Weekly Mail

By Mr. J. Muir, Marram Abbey, Glamorganshire, ANSWERS TO COBRESPONDENTS. Vnless m special cases, no replies will be sent to readers by post, but all inquiries will have prompt and careful attention under this heading,and ice invite notes and questions on LL rural subjects.

DESTBOYING RATS IK FARM BUTLDIKSS.—" Yorks." WThey are very destructive, and if allowed to Increase exceedingly troublesome. Where there ip farm stock it is always rather dangerous to poison them, but you might try the following plan Fill a large barrel three-parts full of chaff, place a quantity of grain, meal, or other bait on the top of the chaff, place a board sloping from the JtOp of the barrel for the rats to jump on top of the chaff, but not to come within six or eight inches lot it, when the rats will have a feast and escape. Continue this for two- nights, then fill the barrel ,"If full of water, place two or three inches of iphaff afloat on the top, bait as before, and in the morning you will be sur- prised at the wholesale cases of drowning. fhis may be practised in different parts of the uildinga. GRBENHOUSE PLANTS DECAYING.—" Cardiff."— You have been keeping the plants and atmosphere too damp. As there is no growth at present, little prater is required, and the less you use the better. Only give them sufficient to prevent them shrivel- ling, and avoid spilling the water on the floor. liany plants suffer much more from damp than fcold in winter, and over-watering is a great evil. Bemove all the decayed parts and let them form Jaw growths, but do not over-water again. USSFUL PBAHS.—"A. 0." (Notts).—The follow- ing will answer your requirements Williams' Son Chretien, Flemish Beauty," Passe Cttluiw," "Knight's Monarch," "Beurre Diel," fBeuire d'Amsnlis," and "Baronne de Mello." These are constantly succeeding as bushes, aad do wot require a wall. j ROSES FOR NORTH WALL.—" J. J. All kinds will may rely on the following varieties:— General Jaqueminot," "Prince de Portia," £ Vicomte Vigier," ".Princess Louise Victoria," and •Bar nne Haussmatin." NASIB OF PLANT.—" A Cardigan Reader. ^Sonicara fragrantissima," commonly called the tfinter-flowering honeysuckle. VIOLETS WITH SHORT STALKS. A Lady Sub- Uriber (Yorks).-It may be deficient culture, or, probably, the fault of the variety. The longest talked violets are The Czar and Victoria Regina, bad both have other good'qualities, so numerous Iat you should grow them in preference to your present varieties. EDGING FOB CUWJRN WALKS.—" B. E."—You are light. Boxwood certainly does harbour snails "tnd other pests, especially if it becomes over- sown. Tiles make a very pretty and durable Edging. They do not require much space, and thov may be bought from any brickworks at a ifkeap rate. You could not do better than use A wood edging, made by using short posts fnd nailing a rail about 4in. or' 5in. wide on them, :)Iiao makes a serviceable edging where timber can fe conveniently obtained, but this is hardly so food as the tiles.. DUcKs LAME.—"Peregrine."—When ducks are fter-fed and very fat they are apt to suffer from )*me'iess, but I am of opinion yours have leg •eakness, which affects many fowls. Let them Slave plenty of exercise; give them a clean dry d at uigbt, and mix a little bone meal with their Joft food. A handful between two every morning Iroulu soon strengthen their legs. You will find boiled fegetable?, potatoes, and other scraps from the ble of great service to them. In-breeding often £ uses leg weakness. You must see that they are t related before arranging your breeding pens. CULTIVATION OF HEATH LAND.—" P. 0." (Yorks). >-Tou should grub up the surface and get IMt the bulk of the roots. Let these dry then fcurn them where they lie, and get the ashes as tenure. After that try and secure a quantity of army?rd manure, which spread on the surface; Iten piough it in, and when it is lime to plant potatoes put in a crop of these for the first year. :rQU will be surprised at their excellence, and they toe the best crop of all for cleaning new lands. By Via second year you will find you can in- troduce fruit trees or any kind of garden or leld crop. As to the value of heath land, it is ffiffioult to make an estimation without a per- ianal inspection, but, considering the cleaning, &c., JDU would require to practise for the first year or |wo, you should try and secure it at a cheap rate |or three years, on the understanding that you can PQilsess it afterwards at a fair rent. This is fre-I quently done in cases of reclaiming land, and the freault is generally satisfactory. I am pleased to know you benefit by "Rural Notes." I am at your service at all times. CLNEKAETES A SECOND YEAH.