following morning, who do you think is coming' to London ?" I pretended to consider, and said I hadn't an idea." A friend, of course." Yes, my dear," tfle replied, a friend." We were sitting at breakfast, and I observed that Rube looked grave. Nobody that you don't like, I hope," I said to him. Don't speak to him, my dear," said Nurse Elliott, turning red in the face. He has got the most ridiculous ideas in his head. and there's no driving them out." Just look at her face, Miss Lina," said Rube, and tell me whether my idea is ridiculous. You see, when a man—meaning me—has got used to a woman like Deb, and grows to be dependent upon her, which I don't mind confessing I've grown to be, and knows her value, which I know better than anybody else could possibly know it, and loves her better than any other ma.n could possibly do (which is just my case, Miss Lina, though I sup- pose, as far as love goes, brother's don't count), well, when all this is exactly as I have described it, he doesn't relish the idea of having her snapped away from him." If he had spoken in Greek I should have under- stood him quite as well, but there was no mis- taking that he was dreadfully in earnest, and knew perfectly well what he was saying. Did you ever hear sjch nonsense?" cried Nurse Elliott. But nurse," I said, are you going to be snapped away from Rube?" Come now," said Rube, «' that is plainly put. Are you going to allow yourself to be snapped away from me ? I give you fair warning that, if anything happens I'll fall in love with some young woman I don't care a pin for" (which I thought was an absurd declaration on Rube's part), "and make a fool of myself. I'm not a marrying man, Miss Lina, but I shall be bound to become one if Deb doesn't reform." The word "reform," which he blurted out on the spur of the moment, struck him as something comical the moment he uttered it, and I was pleased to see that his faoe broadened with merri- ment; though he became grave again directly afterwards. "You will make Miss Lina's headache with your mysteries," said Nurse Elliott. You've hit the nail on the head," interrupted Rube. Mysteries. That's the word. Let's have no mysteries, Deb. Make a clean breast of it, like an honest woman "Upon my word," said Nurse Elliott, who seemed to me hardly to know whether to be amused or angry, "if I the best-tempered woman in the world you'd put me out of all patience." "Oh. oh!" cried Rube, satirically, and I began to wonder what had come over him. This is the first time I ever heard Deb blow her own trumpet. The best tempered woman in the world That's good, Deb. Let's have some more of it." "A body doesn't know what she's saying," ex- claimed INurse Elliott, "with such a man as you. If I don't tell you all about it, Miss Lina, there's no saying what you mightn't think. That a sensible man like Rube should mike a mountain out of a mole-hill is hardly to be believed I ask your pardon," siid Rube, with sarcastic politeness, Miss Liua wi.l easily believe the sen- sible man when she hears that the mole-hill is that confounded Sandy Whiskers, or whatever his name may be." A light dawned upon rce, and I could scarcely refrain from laughing; what prevented me was that both Rube and Nurse Elliott appeared some- what serious. You know well enough what his name is," retorted Nurse Elliott. is what it amounts to, Miss Lina. Sandy Whiskers—I like to hear you call him eo, for you do it out of pure fun "— (this was a hit at Rube)—" is coming to London "To pay you a visit," interposed Rube." Well, what harm is in t!'at ? To pay me a visit. Now, what Rube las got into his head is that Sandy Whiskers is—jpon my word I can hardly get it out, it is so r diculous—in love with me. There And that he is coming to London to ask me to marry him. But he may save himself the trouble, if he has any idea of that sort, for I have no more intention of marrying than Rube has himself. "In the name of all tlat's reasonable," cried Rube, why didn't you tell me that before ?" Because you were so clEer and so sarcastic in your sly hints that I detetcoined to punish you for it. If it happened that I changed my mind, Rube, you would only have yourself to blame for it, you are jealous, not only of Sandy Whiskers, but of every man who speaks to me. Yes, (Mis* Lina, this brother of mine is the greatest tyrant I ever met with." She gave him an affectionate look, nevertheless. But you are not going to change your mind," said Rube, anxiously. No, I am not, and now don't tease any more." "All right. I was only joking all through, but you do take things so seriously He gave her a sounding kiss, and went, singing, into his shop. And this wis the only difference I ever knew to occur between Rube and his sister. To tell you the truth, Miss Lina," she said to me when we were alone. "Rube is not far out, but I wouldn't confess it tc him. for fear he -Ight be uncivil to Sandy Whiskers. They are both good fellows, and if I can get them to like eacb other, I shall be pleased. I have tried all I could in my t letters to prevent Sandy Whiskers from coming to London, but it was no use. Come he will, aud I got a letter from him this morning saying he is going to pay me a visit this afternoon. I wish you would remain with me, Miss Lina, and then he will not be able to say anything very par- ticular." But if he asks me to go away," I urged, be- cause he wishes to speak to you privately, what can I do ? It will look so rude if I refuse." It can't be helped," she said, with a sigh of resignation. "If he asks you to go away, I sup- pose you must. I wish it was well over. It is like having a tooth out. I am not going to marry him, that's flat-no, not if he goes down on his bended knees." I had a shrewd suspicion that Nurse Elliott had something more than a passing tenderness for Sandy Whiskers, and, selfish as it was, I could not help taking sides with Rube, and wishing that, she would refuse him. Good fellow as Sandy Whiskers was, it seemed as if marrying him, or indeed marrying anyone, would remove her farther from me than if she had remained with her brother in the Borough. Of course I did not hint this to her, but I waited in some anxiety for the issue of the affair. Sandy