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LADY CYCLIST ASSAULTED. A young labourer, named John Hughes, wa3 sentenced to six months' hard labour by th 3 Oswestry bench of magistrates on a charge of committing an aggravated assault on a girl of fifteen The girl was cycling about dusk, and was three miles away from the town when prisoner cycled rap behind her, gave her a blow under the ear which knocked her off her bicycle, and then assaulted her. The girl's cries were heard 300 yards away, and when help came prisoner decamped. He was arrested on ThuTsday night and admitted the assault. The Magistrates, in passing sentence, expressed regret thal they were not able to order Hughes to be flogged.

"THERE IS HOPE." A box of 12, named Charlee Alfred Cooper, was charged at Marylebone Police-court with stealing a purse of money from Mr. Henry Earle, a philanthropic gentleman, of Marylebone-road. Mr. Earle said that the lad had been a newspaper boy who lost his situa- tion, "with a bad record," and with the object of recla-iming him and qualifying him ae a telegraph messenger, witness said he invited him to his house three nights a week, and entertained him to an early supper. On the evening in question he came as usual, and when leaving witness said to him, "Had a good meal?" The lad assented. "I've had all I wanted," he said, "and what I couldn't eat rve put in my pockets." "Ah," exclaimed the magistrate, "there is hope for that boy." Cooper was sent to an industrial scbooL wnta tt-Knaa-oLaca.

OUR jSHOHT STOBY. f H THE RACE OF THE || H SPECIALS. |> 8/ r: V ffi-I I was driving the two o'clock express at the time. and my fireman was Tom Long, who had been my ma,te for several years. On looking up I noticed the stationmaeter and another man coming towards the sidings across the network of rails. It didn't occur to either of us that we were really the people wanted. "We've serious work for you to-day," said the station,master when they were up besides us; "this gentleina-n is Inspector Stafford, of Scotland Yard, whom you are to take with you on your engine. You're not to take the Scotsman to-day," said the sta,t,ionm,agter, we want you to work a special instead and start at once." "Where are we to go?" I asked. » "1 had belter ten yuu that, said Stafford, and drawing Tom and mjrseif under the s-helter of the cab, he spoke rapidly in a low voice. "And hour or so ago, a man, professing to be a rich American, came to Mr. Wils-">ti here," pointing to the station roaster, and ordered a siit.cial to jlanchester." "It's been gone about twenty minutes in- terrupted Tom; "we passed it as we came up." "I know that," said the inspector grimly, "I just missed it by two minutes. Unless I am llitch mistaken, this American is no more a Yankee than I am; he's a Boer spy that we've been hunting this last fortnight." "What will you do?" "Overtake that special and make sure I'm on the right track. Can you do it?" It's had a long start, but I'll try my best," I told him. "if Shepherd says that," said the station- master, "you may know it can be done. Before I left my office I had a message sent along the line to switch them on to the slow road." When the endless rows of houses were a.t last left behind, the inspector gave us some further details of the case. h or some months past," he said. "we have had several men under observation. Even now we are none too sure, because the American who ordered the special vas very differ nt in appearance to Holtzgang; but a small-I may say, a very smail-peculiarity v-as common to both men, and it was enough to bring me flying over the country after him." At last we reached Longmoor Junction, and, at the inspector's request, I pulled up for a moment at the platform by the station- master's office. The special left three minutes ago the stationmaster told us. What?" exclaimed the inspector. Only three minutes ago?" Yes, the saloon had a hot axle-box, so they stopped to cool it down." Did you see the passenger?" Yes, he a.sked me if his special couldn't run from here on the fast line." Did you agree?" "No; I had just had word from London to keep the fast roa.d clear for your engine, if possible." Oh you told him another special was expected ?" Yes." \Ioot did he say to that?" He merely thanked me for my informa- tion, and said he thought he'd have some tea sent out to him from the refreshment room." "There she is!" cried Tom, and about two miles ahead we saw a short train, which was the special, without a doubt. She's not doing more th11,n fifteen miles an hour," I said. We steadily gained on the special, and had almost overtaken it, when we came to the short cutting which ends in the long Dead- land Tunnel. "We'll be in the tunnel first," said Tom; so I bad to slow down to avoid overshooting her, and she entered the tunnel a hundred yards ahead. That's queer," I said. What?" asked the inspector sharply. They never whistled as they went in." The tail-lights of the other special shone out in the blackness, and we steadily crept up till we were level with the saloon. All the blinds, except one, were down, and the shades were drawn over the lamps, but we were just able to distinguish the figure of a man sitting in the far corner with a* n: "1r.rl .n. "hie f a/ut Lravelllil Vd.'V IJU1.LICIU 'J"U1. U.lD .L'Uf' The inspector gave a grunt of satisfaction. We shall soon settle our doubts now," he sail(1. Hardly had he spoken when Tom startled us with a cry of: Harry, look!" I followed the direction of his hand, and saw Q, sight that made me shiver. We were now up to the other engine, and it seemed as if one could almost have stepped on to her, so short was the distance between us TheiT fire-door was partly open, and the furnaoe threw a red glow on the figures of two men on the foot-plate, and lit up the dripping wall beyond. -■ The driver was hanging limply over tne. reversing wheel, like some huge saw-dust doll, and, though the fireman was leaning against the tender in an attitude that might imply laziness, his eyes appeared to be closed, and soon a lurch of the engine caused him to slide down on to the floor in a horribly stiff w-a5. Presently the inspector gripped my arm, and, as if in answer to my unspoken ques- tion, said hoarsely in my ear the word: "Drugged!" In the tooi-boix was, a short piece of lignt rope, which I had out in a moment, and ma-de a large uoo»e at one end. "What's the game, mate?" asked Tom. "I'm going to chuck this noose over the dome of that. engine and climb across to it by I the ropo—see?" I took a turn of the rope round the hand- rail outside our cab and gave the inspector the end to hold. "Keep it taut wheal I'm on it," I said, "but pay it out sharp if either engine gets ahead." Without more thought I swung myself off he tender and started across, hand over hand, as quickly as I could. I made a big effort, and landed myself panting on the running-plate. I I quickly slipped the nooee off the dome and climbed round to the foot-plate, nearly falling over the fireman, who was now lying flat on his back. I shut off steam and applied the vaouum brake, bringing the train to a stand at the home signal, the signalman looking out in astonishment from his window. Tom stopped "960" alongside, and the inspector got off her and climbed up to me, while Tom kept an eye on the saloon. We hastily loosened the two men's clothes and put them in more comfortable positions. "They're coming to," said the inspector "I must tackle that mystery in the saloon." All the blinds but one being down, the saloon was nearly dark, so all tha-t could be &een of the man at the far end was that I-e was wrapped in a light overcoat, little of his face showing under his cap. "Mr. Holtzgang!" said the inspector loudly. There was no answer.