—" R. H."—You would not find them so good as young seedling", d I do not advise you to retain the old plants. J BBBRY-BEAEING SOLANUMS.— "J. F." — They Eould remain ornamental until the end of March, they are cut over at that time they will grow ain^ and become more budiy and useful by next autumn. PAKTICTLABS OF WEIGHT or CATTLE.—" Doncas* ter."—A Devon steer bred by her Majesty the autumn. PAKTICTLABS OF WEIGHT OF CATTLE.—" Doricas- ter.A. Devon steer bred by her Majesty the Queen, that gained first prize at the late Smith. I fijld Show and was afterwards killed, gave the I following results:—Live weight. 1,904lbs; dressed feircase, 1,3941bs., the difference being composed of blood 331b3., fast 191bs., liver 141bs., lungs lllbs., paunch 27jlbs., heart 6|lbs., guts and manifold SOlbs., tallow 13411be., hide, tongue, and head I24lbs., and trimmings lOtbs. I Seed Catalogues for 1890. Many of these are now to hand. Some of Ithem can hardly be termed lists, but assume As form of books and contain much informa- fonof invaluable service to oultivators.G rowers ho wish to keep abreast of the times shonld lend for one from several firms, when they pould seleot seeds and varieties of the best deaoriptiop. The list of Messrs. Edward Webb .nd Sons, Wordsley,Stourbridge, is an exoellent production, the host of varieties having been carefully weeded out, and thus all recommended Are of the most trustworthy description. -The peas, potatoes, tomatoes, and other things offered here are, I can affirm from personal experience, of unapproachable quality; whilst the flowers represent the cream of all that have made the Kfhver trial grounds so famous, The book from Messrs. James Carter and Co., High Holborn, London, is of the usual high- lu3 character, and the bulk of the flowers ftod vegetables offered therein have become so well known as to require no printed Recommendation, The quaint and interest- fug cbarooter of Messrs. Wheeler and Son's Xist from Gloucester is extended, and the oon- Wte owMt to rn$et with many oustoaier^ I t Messrs. Sutton and Sons, Reading, send out a finely-finished list of their well-known seeds, and Messrs, Oakshott and Millard, also of Reading, are making rapid strides to approaoh with the big firms. Messrs. Richard Smith and Co., Worcester, and Dicksons (Limited), Chester, issue less pretentious volumes, but their contents are none the less trust- worthy. Messrs. James Veitch and Sons, Royal Nurseries, Chelsea, London, and Messrs. Charles Sharpe and Co., Slea- ford, Lincolnshire, have also particularly good lists. I cannot review all at length, but either one or the other would furnish interest- ing study for garden owners in the winter evenings. Wheeling and Carting Manure. I am often sorry to see manure being wheeled in gardens and carted on farms when the ground is totally unfit for it. To wheel and oart during wet weather increases the labour immensely, and it also cuts up the soil to a most injurious extent. It is especially bad for turf on fields, and is the reverse of beneficial everywhere. The work should only be done in frosty weather or when the ground is firm and dry. At such times the manure is much lighter, too, than when saturated with wet. In many cases it would be better to keep the men and horses idle than that they should haul manure when the ground is spongy. Christmas Roses, These flowers are again out in great beauty, and is to me really astonishing that they are not more cultivated. Many amateurs go to considerable expense in foroing plants under glass to secure flowers at midwinter, but here are subjects which for purity of blossom and elegance of form are not surpassed by the choicest exotics almost ignored. They flower naturally in the open ground at midwinter, and do not require the slightest forcing to bring them to perfection. The plants only attain a height of nine inches or so, and the flowers, which are white and about the size of a five shilling piece, are thrown up about level with the foliage. They grow luxuriantly, and bloom with great freedom in any kind of deep, rich soil. They should be grown in all gar- dens where choice midwinter flowers are appreciated. When small plants are brought in from the nursery they do not flower much for the first year or two, but when once established there is no deficiency. Of all winter flowers I regard them as the most valuable and inexpensive. Botanically the Christmas rosei are known as "Helleboruø," The different varieties of "H. Niger" are the best, Manure for Spring. Sowing and planting will soon be the order of the day. Those who prepare, as far as possible, for