Whiskers made his appearance in Rube's shop at three o'clock in the afternoon. He was dressed quite smartly, and he had a flower in his button hole he also carried in his hand a very handsome bouquet. What passed between Rube and him did not reach our ears; Nurse Elliott and I were sitting together, and she had just time to say, nervously, "There he is. Upon my word he has made himself look smart. Now, if Rube civil, I will never forgive him for it. Don't go away, dear Miss Lina, unless you are forced to," when Rube opened the door which led from the shop to our apartment, and said, in a tone of the greatest politeness, "A gentleman from the country, Deb, to see you." Sandy Whiskers was slightly disconcerted at seeing me, as he evidently expected to find Nurse Elliott alone, but he soon recovered himself, and behaved so exceedingly well that I bad more reason than ever to think well óf him. Pleasant and jolly as he had made himself at Oaklands it was as nothing compared with what he made him- self now. He had journeyed from Sevenoaks to London especially to see Nurse Elliott he was quite frank about it—and he was returning to the country early in the morning. He told us all about his journey, and when Nurse Elliott asked him how business was he replied, "It might be better and it might be worse; but I'm recommended to go into quite another line." He did not say what the other line was, but he referred to it with the air of a man before whom was spread an illimitable perspective of worldly prosperity. Nurse Elliott did not suspect that her inquiry how business was would lead swifty to the momentous issue, or she might not have made it. She had spoken somewhat vaguely to fill up a break in the conversation, and was visibly ill at ease when Sandy Whiskers, addressing me without the least embarrassment, begged of me to afford him a few minutes' private conversation with Mrs. Elliott, as he had something most particular and confidential to impart to her. He rose and opened the door for me, and no other course suggested itself to me than to retire. So, disregarding the imploring glances Nurse Elliott cast at me, I rose and joined Rube in the shop. Now, Miss Lina," he whispered to me, who was right and who was wrong ?" "But she is not going to marry him," I said. "She told me so positively. Miss Lina," said Rube impressively, you may not be aware how hard it is for a woman of Deb's age to say no to a man. To a young lady like yourself, with all the world to choose from, it is easy enough, and some enjoyment may even be got out of it. A young lady, a good many years ago, said no to me. I didn't ask her again, and she only repented it once—and that is all her life. She is single still, and so am I. No longer ago than last week I saw her and was thankful she didn't say yes. To compare her to certain articles in my shop which I sell pretty freely, she was oil, and has changed to vinegar. I know when I'm well off, and so should Deb. But she's her own mistress, and must do as she likes." He was clearly a little distrustful of her promises, but I was not; and, though I was secretly glad, I could not help feeling as though Rube and I were in a conspiracy against her. However, the matter was soon settled by Nurse Elliott coming to the door, and calling out, half laughing and half crying. What are you keeping out there for, so long, Miss Lina f And Rube, won't you come in a minute ?" In we went, and I shook hands with Sandy Whiskers as though 1 had not seen him before and Rube being introduced, shook hands with him too; and then Sandy Whiskers, with an ease and composure which astonished both of us, said— I am not one to work behind backs, and there- fore it is only right for me to say, Mr. Corncutt you being Mrs. Elliott's brother—that I have just offered your sister my hand." He looked at his hand, and we all looked at it too, as if it were something which Sandy Whiskers had brought specially with him for the purpose and could leave behind him when he was engaged on an errand in which it was not closely interested. Nurse Elliott was still struggling between laughing and crying. I hadn't much else to offer her, business being nothing to boast of; but things may better them- selves, and it was with that prospect I made the offer." He paused, and we did not speak, having nothing appropriate to say, and then, quite sud- denly, Sandy Whiskers concluded what he clearly regarded as a very long story with the words— She has refused to accept it." It was in the nature of things that a man in such circumstances should speak despondently, but there was not a trace of despondency in Sandy Whiskers's voice. On the contrary, it was cheerful and confident. He put away his-hand as though it had done what he had expected of it, and, addres- sing Rube, asked— As her brother, now, what should you say of her refusal P" All I can say," replied Rube," is that she is her own mistress." Exactly. Therefore, I have informed her—you having no objection—that I shall offer her the hand again this day twelve months." Lord!" exclaimed Nurse Elliott; a thousand things may happen between now and then." Whatever happens," said Sandy Whiskers, won't make an atom of difference to me so far as this offer goes. If it isn't accepted then"—refer- ring to his hand, which he had put into his trouser's pocket—" I shall offer it again in another twelve months. If refused then, in another twelve months; if refused then, in another; and so on and so on. And I hope in the end it will be a satisfaction to all parties concerned. As a stranger to Mr. Corncutt I thought it due to him to make this statement, and to inform him at the same time that my intentions are strictly honourable." Upon my word," said Nurse Elliott, you two men are as ridiculous as any two men can possibly be. There isn't a pin to choose between you." Sandy Whiskers, however, had made himself the master of the situation. Having opened my heart and my mind," he continued, and as I have to take an early train in the morning, it would be an agreeable pleasure to me to accept an invitation to pass this evening in the present company." Rube, completely won over by Sandy Whiskers' frankness, and suffering