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1 Oh, my dear, dear boy, I am go very, very glad." Whereat Hal smiled grimly. CHAPTER X. MR. RATTRAY'S ILLNESS. Rod spent the day or two following his interview with Roachley in a mcst unen- viable frame of mind. Nothing is so irritat- ing as a. condition of doubt as to what one's next move should he, and that was exactly poor Red's case. It was true Roachley had told him that the conspiracy was at an end, and yet the announcement had been made in such mocking, sardonic fashion that Rod felt more than half inclined to disbelieve. At last he made up his mind that he would at all events see Mr. Rattray and put the Ooun- cillor on his guard, though exactly what he was to say or how he was to open the sub- ject ho could not decide. Nor did the I memory of his previous interview with Mr. Rattray render him much assistance. He determined, however, that he would go, and let ciroumsta-nces guide the conversation. His real stato of mind may, perhaps, be best gauged from the eagerness with which he jumped at the temporary respite afforded him by Mr. Rattray's sudden journey to Lon- don. He learnt of that from Ralph Bowmar in somewhat curious fashion. It was on the Monday when Mr. Rattray went to Carnette House, and on the Tuesday morning Eleanor and Ralph Bowmar each received a letter, couched almost in identical terms. Mr. Rattray, these epistles stated, had been called suddenly to London on most urgent business, and might be away a week, perhaps longer. Ralph's letter added that he was to await his employer's return, occu- pying himself in the meantime extracting from the two local papers, files of which were kept in the Free Library, all the references he could find to Mr. Rattray during the past twelve years. Mr. Rattray, the note added, required the information for a biographical, semi-advertising pamphlet he was having prepared. Eleanor's note contained a request that she would pay Bowmar's salary, with- out, however, mentioning the amount. "That's a funny game," was Rod's com- ment when Ralph, in the course of conversa- tion, gave the other his letter to read. "Is the old chap going in for Parliament, I won- der; or is he going to float his business?" It would make interesting reading-the pamphlet, I mean," Ralph said dubiously. Oh, yes," Rod returned, with the memory of his own biographical efforts still fresh upon him. Mr. Rattray's has been a thrill- ing career." Ralph forthwith invested in a shilling note- book, and made his way to the library, coming home late at night, having acquired a mass of most un picturesque detail—and a severe headache. He pursued his task day after day with moet praiseworthy assiduity, wondering the more as he contemplated th-e growth of the compilation. The extracts were of all sorts, sizes, and shapes, ranging from a four-line paragraph announcing- that Mr. Rattray had taken the chair at the ser- vice of song in such-and-such a chapel to a column and a half speech in the city coun- cil or on a political platform. Rod, too, pondered this new craze with some interest, though he ca-uld not see how it could possibly affect him. Nevertheless, he made up his mind that he would see Mr. Rattray directly that gentleman returned. It was on the following Saturday week that he obtained the first reliable news of the absent Councillor. Ralph had received no further letter, though Miss Rattray had, he &aid, and so had the managers at the shop. It was through Eleanor, curiously enough, that Rod procured his intelligence. Eleanor would not confess to herself that her mysterious tramp had made any impres- sion upon, her, and yet she could not help thinking about him—grew* indeed, unreason- ably angry with herself, and with him* that be seemed to be eo persistently present in her mind. The girl had had a peculiar bring- ing up. The first yeans of her life had been spent amid that press of minor cares and sordid struggles which is a feature in the career of a not too successful tradesman. She had, frankly, been c.egl&c.ted in baby- hood, because her mother, frequently sum- moned to assist in the shop, could, no more than anybody else, do half a dozen different things at onoe. The position had changed since then, but the memories of her early childhood, though disjointed and mis-shapen, were often curiously poignant, and Eleanor had. a,lwa,y6 been what her fa-tber graphically termed "an old-fashioned touch." She had remained so through all the changes which Mr. Rattray's rapid accumulation of wealth had brought about. Of course, she was popular—her own beauty and her father's money secured that; and she had many offers of marriage. Nice young men-the be^t that Craneboro' could produce —had made love to her, but she had repulsed them all with a gentleness and dignity which in the majority of cases did but increase their ardour. You are hard to please," her father said to her when she had declined one of the most eligible; but she merely shook her head, and the other, who knew her well, though he understood her but dimly, forbore to embark on the dubious waters of debate. And then that, after all, she should run up against a dingy tramp—he was a tramp, and he was dingy for all his well-bred airs— and against her will accord him a position in her thoughts to which no other man had ever risen. She did well to be angry with herself. She had not fallen in love with him, of cours-e; that would be nonsense. Ladies