it beforehand wiil meet with many advantages. To many scarcity of manure is a drawback, but I am inclined to think that if those who are so unfortunately situated gave the manure question attention some time before it was required, they would be much better circumstanced, for there are few owners of a garden who cannot secure manure of some kind at one time or another. Some might not be fit to use at the time, but if it were added to some other materials and allowed to lie for a time, it would be found very valuable. Wood ashes are always a good manure, and all kinds- of trash should Be Durnea in winter anu tue asaes o»vcu lur use in spring. Leaves, old vegetable refuse, manure from the pig-stye, cowshed, or stable, road scrapings, and such like,if collected even in small quantities, thrown in a heap, and allowed to decay for a month or two will be found invaluable to all who are likely to be deficient of good manure in the spring time. If the materials are very fresh and require reducing, the slops from the house, soap suds, and such like should be emptied on the top of the heap daily, 0 0 • Preserving Fences. Keeping fences in proper repair is an expensive matter on large estates. It also affects small garden owners who have to keep their places fenced in A neat fence gives much pleasure, and with a little timely attention the expenditure necessary to main- tain it in good order will not amount to much per annum. One who has had much ex- perience in fencing writes After all that has been advanced in favour of other compounds, it is very doubtful for ordinary country work whether there i3 anything handier, cheaper, or more effective than common coal tar for coating fences and other wood it is desired to protect from the effects of the weather. Much, however, will depend on the way in which this is used. To cover moist wood with this substance, whether it proceeds from its natural mois- ture or atmospheric dampness, is very bad policy. To ensure anything like succers in the matter of durability the wood to be operated upon must be as dry as possible. This, of course, is cqu illy true of paint, but it is of tar wo are now speaking. When the woodwork to be coated is as dry as can be and the tar applied her, there need be little fear that it will fail in iss purpose. The chief difficulty lies in tha matter of posts at the surface of the soil. Many plans have been tried to overcome the decay which almost invariably sets in here first. Even hero tar i valu- able but, according to exp&rimswts which have been made to test the best method of applying it, it appearr, that the most satisfactory results have been obtained when the wood is charred. As to tho way in which this charring should be effected, there seems to be scope for ingenuity.. One gentleman has tried the plan of first covering the extremities of the post, which are set in the soil, and then burning the tar off again. This, it is alleged, makes a surfaco which will resist decay. If this is so, the operation is simple, and is worth trying. 'Ihe charring should be carried to some distance above the ground level, and after the fence is erected the whole of it above ground can be coated to make the appearance uniform. The plan of first heating the ends of the posts and then dipping them in boiling tar is said to answer well." » Weliingtonia Gigantea." As an ornamental evergreen tree for small gardens this is one of the that can be in- troduced. It is of a pleasing conical form, and assumes fine proportions without becom- ing obstructive, Fruit Bud Destroyers. "South Wales writes "In many cases the prospects of a geod fruit I crop are ruined in the eatly spring by birds pick- ing off the bloom buds. Bullfinches and others of the finch tribe are the most destructive in this i, respect, and the bullfinch is by far the worst. A coupts of bullfinches will destroy all the buds on the bushes, and, consequently, the prospects of a crop in a cottager's garden in two or three days, probably before they are observed to be about the place, and a brood or two will ruin all the quarters in a large kitchen garden if the bushes be not netted or protected in some way. They begin their attacks »wral!y when the buds begin to push, and invariabjy, so far as we have observed, they take the bushes before them in the most methodical manner,always beginning at those nearest to their place of shelter and advancing as they exhaust the supply. It does not pay to not the trees against the birds alone; but where netting is regularly practised to protect the fruit, the nets should -be, put on early in the winter, supported in a substantial way, and left