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CHAPTER XVII.
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CHAPTER XVII. A Friend's Advice. One of those sudden changes had taken place In the weather to which we in England are so Accustomed. With the day the glory had de- parted. Evening was ushered in by leaden skies. Dorothy became conscious how, all at once, shadows seemed to have gathered. She had no means of telling what the time was she nad never possessed a wat< h. and in the pi ok room there was no clock. The regatta seemed over the garden had emptied; the hum of people's voices, of laughter, which had floated in to her through the open window, had ceased, bitencc reigned. To her excited fancy there was something ominous in the sudden ;ti1lncss. cue growing darkness. What was going on downstairs ? It was odd that they should have left her so long alone, with the ghosts which would press on her even in the sunshine, but which pressed still closerwith the advent of the night. Why had she seen nothing, heard nothing of Frances ? The people had gone. Was she forgotten—or what ? It was very hard in it there waiting, watching, listening. Why did not something happen? She was so un- nerved that, of her own volition, she seemed incapable of doing anything 'i When she .as a very small child, whenever there was trouble in the air. if opportunity offered, she would undress herself and get into bed. as if ed were sanctuary. She would have liked to Insinuate herself between the sheets, then, though it was scarcely night but she was -afraid and she had a feeling that, for her. the days when bed was sanctuary had gone. Why did not someone come-if it was only to tap at the door and ask how she was ? Someone did tap. The sound was so unex- pected that it started her trembling. It was such a curious tap-not at all the firm, pro- nounced tap Frances might have given but .lint, furtive, almost as if the tapper was anxious not to be heard. Indeed, in the silence which followed. Dorothy was not sure that it was a tap, until it came again, no louder, as if someone touched the panel of the door lightly with tbe tip of a single finger. Dorothy vouchsafed no invitation to enter. door lightly with the tip of a single finger. Dorothy vouchsafed no invitation to enter. She did not ask who was there. She felt sure it was not Frances, nor a. message from her lit w;'JS not the sort of tap which would be liven by a bearer of good tidings. The tap was not repeated. Instead, after an Interval, the door was opened softly, slowly, with about its movement the same furtive something which had characterised the tap- ping. a few inches then a pause a few more inches, another pause there was an appreci- able space of time before it was opened wide tnoughto permit of a person entering. Then there slipped, rather than came, into the room a young woman, a servant, of about Dorothy's »jwn age in appearance her antipodes short, squat, with a square head and face, high cheek- bones, skin the colour of old port when held up I to a strong light. Closing the door as stealth- ily as she had opened it, she tip-toed towards the centre of the room. Twisted half-round on her seat, Dorothy had sat and watched her silence. Now, as she approached, she rose from her chair. 1. What do you want ? Who are you ?" The girl answered, speaking in husky whispers, as if she feared that the wails had ;:ars "Never mind who I am. Don't ask me to tell you my name then, if anyone asks you, you can't tell them—See? You don't want to et me into trouble, do you ? Of course, you don't. She put. a. stubby red fiegsr, in which the dirt was engrained, to her lips, with an air of the utmost mystery. I am a friend, that's fc ho I am and pisced as you are that's all you want to know about me and a friend I've.come to give you a word of advice, which is^-bolt "I don't k-iow what you mean Why—why flave vou come to me like this ? Who has sent you ?■" •• No one has sent me-not much Only they've found out all about you in the Kitelien and West, she's the parlourmaid, she's after that hundred pounds. Which hundred pounds ? What—what do you iiic-an Mean to say youdon'tknow they've offered a hundred pounds for you ?" Who has offered a hundred pounds ?" Why, over at Newcaster. I suppose it's police. It generally is the polic what Affears rewards, isn't it ? Mean to say you didn't 'row tbere was a.reward out for you Dorothy shrank back. A sound cams irom inrrlrps whirh niigm have been X< Why. it's in all the papers I cx ect there's thousands looking out ter it by now. That's what West says someone sure to get it. so it might as w,At be her. So she went to put her hat r>n meaning to start off to them police; and if she didji t leave the key outside her •room so I gave it a turn, and here it is." She produced a door key foni a pocket in her skirt. And there she is, locked in. Won't she be in a tear when she^inds out" The girl grinned, as if en oying the mental picture she had called up of the parlourmaid's rage, when she dis- covered she was prisoned. They won't be so eager to let her out, neither there's none of them loves her. So, if you're sharp you ought to get clear off before she's even .started after I' that re ward." Dorothy made no attempt to deny the ter- rible imputation which the speaker's words conveyed. The thing wa'" so continually pre- sent to her own mini that the idea did not occur to her of even pretending not to under- stand. The question she put tacitly admitted the truth of the whole tale of horror at which the other only remotely hinted. Do—do the others know 1" You mean the family ? I should think by now they do I know Mr Parker started off to tell 'em." ''Perhaps—perhaps that s—why no one's been near me." I daresay. I shouldn't be surprised if I was the only friend you'd got in the house— truly The truth is, though, mind you, there's no one in the place so much as guesses at it— the truth is, I have had trouble in my own famiiv, so that gives me a sort of fellow-feeling. I know from bitter experience what then police are no one shan't get into trouble if I can help it. I don't care who it is so. if you take mv aUvice. off you go as far as ever you can because it's no use waiting till them police come before you start-not much it's not." Why—wliy should I go ?" INI, y ?-well !-if you don't know, I don't. —Why?" •• Mrs Vernon, herself may have sent for the police." Of course she may. I expect a hundred pounis is a hundred pounds to her as well as to anybody el^e." Then, if you think so, why shouldn't I let them come an find me here ? I'm tired of- of running away-of hiding "Don't be so silly. It makes me feel as if I'd\got the rope round my own neck to hear voil talk. Y ou don't know what hanging is—I do My—a relative of mine was hanged,he was and my mother, she told me, often and often, that the laot three months she was carrying me she used to wake every night feeling that the rope was round her neck, and she used to have to get it off quick for fear it choked her. It happened just before I came—see ? And before I was born she used to wonder if I should feel it because she did-and I have ever since I was a sm/ll kid I have and I shall again to-night, I lay I shall I shaH be as nearly hanged to-night as I can be without being quite. And that's why I say to you, don't be silly—you don't know what it feels like to he hangeù." The speaker paused she would have laid her hand on the other's arm, only Dorothy shrank back, shivering. She noted the action commenting on it in a fashion of her own. "You needn't be afraid of me, miss, you needn't really. There's no harm about me, not a morsel. 1 couldn't help what happened, it was before my time, and I can't help feeling like that.—can i v" She waited, as if for an answer when none came she went on: ''What I was going to say is, I'm told that Miss- Frances is a friend ot yours." We—we were at school together." Were you now ? Well, you don't think that by waiting for the police to take you here you'll be doing her a good turn, or her mother, •> nrher fatthor, nor yet none of them. You lid a bad enough turn by coming here at ail you don't want to make it worse, as you would do if the police was to take you in this house. It'.ll be all about it in the papers, how you was .staying here, and how they was friends of y9USS, and no cud and gentlefolks don't like to have it known that they're friends of sucli •em you it gives the place a bad name I shouldn't be surprised if nobody never came near it again see Dorothy did see. The idea had been in her head from the first the speaker expressed it in a form which added to its force. right: that's what I've felt aU along I'll go at once." She moved towards the door ;1.