S (Copyright in U.S. America by Charles Garvice, 1909. I Jft All Bights Reserved). 1 "A GIRL FROM THE SOUTH JJ I CHARLES GARVICE, || <| Aottoor of "Just a Girl," Nance," "The GoW in the Gutter," fax § CHAPTER Xni. THE MARQUIS IS GREATLY PLEASED. As she saw who it was, Dolores shrank back slightly and pressed her hand to her bosom, as she had done when she had sera the Mar- quis at the theatre.. The gesture, the expres- sion, were almost imperceptible, but his quick eye noticed them, and he said in his soft voiee, apologetio, almost caressing: I fear I startled you. I did not know any- one was here; pray forgive me. How charm- ingly you have arranged the Hewers." "I am glad you like them," said Dolores simply and quite calmly. "Everyone would admire them," he said; "and I only pay a genuine tribute to your exquisite taste." "You are quite satisfied?" said Dolores, regarding the vases thoughtfully. He looked at her swiftly, then he said hesi- tatingly, deferentia-lly: You are not quite?" he said. "I wonder whether I can guess why. Ah, yes; you do not like the crimson roses amongst the white? Is that not so?" She shot a glance at him and smiled. "I think they would be better away," she said; "but most people prefer the touch of colour." "Most people have little taste," he said. witth a shrug of the shoulder; "but it is evi- dent that you-ana I-are exceptions to the rule. Shall we take one of the roses away and see how the vase looks without it? I would offer to help you, but I fear to touch them with my clumpsy fingers. Ah, that is better, is it not? You would have been quite right to follow your own taste. The arrange- ment is now perfect. I wonder whether my guests will appreciate it? Some, perhaps, but not all of them, for English people are not generally blessed with a sense of the ha,r- mony of colours—or anything else. I can say that without offence to you, because, if I am not mistaken, you do not belong to the great, the all-conquering nation. Your accent and your face betray you. Surely, you are Spanish?" he added, his eyes dwelling on her with smiling interroga.tion. Partly," she said. Ah t" he said, as if congratulating him- self. "Then we are countrymen. I, too, am Spanish; my name is Ferdinand Mansamarez. May I ask yours, Senorita?" He put the question with an air of the most profound respect and deference, even inclined his head slikntly, as if apologising for what might seem an impertinence. My name is Luzia, my lord," said Dolores quietly and with perfect self-possession, as she took up her gloves from a side table. "You are going?" he said, with just a faint not- of regret in his rich voice. "Will you let me say that I am sorry your task is done? I should like to have watched you ,longer. Iiet me see, you come from ? Will yon tell me the name of the florist? I ehouid like to tell your principal how more than delighted I am with the skill and the t-to which you have been so good as to dis- play on my behalf?" Dolores gave him Guzman's name, and he went towards the writing-table. He wrote a TtOtO rapidly, and brought it to her with the envelope unfastened. "YOU have forgotten to seal it, my lord," she said ae she took it. He raised hie eyebrows slightly and smiled. One does not seal a letter conveyed by the favour of a lady," he said. Of course, Dolores was pleased by this deli- catoo indication of his respect, his suggestion of equality, and she smiled and coloured faintly. He preceded her to the door, and, opening it for her, stood with bowed head. Good-bye, Senorita," he said. The Marquis wae not guilty of the gaucfaerie and ill-breeding of following to the landing a.nd watching her down the stairs, but he stood as if lost in thought, his fine brows drawn together as if he were puzzled by something. It seemed to him that he had seen her before, that he ought to remember her; and after a while he did recall the beautiful girl whose fan he had picked up in the vestibule of the theatre; but Dolores's face had been partly concealed by her laoe wrap, and he shook his head and shrugged his shoulders, for it was impossible that they could be one and the same girl; that a girl from a florist's should have been amongst the owupaots of the stalls or the boxes at a theatre. Dolores reached home tic) find Florella all of a. quiver with excitement and curiosity; and Doloree, as she took off her outdoor things, Carve an account of her experiences, or, rather, part of them; for, obeying an im- pulse, which she oould not explain to herself, she refrained from mentioning the name of the gentleman of the house who had been good enough to express his approval of her work; perhaps one of her reasons for con- cealing it was the faot that her mention of the Marquis's name would have re-called hitter memories of Oantala to poor Florella. 8be laid the note on the table; b-itt, when Florella unthinkingly began to draw it from the unfastened envelope, Dolores stayed her. We won't read it, dear," she said, 4' because it is not meant for us, though it le unsealed." Of oourse," assented Florella at once. Dolores, your fortune is made, I know it, feel it! But I am not surprised; oh, no; I knew you would succeed." Dolores took the note to Guzman, who read it, worked his eyebrows up and down, and pushed out his thick lips; then he regarded her keenly, and inquired "Have you read this note, Senorita? -V<>? A daughter of Eve and not curious? For a reward, then, I will tell you its purport. My patron is greatly pleased with the way in which you did your work, so pleased that he has ordered me to supply decorations for his table three nights in the week." He did not add that the Marquis had given tile order conditionally, and that the condi- tion was that the same young lady should be 4ent to arrange the flowers. CHAPTER XIV. THE DANQES OF SPAIN. On her next visit to the house in Oadogan Square Dolores did not see the Marquis; but be was at home, and saw her from an open doorway; he was too worldly-wise, too much an adept in the art of snaring women, to alarm her by too rapid an advance, but the next time she came he sauntered into the room and greeted her with a bow and a little air of surprise. Is this your day, Senorita?" he said with a pleasant smile. "I am glad I am at home. May I remain and watch you arrange the flowers? I won't presume to offer any advice, muoh less assistance; indeed, none is needed. I am glad of the opportunity of telling you bow much your decorations have been admired; everyone of my guests noticed and praised them. Now, where did you acquire your exquisite taste; was it in our Spain or here in England?" In England," replied Dolores, "in London, all the best nowers. the best of every- thing, comes to London." "That is quite true," he assented, glancing at her significantly, but Dolores was all un- conscious of the compliment. "You like Lon- don?" he asked, seating himself across a chair and leaning his arm on the back in a .free and easy, but quite respectful, manner. Oil, yes," she said. It is a very grand jrtaoe; It is also ugly, some of it." I hope you have seen the best of it," he said. "Sometimes one misses it; one wants a said. "Sometimes one misses it; one wants a guide, a cicerone. I wish you were a man, Senorita." Dolores smiled, and raised her eyebrows Interrogatively. I could offer to show you some of .