on till the fruit f' gathered, or all the year round. We have tried this plan, but the expense for nets was great, as they soon rot if left out the greater part of the years. The cheapest plan is to engine or syringe the trees well with water in which soot, lime, and particularly red lead has been stirred. If the red lead is sufficient LA"* the busliQS it will stop the birds, but the dose must be repeated two or three tiiiies during the winter and spring." Useful Seasonable Hints. The following remarks from the Cottage Gardener and Home Farmer represent excel- lent practice that might be most profitably followed:- Poultry re-pay well now for especial attention. They suffer from exposure to cold, and are wretched in the extreme upon a sodden, muddy run. We have two fowl-houses, one entirely enclosed by weather-boarded sides, with roosts and nests; the other boarded at the ends and back, but the front, facing the south, has fine wire netting, with about 2ft. of the bottom only boarded. Here most of the fowls are fed, and they are induced to remain here on wet or snowy days by a fresh supply of fine dry ashes daily. There are plenty of low perches upon which some pass the greater part of the day, while others revel in the dust; a cabbage and a mangold or two are placed in this feeding-house frequently, and are much enjoyed. Eggs come freely, and are the best evidence of successful management. II Akin this subject is the case of cows now. A warm, clean, cosy, yet well ventilated cow- house is the best promoter of health and a full steady yield of milk. Roof ventilators such as wey described a few weeks ago answer best, and there is no draught. When cows are kept in altogether they should have roomy quarters. We have seen them coupled for winter in stalls that were much too narrow, the poor animals not only being very uncomfortable, but getting in a most filthy condition. Altogether better is it to let cows have a little exercise on all fine days than to keep them constantly tied up. In the cow- houses of the Metropolis the cows are mere machines, kept only so long as they yield milk freely, and then at once passed on to the butcher. Such treatment is no guide for the home farmer he requires healthy animals for breeding as well as milking, and he cannot afford to use them up in a season or two. All the town milkman looks for in a cow is a big frame and a big bag; qu;dityof milk or special breed is nothing to him. Mixed food and an occasional change should be given to all store cattle, and they should always have access to rock salt. Without a well-managed dietary they often fall off in condition now, and become very mangy. One can tell at a glance if beasts are well managed, but that is a matter that should not rest with the stockman, nor should it be possible for him to waste food weight, and measure, and close super- vision are the best checks." 4

The Cabinet's Secret. HOW TWO HEARTS, SEPARATED BY TREACHERY, WERE RE-UNITED. I had been mending linen all the morning for those four great, romping, precious boys, until my bead ached violently, and my heart beat very impatiently, I had hoped to secure time for at least fifteen minutes'practice on Beethoven's lovely "Moonlight Sonata" that morning, and now the hands of the little ormolu clock pointed to Wo o'clock, the children were just home from school, and the last button sewn on. No music for me that day My assistance would be urgently needed in the afternoon with lessons, and other mending, and I must forget my desires for reading and practising. Oh, dear Don't think, gentle reader, that I was an impatient, querulous mother, repining at those legitimate duties which every maternal heart loves to perform. I was only an aunt, just nineteen, with the cares ancl responsi- bilities of a woman of thirty. When Sister Bessie died her husband would allow none but myself to act as her substitute. I understood J-I— .v:u.^ methods, he said, better than any of- his family. So, young as I was, I cheerfully uudertook the charge, simply because I loved Basgie so much. The circumstances of that morning had been peculiarly trying; and completely dis- couraged, I felt anything but patient and gentle. The cares of a wife and mother come so gradually that a woman is fully pre- pared to meet them, and can bear submis- sively the .troubles whioh her own offspring bring. But when these same heavy burdens fall upon the shoulders of A young girl, whose education is still unfinished, and whose mind and heart need much moulding, it is more than she can carry uncomplainingly. Father and mother died when I was quite young, leaving me to Bessie's faithful