<; if with the intention of putting her words into instant execution. The girl caught her by the arm this time before Dorothy had a chance to pre- vent her- Where are vou going ? What do you think you're do; ng I am going to leave the house. Please— please let go or my arm." The girl only tightened her grip, until the pressure hurt. What. down the stair-sand through the front door is that flu- way vou'i e going '? Whv Vou might as well stay where you are as d:, that. "Which other way can I go? Please— please release my arm you're hurting The girl paid no heed to her request." Wh7, if you was to go down the stairs someone would be sure to see you and as Jik"!v as r.ot they'd stop you it isn't many as would throw away a hundred pounds like I'm a-doing. Ard if they was to let you go out of the house it would be almost the same; if them nolice was to ask them if they'd seen you they'd be hound to say they had 'cause why ? They might get into trouble themselves if they was to say they hadn't it's not easy to deal with them police in a job like this you don't know the risk I'm running in acting as your friend. What you want is not to do the family a worse turn than you've done 'cm already so what you've got to do is to get off the place without their knowing anything about it, nor anyone else neither because of course I don't count. Very wet!, then the stairs is no good for that nor yrt (.be front door: the only way's the win- •low." Dorothy thought of the window in that private sitting-room in The Boiton Arms," she shut her eyes and shivered. The girl mistook th" cause of the other's evident disturbance. Don't you be.afraid there's no call for you to go shivering whv I felt you right up my arm. It's no distance from this window to the ground why it's nothing of a drop to say nothing of there h"jug a flower bed. what's pretty hearly as soft as a feather-bed for you to drop upon. If you haven't noticed, come here and I'll show you." She made as if she proposed to drag Dorothy to the window, nolens volens for she still retained her grasp on her arm. But Dorothy stood fast. IA-ill you please to take your hand away ? I don't like you to hold me. I've already told you that you hurt." The girl looked at er a moment, then withdrew her hand. Dorothy held out her arm. Look at the marks you have made." Although in the room it was nearly dark there was light enough to enable them to see the imprints of the other's fingers on Dorothy's white arm. "Sorry, miss, I'm sure. Yon must mark easy." You are stronger than you think." I am strong I know I'm stronger than some still, I never should have thought that I was hurting you. I was only going to show you that the window's no distancee from the ground." I'm not afraid of dropping from the win- I dow I am not such a coward as that. Only wiiat am I to do, and where am I to go, when I am down ?" That's what I'm a-going to tell you. You see if you was to bend down and keep as close to^the hedge as you can, as likely as not you'll get to the water without anyone seeing you though of course that frock you've got on doco show up." I can change it I'd rather." Xo, there ain't no time for you to do that you've wasted too much time already you do as I tell you. and you won't be seen, not in this light, specially as I expect they're all on the look-out for the, police on the other side of the home. When you come to the river bend down again, and go along the bank till you come to where lire boat's tied up to t.he steps. You get into the boat and row yourself across What do you want ? Who are you asked Dorothy. to the other The other side of the river's iu another county. The police what belongs to this county, they (íJ,n't touch you in another county so if you can get there you're safe as far as they're concerned. And the family here. Miss Frances and that, you know, they can't be made out to have anything to do with you it you are took in another county ;-see ?" Dorothy did see or she thought she did :— possibly her grasp of t ;o situation was as clear as the other's exposition. Rejecting the other's offer of assistance, she climbed, unaided on to the si 1. and. without the slightest hesitation, dropped on to the bed of flowers which was immediately below. The girl above as if to assure herself that ro harm was done, waited for her to stand up straight: then as, in ac- cordance with her directions. Dorothy bent nearly doubie, began to move quickly along in the shadow of the hedge towards the river, she withdrew her hea-d and, is stealthily as she had entered, she passed from the room. CHAPTER XYlII. The Man Who Did It. It was darker Own it was wont to be ai, that, season of the year. Black, heavy clouds hung low in the heavens. The air was motion- less, hot, oppressive. One needed no keen per- ception to tell thai- a storm was brewing.. As Dorothy gained the river bank in the distance was the loud mutteringof thunder. She stopped to look about her, still keeping well in the' shadow of the hedge. Apparently her flight had been unnoticed. It struck her that, if she had liked, she might have gone long ago, and been far away ere this, without anyone being one penny the w ser and so have lessened the chanc of the family being associated with her illfam As she looked back it seemed to her 1 hat the house was badly lighted. There was light in one room on the ground floor with that. exception the whole house was in darkness. Sureiv it was not the "Vernon custom to keep the whole house unlighted when the night came on. There were lights in the win- dows of houses on the other side of the st earn. and there were lights on the river. Tinted lights picked out the outines of house-boats, making them orgies of colour. Dorothy, who had never-seen anything of the sort before, stared at them in amaze, wondering what they were. Small craft, moving here and there, carried Chinese lanterns slun, on cords, which swayed mysteriously in the silent air. In the distance were manv lights. The regatta was to be followed by what dwellers by the river called a Venetan Fete, there was to be a pro- cession of illuminated boats, which WAS alread v forming afar off. If thev wished to keep their procession dry, they would be wise to start it soon. By dp:1;ree: :1, her eyes grew accustomed to the gloom. Dorothy became aware that the river seemed to be alive with boats of all sorts and kind". She had expected to find it deserted she was surprised to find that it seemed to be more crowded even than it had been in the day- time. Remembering the servants' recommen- dation to stoop, so that her figure might not I be too clearly visible against the sky-line she made the best of her way to the steps, up which Frances had hurried out of the boat, when she first 571 w her on the lq wn. For one to whom the place was not familiar, in that lisrht they were not easy to find. She stumbled on them more by chance than anything e'se. She began, cautiouslv. to descend them. She could not make out how many there were and hed gone down si*, when fe.piing for the seventh, she touched the surface of the water with the sole of her shoe. Starting back just in time to save herself from stepping into the I stream, she sat down, unintentionally, and with more force than was quite pleasant, on one of the steps at her back. The unexpected, nearness of the water startled her she did not know what she had escaped. Had she com- pleted that step she might have gone head fore- mos' into the river. She tried to make out where the boat was of which the servant girl had spoken and presently could see it dimly. It seemed to be a long way ofl'. how was she to get at it ?1 Wholly unacquainted with riverain methods it did not occur to her to look for the cord by which it was tied, and so draw it to- wards li-r. Which was perhaps well for, though she had never been m a small boat in her- Jire, how she was going to navigite one in the darkness, all was a problem she did not sta-v to contemplate. As "n" sat still on 'lie of which she had so unwillingly made a. seal, dubious, fearful, th'* whole dark world wai lit up y a vivid flash of lightning: and in what seemed to her to be it* sudden *mcarthiv jr'ow, fhe saw, right, in front o? her tbe face of the man who had killed George Eminclt saw it for one a ".found- ing moment, whh more than normal plaium-ss. Tlrn, ns suddenly as it e.arno. it went, blotted out by the returning darkness. Whether she had seen a vision, or been the victim n[n.n optical delusion, she had not a notion. For a moment or two all "s still. Ihen a voice came to her throif* the blackness. 