also, I have no doubt, from inward reproach, instantly gave him the in- vitation, and showed the best disposition to make himself agreeable. An awkward position was never more successfully converted into a pleasant one, and as this was entirely owing to the magna- nimous behaviour of Saudy Whiskers, he became the hero of the night. For our entertainment he treated us to a display of his ventriloquial powers, and Rube declared it was better than a theatre, and that he had never enjoyed himself more. As for me, I laughed till my sides ached, for since our last meeting Sandy Whiskers had added to his reper- toire sundry comic passages whiati were irresis- tible. He privately informed me that he was making a study of these for special purposes, having views," he added, which may or may not one day loom." He did not further explain himself. Moreover, he also privately informed me that ha was quite in earnest in what he had said respecting Nurse Elliott. I can wait for her," he observed, if she can wait for me." I inferred from this that he had some reason for hope. The bouquet of flowers he had brought from the country was placed in the centre of the table, and Nurse Elliott, iu his honour, prepared Rube's favourite dish of tripe and onions for supper, it was altogether a jolly night, and I was sorry that Ned did not pop :in to enjoy it with us. When Sandy Whiskers wished Nurse Elliort good night he shook hands with her manfully, and openly s.iid that he would write to her in a. few days, in a friendiv way," he explained to Rube, who could not but be satisfied at the deference paid to him as my nurse's nearest relative. I think Nurse Elliott was touched by his manliness, for in my bedroom she was quieter than usual. You do like him a little, nurse," I said. "I like him a great deal, my dear," she replied, but I am not going to marry him." Never, nurse ?" "Sever is a. long day, my dear," she said, com- posedly. Well, that was her experience in the matrimonial market line during my happy visit; but if any- body had told me that a proposal would be made to me before my return to Aunt Parker, I should have received the information with incredulity. For the last three days," said Rube, there HftR been a young fellow flattening his nose against the shop windows in a manner most surprising I have been on the look-out for him iu case he should burst them in. Whenever he has observed me watching him he has come boldly into the shop and bought, half-a-dozen boxes of wooden matches for three halfpence. Yesterday he bought two dozen, and to-day he has been in six times and laid out nine- pence, all in wooden matches. It. looks as if he wanted to make a bonfire of himself." That same evening, which was the last evening but two of my holiday, Ned asked me if I had seen or heard from anyone in particular. No," I replied. Why do you ask ? Because I could have sworn I saw Alonzo in the street, said Ned. I looked round at him, but he seemed to purposely avoid me." I stared at him in amazement, and Nurse Elliott burst out laughing. "Perhaps it's the chap I've been speaking of," said Rube; and then he related to Ned what lie had related to us, of the young fellow flattening his uese against the windows and buying so many matches. The mystery was solved later on. Rube, leaving the shop to come into the sitting-room, and re- turning to it a couple of minutes afterwards, dis- covered a letter on the counter, addressed To The Peerless One." Who claims it?" he asked, with a broad grin, holding the letter aloft. Lina, of course," said Ned, merrily; « This is getting exciting. Mr. Corncutt, I shall call you Cupid's messenger." How foolish of you, Ned I murmured. But I took the letter and recognised tbe writing. It was Alonzo's. (To be continued.)

FEMININE FAN CIES, FOIBLES, AND FASHIONS. By A LADY. m r All Rights Reserved. I have remarked more than once on the taste women have for pretty basket work of every kind, and, being no exception to the rule, I stayed some time to-day to inspect the novelties displayed by a certain willow-worker in Wigmore-street. The baskets for holding wood logs—the most delightful of all combustibles for our sitting-rooms—were made in wicker, and severally stained red or black, with gilt edges, and were also to be had in white winker. The shape of these receptacles is peculiary fitted to hold logs of firewood-the sides are high, practically there are no ends to them, the wood being stacked, so as to be easily removed from the open end. Beside being useful, these baskets, if so I may call them, are exceedingly ornamental. When selecting one an eye should be had to colour fitness. The room where the red log holder would be appropriate the ebony and gold one would not. The white wicker baskot, though less ornamental, has two advantages over its handsome rivals. It is out of place nowhere, and is not liable to get the paint rubbed off by friction of the logs, as must be tha case where paint or stain is used. I must also mention some pretty wicker five o'clock tea-tables, painted sealing-wax red. They are rather low. The upper table is round, measuring, perhaps, three-quarters of a yard in diameter. Below it are two smaller tables graduating in size. These are intended to support plates of bread and butter and other light comes- tibles consumed at afternoon teas. Prettiest among all the pretty things I saw in basket work were some new flower-holders. The three wicker legs were fastened together after the fashion of the gipsy's pot-hanger, and affixed to these, in rather a sloping position, was a big hat made of wicker work, the inside brim being bent in a picturesque fashion. As may be supposed, the head part was intended to hold the flower- pot. Some dried moss had been lightly glued on one of the hats, not in any quantity, but just a sprinkling. I am sure no prettier flower-holder of a simple kind was ever devised either for the.decoration of our sitting- rooms or conservatories; and the price severally of the articles I have been quoting ranges from 5s. 9d. up to 12s. only. The flower basket painted red costs 8s. 9d. What a rage there is for articles of various kinds painted sealing-wax red! The stationers' shop- windows