keep- ing. So when God took her I was left! alone, indeed, in this strange world. And at the time of Bessie's death I lost one whom I had thought to call my best earthly friend always. Philip C'arrington and I had grown up. together with that peculiar love which, commencing at infancy, I might say, grows and strengthens with the years, until it has twined itself so tightly around the natures of its victims, that to root it out seems like snapping the tendrils of the heart, The histories of our lives were singularly similar, with this one exception, that whilo his father, a rich banker, left his family i abundantly provided for, mine, a poor clergy- man, left scarcely enough to clothe me. Mr. Carrington died when Philip was only I a year old, leaving six children and a very delicate wife, who survived him only a year. A maiden sister of Mr. Carrington then under- took the charge of his family, bringing the children up wretchedly and spoiling them all but Philip, who was too noble to be influenced by her proud, mercenary ideas. As father had laboured very assiduously in seasons of affliction in the Carrington family, doing all in his power to relieve and help them when they were too sorrowful to think for themselves, Mrs. Esther, the aristo- cratic spinster, deemed it her Christian duty to call upon us once a year. She would sail in upon us with majestic dignity, talk to us as though we were servants, and advise us with startling authority. Her visits las'ed, happily for us, about ten minutes, when, realising the exceeding greatness of her modest charity, she would rise ostenta- tiously, hand a five-pound note to me, as a II little pin money, poor dear; don't speak of it to any one," and leave. Even after rich George Thurston married Bessie, she continued her annual call and donation, much to my humiliation and disgust. She would allow none of the girls to visit tis, The children of poor clergymen, my dears, are unsuitable companions for David Carrington's daughters," she used to say; but, after Bessie became Mrs. Thurston, she so far forgot our degrada- tion as to permit their calling upon us occa- sionally. With her nephew Philip she could do nothing. So, finally dismissing him from her thoughts as Ii democratic and ungrate- ful," she never mentioned our names except in scorn. What a deplorable crime this poverty is Phillip loved Bessie dearly, and often, laughingly told George it was nothing but his (George's) age which secured her for him. for Bessie was ten years older than Phillip, and she had been an invalid for two or three years, but was seriously ill only three weeks. Every day Phillip's card was sent up with choice fruit, exquisite flowers, and refreshing delicacies of all descriptions. Dear "sister I knew from the first time she was getting ready for the New Jerusalem," and yet no one else could see the angelB' wings." George, so completely blinded by physician's words of comfort, confidently expected that she would be well in a week or two, But Bessie and I knew. And she was only waiting till the angels opened wide the mystic gate. But how mysteriously Philip and were separate^. So it is, our joys and sorrows come to us in lightning flashes; stunning us 80 suddenly that it wmh wbeu we arouse. Ioow ourselves, like a wonderful dream. She, sister, died on the 5th of November, Philip's twenty-first birthday, an occasion anticipated with much expectation by him, as giving him possession of his handsome property and his liberty. Only a month ago Bessie and I had hoped to assist at this celebration. And now she was lying cold and still. At such times no human sympathy, not even the dearest, can give us consolation. I was sitting, with the big, old-fashioned Bible in my lap, reading the fifteenth chapter of Corinthians, when I heard through the open door of my room the voice of Philip in the hall below. He was asking Jane" if Miss Ruth would see him." ] had given orders not to be disturbed, for I felt that I could not bear the sight of a strange face; and I hardly expected him to call, on that day at least. Bnt at the sound of his voice I almost re- solved to change my resolution; and yet, somehow, I could not let even Philip break in on that solemn hour. While I hesitated I heard the outer door shut, and the question was decided for me. He was gone. He never came to the house but once after that, and then it was to bid us good-by pre- paratory to starting on a long Continental tour. I had just returned from Greenwood, about a week after Bessie's death, when he was announced. With a glad little flutter of my heart I went down, sadly but calmly, to meet him. As I entered the parlour