1 "Can you tell v whereabouts 1 shall find Mr Vernon s hous.T 1 It was the of the man. As she heard it every muscle in Dorothy's body seemed to be attacked by a sorb of tetanus. Whatever doubt she might have had about the face, as to whether or not it was an optical delusion, she had none whatever about the voice. She had h^ard it too recently under circumstances of too much import not to be sure of its identity when she heard it again. In it was a tone which had not been in it when she heard it in that sitting-room at The Bolton Arms none the less was she sure that it was the same voice. She could not have answered the question if she had tried she did not try. She sat silent. rigid, waiting for the voice to come again. Presently it came. You must forgiye me if I starred you, but that flash of lightning revealed you so clearly, that I was asking myself if you could have been sent by PjOHtuJence to help me in a diffi- culty I am in. T am trying to make out which is the garden of Mr Vernon's house. The direc- tions 1 received were most explicit but, in this light, for a stranger, even the most explicit directions are hard to follow. Can you tell me if I have nearly hit it ?'' As she listened Dorothy began to realise that the speaker was in a boat which was within a foot or two of where she was sitting. The boat showed an inclination to move with the stream he backed it with a gentle movement of his scull. His face was turned towards her but she only sav; it very vaguely. He seemed to be waiting for her to reply when she con- tinued silent he spoke again. '• Do I make myse'f clear ? It is Mr Vernon's house I am looking for-the Weir House I be- lieve. it is called." With an effort she managed to speak her voice sounding strange even to herself. Why—why do you want Mr Vernon's house ? There was a sound which might have been a chuckle as if the man was tickled, either by the girl, caution or by her curiosity. Well, if vou must know, I want to pay a calL" Yuu Y,-s. me —why not? Why do you»say You wit h such an accent ?" Although she kne.v what this man had done she was not afraid of bim at all even alone with him here in the darkness she was never for an instant conscious of the least alarm. That sensation which had held her rigid had had nothing in common with fear. And, although she could hardly help being surprised -it his unexpectedly sudden neighbourhood. her surprise soon passed her dominant feeling was one of wonder as to what he could want at Mr Vernon's house. Regardless of the hint conveyed by his rejoinder, she questioned him again. Are—are you a friend of Mr Vernon's ?" illav I ask why you enqiiiie ? Unless, in- deed this is the garden of Mr Vernon's house, and you are a friend of his." A thought seemed to strike him. What an ass I am Perhaps you're Miss Vernon. In which case, Miss Ver- non, pray pa-rdon my stupidity, and let me assure you that, though I am not a friend of Mr Vernon's, nor even an acquaintance, I am given to understand that there is someone in his house whom I am rather anxious to see- and, perhaps, if you are Miss Vernon, you could help me." Who is it you wish to see ?" She had neither admitted nor denied that she was the person he had suggested but he seemed to have taken it for granted that her avoidance of the point was tantamount to an admission. The person I wish to see is a lady, a young one, Miss Gilbert—Miss Dorothy Gilbert." The listener's heart stood still she was over- whelmed by that curious feeling of vertigo to which she seemed to have grown subject of late. Probably the man in the boat misinter- preted her silence he went on to explain him- self further. I have just been informed, Miss Vernon, that Miss Dorothy Gilbert is a friend of yours, and that at present she is a guest of yours. I hope my information is correct." The on (he t-eps found her voice again at any rate, in part. Do—do you know Miss Gilbert ?" It may sound odd, considering, but I don't, any more than I know Miss Vernon. But I hope to find an open Sesame to her acquain- tance in the fact that I did know her father, intimately to all intents and purposes he and I were life-long friends." My father. You knew my father ?" The girl on the steps stood up. The full strength of her voice had all at once come back. She spoke in tones which might have been audible on the other side of the river. The man in the boat seemed to be as startled by her words, and by her instant change of man- ner. as she had been by the discovery of his identity. There was a sudden spiashing, as if. in his surprise, he had let the blades of his oars drop into the water then an exclamation, as he woke to the fact that the boat had drifted from its original place. Presently he brought it back. Your father ?—did you say your father ? Then, in that case, I suppose you are Dorothy Gilbert—Harry Gilbert's daughter ?" I am." Are you sure ? Why did you give me t understand that you were Miss Vernon ?" I wanted to find out who it was you wanted to see it was you who said I was Miss Ver- non. I didn't. Did you say you knew my father ?" Rather. No man knew him better. Then, if you are Dorothy Gilbert, perhaps it's just as well that I've come upon you in this queer fashion. If you don't mind I'll step ashore. I suposse this is Mr Vernon's garden ?" She told him that it, was. I can't quite make out what kind of landing this is, but if ynu'lll'at.:h hold of the painter, so as to make sure of the hnat. I'll do the rest." She did not know what the. painter was, hut she took the cord which he held out, and kept it till she was able to transfer it to him when he also was standing on the steps, by her side. "The accommoda- tion seem.i limited down here suppose we get up higher." She ascended the steps; he followed: the cord was long enough to pf'rmitofhis retaining it in his grasp even when he stood on the lawn. The moment they had reached the lawn she fired at him a question. What is your name ?" Arnecliffe—Leonard Arnecliffe." Then why did you say it was Gilbert ?" (-iilbert ? I said my name was Gilbert ? Wha t on earth do you mean ? To the waiter at' The Boiton Arms.' To the waiter what do you know about what I said to the waiter at The Bolton Arms ?" She was still; not this time because she could not have sooken, but because words surged up to her lips which she had the greatest difficulty in keeping back. Whether he misconstrued her silence as egregiouslv this time was not clear. His words, when he spoke again, were odd ones. I've been looking for you all over Europe, and now that I've found you. I'm hanged if I know how to begin what I've got to say." (To be continued.)
-----------CARDIFF I.L.P.
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CARDIFF I.L.P. Address by Mr Pete Curran, M.P. Our friends the enemy." was the subject of an address at the Cardiff I.L.P. meeting at Andrews Mali on Sunday evening, by Mr Pete Curran, M.P. for J arrow. Mr Black presided over a large attendance. Mr Curran, who was cordially received, said they were going to win West Hull, and after Friday there would be 33 members in the Parliamentary Labour group. (Applause.) The greatest compliment that could be paid Socialism was in the combined forces opposed to it. The Labour group, of which he v, as proud to be a member, was going to tight for all it was worth for the establishment of a pension scheme next year. If beaten the fault would not be with the I.L.P. members, but with the industrial constituencies. (Hear, hear.) They were not going to plav the capitalists' game by introducing violent or spasmodic efforts into the House of Commons. If they were not able by logic, consistency, force of aigument, and enthusiasm to convert the House of Commons to their views then they would adopt other means of organising t heir forces throughout t he country. Referring with regret to the illness of the Prime Minister, Mr Curran said the Labour party would not benefit were Sir Henry to pass away to-morrow. His place would be taken by a man more callous and more unscrupulous than Sir Henry Campbell- Bannerman could ever L now how to be. He (the speaker) was glad to say that Trade Unionists who were not declared Socialists were working loyally with the I.L.P. so far as political independence in the House of Com- mons was concerned. During the evening Miss Marianne Squire sang asolo,for which siic was enthusiastically applauded. Madame Hughes Thomas played the pianoforte accom- paniment.