glow with prayer-books, purses, writing cases, date-holders, &c., all of the popular dye. The shoemakers, not to be behindhand, make brave show of their foot-coverings, from the French dainty heelless shoe to the ordinary Queen Anne shoe and out of door Oxford shoe, which has red uppers, goloshed with black patent leather, perforated in the same manner as the Scotch brogue. A morsel of cheap- ness and elegance is the red leather Queen Anne shoe, lined red satin and finished at the to. with a little knot of red ribbons. They cost only 5s. lid. the pair. Shopkeepers fancy the public is caught by omitting fractions, which in the bill amount to almost nothing either one way or the other. A pair of red shoes look well with some dark gowns, asd under navy blue and black re- markably so. When writing of my visit to the Japanese Village, I omitted to mention the useful splashers," or backs for washstands. I saw there. These are made of fine material, like straw, or, may be, it is split bamboo. Convenient little pockets, or pouches, are woven in. These are useful for holding sponges, light litter of any kind, or might be utilised for those ilCrap. which should never find their way into the housemaid's pail. I observed that the Japanese needlewomen wear thimbles without a top, just such as English tailors use. The foreign worker slips the shield over her finger below the second joint. A lady iook- ing on took athimble outofherreticule,and proposed that the Japanese women should try to work with it, a feat that she could by no possibility accom- plish, and grievously pricked her fingers in the attempt. Apropos of thimbles, someone has in- vented an unsightly excrescence, which is attached I to that part of the thimble proper which is in- tended to bs worn at the back of the finger. The excrescence is intended to divide cotton and serve ¡ as a cutter of tape, and so on but its usefulness, if any, is more than balanced by its ugliness. A very ugly thimble it makes, and I am sure very few women would disfigure their hands by wearing it. As for the utility of the thing, she fs an indifferent workwoman who begins without her tools, and scissors are as indispensable as is the needle itself or thimble either. Whilst on the work topic, and while the weather is so bitter and there are so many ill-clad poor, I will show my readers how to make at a very small cost what is styled the emigrant's vest." The inexpensive wools known as "Lady BeLt." and" Aunt Hetsv" severailv will answer as well as costlier material. On a pair of good size pins cast on, say, 48 stitches and knit two, purl two, until you have a strip, ray, a yard in length; sew the two ends together, and place the doubled material on the table. Take the edges on one side, and sew them together, leaving, however, a space at either end long enough to admit the arm. Curious as it looks, your emigrant's vest is now complete, all but the buttons and loops; to get into it, thrust your arms backwards into the apertures made for them, and draw the unsewn edge over the chest; there it should be fastened with the buttons and loops aforesaid, when these are added. The effect pro- duced is that of a sort of Zouave or other cut- away jacket, but fitting very closely, so closely, I in fact, that it may be worn under a dress bodice that is too tight. It is a most efficient, I protection agai i cold, and many a poor woman would be exceedingly grateful for one of those very odd-looking, but really comfortable, coverings. It is quite a puzzle to get into them unless ODP has previously received a hint as to the method to be adopted. Made in white Berlin wool and the edges crochetted to finish, a very dainty article, fit for a Queen to wear, can be made in the shape of the emigrant's vest. The pins used should be bone or ivory, about the size of a pipe of maccaroni, and the knitting should be done very loosely, otherwise the vest will not be so elastic as it should. I have just heard of a new remedy for corns. It is to divide a lemon and bind it on the corn securely at night. The pulp acts as an efficient poultice, and I am told the corn after two or three applications can be removed. Bread soaked in vinegar and applied in the same way I know to be an admirable remedy for a painful corn. I some- times wonder how it is we put up so patiently with these torments. There is no doubt they are Amenable to treatment, and might in more cases be cured did we set ourselves to the task, but what can be done any day is hardly ever done and though corns do cause such intolerable paiD at times, few persons go to the chiropodist to have them extracted. When any other cause produces the same amount of suffering we usually seek the assistance of a doctor. "Only a corn," Only the toothache," people say. I think the word only," used in relation to these tortures, ought to be promptly dismissed, as intended to de- preciate the severity of the anguish and lower the standard of pity to which the sufferer from either is undoubtedly entitled. The operation of corn removing was an art culti- vated long ago. Nor could it have been a painful business, since we read that it was often carried on whilst the possessor of the corn was dining. Prob- ably it was regarded as a luxurious accompani- ment to the pleasures of the table. People in search of an interesting book, and who like to know something more oi past celebrities, male and female, should read the letters of Ben- jamin Disraeli to his ?ister. I will make no ex- tracts from the work, but simply commend it to the notice of mv readers. I have had a serious illness this winter, and should probably have suffered more severely from cold during the stages of convalescence had I not been made almo-t weather proof by wearing woven merino underclothing. Many of my readers write to say the price of these goods prevents their enjoying the luxury they prove. The gar- ments are not high priced for what they are—the best quality merino and beautifully finished. To meet the demand of those who cannot afford to give so much, the manufacturer I am quoting has brought out an extraordinarily cheayi make, so that these healthy aud comfortable garments are now within the reach of