little Howard was lamenting, most clamourously, over something which seemed to distress him exceedingly, and upon inquiry I found it was in connection with Philip. H Oh, dear sobbed Howard, Mr. Carrington's going away for three years; and J love him, and don't want to go and mamma's gone, and everybody Oh, dear With faltering and astonished voice, I turned to Philip for his explanation. With a strange and dignified demeanour, he answered evasively. "Howard is excited, and makes a great deal about nothing." "Ain't you going?" shouted Howard, from behind the door, where he had hidden to con- ceal his tears. Anxiously I waited his reply, looking steadily at him. Yes, I go on Wednesday, Miss Ruth. Won't you give me your blessing, and as many commissions as I can conveniently execute in three years r" I almost fainted. I was so overcome with astonishment and sorrow. Was this my old Philip? We were certainly not engaged, but still we had loved each other before Bessie died. Happily my pride came to my assistance, and I answered haughtily, "Thank you. I can purchase what I need here." With a few affectionate farewell worda to the children, he rose, and taking my hand in his, said, Take care of yonrself, Kuth when you need a friend, think of me. Good-by, and God bless you alland hastily kissing little three-year-old Ruth (not me), he was gone. When the front door closed I flew to my room. where no one can ever know how I I suffered. But how my tide of recollections have drifted me away from that unhappy Wednes- day, and my needlework! We were just seated at dinner, I with dishevelled hair and morning dress, for it was snowing hard, and I expected no visitors, when Mabel Carring- ton's little open carriage drove up, and she with her sister Edith alighted. For a moment 1 felt wickedly rebellious, and wished I was fashionable and rich, but I soon forgot these inconsistent emotions in my desire to touch ujj my (tpptrcii ttuu& Lc £ oro they ohould ontcr, But a little reflection induced me to conclude that I would see them in my housewife garb. They both rushed at me with such vehemence and affection that I was nonplussed, and really would have preferred their stateliness. My dear Ruth," simpered Mabel, I. we are getting up tableaux for Saturday night, and you must form one of the party; we need you for several characters. Let me see; what are they ? Morning, Noon, and Faith. Now don't shake your head; we have calcu- lated upon your lovely face, and certainly shall expect you. Your sister has been dead over a year, and you must come nobody will think strange of it," &c., &c., &c., until, in perfect desperation, I promised to be present at the rehearsal the next day. I knew full well that somebody had failed them, and in an extremity they had thought of me still I decided to go. for I felt im- pelled by a strange force, which I could not explain, to enter the Carrington's' house. I wanted to see Philip's home. I was in a strange flutter of excitement from Wednesday till Saturday. It was not that I feared my ill-success in the personifica- tion of the various characters assigned to me, or that I anticipated with enthusiastic delight the fashionable and uncongenial entertain- ment; but there was that premonition of coming events," Ah! how often "they cast tù"i1' shadows before," The ii-tervening days flew by swiftly, and with strange emotions. I recognised myself in the elegant mirror in Miss Esther's boudoir." I was actually permitted to dress in this fas- tidious lady's room. The house was so immense that the amateur performers had ample accommodations, each young lady being offered a separate dressing-room. By a strange accident, or; as it afterwards proved, a loving Providence, Miss Carrington's charming little apartment was chosen for me. My coadjutors all being well acquainted, preferred to arrange their toilettes merrily in trios and quartets rather than he located alone. I had noticed when I entered the room a very old-fashioned cabinet, occupying an obscure corner, and looking decidedly lonely, and out of place among its very modern neighbours. Being extravagantly fond of antiquities, I prepared for a leisure examina- tion of it, during the long intermission between my first and second tableau. The top was glass, and underneath were choice specimens of shells, which attracted my eye and attention so much that I sat down, and proceeded to look them over, leaning unconsciously against the side of the cabinet. In doing so I must have touched a secret spring, for the whole panelled side fell out, as the lid of a desk when you drop it to write upon, and letters, books, and papers were