-the things worth seeing," he said, softly and suggestively. Dolores smiled again. It is somewhat un- fortunate that I am not," she said; "but I k u all the same, my lord." He aid not show his disappointment at his failure, but laughed. You owe me no thanks. It would give me rre" Pleasure to act as your giude--it you j young man. But, perhaps, you have f, g'uide, a companion, one who dis- Thf im dnty better than I could do?" jJ^tdnenoe of the question was Whfch 1+ pleasant, respectful way in Una Imt- Ik>kwes turned aside; her ^etS e^and h*r dark brows came •w in Marquis had touch a sore and recalled Bioughton to bermemory; and when she turned again her l was grave, her eyes sad. I have no one." she said to him. {taction. otttle breath of relief, of satis- j -D(> YOU like the aIrr-"Ment of this oentre we, my lord? she asked in a xnafcter-of-faat "It is beautiful, it is perfect!" he said

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enthusiastically. Do you arrange the flowers at many houses?" Not at many as yet," she answered. Yours was the first house at which I have done it, my lord. It was my trial; but I am going to another house to-morrow." I wonder which that Is," he said. I wonder if it is one of my friends." I do not know," she said. How strange it would be if it should be at some place at which I am dining. Do you know, I think I should recognise your taste and skill." "That is not very likely, my lord," said Dolores, with a smile. His presence, the conversation, amused her. It was a singular coincidence that the Mar- quis of Mansanarez should be sitting there and talking to her, and yet not know her, not know that she had been brought up almost under the shadow of his castle. There was a touch of romance in it which appealed to her, as it would have appealed tc any girl. But amusement was the only feeling which she entertained; she was neither shy nor nervous in his presence, and she had ceased to shrink from him as she had shrunk at the theatre and at first visit. She had for- goten the tradition of the evil eye of the Mansanarez. Will you tell me the name cf that flower?" he asked presently. "Will you per- mit me to smoke a cigarette?" He took out his gold case and held it out to her with grave courtesy. Dolores's hand went out to it mechanically; but she drew the hand back, and shook her head slightly. No, thank you, my lord," she said. "You do not smoke-you, a Spaniard!" I am not altogether she checked her- self. Ladies do not smoke in England; it is not the general custom," she said quietly. No, I do not know the name of the flower. I am ashamed to say that I do not know the names of half the flowers I arrange." "Ah, let me see!" he said. "I think we can find out." He went to a book-case, and, humming lightly, found a magnificently-bound volume, and brought it to the table close beside her. I think we shall find it here. Is not that it. Senorita?" he asked. Dolores, leaning one hand on the table, bent over the coloured plate. Their heads were very close together, and the Marquis drew his breath sharply and looked up at her with a swift glance; but Dolores was too intent upon the plate to notice the catch in his breath, the a.rdour in his eyes." Yes, that is it," she said. "But I cannot pronounce the name." "It is Latin." he said in a curious voice, as if he found some difficulty in speaking. You sha-N take the book away with you, if you please, Senorita, and study it at your leisure." Dolores smiled at him gratefully; but, after a slight pause, she said gravely: "Thank you, my lord; but I will not take ,the book." "But why not?" he asked. "It is heavy, too heavy for you to carry. I will send it to you. Will you please tell me ynur address?" "It is not neoersary," said Dolores quite calmly. "I do not want the book." He was too astute to attempt to force the book upon her, and with a little shrug and a smile he re-placed it in the case. It is there, fvenorita, with its other volumes, if you should oare to look at them at any time. Please consider them entirely at your servioo, at your disposal." Dolores acknowledged his off-or by a slight I inokination of the hearl, and began to put on her gloves. The button -of the right one proved refractory, and be came up to her. Permit me, Senoa-rta," he. said deferen- tially, more deferential ly than the courtesy nded. Dolores held out her hand, as any other lady would have done, and he buttoned the glove, taking some time over it, and glancing up at her face, when he had accomplished the task. But if be expected to And some indication of embarrassment, of shyness, of coquetry in her faoe, he was disappointed, for it was absolutely oalm and composed; and the dark eyes wore fixed upon her glove as if she were .}ust patdently waiting for it to be buttoned, as she would have waited if a shopman had been performing the task; in fact, Dolores regarded the Marquis's little act of courtesy as a matter of course, and she withdrew with perfect calmness and self- possession. But she left the Marquis st.rangely agitated. He was conscious that the girl was making a deeper impression on him than he had expected or desired. He knew that her quiet dignity, her self-composure, her in- difference to his insidious compliments were not affected, but absolutely genuine. The girl is a lady," he murmured to him- self, as he stared at the flowers half pen- sively, half resentfully. She keeps one at arm's length without any effort; she carries herself like a young queen; there is some- '¡ thing imperious, compelling, in her absolute innocence, unself-consciousness. She has hands like those of a lady, her voice—by all the saints, am I falling in love with her, really in love? Ah, but that is nonsense, that is absurd. A little flower girl! And yet I would give something to see her in evening dress—bah, I