all. They are not quite so well finished, but this quality of the merino differs but little from the last regular makes. I am truly glad to see that combinations of merino for children, boys, and girls are now to be had. and their price is excep- tionally For a child measuring 17 inches round the waist the price is 9s. 6d. per quarter dozju. The freedom this kind of under-wear gives to children's limbs, associated as it is with warmth anJ economy, renders it particularly adapted to the use of young people, and their pro- pensity to sit in draughts and their heedlessness about contracting cold make wooilen clothing in their case really indispensable to health. A most sinister report—happily unfounded. I hl>,u-bas lately been sLflrt.1inO" society in London, to the effect that. Miss ElienTerry is suffering from cmcer in tha tongue. Toe occasional absences of Miss Terry from the Lyceum and bar duties gave rise to this unpleasant l"UIJ1011r-One thltt It would be well, I think, to have officiallv contra- dicted as soon as possible. A medical certificate, in denial, would greatly ease the mind of the public, naturally concerned at the very unpleasant news which has got abroad ahd been most indus- triously circulated. Whilst an matters theatrical, I may say that I visited the Princess's Theatre last night to see the performance of The Lord Harry." Being a great coward at firearms, even when not loaded, I confess the cannonading that goes on at one stage of the play is anything but agreeable to a nervous person, and the intermittent explosions seriously disturbed myyece of mind from time to time. The sight of a pistol on the stage gives me a scare, and I cannot follow the plot comfortably until that weaDon is finally disposed of. I know that countless women share my terror of firearms, and I think it is only fair to tell my readers who may be visiting London what is to be expected at the Princess's just now. For those of stronger fibre" The Lord Harry will, doubtless, prove very entertaining. It is a most exciting performance all through, full of incidents and situations, and sensations highly wrought Water is an element that plays a prominent part in the representation, as well as fire. That is & wonderful piece of scenic ability showing the inundated cottage, with the sullen waters rising higher and higher, driving the terrified inmates to seek refuge, haply, on the roof. Then comes a boat, not to succour, for it contains the villain of the piece, who fires at The Lord Harry in the hope of killing him, that he (Ezra) may seize the Puritan maiden and her father. The shot proves ineffectual, as the charge has been drawn, and Mr. Wilson Barrett, as the triumphant lover, jeers at his baffled adversary, and then there is an exciting scrim- mage between the enemies round and about the chimney pots. From the sketch which I have drawn I think my readers will gather that the piece is not one which may be characterised in any way as ¡' tame or wanting in incidents, both thrilling and lively. The hairbreadth escapes Lord Harry has, and his final triumph over his mis- fortunes and his foes, are truer to fiction that; to life I fancy. The time dates back to the reign of Charles I. Frequent mention is made of Crom- well, the leader of the" Ironsides," but the I audience is not treated to III. sight of this traitorous subject, albeit the friend of this country. EECIPE. Potatoes are delicious treated in the following manner, and it is a useful way of following a lesson in economy that the Saviour of the world did not disdain to teach in words, Gather up the fragments which remain, that nothing be lost":—Two cups of cold mashed potatoes beaten to a cream, with two tablespoonfuls of butter. Add a pinch of salt, the whites of two eggs, and one cup of milk. Beat all well together, and brown in a hot oven.

SPIRIT OF THE WELSH PRESS. [BY GWYLIEDYDD."] The vacancy in the representation of Flintshire caused bv the elevation of Lord R. Grosvenor to the House of Lords is creating a good deal of interest in North Wales. Lord Richard has represented the county for 25 years, and was returned last November by a majority of 1,500 over his opponent, and yet there is considerable perturba- tion about the result of the election, which takes place this week. Although several papers contain leading articles on Lord Richard's retirement, not one of them refer to the cause which led him to take that step. The probability is that they do not know it. Lord Richard Grosvenor holds the same opinion with regard to Home Rule in Ireland as his brother, the Duke of Westminster, and intimated to Mr. Glad- stone that he could not support his Irish policy. In order to prevent this fact becoming known the G.O.M. offered him a peerage, and he leaves the House of Commons and the duties of Whip to the Liberal Government as if it were merely a simple matter of private convenience. Flintshire had been considered an appanage of the Grosvenors, but the last election showed that Conservatism is strong in the county, upwards of 3,000 having voted for Mr. Mostyn. This accounts for the great interest felt in the struggle by Mr. Gladstone. It is quite on the cards that the great duke will not only withdraw his support from the Radical can- didate, but may throw the weight of his influence into the other side of the scale. There was nearly a split among the Radical wire-pullers as to who should contest the seat. The Calvinistic Metho- dists, who are strong and numerous in the county, wanted to thrust forward one of their own number, in the person of a young lawyer named Lewis, but a large section of the party objected to be governed by the Corph, and a compromise was effected by inviting Mr. Smith, a Liverpool merchant, to come forward. Both parties are working hard and getting as many outside helpers as they can. Mr. Arch has been down for the Radicals, and Mr. Puleston—who is a patriotic and popular Welsh- man—speaks for the Conservatives. Great interest is felt in the contest, and by no one more keenly than Mr. Gladstone. The Barter, after recapitulating the circum- stances attending the contest and the manifesto which Mr. W. H. Gladstone has issued on behalf of Mr. Smith (who is