did not nowadays fall in love with labourers. Had he stepped up to her and asked her to marry him, she would have spurned him with a toss of her pretty head, and with none of that gentleness which usuaJly so enhanced her value in the eyes of the rejected. Indeed, I do not suppose that love a.nd marriage ever actually entered her thoughts in con- nection with him; but he bad come into her life in so quaint and boisterous a fashion, and declined so eteadfastly to be dislodged, that she began even to fear him a little. And, though she had no clear perception of it, it was largely this that inspired her accept- ance of Hal's rather cold and decidedly formal offer of marriage. And somehow she seemed fated to meet him—her tramp, I mean. She had gone down to the shop on Saturday afternoon, carrying with her Ralph's wage, according to her father's instructions, but when she found that the private secretary was not the-e- being, indeed, busy at the free library-he determined to wallt round by Oallingthorne- road and leave the money at the house. Perhaps it was one of those evil sprites that delight in vexing poor humanity that sug- gested the thing. Eleanor, at all events, almost thought so when the door opened and displa,yed Rod's smiling eyes surveying her ancy 801110 amusement and a little expect- Kair?.h'< gold afternoon, Miss Rattray," he l' will you?" reioineri8^^ sw.Mr- Ralph Bowmar," ehe his greetin without troubling to answer narifvTlobfe.^ *he stepp€d into the tiu* 1 responded qm\.kly. rou," sh« ine his eyes. 51 ° back and avoid. ••Will you not leave a message?" t—I came to—i him," and. taking a dainty '™ m?'ley ^°r i kTi<» 5 purse from her satchel, she extracted therefrom two sovereigns and two shillings and handed them to him. Bod did not offer to take them Isn't that ^ther venture^ MteJ ] £ tray?" he drawled. A poor man am-itissuch a ^t temptatioll! give you a receipt for the oa*h." He spoke With |"ra^ty, bat that be was laughing at her a fleeting glance at his eyes told her. "I need not trouble you, she said icily; "I can call again." It will be safer-yes- he agreed. For a moment or two a very foolish and aggravating silence between them, broken first by Eleanor. Good afternoon," ehe said. You treat me very roughly, he mur, mured; and when ehe looked agaan she saw no trace of laughter in his eyes. Not worse than you treat me, she replied softly. The words came from her involuntarily and quite against her will, or, rather, with- out conscious effort of will; but they epito- mised her thoughts pretty completely, never- theless. "I!" he cried; "I treat you roughly—when —I—worship—you ?" He bent down and touched her hand. Eleanor," he whispered. How dare you!" she cried, springing away from him. "I—I am engaged." What caused her to add that she did not know. Perhaps it was done instinctively in self-defence. The touch of his hand and the glance of his eye had shifted the mists that had enveloped her, and for the first time she saw him and herself in something like true perspective. She feared him while she loved him, and h„it-od horaelf for both. I beg your pardon," Rod said quietly. And, look, here comes Bowmar himself- will yon wau?" The flush which had dyed: her lace, wbea he whispered her name had ebbed away, leaving it white and a little wistful. "She loves him," Rod thought, reading the signs according to his own interpretation. Ralph came briskly up, doffing his hat to Eleanor. "Have you heard from the guv'nor, miss?" he asked, as she handed him the money. "Yes," she answered; "I am sorry to say he is very ill." Rod started, and began to listen intently. Rod started, and began to listen intently. He had been walking slowly towards the door of the parlour, his own room, but as he heard the word "ill" he paused, and, despite the dubious form of the proceeding, disposed himself so that he could catch the conversa- tion. The illness of Mr. Rattray, he remem- bered, was to have been one of the chief steps in the progress of the conspiracy. I wanted to go to him," he heard Eleanor continue, "and I wired to him. But he sent a telegram back that I was to stay here. He has engaged a male nurse, and is coming home." Rod's heart seemed almost to stand still at the mention of the male nurse. Was it the conspiracy, then, after all? Yes," Eleanor went on in reply to a ques- tion Ralph had asked her; "I have had a letter from him this morning. The attendant was recommended by the doctor. My father had one, you know, in his last illness about eeven years ago. They are coming on Monday." Rod gently closed the door, and sat him down to think. CHAPTER XI. THE WARNING. It was growing late on the evening of the day following Mr. Rattray's return that Red set out for the councillor's house. He hesi- tated for a moment or two on the outside, attracted by a brilliantly-lighted window on the ground-flcor. The blind had not been drawn, and he caught a glimpse of the inte- rior, rich and warm in colouring and dainty in equipment. He crept nearer the railings, and, bending down to avoid a bush which obstructed his path of vision, stood peering in. A moment or two later a girlish figure, followed slowly by a young man, passed before the window, and with a quick thrill the watcher without recognised Eleanor. The other was Hal Gregory, and Rod ground his teeth as he noted the apparently earnest tone of the inaudible conversation and the familiar, almost caressing, fashion in which