- FILMS ABLAZE.
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FILMS ABLAZE. Hepworth's extensive cinematograph manu- factory at Walton-on-Thameswas almost en- tirely destroyed by fire on Friday, and a young man named Lane, who was working in a small room on the ground floor, where the fire originated, was burned to death. Several men were at work in the upper rooms at the time of the outbreak, but they all managed to escape. Celluloid and other inflammable materials fell a ready prey to the flames, but the smart- ness and diligence of the firemen kept the fire from spreading to the adjoining premises, where large quantities of explosive materials are stored. The cause of the outbreak, which is stated to have destroyed 30,000 feet of films, is unknown.
----------------__-CLAIMANT…
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CLAIMANT TO PAGE ESTATES. There arrived at Plymouth on Saturday by the P. and 0..steamer Britannia Mr George H. Morris, who has come to England from Australia in connection with his claim to the Page estate of about 60square mill's in Middle- sex, the anaual rental of which is estimated at £ 2,000,000. Altogether Mr Morris is the claimant to an estate worth £ 20,000,000. He bases h's ciaim ou the contention that he is the grandson of a brother of the last holder of the estates, Henry Page, who died in 1829.
[No title]
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j Work at the new waterworks at Ystradfellte will shor!ly be proceeded with on au extensiv e scale. On Sunday the contractors placed their new engine on the rails, and it is expected they will forthwith inn, the private line from Pen- dcryn properly laid out. so that work on the waterworks will be commenced on a la"gc i scale in the new year.
[No title]
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Dymunir i'n gohcbwyr Cymreig gyfeirio eu goitebiaethau, llyfrau i'w hadolygu, etc., fel y canlvn IFAXO, Cii Hedd, Berthwin street. Cardiff."
AT Y BEIRDD.
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AT Y BEIRDD. Englyn awenyddol yw'r eiddo C'einfryn, a hapus yw rhai Goronwy Gomer, J. L. Jenkins, a Gwalch Llyfnwy. Rhaid Uongyfarch yr olaf ar ei Iwydd ar ail gynny-g i weu englyn diwall ei gynghanedd. Cedwir ei englyn i'r gog, bellach, hyd y gwanwyn. Hyfryd i'w darllen yw canigion Eben H. J ones a Chrwnfab, gan esmwythed eu meddwl a'u mydr. Gwerth eu darllen, hcfyd, lierwydd amledd eu hergydion barddonol, yw penillion D. L. Johnson. Diolch hefyd i T. Henry am ei longyfarchiad odlog i'r Cardiff Times ar ben ei haner can- mi wydd.
,BARDDONIAETH.
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BARDDONIAETH. AR DRAETH ABERTAWE. Iaith Diiw sy'n araeth y dbn :—'e gyfyd O'i gwcfus gyfrinion Llewygawl y pell eigion A'i gwallt gwyn, mor hallt yw hon! Ceinfryn.
G OLE UNI' R LLOER.
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G OLE UNI' R LLOER. 0 mor wyn ei threm ar anian-gwena. Ei gogoniant allan; Ar led drwy nwyfre Ivdan Llcueru gwawl wna'r lloer gan. Cwmwysg. Goronwy Gomer.
NOD UCHEL.,
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NOD UCHEL. Symbylydd beunydd yn byw—i roi awch Ar arf gwir ddynolryw; Gwas hoff yr uchelgais yw; I oludoedd haul ydyw. Ynysforgan. John L. Jenkins.
Y MEDDWYN.
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Y MEDDWYN. Maddeu. 0 Dduw, i'r meddwyn !-o'i fodd 'e Fvn ladd a dyfervn Dwi. vn wir,, yw hanes dvn Ym machau byd y mochvn. Abertawe. P. Perkins (Gwalch Llyfnwy).
Y FFYNNON.!
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Y FFYNNON. Ffynnon groew, loew, lan, Canaf in i ti; Melus ydyw swyn dy gin I fy nghalon i; Gweni wrthyt ti dy hun Rhwng y brwyn a'r dail: Yn dy ddisglair ddrych, ei lan Wet y siriol haul. Dysgu 'rwyt i'r byd o hyd- Gwell yw rhoi ni chael: Trysor mwy n& golud byd Geiff y galon hael; Llifo mae dy ddyfroedd clir Er mwyn dynolryw; Melus fyth dy gan, yn wir, Dyna'r ffortld i fyw. Ffynnon fechan, O na bawn Laned a thydi' Hwyr a boreu canu wnawn Felus fawl i'm Hhi: Adlewyrchu gvven fy Nuw Wnawn gerbron y byd- O na chawn fel hynuy fyw I Dedwydd fawn o hyd. Bcdlinog. Eben H. Jones.
----YN HEDD Y NOS.
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YN HEDD Y NOS. Mwyn yw gwe!'d y lloer arianwedd Yn hedd y nos: Mwyn yw'r ser c) gylch ei orsedd Yn hedd y nos; Llenni sy'n gorchuddio'r cymoedd, Y dySrynocdd, a'r mynyddoedd: Ond eglurach yw y nefocdd Yn hedd y nos. Twrf y byd sydd yn gostegu Yn hedd y nos; Mae distawrwydd yn teyrnasu Yn hedd y nos Distaw a didrwst yn disgyn Yw y glan ireiddiol wlithvn, I eneinio'r tlws flodeuvn, Yn hedd y nos. Corau'r gwigoedd sy'n tawelu Yn hedd y nos; Ond yr eos ddeil i ganu Yn hedd y nos Canaf finnau salm bereiddiacli Wrth fwynhau y ddwfn gyfrinach: Tarddu mae meddyliau purach Yn hcdd y nos. Llangennech. Crwnfab.
Y SER.
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Y SER. Prvdferth yw'r serennog nos Onid yw'r olygfa'n dlos ?— Gwel'd v scrVll fyrdd uwchben Yn Cal-iti byw ar ael y nen. Pan fo cynhyrfiadau'r byd Wedi'u rhoi mewn hun i gyd, Canu mae y santaidd scr— Canu am ogoniant Ner. Gysegredig ser y nos Gwcnn maent yn wcfrol dlos, Megys engyl mwyn i gyd, Fyth ar beehadurus fyd. Raradwysaidd, hawddgar ser, Nefol fiodau disglair Xer; Mor rhagorol ynt uwchben Rhwng y byd a'r Wynfa wen. O henafol ser, os hen, jeuanc bythol yw eu gwèn; Ac nid oes o fewn y byd AU ddifwyno'u siriol wrid. 0 anfarwol ser y nos, 'Welsocli chwi y seren dlos Oedd it Duw yn llanw 'i threm- Seren hynod Bethlehem? Llangennech. Crwnfab.