now in India), makes the following statement:—44 There are two important omissions in it. In the first place, there is no mention of disestablishment; and in the second, not a word about land reform, in which the farmers are so much interested. We believe that if Mr. Smith could meet the electors he might be convinced of the importance of the two questions. Mr. Gladstone has written a strong letter in favour of Mr. Smith, and promises to record his vote." The Herald says :— We would be better pleased if Mr. Smith had been a Welsh- man neither are the electors likely to be as zealous for him as for a countryman we do not, there- fore, expect as large a majority as in November. If Mr.Scott Bankes had been selected he would have probably been returned without opposition." Mr. Bankes is a Whig, a large landowner, and chair- man of quarter sessions, and refuses to pronounce the Radical shibboleths. The Celt is taken by sur- prise, and scarcely believes that the county has been fairly treated, whilst the party is not well-organised. The Tyst also complains that the retirement of Lord Richard Grosvenor ought to have been made known sooner, so as to give the party more time to prepare for the fight. Mr. Smith is a Liberal, not a Radical, but will vote for his party in all important divisions." The Goleuad hopes that the Liberals of Flintshire have not lost any of the enthusiasm which characterised them in November" and Gwalia expresses surprise that they should go to Liverpool and select a Scotch- man for their candidate. The Baner continues its series of articles on "The People's League." It also gives replies to a number ¡ of questions from correspondents at Llanidloes and Llangollen. It does not appear who are responsible for these returns, for there are no I names given. Their value is, therefore, problematical, and they also differ in a remarkable degree from each other. For instance, Question 1: What per acre is the best land rented 'i" t Answer: "Llangollen, 40s. to 45s.; Llanidloes, 30s." One would suppose that land through which the Severn runs would reach a higher rental than the mountainous region of Llangollen. Again Are you much troubled with pheasants and partridges?" Answer Yes, very much, on some farms," says Llangollen, whilst Llanidloes says: "No, except to a very small extent." The Genedl says:—" We have already given our reasons for supposing that the association of Mr. Michael Davitt's name with land reform in Wales was a blunder. We must admit, however, that he was well received. Whatever the ultimate results may be, be has given the movement a stimulus." The Gwalia quotes from an article on The Farmers in a Welsh magazine the following ex- tract:—"The Irish have advantages which ought to be given to farmers everywhere. Is there need to pay any rent at all ? And adds :—" This is plain and unmistakable. If the land is to be taken from the owner, why should not the house of the merchant or the banker be appropriated also ? y The Goleuad has an excellent article, entitled True Patriotism," in which the subject raised by Judge Horatio Lloyd is discussed. The writer says:—" Patriotism, if it possess any virtue, must aim at tbe highest good of the country—the pos- j session of those attributes which are considered great and honourable by all nations. We have much j to learn in this respect. The patriotism of many of our countrymen is a blind conceit in ourselves —the assertion that we are the best people under the sun, and nearly as perfect as it is possible for a people to be. The land of Bibles,' the most reli-1 gious people in the world,' and such phrases are constantly on our lips. If the Bibles are more nume- rous, the privileges greater, and religion more gene- ral than in any other country, the question arises What manner of people the Welsh people ought to be ?' Should not lying be less practised than it is if Is the moral condition of Wales such as that! we can, with a clear conscience, look upon it with satisfaction ? It is full time for us to look the matter in the face, as it is evident that there is something wrong. We protest in the most earnest manner against the assumption, too common among us, that we are near perfection." It is 8.! healthy and hopeful sign to find an influential paper writing in this manner—a creditable con- trast to the nauseous rubbish we read elsewhere. Physicians state that there is no hope for the recovery of the patient until he becomes conscious of his illness. The Carnarvon papers are beginning to interest themselves in the Eisteddfod to be held in that town next autumn. A Royal Prince is invited to attend the Eisteddfod. The list of prizes, which is printed in full in Gwalia, bears the stamp of haste. The chief prize in prose is for an essay Howel the Good and his Laws," a subject requiring extensive reading and ripe scholarship. The £20 and gold medal may as well be thrown into the Menai Straits for any good the essays that may come in will do. Another prize of £20 and a gold medal is offered for a cantata, which must be in the secretary's hands on the 19th of June; and it is proposed that, it shall be performed at one of the concerts! £15 is offered for the best original oil painting, and £10 for a water-colour drawing! "Llew Llwyfo" writes to the Herald that he has no official oon- nection with any Eisteddfod that is opposed to the national one. It appears that another Eisteddfod is advertised to be held at Caerwys about the same time. The Tyst reveals a singular state of things among the Brecon Independent College students now attending the University College at Cardiff. The Rev. J. Morris, D.D., informs the Churches; that require the services of the students j that they should make their applications, as usual, to Brecon, or—should that course he found inconvenient—to the Rev. J. Alun Roberts, B.D., Cardiff, who represents the College in that town. Then follows a notice, signed Morgan Davies, University College, Cardiff," and stating that the students belonging to the sup. plying class" wish the Churches to understand that Morgan Davies is their secretary," to whom applications are to be mlldc." Following this in a letter signed "J. Alun Roberts, 1, Edwards-1 