have already said that to myseii a score oi timesijut wnat a sensa- tion she would create anywhere; anywhere, in London, Paris, Madrid. They would rave about her—she would have the world at her feet' And she is so unconscious of her beauty so free from vanity, coquetry—not a glance,'not a smile of invitation, of accepta- tion. So oalm, so cold; a,nd yet I know the coldness is only on the surface, that a fire smoulders in her heart, which needs only the breath of love to fan it to a flame. Now, if a man were loved by that girl--at, well, he might let everything else in the world slide by unheeded. I He moved impatiently, and the colour rose to his face, his dark eyes glowed. ♦ » # • The following day Dolores was sent to decorate the taMe of the famous Lady Blan- tyre. Florella, who occasionally read the newspapers, had told Dolores before sha started something about her ladyship, and Dolores wa-s hoping that she might catch a glimpse of the Countess, who was not only one of the leaders of society, but a prominent Socialist, a Theosophist, a Suffragette, and other interesting things to numerous to men- tion. The occasion which called for Dolores s services was a big dinner to be given to repre- sentatives of the well-nigh innumerable societies and bodies to which Lady Blantyre belonged, and Dolores found the great house in Grosvenor-place in the throes of the last preparations for the function; for Ija'(ly Blantyre's nervous and excitable tempera- ment naturally affected her establishment. and servants were hurrying to and f:ro ■a:aa making a great deal of fuss; so much so tnat Dolores found some difficulty in attracting ,the attention of any of them. But a harassed-looking young man, one of her ladyship's secretaries, caught sight of the amazed, but rather amused, girl, and con- ducted her to the magnificent dining-room, where the table was being laid by a flurried butler and four still more flurried footmen. Dolores sat down and waited until they had finished. Then she opened her box and set to work, intending to finish and get out or the confusion as quickly as possible. After a while the servants left her alone, and, as usual, she was absorbed in her work when the door was flung open and a very diminu- tive lady oame in and looked round with an anxious but smiling countenance. She caught sight of Dolores, and gave a quick nod. Oh, here you are, my dear!" she said. I [■was wondering whether you would come. What lorv-ely flowers! And you are arrang- ing them very prettily. Jolly work! I've often wished I was a flower girl. They are much nicer to handle than human beings, and they stay where you put them. Have I seen you before?" "I think not," said Dolores. "No; I have not been here before. "Of course you haven't, or I should have remembered you; you're so pretty." Dolores laughed; the compliment was too candid to be blushed for. You're not English, are you?" inquired Lady Blantyre, as she took up some of the flowers, smelt them quickly, and as quickly dropped them again. "Italian? No; I see- Spanish. How interesting! Do you happen to know any of the Revolutionary Party in Spain?" Before Dolores could reply the worried- looking secretary entered. Oh, here yon are, Mr. Johnson," said the lady, swinging round upon him. You want Oh, here yon are, Mr. Johnson," said the lady, swinging round upon him. You want me?' We must talk here; there isn't another ) quiet spot in the whole house—you won't mind, my dear? We sha n't disturb your "Of a certainty not in the very least," Dolores responded. How prettily you said that. Well. Mr. Johnson, what is it?" She plumped rather than sat down on a chair, and clasped her hands, as if forcing herself to be still. The secretary took some letters from his pocket and began to read one. •' Oh, for goodness' sake, don t read them all; just tell me what they mean; and not all of them, please; only the most important. You're worrying about something, I can see." It is a letter I have just received from Lady Marsden," paid the secretary. "I am sorry to say, Lady Blantyre, that the young dancer Lady Marsden promised us for the 26th is ill-influenza-and that it will not be poesible for her to come." Lady Blantyre threw out her hoods with &. .gestaira of deepasix. "Bwt what am I to do!" she cried. "How stupid this influenza is; it always takes people just when you want them. What on earth shall we do? We've been depending on this girl for the principal item in the pro- gramme, and I've been talking a;bout her to everybody. It will be such a disappointment. Really, it is very inconside-ra-toe of her. But, of course, I don't mean that; the poor child couldn't help it. What do you propose, Mr. Johnson ?" I really don't know, Lady Blantyre." My dear fellow, you never do!" remarked her ladyship sharply; but her laugh took the sting from her words. "You ooukln't take her plaoe, I suppose?" Scarcely," said the poor secretary, colour- ing. I might find a substitute, if time per- mitted; but I am afraid—it is possible that at one of the theatres Lady Blantyre gave a little shriek. Oh, no, no, that wouldn't do at all! I don't want anyone professional, or, of course, I could get a whole corps de ballet; nothing easier; but I don't want anything from the theatre. This girl who was coming to us is a lady- you understand, Mr. Johnson?" Yes, I do; but he responded rather feebly. Lady Blantyre sprang up, very nearly up- setting the chair, and set her hat straight, as if she were about to start off somewhere at once. I must do something," she declared. I wonder who could help me, whether anyone knows of a girl? Do you, my dear?" she demanded of Dolores. "I want a. young lady to give a skirt dance—any kind of fancy dance—for a fete I am giving on behalf of 'I the funds of Washerwomen's Orphans." Dolores had some difficulty in suppressing a smile. I'm afraid not, my lady." a smile. I'm afraid not, my lady." Dear me, how annoying!" exclaimed her ladyship. "How pretty you've made the table look Thanks so very muoh." She turned away, but paused to absently watch Dolores as she re-placed the superfluous flowers in the box; and, with a suddenness which almost made Dolores start, her ladyship shot out the inquiry: Do you dance? But, of course, you do! I can see that by the way you move." Dolores shrugged her shoulders slightly. "I used to dance," she said quietly, at the weddings and the festas." "Of co"rse!" exclaimed her ladyshin. "Yon are Spanish; and they all dance. Will you dance for me on the 26th, my dear?" "No, my lady," replied Dolores, even more quietly than