she laid her hand on Hal's arm. A very much heavier hand, with nothing of the caressing about it, on Rode own arm rudely disturbed his meditations. He swung round to tind himself face to face with a policeman. „„ "Whet yer doing there? the officer demanded gruffly. "Off it. during her absence upstairs, and it was with a. very curious mixture of anger and quite unwilling- elation that she saw the still vacant place. She strove with might and main to drive the incident from her thoughts, but it stue-k with that weird persistence which so far had been characteristic of her Tramp and all his acts. Punctually at eight o'clock on the follow- ing evening R.od presented himself at Mr. Rattray's door, and was duly admitted. Legley, indeed, had evidently received orders concerning him, for the caller was conducted straight upstairs, and ushered at once into the councillor's bedroom. The apartment was almost in darkness, the only light coming from a lamp heavily shaded, which stood on a table on the oppo- site side of the bed. The sick man was lying propped up on pillovre, but all that Rod could see of him was a whito face gleaming indis- tinctly through the shadows. Apparently Mr. Rattray did not recognise him; a.t all events, no reference was made to their pre- vious interview. Sit there," said the invalid, pointing to a chair some distance away; "forgive me that the light is so poor, but the doctor's orders must be obeyed. I cannot bear a strong light—it makes the pain in my head almost unendurable. You wished to see me." I am very sorry to find you so ill," Rod began, desperately seeking for the proper phrases wherewith to open the conversation. Mr. Rattray waited, and Rod had perforce to continue. "1-1 should not have come at—at such a time, except on a matter of the—of the greatest moment," Red went on. <* "Just so," Mr. Ra.ttray said, "I supposed that. Would You state your business as briefly as possible? I-I am not quite fit-" r I came, sir, to warn you." "To warn me?" The tone was full of astonishment, net without some little petulance. Yes, sir, a man named Roachley-" Roachley, Roa-chlev, I never heard that name. "Probably not, but-" And here again Rod paused. How was he to warn Mr. Rattray" Of what was he to warn him? An-d your male nurse, sir." My male nurs." Oh, you mean my attendant. Is he Roachley?" Ob, no, no, his name is Eales, his real name, I mean. It is a conspiracy between him and Roachley Between Neal and Roachley—but the mans name isn't Neal" Fales, sir." Nor :> Eales either. What is the con- spiracy? What do they want to do?" To rob you, sir." "To rob me—but how?" Here Rod was nonplussed again. He had I He swung round, and found himself faoe to face with a policeman. I am just going iu," Rod drawled. I was talking a preliminary look round." He passed through the gate, paying no heed to the constable's Come here, and let's have a look at you," and went towards the house with a quick, brisk step, feigning a. jauntiness he by no means felt. "I wisb to see Mr. Rattray," he said to the servant who opened the door. Mr. Rattray—he is very ill—he sees nobody," was the reply. But the man told Rod to step inside; and, having glanced round to make sure there was nothing about that could be stolen., went straight to Eleanor. It was an old-fashioned house, a-nd the hall was square and roomy, with a cavernous fireplace on one wall. On the mantelpiece were half a dozen, photographs, which the aervant had probably considered beneath the notice even of a lobby-thief. One of the frames contained a portrait of the late Mr. Gladstone, Lord Rosebery's counterfeit pre- sentment reposed in another, a group of the Royal Family held the place of honour in the middle, while at one end was a portrait of Eleanor, Mr. Rattray's own picture occu- pying the other extremity. It was, of course, the photograph of the girl which fixed Rod's attention, and he stood for a moment or two regarding it steadfastly. Then, a8 no one came, he t-ook it into his hand to examine it more closely. The catch at the back of the frame was evidently broken, for, as Rod lifted it, the .portrait came out and swooped down into the fender. Rod picked it up, half re-placed it, paused, and, meeting the traditional fate of the man who hesi- tates, fell. With a quick smile he thrust the photograph into his pocket, placed the frame face down on the shelf, and turned— to see Eleanor standing in the doorway watching him with 6oornful eyes and curling lips. The servant meanwhile had, as I have said, gone to Eleanor. "A man to see Mr. Rattray, miss," he announced. "To see my father, Legley. Who is the man?" He a-ave no name, miss." "What sort of a person is he?" "Very shabby, miss, but well spoken. Looks like .a broken-down hactor. He is in the 'all, miss." "I will go to him." But she stood a moment or two finishing her interrupted conversation with Hal, for surely minutes could mean nothing to a man whose distinctive feature was his shab- bincss. She was a little startled, perhaps just a bit frightened, when she saw who the visitor was. Her Tramp had been the last person to whom her thoughts had turned when she received the servant's message, and she had some trouble to repress the exclamation that rose to her lips as her eyes fell upon him. But she recovered her nerve with wonderful promptitude, and stood waiting in silence -until he had completed the rape of the photograph. Rod, on his part., kept his wits about