scattered around. I replaced all the articles, without glancing at their wrappings, until I picked up a little box neatly tied, whose handwriting was so singularly familiar that I allowed myself to read the signature. Ii Miss Ruth Sidney." Certainly that was my name, and this package belonged to me indisputably. I de- termined to open what I felt must be mine. So, closing the panel as best I could, I undid, with trembling fingers, the mysterious bundle. Enclosed was a dainty white box, with a few withered flowers, and a letter for me, the perusal of which produced such mingled emotions that I cannot now tell whether joy or sorrow, love or anger, were the most prominent. It was from Philip, revealing his passionate love for me, and requesting me to put the accompanying rose- buds in Bessie's hand when she was laid in her coffin. "I shall learn my fate from these flowers," he wrote. If they are in dear Bessie's hand, I shall be with yon this evening; if not, the alternative remains with Providence. I can- not send a gift of formal flowers to precious Bessie, and I want her linked with my love in some way." How well I remembered Miss Esther's officious call the morning of the funeral; but how she secured possession of these love- iifikhted wJtiales li,could not tell, Just then the summons came for me to pare for my second and third tableaux* with a happy, angry, vindictive spirit quickly equpped myself for the farcioal V&t formance. When it was over I hastily from the congratulations and flat^ ings of the insipid fops who lay in wait, if}\ rude compliments for the successful parti*^ pants, and fled to the room for my quiet dress, preferring not to be seen in my dress again. Then, with a swimming and a raging heart, I walked straight toward8 the unapproachable Miss Esther, and, in authoritative voice which she seemed tO understand, for she rose immediately, I said, Miss Carrington, I would like to see yo°?( self and nieoes alone in your private if you refuse, I will proclaim my business fore all these, your friends; so you had j accede to my request." Then turning towards my brother-in-lr George, who was waiting for me. I b&& him to follow us to the room. When all were seated,! produced the floff0^ and letter explaining its sudden appearand to me. Without a word of reproach to beff poor, humbled woman, I told Mary, the youngest daughter, to bring her aunt. I writing material, and there I, simple PIatl I Sydney, dictated to her, proud Esther Oar- ) rington, a letter to Philip, recording bet mean and wicked deoeption. I made b» j direot and seal it,whileJGeorge,with signifies^ j look, suggested that he should post it. I this, I slowly put on my bonnet and shaW»» < never deigning another word to the dishonor > able enactor of the uncomfortable scene; while she, with pale faoe and cringing manne'l begged me not to mention it. She had meal1 to give it to me some day, if I didn't mar'/i she said. I couldn't forgive her then, as have now; so, turning unchristianly her, George and I left for our home. have now so, turning unchristianly fraøJ her, George and I left for our home. Week after week passed, bringing no word from Philip, until it was jnst six weeka siloe I Miss Esther's letter started for Although there was the possibility of delay^ mails, still I began to fear that Philip found some other fairer woman to be b' bride. I watched for the postman soanxiousjJ found some other fairer woman to be b' bride. I watched for the postman soanxiousjJ that morning that little truth, who scrutinlS my face for indications of clear weather," closely as George watched his barometer, call" fidentially whispered to Howard, I s'pojjj Aunt Kuth is thinking of mamma, she loo*j so dis'pinted, and won't eat no breakfast; bs very dood to-day, Howie." I was too disappointed and heartsick to attend to household duties so, slipping a«^ from them all, I stole in to my dearly beloV^ piano. With a gush of feeling I could express I fairly poured forth my soul in Orit of Mendelssohn's little songs. I had heard the front-door bell ring when I first opened t&J piano, but was too listless to inquire the new-comer had been, thinking it too early for calls. When the BOW was finished I bowed my head on to rack before me, to listen to ries which the pathetic music suggested. < did not hear the parlour door open. \VheI1 looked up, Philip stood before me.. With one eloquent glance, he said, Is tblS", indeed, my Ruth t' As for me, I ignominiously fainted in b11 arms, the shock was so great and so sudden. That is all my love story. But it was 100 before I could believe that I must prepare tI be Ruth Carrington.-Eveniiig World.