before. "You wont? ISow, why won't you? I'm sure you can. and that you would be a very great success; at any rate, I'll take the chance. Now. why won't you?" "I do net think T should be good enough, my lady." said Dolores, prudently ignoring the question. Oh, I am quite sure you would," said Lady Blantyre, with amazing optimism, "and they wouldn't know if you were not; but I am sure there is no question of your not being able to dance." She was silent for a moment, and glanced once or twice at Dolores consideringly; then she continued: "I wish you'd try; you cant try now, I suppose? Of course not, but will yon come to me this evening; I shall be home for a meeting then ? > Then she began to dance. We can see how yon get on. Don't refuse me, there's a dear girl; no one refuses me anything,. a.nd I've set my heart upon this dance and made no end of fuss about it." II Dolores still hesitated, but after a moment or two she said: Very well, I will oome, aod you shall øee if I can do it, my lady." Lady Blantyre exclaimed gratefully, and. somewhat to Dolores's confusion, kissed her; her ladyship had to stand on tiptoe to do it. Still very doubtful of her capacity and her wisdom of even making the attempt to com- ply with Lady Blantyre's startling request, Dolores kept her appointment on the follow- ing evening. Lady Blantyre was late, and, rushing in, Led Dolores to the ball-room. The electric lights had been turned on, and for a moment Dolores was half startled by the splendour of the room, one of the most beau- tiful in London. Lady Blantyre called to a maid, who followed with a milliner's box. With her usual energy and promptness, Lady Blantyre had obtained a Spanish costume, mantilla and all complete, and she turned out the contents of the box, talking rapidly 13..6 she did so. I measured you with my eye, my dear," she said, a.nd I hope the things will fit you. They've sent two or three pairs of shoes; try them on. My! what a small foot you have? There's a tambourine. That's quite right, isn't it?—and the mantilla. Run and fetch me that big tortotiseshell comb, Marie—quick! I'll help dress the young lady while you're gone. Oh, I don't know your name; please tell me." "Luzi,a," said Dolores hesitatingly, "but-" You don't want it to appear on the pro- gramme, I see. We'll just call you "The Senorita.' How do you spell it?" She whipped out a pencil and wrote the word on the tablet that hung at her chate- laine then helped Dolores to put on the cos- tume. "You look superb!" she exclaimed, draw- ing back and scanning Dolores admiringly. Now, I'll play you something. I've got some Spanish dance music. Of course, you'll have a proper orchestra on the night." She ran to the piano and began to play. Dolores listened for a moment until she got the time, then she began to danoe, a little uncertainly at first., but presently she swung into the dance, one of her childhood's days, and was so engrossed in it that she stopped with a start as the music suddenly ceased, and, looking round, saw Lady Blantyre gaz- ing at her with open eyes of surprise, satis- faction, delight. My dear girl!" she exclaimed. Why- why, it's splendid, perfect, magnificent! It's the most bewitching thing I ever saw! I can scarcely believe that you are Dot a pro- fessional." Dolores laughed softly. Her face was flushed, her eyes sparkling. I do not dance very well," she said. I mean that I was not a particularly good dancer; some of the other girls were muoh better." (<I don't believe it," retorted her ladyship; "it's your modesty, my dear. I have never seen anything more beautiful, and I assure you that you will create a perfect furore on the night. Do dance something else! Oome here and tell me what to pluy." Dolores turned over the music and found a fandango. Lady Blantyre played it, and, when the dance was finished, sprang up from the piano with a cry of delight and triumph. Oh, I am the luckiest person in the world to have discovered you!" she cried. All London will be talking about this danoo of yours. And even if you didn't do it so per- fectly, you look so beautiful that everybody will be charmed. Oh, I am so grateful to you! If there is anything I can do for you- She would like to have sat down there and then and written a cheque; -but she was too astute not to know that the girl would resent a.n offer of money. They selected three dances. "There will sure to be a double encore," declared Lady Blantyre; and Dolores, after refusing her ladyship's pressing offer of some refreshment, took her departure. She went to Cadogan Square next day, and the Marquis came into the room as usual. Dolores happened to be rather late, and, to his chagrin, was so engaged in her work that she appeared to have no time to talk with him, and only answered his questions in monosyllables and rather absently. Her absolute unconsciousness of i-is attentions, ner auwrpiwn in ner tasK, 01 course only served to heighten his interest in her. He had scarcely been able to put her out of his mind since their last meeting; he had looked forward to seeing her again, to talking to her, to hearing the deep, musical voice, and now she had scarcely a word for him. He hoveTed about her, somewhat impeding her movements; he kept as near to her as pos- sible, handing the flowers, filling the vaees with water, eager to do anything that would enable him to keep at her side, to touch her i hand, as if by accident. "You are going," he said, with open regret, almost with an air of injury. You have been here a very short time. Suppose, now, I were to say that I did not like the arrange- ment of the flowers, what would you do?" Alter them, my lord, to your pleasure," replied Dolores; "but I hope you will not ask me to do No, for I bame to go to another plaoev to decorate a roam for » .bafl, a>ad X, have not much time. Besides, just now you said that you liked the decorations." "Did I?" he said. "Ah, yes, I did. I am a little oonfused-you have been in such a hurry, Senorita. I wanted to tell you, to show you something." His hand slid into his pocket and he kept it there while he went on, "I am very grateful to you for the way in which—for the exquisite skill and taste whioh you have exercised on my behalf. As you know, Senorita, it is customary in our country to express one's gratitude on such occasions by the offer of a little gift, a trifling tribute-" He drew a small morocco oase from his pocket, and, opening it, displayed to Dolores's astonished eyes a very beautiful and costly diamond bracelet. Her eyes rested upon it for a moment, then she looked up at him gravely