him. He did not offer to replace the portrait, nor did Eleanor suggest it; that would have meant admitting her knowledge that he had it. Did you wish to see my father?" ehe asked icily. "If you please," Rod returned tranquilly But-burt you know he is very ill?' I have heard so—yes. But still I must see him. It is of vital moment to him not less than to me." But I do not understand," she said, wrinkling her pretty brows. And I fear I cannot explain," Rod returned with a rather dreary smile, re- membering how inevitably a full explana- tion must increase the gulf betwe-en them. "I should net ask at such a time as this," he went on, if it were not of the highest im- portance—a« I have said—to Mr. Rattray." Very well," Eleanor replied, a.nd she went upstairs, returning in a few minutes with an intimation tha.t Mr. Rattray would see his visitor at eight o'clock on the following evening. With that Rod had to be content. It was not likely that any harm could be done in the few hours that intervened, and he had no fear for the councillor's life, unless— What if this illness be part of the con- spiracy?" he muttered. "An illness was to be part of the conspiracy—have they revived it? And suppose they mean it to end fatally? That would not be technical mur- der, I suppose, however morally guilty the perpetrators might be." The thought troubled him terribly, and he spent the greater part of that night and of the next day wandering about the city, a prey to harassing doubts, with much self- cursing intermixed. Eleanor, meanwhile, as soon as Rod had taken his departure, had gone straight to that photograph frame. She was curious to see whether be had replaced the portrait not the faintest idea as to how the robbery was to be effected He started on a. new tack. This illness, sir "Well, wha.t of that?" 3paf,t of the conspiracy-" j•• —t,hen the conspiracy is of long standing—something like fivesand-twenty y&f old. I shall die of it eventually, but not this time. This is the third bout, and norrna.l—for me." Koa Hut a sudden and rather odd sensation of relief a-t 31r. Rattray's words. Evidently Bcachley had known of the Councillor's iiability^ to these attacks, and they were the ^illness to which he had referred. The illness" was not to be the outcome of the conspiracy—the conspiracy presumably was no np<?n the iUness. There could be on tb^ ™urder now, he thought. But, ?obbimr T>hand' were fcb€ potters busy fashion Jlri ?fttray 111 soni« mysterious a sick^bed? ^ntleman was laid by on soirafv'3!?8 ^ou to learn of this—this con- t? Rattray asked. hesitated once more, very perceptibly. B,t(, a eenons accusation you make," Mr. SmTf n<>fc only my n but the doctor who recommended h m, one of the first physicians in London, lou would destroy this man's character, and w 1L his means of livelihood. It is a very serious accusation." His hand went out and touched a bell, which was answered immediately by the entrance of a man, who crossed the room noiselessly, an,d took his stand at the foot of the bed. "You rang for me, sir," the attendant said in a voice as soft as his footfall. Yeg-d.id you ever see that per—that gentleman before?" The attendant sedately lifted a lamp from the table, lit it with a match he extracted from his waistcoat pocket, crept cat-like across the room, and examined Rod's features with the deepest apparent interest. Never, sir," he replied, blowing 'out the lamp. "Did you ever hear the name of-er--what name was-ob, yes—the name of Broachley?" "Never, sir." Rod sat in amaze. This was not Fales-- voice, face, and figure-all were different. He was a taller man, too, by some inches, and very much stouter, full-bearded, rather over middle age. a good twenty years older than Eales, at all events. "Will you repeat to my attendant what you said just now to me?" Mr. Rattray asked. I-I fear, sir—it was a—I have made a mistake," poor Rod stammered. He felt only a desperate anxiety to get outside, where he could ponder this new development in soli- tude. H'm, you wish to withdraw what you said to me just now?" I"—de<?pera.tely—" yes, sir, I do." You have mentioned it to no one else?" No one, sir." Very good, I will keep silence, too. If you learn more, come and tell me. Good evening. Grimthorp, shonv this per-this gentleman to the door." The man, silent, respectful, apparently un- interested, obeyed, and Red was promptly ushered into the street. It is one of the weirdest coincidences on record," he muttered, "that Mr. Rattray should, after all, have engaged a male nurse himself. But what if this be another tool of Roachley's?" The thought came upon him like a sudden descent of thick, black darkness, in which he stood hopelessly groping for a ray of light. When Rod had left the sick-room, the man on the bed sat up. chuckling audibly. Poor Kenwood," be murmured. "He is a day behind the fair. Come and take my place for a bit," he added to the male nurse; "I have to go acd see Crceton." (To be continued.)

CENTENARIANS' ROMANCE. The marriage will shortly tailre place at New York of a man aged 101 years and a woman who nxventtiy celebrated her hundredth birthday. They were friends in their youth, but drifted apart, and recently met after not having seen each other for eighty-five years.—OontraJ News. This probably refers to the forthcoming marriage of Mr. J. E. Brunden, of Tennes- see, and Miss Rosa M'Gupin, of Preston, whose engagement in their youth was broken off by their parents.