HANER CANMLWYDD Y "SOUTH WALES…
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HANER CANMLWYDD Y "SOUTH WALES DAILY NEW3 A'R "CARDIFF TIMES." Amserau mawr v ddinas Yw t-rysor lien Caerdydd, I A'r newyddiadur dyddiol, Mawr les i'r gweithiwr rydd. Ael It pum deg o ftynyddau Dros wyneb siriol hwn; Gorchfvgodd fil o rwystrau Hob dcimlo hyny'n bwn. Mae egwyddorion rhyddid Yn berwi yn ei f ron. A hwylindd gwch ci fywyd Dros bob rhyw chwcrw dOll; Pe de:rn!a. heddyw'n wrol, Er drus ei haner cant, A gwena yn ei wyneb Bron filiwn Ion o blant. A'r rheiny'n liawn o yni I' \V wthio yn y bla'n, Ant foi ei egwyddorion Yn cnyn ynddynt din: Hwy floeddiant yn eu cylchoedd, A hyny'n eithaf clir,— t! te'r oil a ddywcd wrthym Bob pryd yn berffaitli wir." Fe gododd faner addysg Yn uchel yn ein gwlad Bu'n udgorn hyglyw, eglur, I arwain llu i'r gid Yn erbyn Ty'r Ay-giwyddi- Y "Second Chamber"—sydd Yn ddail i bob egwyddor Ond hawlio cario'r dydd. Mae Cadrawd. gyda'r tadau A hadau'r oesau fu, Yn creu llawenydd ynom Mai Crmry vdym fii; Daw Emlyn Evans eto A'r cerddor gwych i'r bwrùd, A chynyrch beirdd lfano- Ca'r ddau fan hyn gydgwrdd. Os bydd rhyw anhwylderau Yn codi'u penau'r lan, J)aw'I'ID('ddyg. Andrew Wilson, A'i gynghor yn y man cwmni-ar ell goreu A dyma'u hiaith o hyd — Cael chwareu teg yn gylch o aur Am fasnach yr holl fyd. Tonyrefail. T. Henry.
CYCHWYN.
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CYCHWYN. Bysedd can yn deffro noclau Ar dant telyn fawr y Groes Sy gychwvniad deffroadau I rai uwch cyn terfyn oes. 0 bob cam, yr un pwysicaf Ydyw'r cam i'r llwybr cut Cam o diriog-aet,hau pecbod-- Cam o Sadwrn i foreu Sul- Cam i'r golau drwy'r cymylau- Dechreu nyddu bnehedd 11103- Dysgu deddfau fel rAnwylyd Ar y mynydd ddyfnder nos. Gyfnewidiad gogoncddlls Rhoddi'r enaid yn llaw Duw Wedi marw i bob cainiyedd- Dechreu ccrdded wrth ddechreu byw. Megys baban egwan eto Ofni syrthio beunydd mac Ond addcwid bendant lesu Wna yr ofn bob dydd yn llai; Pwyso ar un adnod fechan, Idawn cadernid—dyma hi ;— Digon ydyw gras y nefoedd Cynnal wna'th gerddediad di." Gadael hagr ddiffcithwch llygredd, Lie gwenwynir rhin a moes, Drain a drysni yr anialwch, Sy'n cenhedhi poen a loes. Agos iawn i r gwvllt ddiffeithwc'i Ydyw llwybr teulu'r ff yd,i,- Dim ond teneu fur gorchymyn A'u gwaharift nos a dydd. Elodau t'ysion ffydd y "tenia Dyfsnt yn eu tegweh gwir Ar hyd glanau afon llygredd I waigaru aro^l pur. Byr daith ;;1' ltvybr bywyd: Forth y nef—mor agos yw Oriij megys tin diwrnod Ydyw'r yrfa gyda Duw? Wedi croesi teri vn amser, Mc-gys evehwyn— dyna i gyd, I ryfeddu darpariadau l'cn'1'r ncf ar gyfer byd. D. L. Johnson.
The Lower Orders. -Is
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The Lower Orders. Is By MRS PERCY DEARMER, Author of The Difficult Way," The Orangery," Brownjohns, &c., &c. 1. Lady Millington's laces quivered with ferocity. Her chains jingled, and the aigrette in her hair danced. Had she been an insulted Hottentot, instead of a highly respectable countess with a pedigree as long as my arm, she could not have looked more savage. A disgraceful mesalliance she declared Putit is lost for ever. She has married into the lower orders But, mother," put in Cynthia, a clergy- man is a gentleman Nonsense I" said Lady Millington no one under the rank of an archdeacon is a gen- tleman Cynthia subsided. I have often wondered where one would place a rural dean she said, wrinkling her pretty brows. If you are going to be impertinent, Cyn- thia, you can-go to your room. I tell you this evening, as I have told you often before, —your sister has forgotten herself—Ruth is lost ?" At that moment Lady Ruth Despard was standing in her vicarage drawing-room looking into the fire. She did not look like a lost woman, or one who had forgotten herself on the contrary, she looked like a woman who had discovered unexpectedly a treasure so priceless that she had been-ready to sell all that she had in the world in order to possess it. And indeed the love that Ruth and Noel Despard bore each to the other was no mean thing. Above the fire-place, the looking-glass re- flected a fair image. The daintily-poised head on whose duskiness there shone a wreath of silver roses, the delicate neck, the soft fall of the white shoulders, gave all added quality to the shimmer of a pearl-grey satin gown. And yet Lady Ruth was, for the first time in her life. nervous as to her appearance. After a moment's deliberation she rang the bell. Please send Amy to me," she said to the servant. Her maid appeared, but Ruth could not find her words easily. There was a pause. Then, with a deprecating movement of the hand, she asked. Am I all right, Amy ?" You are perfect, m' lady." The maid's astonished evebrows questioned her. I know," said Lady Ruth, nervously." but he—my husband—Mr Despard-said, Put on something very plain!' Did he mean some- thing like"this How do peopJe dress here—in ITolloway ? It couldn't be plainer, could it; I haven't got a single little bit of jewellery on— or lace. But—is it all right ?" It's all right for you, mlady." Amy's answer came slowly. I don't kuow what the other people wear down here Parkins and Cook come from these parts, and they don't think that, they put on much in the evening hut." her hesitation vanished as she perceived a, gathering gloom on Ruth's countenance, they are certain to expect your Ladyship to dress." "Ah, but I don't want to be different from the others. Amy!" said Ruth, impulsively I want to be just the same-every little bit the same ?" That you'll never be, m'lady," said Amy, with emphasis. Not unless you was to be born all over again of different parents Ruth's doubts were not disposed of; still there was nothing to be gained by this conver- sation. •• That will do, Amy," she said, you can go." b Noel Despard was punctual to the moment. At a quarter to eight o'clock he opened the drawing-room door. Are you ready, Ruth ?" Ruth turned towards him her eyes ques- tioned. They were answered by blank dismay. My darling, I said a plain dress." But this is a plain dress she persisted. A flush spread itself over her neck and shoulders —" It couldn't be plainer." What, with all this ?" He laid a finger on the white neck. "You see we are not asked to dinner," he went on quickly. By the way, what are we asked to ?" He fumbled in his pocket and at last discovered the letter he wanted. Here it is Dear Sir,—We are anxious to make the acquaintance of our new vicar. Will not the Rev Mr Despard drop in to supper at eight o'clock next Saturday night and bring the Missus under his arm ? Yours faithfully, George P. E. Block.' As he read Ruth dimpled into laughter. Ob. how perfectly sweet and funny," she cried. So much nicer than if Mrs George P. E. Biock had called upon me in the ordinary way There isn't n put in her husband. He is a widower v/ith a large family." Tlii, larger the better," cried Ruth gaily. Truly Noel I look all right! I should not like them to think that I had not taken the trouble to dress for their supper." Still Despard hesitated. You were very nice in tint plain frock you wore in the country," he said. My Berbury coat and skirt!" cried Ruth. Oli, you dear silly. That is edged with leather I couldn't go out to supper dressed in leather, not even in Holloway!" Her laughter overflowed. So enchanting did her husband find it, that he was forced to kiss her. You amazing wonder he exclaimed. To think that you are my wife." We shall be late for supper answered Ruth. Noel looked at his watch. It is eight now," he said drily, If you wanted to. there would not be time to change. Well, I sup- pose you must go as you are, but upon my scul, I should have preferred the leather Seated at his side in the cab, Ruth slipped her hand into her husband's. I am going to like these people," she said, naively. I wonder if you are," he replied, smiling at her eager f;ive. You know we n^ver like the class that is just below ns. If they were labouring fall, now, it would be different there would be some chance then of your making friends; they would be deferential, and you firaciolls." 