and shook her head. I thank you, my lord," she said, "but I could not accept it." You refuse? Ah, no, you' will not be so unkind as to wound me by refusing, Senorita." I could not take it," said Dolores quietly. "Ah, pray!" he urged softly, imploringly. Let us see how it looks on your wrist." Dolores did not whip her hand behind her, but continued putting on her gloves with per- fact self-possession; and he stood, with the brctoelet in his hand, regarding her with a troubled and almost penitent expression. It is sufficient for me to know that you are pleased, my lord," she said quite simply. I do not wish any present. If you were again to offer me one, I should not be able to oome He dropped the bracelet in his pocket, stretched out his hand, and bowed his head. "Forgive me!" he said. "I know that you are right. It was foolish of me to think that you would take it—and yet, I had so hoped that you would let me rrive you some such little trifle as a mark of my gratitude and esteem. We are of the same country-we have been friends; at least, it seems so to me —I should be sorry if I have offended you. Ah, forgive me, Senorita!" There is nothing to forgive," said Dolores. You meant to be kind to me, but Good-day, my lord." Xa,turally enough, Dolores was excited and rather nervous as she set forth for Lady Blantyre's on the night of the 26th, and yet she felt that she would not fail, for she had been practising, as far as the narrow limits of the attic-room would allow, and the memory of her childhood's dances had come back completely to, her. As Dolores entered the hall, Marie, the maid, came to her and took her up to Lady Blantyre's dressing-room. Her ladyship will come to you presently, miss," she said. Presently her ladyship, in full war-paint and all ablaze with diamonds, came running 'in. "Oh, my dear!" she exclaimed. "Such a mob! How surprised, how delighted they will be with you. You look beautiful! Oh, what a success you will be! 1 mustn't stay, I must go back, or they will miss me. Marie will bring you down at the proper time. I do not want them to see you until the last moment." She ran a.way, and Dolores sat down, but she could not remain still, so fell to walking up and down. As she did so, she happened to gla»nce at the box whioh held the costume; in it lay a little black velvet mask edged with lace, which she had not seen before. She sprang for it with a little cry. I will wear this," she said, and she put it on quiokly. Marie stared at her aghast. Oh, but, miss she remonstrated. "Oh, you mustn't wear that! Why, it hides your face!" Exactly, said Dolores laughingly, "that is why I wear it." But Marie bit her lip. hesitated for a moment, then blurted out, "But you don't want to hide your face, you are so pretty. Her ladyship is counting upon-" "What does it matter what I look like, whether I am pretty or ugly." said Dolores. It is the dancing; it is the dance they have come to see." At this moment the electric bell rang, and Marie cried with dismay: "There's the bell! We must go, miss! Oh, pray, pray, take it off! "So, no! Let us go," said Dolores, still laughingly: and she went past Marie quickly. As she descended the stairs she heard the prelude of one of the Spanish dances being played by a well-known band; her heart began to beat fast, her colour came and went. Some footmen standing in the hall flung open the door, and she entered the ball- room. The bla-ze i of lights, the brillia.nt orowd, the strains 'of the music mingling with the hum and buzz of conversation and laugh- ter, gave her pause for a moment; then she bit her lip, set her teeth, and advanced to the bare and polished plaoe on the floor which had been prepared for her. Suddenly the conversation, the laughter, ceased; she felt every eye fixed on her, pierc- i,ng her. From the silence rose a little cry of astonishment, dismay; it was Lady Blan- tyre's, at sight of the mask. Dolores waited to catch up the tune, her foot gently tapping the floor. Then she began to dance. (To be continued.)

CRIPPLED WITH ECZEMA. Mrs. Mary Hemming, of Combroke, Wal" wickshire, says :Four years ago a red patch of irritating inflammation came at the back of my leg, and was the beginning of a painful illness from weeping eczema. The outbreak spread over my legs up'to my waist, and gradually appeared in isolated patches about my body. My legs were always terribly swollen and inflamed from the feet up to the knees. The skin used to crack, from which watery matter exuded. I sought medical advioe, took different medicines, and applied various ointments, salves, and lotions, but nothing did me any good. Eventually I could only move about with my knees bent and in great pain. In this state I heard of Oadum, and had it brought by a carrier's cart from town, eleven miles away. The first dressing with Cadum stopped the irritation, and in three or four days the inflammation was gone. In about a week the swelling had gone and the discharge stopped. Cadum healed the skin beautifully, and I have been free from eczema ever since." Oadum is a new medical discovery for all skin and scalp troubles. Trial box 6d., large box ls., of chemists or Omega, Lftd., London, N. w 1819—10

COURTSHIP OF WIDOWS. THE EASIEST GAME IN THE WORLD." A sixty-year-old Civil War veteran named J. J. Tremper, who was arretted at New York recently on a charge of bigamy, has made a business of marrying widows with money for the last dozen years or so. Tremper admits marrying five widows in various cities of the Eastern States, and it was through his preparations for marrying a. sixth that his crime was discovered. Tremper says that marrying widows is one of the easiest games m the world." lie had no difficulty, he declares, in finding women willing to marry him, the only trouble being to get away from the reigning wife. He says before leaying eacih of the women he married he always arranged for his succeeding wedding by mail. It wae owing to has carelessness in ccnsduat- ing a correspondence with the sixth widow tnat nis arrest came aooux. ±te iert a letter from the new candidate for marriage in the pocket of a disused coat, and wife No. 5 found it and deno-an-NA him to the police. Tremper has given the names and addresses of his various wives," and they will be subpoenaed to give evidence at the man's forthcoming trial. Tremper is not greatly disturbed at the prospect of going to prison, as he says he is "getting a little old for marriage, and life in prison may be some reJaetf from the strain of courtship