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LAUGH &GROW FAT j — HUMOROUS PARS FROM) EVERYWHERE. Why does he wish to marry her?" I He says people should marry their oppo- sites." "Why, they are both dark!" Yes, but he hasn't a penny, and she has ten thousand pounds!" Some years ago a teacher, giving her chil- dren a lesson in English history, asked them what the Prince of Wales would be if the Queen, Victoria, were to die. "He would be an orphan! cried a little voice. There are two men to see you, sir," said an office boy to the editor 0f an American journal. One of 'em has a gun a.nd the other a poem." The editor sighed, but did not hesitate. "Show in the one with the gun!" he said. "What are gastronomies'?" asked a studious little fellow, looking up from the book he was reading. Oh-er-Iet me see!" said his father. Oh, they're the idiots that blow out the gas! The lady next door says she's thirty, but I'm sure she is thirty-six, every year of it," she declared. Well, you see," rejoined her husband, coolly, she was six before she learned to count! One day a lady was startled to learn that her baby had swallowed a button. "And what did you do, Martha?" she asked anxiously, trusting that it had been the right thing. "Why," said the servant, I made him I swallow a buttonhole directly!" A scientist recently met his physician in the street. I don't know what's the matter with me, doctor," said the profess*or. I am limping badly to-day. Do you think it's locomotor ataxy?" No, I'm certain it is not," replied the physician. You are walking with one foot- on the kerb and the other in the gutter!" Miss Evelina: It isn't so easy to get mar- ried ae you think. Middle-aged Philosopher: But a- pretty girl can marry nine out of every ten men she oomes across if she wants to do so. Miss Evelina: Yes, but she always wants the tenth man! "Courage! exclaimed a second to one of the principals in a duel. "The conditions are equal, you know." "Oh, dear, no, they're not! responded the trembling duellist. I am much more frightened than my opponent!" "Alas, Herbert," sa-id a young lady mourn- fully, "I do not love you! I can never become your wife; but remember always that I will be "No! exclaimed Herbert. "Spare me! I've got ten sisters like that, and they are worrying me into an early grave!" "Good!" exclaimed a Swiss hotel proprietor as a departing visitor prepared to photo- graph the establishment. I rejoice to see that you take with you one little memento of your visit; 'appy—ees it not so?" Not exactly, was the morose answer; "I'm taking it to prevent any chance of my making a mistake and coming here again!" An Irishman was slowly emptying a glass of beer, when an acquaintance, expecting a. share*of the liquor, exclaimed jovially, "Hi! After you with the glass, Pat, me bhoy!" Patrick steadily disposed of the contents, and, putting the glass down with great care, turned to the sponger. Tis welcome to it ye are," he said. 'Tis a moighty foine glass intoirely!" The wife of a successful tradesman, ambitious to be regarded as a, patron of Art," called upon a. picture-dealer and expressed her desire to make some purchases. And whom is this by?" she inquired, pointing to a bright-looking picture. "That is a chromo, madam," said the dealer. Oh, yes, of course it is! Now that yon mention it, I recognise his style!" A certain farmer noted for constant complaining was met by a friend one morning. Fine weather, James," said the latter. "For them as ain't got to work," was the response. Tour farm looks in fine condition." "To them as ain't got to dig in it." Well, James, I'm glad your wife's better." "Them as don't have to live with her may be!" "I'm gain' to stop bein' kind and helpful to people," 6aid a little 100 to hie mother. Why P" said the parent. 'Oa/uee at school to-day I saw Tommy Jones putting a pin in the master's chair, so just as the master was a.bout to sit down I pulled away the chair. The master sat down om the floor, and when he got up he caned me for pulling away the chair, and then Tomnyy Jones hit me for interfering!" A man who had been married about a year went down to his offioo one dav on load Jith,hi7?96lf A11 morning f7 tlI! his Partner asked the reason for such gladness. "My wife told me this morning that I am a. model hus- Da.n<i, be answered proudly. "I don't call that much of a compliment. ion just look that word 'model' up in the dic-ttona.ry." was the advice. He did, and this is what he read, "Model—a email pattern; a miniature of something on a larger scale!" MEANT "MERCERISED." "What are you laughing at?" asked a shop- walker of an assistant. A lady was just in here asking for some mesmerised cotton!" said the assistant. TWO "TAINTS." "Do you think the American millionaires' money is tainted?" asked one artisan of another. Yea," was the reply, it has two taints on it—'tain't yours and 'tain't mine!" Herr Sohmitz was seated in a train with his little son bound for the seaside. Presently little Fritz became sleepy a.nd fell into a doze. His father gently removed his cap and concealed it. "Wa.ke up!" exclaimed jocular Herr Scbmidtz. "A.h:t, your cap iss gone outside! Never mind, Fritzy. I'll vistle und it'll come OTl de in,.1ide again mit quickness." The father whist-led and, at the same moment, deftly placed the oap on his atten- tive son's head. Fritz was speechless. He pulled off his head-covering and gazed at it in wonder and at his paterfamilias in deep admiration for several minutes. As the train neared a bridge the little chap was inspired. Picking up his father's new felt hat and leaning far on't of the open window, he tossed the bat away, a.nd, turning round with a. con- fident smile, said, "Vistle, fadder!" Here is a story of how a woman settled a. dispute between her husband a.nd herself as to which vrafl the better looking, neither being blessed with remarkable beauty. They were out for a walk. Said the husband: "Folks never 'as a look for you, Sarah. Wish I'd a-married some'ut bet ter-lookin' Siaid Sarah: "It's your fault. How d'you think anyone'd bear to look at me when they'd 'ave to see you? You walk be'ind an' see if the men don't look at me." The husband walked behind. Sure enough, while Sarah, walked alone every man had a glance for her—sometimes two. Contrite, the husband approached her. "I was wrong, old woman," said he; "I takes it back. I'll never say nothing ag'in your face no more." Sarah herself told t.he story with a grin. "You see, mum," she exclaimed, "w'at I did was to make a ngly face at every man I oome to!"