1 thought that in your eyes there was no such thing as class said Ruth, reproach- fully. I- There is not. But you may not find it very easy to like the Blocks. I only want to pre- pare you As if I needed any preparation cried the girl, indignantly. 1 am already in love with all the people here, they look so dear and quaint, and they wear such nice odd clothes. Not easy I am positive that f shall love these Blocks, although I have never seen them." That is just/the reason why you are posi- tive that you will love them," murmured her husband. It is easy to love the Blocks whom one has not seen." Ruth laughed outright. Mamma calls the class below her 'the lower orders she exclaimed suddenly So do vou, only you use diflcrent words you are very like mamma." God forbid cried Noel Despard. In the thought of old Lady Millington he fttlt the brink of the pit. God forbid he again said.' You have misunderstood me. Look here, Ruth, if your love is proof against the sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste of these Blocks, it, will be an elixir, and give you gold. But will it be strong enough It is so hard to find the gold in one's neighbour, especially if- One's neighbour is of the lower ordera ?" cried Ruth roguishly. Here we are n, Before Ruth had alighted from the cab the Block's front door opened. A red, round, good- natured face shone under the gas: the portly presence, white waistcoat, gold watch chain,re- veoled the master of the house-George Peter Ebenezer Block. Oho he cried, here you are—right as a trivet, tight as a drum Lord, but we thought that you'd given us the slip, didn't we Tish ?" The last sentence was spoken to a girl who stood at his side, her hand slipped through his arm. To Lady Ruths bewildered eyes the hall seemed to be packed with people; they poured out of the two rooms on the ground floor, they dropped from the bedrooms, they arose from the basement—and yet there were not so many after all. There was Mr Block and Miss Block, Miss Tishy Block, and Mabel Block, Master Block (a, young gentleman inawine merchant's office), and his friend, Mr William Snell there was also a, golden-haired young person who aspired to the stage—Miss Esteile de Vere. Ruth's little apology was not heard words and smiles were swept away in the breezineos of the Block atmosphere. The whole family, it seemed to Ruth, talked at once—one against the other. Papa's voice was the loudest- "Better late than never," he shouted, slapping her husband on the back come on." Come and wash your hands." said Miss Block peremptorily, hustling Ruth up the ,a;ro.: It was in vain for Ruth to protest that her hands were clean., ".Oh—all said Papa Block, who had over- heard the remark, we know better than tha.t You'll want to go upstairs to curl up a bit, or powder your nose, or put on u little something, ell ?" At which witticism Master Block and Mr William Snell disappeared hastily into the din- ing room. Titivation is the word I wanted," said Mr Block. you take her into mv room. Maud," cried Tishv. It's like an old do' shop—every- thing ou the floor. I've had a turn uut this afternoon," slicidded to Lady Huth. I know what I'm doing, thank you. Letitia," paid Madeline haughtily. "Come on, Lady des- pard, Kuth jumped at the unfamiliar title, but finding remonstrance, or, indeed, speech of any sort to be useless followed Madeline upstairs. When she came down again she found the family in the dining-room seated at the table. Supper had begun. There was a sudden silence everybody stared at her. Ruth experienced a deepening of the strange sensation that had attaeked. her earlier in the evening—acute and agonisitig--izelf-consciotis- ness. She had become aware of her bare neck and shoulders, her well-dressed head. her well-cut gown as for her silver wreath, .he could have trampled it under foot. Oh, if that befiowered carpet would only open and swallow her-if those gaudy walls would only fall and crush her with their cheap picture frames. She stole a glance round the room. Noel was laughing and talking. As she came in he looked at her. She dropped her eyes his expression told her that he disapproved. Her task had become not only difnciUt- hut bitter. u She turned to her escort. Where shall I sit ?" she attempting to smile. SiC! Why. by father, of conrsc" cried Ma.detine. Get out. Mabel. You've taken ¡ Lady Despard's place." labels mouth was full of cold beef, Didn't know she wanted to sit anywhere special," she mumbled. However, she got up sulkily and moved away, carrying her plate in one hand and her knife and fork in the other. I Lidv Ruth obediently took her place among the remains of bread crumbs. Well, here you are," said Mr Block cheerily. We've begun, you see. We never wait for anybody here. First come, first served, and a knife and fork for all who turn up. That's our style." With an effort, Ruth pulled herself together. She had set out to like these people. Was it so easy ? No one allowed her to speak Or in- deed, after their first amazement at her extra- ordinary appearance, took the least notice of her. Her pretty graciousness had fallen upon the wind. Now, then, my lady," said Mr Block, when she was seated, will you favour my end or the other ? I've got sausages here. Mad's got— what have you got. Mad ?—pig's trotters and cold beef. Homely fare, you see. Homely fare for homely people." Ruth thought that she preferred cold beef. Her preference called forth the Block humour, and Master Block was shouted for to carve. Madeline found carving tiresome it made her arm ache. The Vicar offered his services, but was repulsed. No. Norman was the right per- son for this job. Come along, Norman," shouted the family. She began to beat to beat her brains for sub- jects of conversation. What could she say that would interest them ? Could she talk on art, music, politics, people ? Impossible She must wait on chance to give her a subject of com- mon interest. Suddenly she found that she was being ad- dressed. The whole table apparently waited for her answer. Fat shouted Master Block. I beg your pardon," said Lady Ruth. Are you speaking to mr' Am I speaking to her! Good joke!" Master Block looked to Mr William Snell for approba- tion. Scri.sh! My arm's droppingoff with sa.w- ing this corpse I said Fat ?' Do you take fat, Lady Despa.rd ?" cried Tishy loudly. Perhaps you don't. It makes some people bilious." Oh, yes ? how stupid of me cried Ruth quickly. I- Anything And a bit of the brown ?" "Thank you, yes-I should like—a bit of ] the brown very much indeed When the beef came Ruth looked at it < curiously. She could not find the brown it seemed just like ordinary beef. Aren't you going to pass your plate up for 1 mash V said Mabel in a muffled voice. Mr f Snell is holding out a spoonful at you." Quickly Ruth passed her plate. j And salad, too ? 