MR. PARNELL'S ACTION AGAINST THE "TIMES," 1 Preliminary Skirmishing. Interrogatories as to Circulation' In theQueen'sBencliDivision on Saturday (befOO Justices Denman and Wills) the action was brougol. forward in which Mr. Parnell, M.P., sued the P f prLtors of the Times for alleged libel in publishi"^ what were known as the Pigott letters" both the newspaper itself and in a pamphlet caUe Parnellism and Crime." Mr. W. Lutnley Smith, Q.C. (with whom was Graham), explained that the Master in £ had ordered the defendants to further answer c'j tain interrogatories which had been to them by the plaintiff. The defendants appl'^J to Mr. Justice Field, who referred the mntte'J. | the court. The defendants had paid money? 'court; so that the only question now at issue j the fic'ion was whether the sum paid in sufficient to cover the damage which the plainl.2 had sustained. There were ten altogether. In the first two the plaintiff s to ascertain what was the circulation of the on the days on which the' letters were Pu f lished, and what was the circulation 5 "Parnellisin and Crime/' The defendants adinitw# the circulation of bo'h the journal and the p^J phlet was notoriously large, but submitted t!l*t the plaintiff wis not entitled to learn the number of copies issued to the pub!i'% fi9 to upPj such information would involve Ion;; ¡1V difficult inrpiifies. Mr. AEOiiith (\yith Sir Charles Russell, Q- i said that all the plaintiff wanted lo know was circulation approximately, not exactly. 1 » Mr. Lundc-y Smith acked the court to hold the information already supplied by dofenda11 Wits suftu-iont. The plaintiff next asked from the defendants obtained the letters < ri^inaily, W*. :■ much was paid for them, and what steps t t taken to verify their authenticity. He con.elded, however, that in the interests of journalism it j of vital importance that the court should hold the defendants were not bound to furnish the I formation sought, to be procured. f Mr. A'-quith argued that the order of the ought to be affirmed, as then the plain'iff co^jj discover whether in publishing the letters at.% the proprietors of the Times had not acted utter recklessness, inasmuch as by taking a I'1 j trouble they would have found out that the le'^e attributed to Mr. r.vrnell were not genuine. u At the conclusion of the argument their ships ordered the defendants to give the circ^1 J tion of the Timts and of the pamphlet in r numbers, but held that with regard to the ster taken to veiify the authenticity of the letWff interrogatories were not advisable.

THE O'SHEA DIVORCE CASE. i "— Action Against the New York Herald, 0 Notice of motion has been served upon tll: printer and publisher of the London edition of t iVfze York Herald, requiring them to show c»1' on Tuesday next in tho Divorce Court, on KI application of Captain O'Shen, why they a o not be judged guilty of contempt of court in coQ menting upon the'O'Shea divorce case and l'' relative positions of the parties pending the heat" in. of the suit.

THE BANKRUPTCY OF THE PRINCE OF MANTUA. Under the failure of Charles le Bourbon J'^ Prtleologus Gouzaza, Prince of Montua and ferrat, the summary of accounts has just issued from the London Bankruptcy Court, shows unsecured debts of £ 1,016 and assets "'J The debtor attributes his failure to tho result proceedings which have been taken against bioi under an agreement as ex-director of the aeoø. Waterworks Company and to legal expenses. sajs he has no property or income, and owes "jf mother £ 440 for two years' board and Iodg^A The Prince has been adjudged a bankrupt, and4^ Court made an order for summary adjudicatio0* i

rJt S No BREAKFAST, NO MAN," is an old sayingo ot those who cannot make a hearty mornin°r mwd find CADEUBY S COCOA an absolutely pure and beverage — comforting, exhilarating, and su«^e- ing. NERVOUS DEBILITY, LOSS OF VITAL POWH Energy-—A gentleman, having been a great wlli be pleased to forward a Physician's Frescrlp"y that cured him on receipt of a stamped envelopf'a Address W. 8031, Esq., 8omvleyton Yjlla, Brixton, g? rey. jafP