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A QUARTETTE AND TRIPLETS Mrs. Murcott, wife of Thomas Muroott, a labourer, of Lougeaton, gave birth to four children on Sunday, tliree girls and one boy The mother and children are aJl doing welL The father is earning 22s. per w>e»ek, and there were already six children. The King's bounty has been applied for. A woman named Edginton, wife of a labourer of Tliree Bridges. Sussex, on Sunday gave birth to triplets, two girls and a boy, all of whom are doing well. Mrs. Edginton had eleven children previously, and applica- I tion has been made for the Eianfr botuUx. I

ALICE'S FLIRTATION. I Do you mean it, Alice?" asked John i Mantel, as he toos the ring she held towards him. Certainly," she answered, or I would not return it." Think well before you act, and don't do anything rash. Remember, this is a serious matter," urged John. I have thought, and I don't regard it as the least bit serious. I am simply tired of being continually accused of flirting by you, and don't intend to tolerate it any longer. You should remember that I have other gentlemen friends who have as good a right to pay me attention as you, and the fact that we were engaged does not in my miad give you the right to interfere in the ma tt.er." But, Alice, you certainly know it is not right for you to go riding with Tom Morgan when you are engaged to me." I know you are the only one who seems to think EO, and I know, too, that I am tired of our engagement. So take your ring, Mr. Mantel, and remember that in future we can only bo friends. You are at liberty to get another girl, who may possibly be silly enough to listen to your absurd requests. As he heard these words an angry exolama- tion struggled for utterance, but he sup- pressed it. They were standing under the old willow: tree down by the gate, where three months previous lie had asked the girl to be bis wife, had received her consent, and elipped the ring on her finger. After this events had progressed smoothly between them until Tom Morgan came up in the country to spend his vacation. He i was a nephew of Mrs. Brown, who was a. particular friend of Alice's mother, and the girl first made his acquaintance at that laay s houee. He made himself very entertaining, and she was so well pleased with him that when he asked her to go riding with mm she did not refuse. After this they were otten seen together, and Mns. Brown declare it was astonishing what a passion for riding "Tommy" had suddenly developed. John Mantel noticed all this, but aid not attach any importance to it until Alice s name began to be frequently mentioned in connection with Mr. Morgan. Then he con- cluded it wae quite time for him to interfere. The girl, however, only laughed lightly, ana told him ehe did not mind what people said so long as sthe enjoyed herself. W hen e informed her that he was not pleased WIth; it himself, she laughed again, and accused him of jealousy. So matters progrea&ed in this manner, m-uoh. to John's dLasati»5f action, until patience ceased to be a. virtue, and he determined to remonstrate again with her, and tell her that he could tolerate it no logner. He am EO, with the result above reoorded. "Then you consider my request in the pre- sent case absurd?" asked John. ( "I certainly do." she answered; "and if you understood yourself you wouldn't talk to me in that way. Mr. Morgan is a perfect gentleman, and I intend to go riding with him whenever I choose to do so. "Under those circumstances, I don't see that anything can be gained by prolonging the interview. But am I to understand that you deliberately break our engagement?" "Mr Mantel," she haughtily replied you are to understand just whatever you choose, I assure you." — "Then you are not the woman I took you to be," said John, losing his temper at. last, -and I am glad to discover the fact m time. As for the ring, to keep it would only remind me of that which I now hope I shall soon forget; so I will bury it, together with the love I bore you, out of my sight and, dropping the ring upon the soft earth, he placed his heel upon it and crushed it from "^n. lifting his hat haughtily, he strode raFof a moment she was tempted to call him back and acknowledge her fault, but pride asserted itself and her lips were sealed. "Let him Ira," she said, mentally, 111 show him that I can get along very well without him." „ She watched him recede till he was far up the road, but he did not onoe look back. She was about returning to the house, when the sound of an approaching vehicle attracted her attention. Looking up, she beheld Tom Morgan driving rapidly towards her. Good morning, Miss Wentworth, he called out, as he drew rein in front of the gate. "May I have the pleasure of your company for a short drive? It's such a lovely day that a carriage ride will be delightful. "I don't object," she answered, "if you'll excuse me, I'll be ready in a few minutes. She returned to the house, but shortly appeared again equipped for a ride, and they were soon whirling away up the road. Far ahead the girl could see the tall form of John Mantel striding along, and she smiled as ehe realised that in a few minutes they would pass him H This will show him how little I care," she thought. Presently they were close upon him, and, hearing the carriage approach, John looked round to see Alice gating upon him with laughing eyes. He quickly turned his gaze away, and stepped to one side while the buggy rolled pest. A bitter exclamation sprang to his lips, but he forced it back, a.nd, smiling sarcastically, continued his way. Meanwhile and Morgan rode on, and the girl forgot her recent quarrel with John Mantel. They spent a pleasant two hours in driving, and returned in time for