1 can recommend this onion salad said Mr Snell insinuatingly. < Thank you." said Ruth. Anything." J Once more she looked at her husband. He had three sausages on his plate and a pile of < raw onions drenched in oil. There were I onions everywhere. The air was thick with < the odour of them. It vied with that of an ( immense cheese that stood upon the side- ] board, and except in this immediate neigh- < bourhood, conquered. As the supper pro- ceeded the geniality of the Block family grew I more pronounced. Everybody was hungry I everybody was happy everybody talked at once and scored off everybody else every- < body roared with laughter at everybody else's i jokes. Mr William Snell cut his hand in open- ing a ginger ale bottle he licked it cheerfully, < and then borrowed Miss Esteile de Vere's handkerchief for a bandage. This occasioned much amusement. Miss de Vcre looked arch. and declared that both Master Block and Mr William Snell were saucy crumpets.' All this time Ruth sat silent and miserable. Had she tried she could not have made her voice heard in the uproar, but there was no need for any such effort, for even if Mr Block did by chance address a question to her, lie never waited for an answer. The smell of the oniens made her sick. She found a pin in the mashed potato—its antecendents haunted her. She could not swallow the beef. And yet she must eat it. Oh, she must. She must. It would be dreadful to leave it lying on her p. They would think her superior-stuck-up- artstocratic. During an unexpected lull in the conversation, Ruth heard once more the Block version of her name, Lady Despard." She looked up quickly. Have you got your servants from these parts, Lady Despard shouted Tishy across the t?..ble. Yes," said Ruth, brightening. Here at last was something she could talk about. Two-I brought my maid with me." Three servants." echoed Madeline, what- ever do they do in the afternoon ?" I don't know," replied Ruth. I expect they find something to do." Then desperately -for whatever happened, she felt that she must not drop the thread uf the conversation, the first that she bad been able to take part in that evening What do your servants do in the afternoon ?" ont- returned Madeline carelessly, and she eats her head off. I can't say that I citre about, the lower orders. In fact, I can't, bear them." She stopped suddenly. I don't, suppose youapproveof that," she said to Mr Despard. .Aren't you a bit of a Socialist?" The vicar laughed. Yes," he said. "What you call the lower orders are my business." The words had sunk into Ruth's mind. The lower orders. Lady Millington tAlked of the lower orders. The Block family talked of t ti, lower orders. She felt dazed. Who were the lower orders ? Where did they begin and where did they end ? Once more the flood of t.alk closed over her head, and she was left to silence and her own thought, III. Do you mind smoke, my lady ?" Madeline and Tishy had gathered all the supper plates into a vast pile the onioif salad was thrust on to an empty pie dish, full of knives and forks. The table was left bare. and the men were searching for their pipes. No," said Ruth, not at all. I like it." Well, you are just not going to have it," said Madeline decidedly. Tishy and I want to talk to you. We haven't been able to say a word in all this row. Come on." Everybody said" Come on here. Ruth found herself thinking of Alice in Wonderland —" Come on,' said the Gryphon." C After Mabel, in spite of remonstrances, had been sent to bed, Madeline led the way to the drawing-room. It was quite dark. She struck a match and the sudden light revealed a couch drawn up to the fire. Oh, there is somebody here ?" cified Lady Ruth in surprise. That's Kitty, our sister." whispered Made- line. Didn't you know that we have a sister who can't walk ? She is nearly always in pain." she added in a low voice. Lady Ruth drew a chair to the sofa. She laid her hand upon the thin wrist of the pros- trate girl. I am so glad to know you," she said iu a sudden burst of sympathy. Kitty lifted her clear eyelids. Her eyes were large and luminous they shone from her pale face like smouldering fires. I am glad, too," she said. I heard you arrive. I have been longing for you to come in. Did you have a pleasant supper ?" Very pleasant," said Lady Ruth quickly. She could hardly control a shudder at the remembrance. They are all so jolly, aren't they ?" said Kitty, discussing her family with the utmost cheerfulness. I used to have my couch moved into the dining-room when we first came here, only the noise made my head ache. It's almost nicer now, because it's so lovely when they all come back to me again." Darling cried Tishy rapturously, drop- ping a quick kiss on her sister's forehead, It seemed to Ruth that a new clement had begun to stir in the Block atmosphere—some- thing slight, subtle, but infinitely no tent. Was some strange transformation about to take place lpfore her very eyes, revealing a hidden beauty through that coarse exterior ? Perhaps —perhaps it would not he so difficult to love these people after all. At any rate speech was no longer an impossibility. Do you suffer very she asked Kitty in a low voice. Oh, I always have the pain," Tvpiied Kitty, gajly. Sometimes it's quite bearable, and sometimes it is rather bad. Oidy, you know, if one has anything like this the matter with one. everybody is so frightfully jolly, that really oue doesn't mind. You see." she said with a humorous twinkle in her dark eyes, goL. rather nice sisters. j lave you found that out: yet r be absurd, Kittv." cried Tishv, put- ting lier band the girl's mouth. Where is Esteile she asked quickly, to change the conversation. She didn't come in with us, I did she ?" She lias gone to the post with Norman .and William SncU," replied Madeline, laughing. Norman is uuts on Esteile "Do you think' E"telle is pretty 1" said Kitty, turning to Ruth. "She is awfully an- xious to get (#rt to the-stage. She studies Judith LI(i ii and Lady Macbeth and that kind of thing ali day. Her mother is very badly off. }>tpjl wants to earn something to send her little brother to a proper school She did get a speaking part once, put in Tishy, solemnly. in the province" It nmst be an anxiety to be forced to earn one's living." said Ruth. It answered 5 lad elm e, quietly. And it's worse when there are little ones to bring up. The responsibility knocks the go out of you." She spoke with feeling, evidently from expe- rience. Ruth looked at. her intently. "Have you ever had to do it V" she asked. 'A quick curiosity as to the daily Lves of these girls—their in- terests. their pursuits, had fastened upon her, "Itath'-r," answered i have all had to work at something- And-well-pf course I'm the eldest. Things are better now than they were when mother died, but we don't want to be more of a burden than we can help to the old boy I draw fashion plates and Tishy does type-writing. We don't work for long-only eight hours a day, but there is tho house, and Ma be!, and Kitty to be seen to when we get back." As M dehnc talked her fscc lit up, Rath, watching her, saw suddenly that she was very pretty. There w.as something fresh and frank about her that was delightful. Ruth liked her eycs and the little crisp waves of hair about her forehead. And how brave she was! Hb, managed the house, brought, up her sisters and worked for eight hour" a. dav Was there nothing beautiful in that life ? Her glance wandered to Tishy. who sat by flif- invalid, hold in her little wasted hand. And Thhy! Tishy was not pretty—she was snub-nosed and freckled, but was the love that shone in her eyes so insignificant a. thing ? And lastly Flitiy Kitty-that strange compound of peace and suffering—that mix- ture of overflowing happiness, gratitude, ond the weariness of pain Was all this to be ob- literated bv the attrocious manners of the supper table, the pig's trotters, the onions, and the ginger bee r ? Which was the shadow, which the F>ubslancc If you love these people enough, your love will be an elixir and give you gold." That was what Noel had said. Ruth had not loved them at all. she had loathed them, but the sight of the gold had, nevertheless, been forced upon her, and gold so glittering, so precious, that in the dazzle of it all else was lost. Will you come and see me she said, sud- denly, sweeping in the little party with a glance. ] don't know anybody here yet, and I have so much to learn about the place. I want to know of—a good grocer!" she added triumphantly. Will you come and tell me of one Rather Tishv turned a beaming face upon her. When shall we come ?" Would to-morrow do ?