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LAUGH &GROW FAT 4 HUMOROUS PARS FROM EVERYWHERE. I saw a capital thing in your pamphlet the other day," said a cynic to his friend. "Indeed," said the delighted author; what was it?" A pound of butter." The Aeronaut (after fall from his airship, which ha.3 be-come hopelessly mixed in the branches of a tree): Well, I reckon she's a fixture there all right. But, by Jingo! nobody will ever be able to say she didn't fly. First Comedian: Did you score a hit with your new speciality? Second Comedian: Did I? Why, the audi- ence gazed in open-mouthed wonder before I ,yas half through. First Comedian: Wonderful! Very wonder- full It is seldom that an entire audience yaw ns at once. An eloquemt parson bad been preaching for am hour or so om the immortality of the soul. "I looked at the mou.iitains," he declaimed, "and could not help thinking, 'Beautiful as you are, you will be destroyed, while my soul will not.' I gazed upon the ocean and cried, 'Mighty as you are, you will eventually dry up, but not I!' Hearing a faint rustle in the dark hallway below, the elder sister, supposing the young man had gone, leaned over the balustrade and called out: "Well, Bessie, have you landed him?" There was a deep, sepulchral silence for some moments. It was broken by the hesi- tating. constrained voice of the young man: "She has." A OJernvan pedlar rapped timidly at the kitchen entrants. Mrs. Kelly, angry at being interrupted in her washing, flung open the door a.nd glowered at him. "Did you wish to see me?" she demanded, in threatening tones. The pedlar backed off a few steps. "Veil, if I did," he assured her with an apologetic grin, "I got my vish, tank you." At a christening in a mining district recently the godmother had some difikûlt) in lemoring the child's head-dress, and the minister, wishing to help her, asked the father if he could hold the child. Imml- diately the father, who was a collier, and proud_of his strength, looked up at him with disdain, and replied Haud him? Man, I could fling him richt ower the kirk!" READY AT HAND. "Daod," said the country youth who had just left the village school, I have long cherished a desire to go on the stage, and have at last decided, with your permission, to-" "My boy," interrupted the old man, "all the world's a. stage. You hitch the horses to the big red plough and transfer the outfit to the field behind the barn, where you can enaotthe star role in that beautiful drama, entitled Down on the Farm. HE THOUGHT SHE MIGHT. Polly Lobbings sat in blissful contentment on the seashore watching the restless sea. Something of its unutterable grandeur sh.rl its light upon her soul, and she said to the joung man by her side, "Oh, Bill, 'ow grand it all is, nin't it? I feel as though-as thougn I could open my mouth and take it all in." A small boy who was playing on the sand close by looked up, a startled gleam in his eye. "Bat, I say," he remarked, "you won't do it. will you? We only came down yesterday." TEARS OF DISAPPOINTMENT. Tommy had had a bitter disappointment, and in order to get over it he came out into the street and cried as heartily as a baby in the teething stage. A beroevolent old gentleman, ever on the look-out for helfping those in trouble, came aloiig and found Tommy in tears, so he stopped and made inquiries. RuAlo, my little man," he said in his kindest tone, "what are you crying for?" "F—father fell down two flights of stairs," sobbed Tommy. "Dear me-dea.r me," went cm the old gentleman; what terrible accidents do happen. Neror mind, my boy, he'll soon get. better." "It ain't that," sniffled Tommy. "My sister &aw him fall all the way and I didn't see n uffin-boo- hoo. REAL SOURCE OF PROFIT. A son of Italy was so unfortunate as to face the magistrate in a case not long ago. What do you do, Tony ?" the magistrate .asked in a KiiKiiy tone, not ooing hurried as it happened. and perhaps touched by the liquid softness of Tony's dark eyes. Meke.da music wid de fina street piano -00., very fina music!" Tony said, with a bright smile. How muoh do you make in a day?,, There was a flash of white teeth. Maka da much money fifteener, maybe twenty shalWngs." "what! Get twenty shillings for playing a gtreet piano?" the astonished magistrate demanded. No, notta for play." the music master admitted; "maybe get.ta two shiliings for play—getta rest for shut up noise an' go 'way!" TAKING NO CHANCES. A tourist resting in a farmhouse was rather airtotrished at the way one of the farm hands drank a pint of milk with a single raising of the mug. Calling for another, the man drank that just as rapidly. The tourist, somewhat amused, invited him to havé another. When the third pint had disappeared the tourist politely asked the farm hand why he drank the milk so rapidly. "Well, you see, sir," was the reply, it's to aivoid accidents. I once had a pint knocked over." The tourist thought be would have seme fun, so offered to bet the great drinker five shillings that he could not drink a quart off in just the same way. The farm hand pon- dered a minute, and then left the room, asking the tourist to wait a few minutes. When he returned he said he was prepared to take the bet, which he promptly won, the quart of milk being disposed of without difrl- culty. "You're a- marvel!" cried the tourist. "But, tell me, why did you go mt?" "Oh," said the farm hand, "I went across to Blake's farm to try if I could do it, and I could."

How Vi-Cocoa will help you to be Rich. If you were to put aside and put into the savings bank every week the money that W4 £ C0CC2 will save you, you would soon have a nice little sum to your credit. Notice that you are not being asked to practise any self-denial in doing this. The way in which Vi-Cocoa will make you better off is in saving you doctors' bills and money for medicine. It is not only the best food, but by very far the healthiest food, because it is easy to digest— being, in fact, already digested in the cup, which puts less wear and tear upon the stomach. It keeps out the cold. You do not catch colds and fevers so easily. This is well worth thinking of, for medicine and doctor's bills mount up in the course of a year. Even if you belong to a Sick Club, you most likely buy some medicine yourself pretty often. People who use Vi-Coco a-and a packet can be obtained from every grocer for sixpence—do not want medicine. It keeps them well. 1

GIRL CYCLIST KILLED. Whilst cycling down St. John's 'Hill, Seven- oaks, the other night Maria Jane Lioh- field (twelve), of Halstead, collided with a perambulator, and was thrown from the machine, breaking her neck.