dinner. The next day Morgan failed to appear as usual, and Alice wondered at his absence. Towards evening she went over to Mrs. Brown's, and when in the course of conver- sation that lady informed her that "Tommy" had returned to the city she was very much surprised and considerably vexed. Isn't his departure rather sudden ?" she asked. Well, no. He is to be married this month, you know, and, as his vacation is now over, he returned this morning to make prepara- tion for the wedding. He told me to tell you that he was sorry he couldn't see you again, and that I should bid you good-bye for him." Very kind of him, I'm sure," said the girl, but even as she uttered the words tears of vexation and disappointment came into her eyes. She did not prolong her visit. Her pride bad been sadly outraged by Morgan's treat- ment of her, and she felt the humiliation keenly. I've been a wretched fool," she 6a.id, and when &he reached the privacy of her room her feeling found relief in a copious flood of tears. If John Mantel oould have seen her then he would have beheld a very unhappy girl. What a. fool I was to quarrel with John," she sobbed. He'll never forgive me." At last she thought of the ring he had crushed into the earth, and hastily drying her eyes, she went down to the gate to secure it. She had no difficulty in removing the earth wit.h a sharp stick, and in a few minutes she held the treasure in her hand battered and soiled. Sighing wearily, she returned to the house The days now passed drearily enough for Alice. She did not mingle much in society, and her friends wondered at the sudden change, but when they heard that Tom Morgan had returned to the city and was about to be married to a young lady there, they concluded that this was the cause of the recent strange conduct. Occasionally she encountered John Mantel, but ho would only bow coldly and pass on. In this way the clays went by until summer had gone and fall was at hand. Of late Alice had fallen into the ha.bit of taking long strolls through the woods some distance from her home, and one day in the early part of Sept ember found her indulging in one of tb('83 solitary rambles. This time she wandered further than usual, and when she turned to retrace her steps ehe was startled to see how deep into the forest she had penetrated. s e "My gracious!' she ejaculated, in alarm "I must hurry back at once." At the same instant a great noise in the bushes caused her to look up, s.)*4 her heart almost ceased beating at the sight she beheld. Slg S e There, not more than fifty yards off, and coming straight towards her, waa a large bloodhound. The fierce glitter of hiB eyes and the froth dropping from his horrible jaws tcld the girl that the brute was mad. She realised that escape was impossible, and made no attempt to retreat. On came the hound, his great bounds carry- ing him rapidly towards the helpless girl, and soon he was close upon her. She saw the greenish glitter in his blood-shot eyes, the long, sharp teeth revealed to the gums, and with a scream of terror closed her eyes on the horrible sight. But just at this critical moment the sharp report of a. rifle rang through the woods, and she opened her eyes again to see the bound, with one mighty leap, fall dead at her feet. With a glad cry she turned to see who her preserver was, and beheld the tall form of John Mantel, rifle in hand, walking towards her. "Oh, John!" she cried, extending her hands, and as Mantel, seeing what was about to occur, drooped his gun and sprang forward, he was just in time to catch her as she fell fainting into his arms. It was some time before she regained oon- sciousness, but when at last she looked up he said: j I rosret tihat you have bad euah a fright, i Miss Wentworth, and it was fortunate that I happened to be near at the time. The danger is over now, however, and if you are strong enough to walk I'll aocomp;any you to within a safe distance of home." So they started on, the girl learning upon his arm. Then suddenly she startled him by bursting into tears. "Well, what's the matter no-wr" be asked helplessly. She looked up a-t him as she answered— You never intend to forgive me for the way I treated you, do you?" Tha.t settled it. The sight of her pretty face looking eo sadly up into his caused John to forget and forgive all, and as he folded her in his arms and her head sank upon his breast But what's the use of writing any more? ♦

WOOED BY A PRINCE. Mrs. Ewart was only just twenty-five, but eighteen months ago, when she stood with black-bordered handkerchief and dry eyes beside her lonely hearthstone in the big house up Kerosene City, she had registered a solemn row that she would never again sub- mit her self to the whims and caprices of mortal man. Before she was seventeen, fresh from school (and not from the top of it, either) Molly Ferras's guardians had with all convenient speed hastened to fall in with the views of Daniel Ewart, the great oil king, who had come, seen, and been conquered by thie pretty schoolgirl. In three short bewildered weeks, they had washed their hands of their orphan charge, and with their blessing and a costly trousseau passed on their responsi- bility with regard to Mollie to the said Daniel Ewart, now her lord and master, and, heaving a sight of profound relief, turned away from the platform from which the shrieking train had just started to bear off the new-made bride and brigegroom to Kerosene City. Xo one could have been fonder of his young wife than was Daniel. It was some- what to his detriment, perhaps, that he was at least forty years her senior, and possessed besides a singular choleric temperament a.r.d a tendency to apoplexy. Fortunately (or un- fortunately) Mollie had no chance of