terrace, Cardiff," assuring the Churches that there is no split among the students attending the Cardiff College, only that the Independent students who are there on their own responsibility manage their own affairs," but that those of them who are under the Brecon rules must be communi- cated with through him. We thus have two sets of Independent students at the Cardiff College. I have drawn attention from time to time to the discreditable literature that is to be seen from week to week in the newspapers. It is an indica- tion of a low standard of taste among the Welsh reading population that such rubbish as tbe following should find a place in the columns of a paper professing to be a teacher and guide of the people" Dyma un yn dyfod mewn Style; dyma un arall o Sir Gaer—ie, cyn wired a bod pen brwsh yn ben brwsh; a dyma un arall etto fel pe byddai wedi bod yn wheelo cols. Pwy yw'r gwr boneddig sydd yo eu hysgwyd mor arw ? 0, John Barleycorn, Ysw., ydyw. Hen chap am ysgwyd pobl yw John. Ar hyn, gwaeddais ar yr yspryd, Disgyn ar frys, a dyro flas y slipboard iddynt.' Diflannod yr yspryd, gan fy ngadael wrthyf fy hun. Wel, peth sobr oedd gweled Sion' wedi meddwi, ond pa faint sobrach yw gweled wedi meddwi! Rhaid fod Satan wedi corddi ymhenyddiau menywod yn lasddwr cyn byth yr ymollvngent i feddwi. Dylai y rhai hyn fyned i ryw ogof, a pheidio dangos eu gwynebau am, o leiaf, un dydd a blwyddyn, yr hen fudr-hogenau Hawyr bach dyma wr gwraig yn dyfod, a gwraig dyn arall o dan ei fraicta. Dyma dro ofnadwy, onite ? Onid digon i bob dyn ei wraig ei hun, hob ymhel a gwragedd pobl ereiil ? CywiJyddied y gwr bostfawr fawn." I

"MABON," M.P., IN LOKDON. [By MOEIEX,] It is stated that during the Premiership ot William Pitt, when a. lull took place one night in the proceedings of the House of Commons, a wag in the Press Gallery shouted, Give us a. song, Mr. Speaker!" The House was instantly convulsed with hughter, and the Prime Minister went almost into hysterics. As one who has spent some dull nights in the House, I confess it appears to me that an occasional song there, say with a Welsh harp, would be a decided improve- ment on the ordinary humdrum. No one can deny that what the Ancient Britons, or Cymry, designate yspryd drwg, or evil spirit, frequently finds its way into this august Chamber. How many attempts have been made there to deal with it by new rules of procedure, and so forth, but to little or no effect ? I am almost certain the harp was a prominent figure in the Rhaitb, or Parliament, of our Cambro-British ancestors, and that Mr. John Thomas (harpist to the Queen) and the Poet Laureate are the modern legal representatives of a former civilisation wherein the minstrel and the bard were leaders of legislation in Britain. No man has been more anxious than Mr. Gladstone to reform the rules of the House of Commons, which the evil spirit has well nigh brought to naught. It is surprising the right hon. gentleman has not thought of the example of King Saul, and sent for some Cambrian David, or say" Gruffvdd of Llanofer," to expel,with dulcet notes, the Ii yspryd drwg" from St. Stephen's! Such notes would have a soothing influence upon the sons of the Emerald Isle even. Mr. Parnell's rigid brow would unbend; Mr. Sexton would caper Mr. Healy would take off his spectacles and smile and even Mr. Biggar would, doubtless, forget all about count outs" in the general enjoyment. It will be remembered that when the dynamite explosion took place in the House of Commons the glass, with the painted harp of Ireland upon it, was blown to the Irish benches below the gangway. It was exactly as if the evil genius himself wanted a tune, and by throwing the harp of Erin there intended to convey a hint as to what would restore order and peace in the great council chamber of the nation. Spiritualists make it every day patent that we are surrounded by unseen agencies, who are taking active parts in the drama of our lives. If you will not restore the Cymric harp, then restore— The harp that once through Sara's halls Its soul of music shed. It seems as if the unseen powers of the British muses are bent upon having their own way at last, for behold a genuine Cambro-British minstrel bard sits in the House of Commons among the Conscript Fathers, and a few nights ago his melodious voice—he had left his ha.rp among the mountains—was heard in the midst of London. My lords and gentlemen, was it not a decided im- provement upon your dull, squabbling prose ? Did it not convey to your minds the conviction that the ancient Cymric mode of doing things is decidedly better than your own ? What a triumph is this, my brethren! A Welsh minstrel bard one day leading a village choir among the remote mountains of Wales, the next day warbling his native wood-notes wild among the Conript Fathers of the British Empire in the chief city of the world Hear from the grave, great' Taliesin,' hear It was but right and proper that the first genuine Welshman to enter Parliament (for such is Mabon") should do so with a Cymric song on his tongue. From the Roman Emperor Claudius to the Norman Edward I. and Henry IV. all the forces of Rome and England were directed towards the annihilation of the Cambro-British minstrel bards. Was there ever a greater satire on past national greed, cruelty, and intolerance than witnessing a genuine descendant of the once proscribed min strel bards of Wales at the Criterion banquetting ball, and in the face as it were of the Towers of Julius, London's lasting shame, Singing a British melody to my lords and gentle- men of England. Such an event was enough to cause the bones of Edward I. to bound out of that old plain coffin in the chapel of Edward the Confessor in Westminster Abbey. But thou art dead, 0 u ruthless King," while the Cambro-British minstrel bard still lives, and sings, too. Our betrayed Llewelyn Olaf sleeps under the greensward on*the banks of the Irvon, near Builth, his bed decked with daisies, and the winds and the river singing his requiem. Thou sleepest peace- fully—forgotten, mayhap, by all save the bard and the patriot, to whom thy memory will be ever dear, while the tyrant who slew thee is remembered but for his cruelties.