—at teatime?" We should love it," said Madeline. Later on, when the men came in from the dining-room, Noel saw by his wile's face that everything had gone well. It was radiant. We must say good-night, Ruth," he said it is late." Is it really time to go ?" she answered rp- gretfully. We had only just begun to talk." Pan a Block roared his usual hearty roar. How these women do gabble to be sure he turned to Ruth. Now, I'd just like to know what you four have been up to 'i" We have been getting to know one another, Mr Block," replied Lady Ruth. holding out her hand. Good-bye, and thank you so much you so much for asking us in this informal way. It has been most delightful. I have really en- joyed myself." That' good—that's good said Papa Block. Then he looked at the beaming face, the soft eyes, the parted lips, and he gave an- other pat to the hand that he held in his. Good-bye, my dear," he said. "Goodbye. Coma and look up my girls now and then. And remember if at any time your husband is out and you want a meal-" Oh thank you," said Lady Ruth I will some to you." The vicarage drawing-room had never before seemed so beautiful to Ruth. The firelight Flickered on its gay chintzes a bowl of wall [lowers tilled the room with fragrance;. Oh, Noel," she cried, flinging down her ^loak, I don't know what to think about that supper. "You may have to eat a good many suppers like that in the course of your life, my dear said Noel, iaughing. It's best not to think xbout them. Remember you have married nto the lower orders." Ruth tapped her foot petulantly. Lower orders she cried. "These people are my friends. There are no lower orders Say, rather-we are all—altogether—lower orders." said her husband. And if we only inew it-—" he spoke rather to himself than do her- we should be so filled with the sense jf our neighbours'dignity and of our ow-mhumi- ity that we should be able to toleratp, even :.he class that is just below us." What do you mean 'i" asked Ruth doubt- fully. Why are we all lower orders ?' How ow are we ?" she asked with a smile. A little lower than the angels; dear. And that was said of the Block's Mary Ann-of-aU ivork, as well as of yourself." Or—of mamma ?" questioned Ruth inpo- ntly. Incorrigible crird Noel Despard. Go o bcd."
jINVENTOR'S DEATH.
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INVENTOR'S DEATH. MYSTERIOUS COMPANION. In spite of the investigations of Scotland Yard, the mysterious circumstances of the death of the inventor, William Charles Gardin- er, remain unexplained. It was supposed that he had accidentally fallen into the river from ace his boat,but his friends were not satisfied with the explanation, bearing in mind that two other inventors engaged in turbine work had also died recently under mysterious circum- stances. Mr Gardiner had completed negotia- tions for the sale for CW,000 of his invention of a reversible turbine on the very night of his death. He was a son of Mr William Gardiner, who lives in Vivian-road, Harborne, near Birmingham. His lather, interviewed on Fri- day, said Both myself and my wife, in fact, everybody concerned, are convinced that my son did not meet his death either by accident or suicide. Why should he have done away with him- self when on the eve of making a fortune ? It is too absurd. My grandson, who is now in Scotland, suspects that his father was decoyed to the other side of the river. In this assumption the. crew of the steamship South wood agree, and my grandson has since learnt that on the night of October 23rd, after leaving the Salutation Inn, my son was seen for a minute or two speaking to a gentleman in a frock coat and silk hat. Why did not this man come forward at the inquest ? Who is he ? Willy has left a wife and two sons. He: was liked by everybody he came in contact with. He had very bright prospects, and had several other inventions in connection with turbines, of which he had made a study. He was always fond of experimenting, and when he was only 10 years old he used to make steamboats and locomotives outof coffee cani- sters, and so excited was he at seeing his coffee canister steamlx>ats travel in the pond at cup house that he used to fall in frequently. My son was a great friend of Sir Arthuw Conan Doyle, and used to visit him frequently in Scotland, and was invited to his wedding. He could not go, and sent as a present a silk umbrella. Sir Arthur sent a reply saying he had never feared the umbrella thief so much in his life." I
THE BOY SMOKEft.
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THE BOY SMOKEft. B.P." T h ink s Him" A n Ass." In his addresses at different South Waleft towns, during the tour which has just closed, Lieut.-General Baden-Powell has referred specially to the habit of smoking which many growing lads form and he has spoken strongly in support of the line taken by Mr Macnamara, M.P., and others who arc en- deavouring to secure legislation such as is indicated in the report of the Commission upon Physical Degeneration. During :t parting conversation with one of our representatives as he left Cardiff for London the General referred to the physical and mental injury wrought by smoking upon-, growing lads, and declared that the practicc made a boy more like an ass than like h man, whom he was trying to imitate. Every sensible boy knows the immense amount of harm that it does to growing lads." He had been much pleased to learn that the Anti-Cigarette League promoted by the Sunday School Union had 25 branches an about 1,600 members in Cardiff. I don't tel? boys not to smoke. I take it for granted that they will not be such fools."
SUICIDE BY BURNING.
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SUICIDE BY BURNING. A terrible discovery was made on Saturday in Birmingham. A yonng woman, the wife ot a postman named Evans, was found burnt to death in the wash-house attached to tb house. Some neighbours saw smoke issuing from the place, but found the door fastened inside. It was forced open, and Mrs Evans hI) upon the floor dead, the body having t'er terribly burnt. There was a st rong smell 01 methyiated spirits, and an examination of flu- clothing that remained unburnt showed thai the woman had saturated her clothing with the spirit and then set fire to herself. She bad apparently been dead for some time. Her husband stated that they had had sotnt words in consequence of his wife having spent his money in drink, and he had been to several public-houses and asked them not to supply her with drink on credit. It is supposed ,that in consequence of this she determined to take her life. She leave-; four young children.
FOUND DEAD IN BED.
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FOUND DEAD IN BED. A man named Robert Tamey, aged about 0; who for some time past had been engaged ir odd jobs at the Custom House Hotel, wai found dead in bed at Oliver's lodging-hous' in Homtray -street, Cardiff, on Saturday. lit, bad been ailing for some time, and on Frida* went, to bod about 2 o'clock in the afternoon but he went downstairs again early of Saturday morning to warm himself by the fir i When George Breen, the deputy, visited bin: at 7 o'clock, he said lie felt better, but. short 1* afterwards he was foundtpad. Death is sup. posed to be due to a long standing trouble.