Sick Headache it in m And Indigestion The Former is Very Frequently Caused by the Other. The pneumo-gastric nerve connects the ¡ stomach region directly with the brain, and when the stomach is out of order the head is I almost certain to be affected through reflex or sympathetic nervous irritation. The headache of dyspepsia and indigestion is of every variety, from the dullest and least I' defined to the most acute pain. Sometimes the whole mass of the brain seems ra-cked with anguish, at others the ache is confined to the back or front part of the head. Usually it is of a oonfused character, and is often accompanied by dimness of vision and a. mild vertigo, or so-called rush of blood to the head." The victims of this symptom oom- plain of a swimming or ligntness m the head, and dizziness, or a sensation of motion while the body is still, and specks of flashes of light before the eyes. Persons subject to indigestion and other forms of stomach trouble are very frequent sufferers from headache, and in numerous calseg a sick headache is the only noticeable symptom of indigestion present; in others there are stoma.ch manifestations as well. The majority of people regard this head- ache as a separate disease, instead of a symptom of stomach-disease, which it usually is; and they attempt to treat it separately, and make the mistake of endeavouring to obtain relief through the use of headache powders, tablets, Ac., the use of which is often extremely dangerous, as many of them oerosoin. «ooh Dowmtol depmasuEt drags sm- l acetanilide, phenaoetine, antipyrine, &o. which depress the heart, brain, and nerv centres, and lower arterial pressure; and many a person with a weak heart has become dangerously ill shortly after taking one 0J these headache remedies. They also interfere with the digestive processes. and actually make the indigestion worse than before. In order to get rid of the headache of indigestion—and most headaches are caused by stomach trouble-one should endeavour to reach and remove the cause, and the head- ache effect will soon be relieved. STUA-WRS DYSPEPSIA TABLETS do not cure the symptoms; they cure the cause of the headache, which permanently removes the symptoms. They digest every atom of food in the stomach, cure all forms of stomach'trouble, and the headache and every other disagreeable symptom and untoward effect is quickly overoome. I Don't make the mistake of trying to cure your indigestion or nervous headache through the use of headache powders, tablets, &c. I' Use common sense, good judgment, and one or two of Stuart's Dyspepsia Tablets, and you will be agreeably surprised at the I rapidity with which the headache will be relieved and cured simultaneously with the relief and cure of the stomach disturbance. Purchase a package from your chemist to-day, prioe 1/14, 2/9, or 4/6, or send us your name and address, and we will forward you a trial package free. Address, F. A. Stuart ,0a, 86. Gierke*!well-read, London, EX. wl921

The inspector pulled up two of the blinds a.nd let in more light. he gave a cry of astonishment, then stepped forward, snatched off the cap, and pulled away the overcoat from the sleeping man. Underneath was a uniform I knew well. "Guard Smith, by thunder!" I called out, and then the hoax tickled my fancy, and I went off into a roar of laughter. They have all been drugged?" I asked. "They have all been drugged." I asked. For answer the inspector took a teacup from the table and handed it to me. The cup was almost empty, but a faint. sickly smell still remained "It's a fair knock-out," I said. "How do you think it was managed?" "Simply enough," replied the inspector. "You heard the station-master say that Holtzgang had some tea sent out to him; well, he doctored it up and gave the driver and fireman a cup each just before they started, then he invited the guard into tb", saloon and filled him up with his little con- coction. It was easy enough to drop off the train, which was running very slowly on account of the axle trouble, leaving the guard as his substitute. Hullo! what have we here?" He had been feeling in the pockets of thi hght overcoat, and now produced some papers and glanced eagerly at them. The reading gave him much satisfaction. "Even a clever man may be too sharp," hf said. "When our friend Holtzgang lest hk overcoat behind he also left these papers which are worth everything to me. I ha-v4 sufficient evidence now to complete my case." But you've lost your bird," I oouldn t help saying. It was getting on for half-past five, and nearly dark before we reached the junction again. A train was standing on one side of the island" platform when we ran in ou the other. "Hulk!" said I, "that's the oross-country Continental to Harwich; she ought to have been gone half an hour ago." "We cajne in late," explained the head guard, "and just as we were starting again a piston ring broke, the driver telle me. Anyhow, though he could move his engine by itself, he couldn't stir the train. We've got aaiother engine coming on in a minu;.e. then we're off sharp. Are you going by it" sir p., This remark was addressed to the inspector, who had got out of the saloon, and was looking down the long line of lighted car- riages. Suddenly I saw him stiffen like a dog of mine always does when it smel'te game, and he rushed in the direction of the booking office. Then he came running back, followed by a station police-inspector. Tliey went straight to a first-oiase smoking carriage almost opposite us and flung open the door. MI. Holtzgang," said Inspector Stafford, in a loud voice, I must ask you to get out. There were three passengers in the cam?- partmemA, but none of them stirred. I want that gentleman," said the inspec- tor, pointing to an old man with a grey, beard sitting in the far corner. If you don't oome out. sir, I shall have to use force." On this the old fellow got out. "My name is not Holtzgang," he said, hotly. You shall pay dearly for disturbing me in this way." He was smoking a long cigar, which he kept twisting round in his mouth, and his hand seemed to shake with ru-ge. ou-adeniy a man lurched across the platform and seized the old fellow by the shoulder. It was the guard of the special very sha.ky, but quite clear again in his speech. I'd know that voice anywhere," he cried. This is the cha-p that hocussed me, though he hadn't grey hair then." With this he suddenly tugged at the old chap's beard, and it came away, leaving the faoee of a clean-shaven, middle-aged man behind it. Now, Mr. Holtzgang," said the inspector, firmly, I must ask you to accompany me to London, where these various matters can be gone into." The man said nothing, and followed the inspector Quietly to the saloon which he had occupied only a little time before. As I said good-bye to the inspector I asked him a question. Would you mind telling me how you spotted the chap?" Iiuckiily for us detectives, people are often ignorant of their own little tricks. Holtzgang is an inveterate smoker." There's nothing uncommon in that," I said. I do a good bit of smoking myself." Quite so," said the inspector, with a twinkle, but Holtzgang ha.s a weakness for cigars, and an unusual habit of twirling them round in his mouth with his thumb and first finger. This time it was a cigar end which did the trick."