insti- tuting nice comparisons, for Kerosene rity was to her a howling wilderness; but, on the other hand, she was able to study her husband's little peculiarities with a minute- ness not conducive to harmony or content. No, to little Mollie marriage was certainly an unmitigated failure. Where was the use of being the wife of a millionaire if you oould not make his millions dance? What was the object of getting your gowns from Worth for the benefit of an old man whc took snuff and wore a plaid handkerchiel round his neck on eadh and every occasion? \o! Mollie was very determined to steei clear of matrimony for the future, and enjoy life with the fortune at her com mand. She was a clear-headed little per son, and not likely to fall an easy prey to fortune-hunters—at least, so she told her- self. Three weeks ago, she had arrived in London from New York, anxious to eettle some unpleasant law b-uzi-ness before she started on her travels. Almost the first night of hei arrival she met Prince Escrokoff, who Waf also staying at the Metropole, and he hax; devoted himself entirely to her. A Prince as an escort was not to be despised. Hii attentions were most flattering, and visiont of dazzling courts and smiling Emperors began to fill Mrs. Ewart's usually cleai brain. After all, all men were not alike, and it would be grand to be a real princess. Anyway, there was this ball to think about. She meant to look her best. Daniel had given her some magnificent emeralds and diamonds. She would wear them and make all the other women as green as her jewels with envy. The Prince should not be ashamed of his partner. Meanwhile, that worthy made his way along the Strand, musing-, musing, with his white forehead puckered up and his colour- less lips pressed tight together under his tight moustache. Yes, he would marry the little American widow. It would not be difficult—only he must be careful. This ball would be a very good opportunity. The lights, the people, a little champagne-she would lose her head, and crack it would be done a.nd the millions his. After, he would see It was a providence which made him put up at the Metropole, and turning in at the Tivoli he proceeded to make libations to his diety. But, madam, I assure you it is not done. Madam should have a domino and nothing more." An ugly thing like that, that covers you all up! Not I! No, I tell you, Julie, I'm going to have my dreee talked about. If there were only time we'd run over to Paris for it; but there is'nt, and we must do the best we can here." The little French maid shrugged her shoulders. It was only ces dames who went to such places costumees!" Though Mollie's French was not precisely of the Stratford-atte~Bow" type, still, it was not equal to the emergency, and the fine distinction marked by the little word ces entirely escaped her. She meant te ha.ve a fine dress, and a fine dress she woulci have. Accordingly, when the eventful night arrived, she stood before her glass arrayed in wondrous splendour. It would have been difficult to guess the character of her drees. The costumiers called it that of an Italian peasant; but surely no peasant ever wore such exquisite silks and gauzy draperies; no oontadina's throat and head and wrist ever flashed with such magnificent jewels. Prince Escrokoff grew positively pale with admiration as she came towards him. "Exquisite! magnifioent!" he murmared, and then speech seemed to fail him. Mollie was bewildered by the light amd the noise, and the colouring of the opera-houst -oowildered by the remarks she heard passed on her appearance and her beauty It was all very pleasant for a while, but instinctively she pressed closer to her com- panion and rested her a.rm more heavily upon his. This is better," she said contentedly, as they sat in comparative peace at their little supper-table. I never was in such a crowd in my life before." You have produced a sensation, madam -a foretaste of the success which awaits you everywhere." "Oh. I think people look at my dress more than at me," she remarked, modestly. Your dress is exquisite a.nd your jewels priceless—worthy of a princess." Mollie looked up quickly. The grey eyea were full upon her. Daniel gave them to me. They are worth a lot, I think." "They are worth a fortune. Have you seen enough? Shall we go now?" Mollie rose. "Worthy of a princess!" What did he mean? "What was going to happen? She was dimly conscious that in the brougham Prince Escrokoff held her hand tightly, but the music was still in her ears and the lights in her eyes and her head was in a whirl-;ro much so that it scarcely occurred to her to think it strange that her companion followed her into her salon, and. after placing her in a chair, instead of bringing Julie back with him when he left the room, returned alone and placed himself near her. It was all part of a dream-a. very pleasant dream, in which she was always called "your highness." But you do not answer, my darling, my life, I adore you," and suddenly Prince Escrokoff dropped on his knees beside her and caught her to him with one arm. A strange dizziness came over her. Was this !ove? The earth seemed giving wa.y under her feet. She Ah, madam, madam! My poor mistress!" Mollie opened her eyes. There kneeled Julie, weeping and wringing her hands. What has happened? Where is the Prince?" "The prince! How should I know, madam? When I came in mada.m was on the sofa, a handkerchief over her face, as still as death and the jewels—all the beautiful jewels gone'" "Gone!" cried Mollie, starting up. "Gone!" Then a sudden light burst upon her brain and a ringing laugh from her lips. I am glad I took my banker's advice, Julie, and after all only wore paste."

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