COMEDY-DRAMA AT THE CARDIFF THEATRE. It will be a misfortune if Cardiff playgoers are deterred by the title of the play occupying the boards of the Cardiff Theatre this week from going to see it. The Galley Slave is an unfor- tunate name certainly, and one which affords no indication of the character of the piece. There are many incidents in the story used which might have more reasonably been expected to furnist forth a title. But be that as it may, The Galley Slave is a work of conspicuous ability, in some places of great power. The plot is one which com mends itself to the sympat hies and holds sustained tbe interest of the audience, and the characters are each and all of them such as may be met with any day at any of the places where the scenes are laid Add to this that the cast is a strong one, and ther should be needed no further argument to induc, the accordance to Mr. Fletcher of the liberal sup port of his patrons during the present week. "Th Galley Slave" is new to Cardiff audiences, an it may, therefore, be of interest briefly to sketel the chief incidents in the play, which it founded on a very simple circumstance. Cicely Blaine, an American heiress, is engaged to Sidney Norcutt, an English artist, but she has another lover, one Baron Le Bois, a nobleman whom she has rejected. The latter had, prior to his uncle's death, been Antoine Brabant, an artist, and as such had contracted a marriage with an Italian named Francesco, whom he deserts when he becomes the Baron. His wife follows him, and witnesses an interview between the Baron and Cicely, and subsequently informs the latter that the Baron is her (Francesco's) husband. Cicely understands that she means Norcutt, goes away without seeing him again, and is married to the Baron. On the wedding dav (just after the marriage) Norcutt seeks an ex planation from Cicely, who then finds out the mistake she has made and again gives her love to Norcutt. The two are found together by the Baron, and as Norcutt has in his possession a jewel belonging to Cicely, a present which she has re- turned to him, and as he refuses to give any explanation—to save the honour of Cieety-toe Baron has him locked up and sent u to the galleys for seven years a.s a thief. Cicely goes to the pnson with her friends to see Norcutt, and here again they are confronted by the Baron. Francesco is also in the same prison for stealing a piece of bread, which she did to save her daughter (the child of the Baron) from starvation, and as she j being removed she sees the Baron Bnd proclaim him her husband. The last act puts things right, the Baron to prevent being prosecuted for bigamy consenting te give half of his possessions to his wife, Francesco, and Norcutt is released and returns to Cicely. The dialogue is not at all times satisfactory, owing to a tenuency of the author to moralise at inconvenient moments, when tbe action of the piece demands other and more forcible language. The defect is, however, atoned for in other portions of the play by the masterful power of the dialogue. As hi;- been before stated, the cast is a. strong one, and includes the names of several ladies and gentiemea who have won golden opinions in Cardiff before the present visit. In briefly mentioning them, Miss Cecily Blaine naturally occupies first place, and at the hands of Miss Emmerson receives a most sympathetic and graceful delineation. Francesco Brabant is a character which, in the hands of Miss Emma Stockley, is endued with a pathetic realism and strong dramatic interest, and was most deservedly applauded. Lesser parts are weil filled by Miss Bertha Burton and Miss Maud Grave, wuile as Nichette, the waiting maid, Miss Suman scored an undoubted success in a stMall part. Mr. Luigi Lablache, as Sidney Norcutt, proves him- self to be an actor of sterling merit, Cardiff play- goers will remember with pleasure his appearance in the" Silver King" To M:. J. Denis Coyne is assigned tha part cf the wicked Baron Le Bois, and in everything but the broken patois which may be expected from a Frenchman talking English his delineation of the villain is careful and painstaking. Mr. Henry Lee deserves special praise for his impersonation of the rich old Scotchman, Oliver Oliphant. The bye play in the intensely funny love scene between Mrs. Pitube Gay (Miss Burton) and himself is wonderfully weil sustained. Satisfactory also is Mr. Edwin Wilde as Franklen Fitts, and Mr. Adye as Wellesley Napier. The mounting of the piece is in every sense ex- cellent, the special scenes painted by Mr. Warde being capital examples of his ability as an artist. Altogether the Galley Slave" is so staged and per- formed and is in itself so thorougiy meritorious that all who enjoy a good comedy drama sbculd make a point of going to see it.

MINING LEASES AND ROYALTIES A conference of members of Parliament interested in the question of mining leases and royalties, dealt with by Mr. Conybeare's Bill. was held in one of the Committee-rooms of the House of Commons on Monday afternoon. Mr. Burt presided, and amongst those present were:— Messrs. Courtney, Borlase, S. Mason, H. Richard W. Saunders, H. L. W. Lawson, Bickfora Smith, Shirley, Fen wick, Conybeare, Jasper Moore, Johns and Donald Crawford. Colonel Fiudyer, of Cam. borne, also attended by the invitation of Mr. CClnv. beare. The last-named gentleman having made a statement explaining the principal points of his Bill, some discussion took place respecting royalties, in the courae of which Mr. Mason suggested the abolition of fixed rents, and the sub- stitution of royalties, to be fixed by the court according to the output. Mr. Courtney, however, pointed out that in Cornwall dues fixd on the gross output would not remove the difficulty com- plained of.—After further discussion, generaliy favourable to the leading principles of the Bill, the meeting was adjourned until next week.

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