Evening Express

Correspondence. "¿-J' Letters must be "rittn vll oue side tit the paper ooiy. Injected communications cannot lie returned. Only briff, bri-Lit letters en subjects of "liw" in- terest are dpsired. We do not accept letters which have appeared in other journals. All letters intended for this paper must be addressed, Editor.. Evening Express,' C.:wiiíI." It trill save unnecessary trouble if correspondents observe and exactly follow the form :n which letteja appear in this column. Ea.ch letter must be accompanied by the real name and address l,f the sender.

WHY "FREE" LIBRARY? To the Editor of the "Evening Express." Sir.—Noting that our public librarians are meeting to discuss various matters, will you allow me to suggest that they discuss the question at the head of this letter? We do I not speak of the "free" museum or the "free" police force. Then why the "free" library?— I am, &c., PAST OWNER. Cardiff. March 13. Cardiff. March 13.

To the Editor of the "Evening Express." HYPNOTISM OR I Sir.—Mr. Sherratt. in your issue of the 15th, ajain tries to ventilate his ideas or imagina- tion without one grain of Muse that woald assist a person so unfortunate as to fall under the will power of another, or enlighten your readers on the subject. i and others want to know more of this power. Where doss i; begin? And where doss it end? Psalms,, Proverbs, Isaiah, don't tell us. Mr. S. brings forward the dogs, the most faithful friend man ever had, to the attention of spiritualist;?. When "God" looked round on what "He" had made "He" found everything very good. Will Mr. S. question the will and power of "Him," or condemn an intelligence supplied by "Him" to lessen suffering humanity? I can only see in Mr. S.'s letter a I narrow-minded, bigoted desire to get some people to take up your valuable space in a useless discussion, and he would do more gviod by gathering a crowd round him outside the gates of the county lunatic asylum, or in front of the Swansea Deaf and Dumb Institu- ¡ tion. than wearying your intelligent readers with his fancifnl twaddle. It he writes again, let him pay for space as an advertisement, and if not, sir. let us have something more iiiterest-in,Tliankiii.- you in anticipation. I a m, Ac.. p. Cardiff, March 13.

WOMEN DRUNKARDS. Plea for the Husbands. A police magistrate writes to the "Times" as fellows:— From the speech of the Bishop of Winchester in the House of Lords. I learn that, by a, provision in his Bill. habitual diniikennes3 comes under the definition of cruelty, and enables a wife to claim judicial separation from a drunken husband. For the salve of justice, let the same relief be giver, to the husband of a drunkard wife. 11 Tli4en, when a steady workman with tears hi his eyes and a pack of pawntickets in his JiaDvJ asks me. as he so often does, what. to d-, with a wife wiw has spent the rent and pawned the bedding, his clothes, and the children's boots for drink. I can give him hope of release from domestic torments, instead of having to admit that the present law affords a right to a. separation only to wi a wife and not to a husband."

NOVELIST DRAGGED fNTO A MURDER CASE. The "Lake County Examineilt- saye Marie Corelli. the faniour novelist, will 02 draw u. into a farr.oiM murder case'at Mount Vernon. Washington-5a case wherein one Wil- liam Corsage was murdered: by his wife in Deecmber last. The novel charge of inspiring to murder will be placed against Marie Coerlli by Attorney John F. Dore. of Seattle, who is defending the woman who killed Corsage. He will attempt to prove that "Thelma. one of the Corelli novels, was the direct cause of the murder. Corsage was very cruel to his wile. so she hot him after reading "Thelma."

WORSE THAN OLD SARUM. The recent parish meetings in England have brought to light the fact that in the parish of Monk's House, near Bambrrrgh. Northum- berland, there is only one elector—Mr. Thomas Lawson. Due notice having been given of the annual parish meeting. ldr. Lawson attended and occupied the chair. The business of the meet- ) ing was to elect a chairman for the ensuing year. Mr. Lawson was elected without oppo- sition.

COMPOSED WHILE WALKING. Mr. Chevalier's most popular song, "My Old Dutch." a strange mixture of slang and sen- timent. came to him quite unsought one foggy evening when he was tramping from the West- End of London to Islington. As words and- music came into his head line by line, to I paused under a- friendly lamp-post and wrote them down. Before he bad reached Isling- ton the song was practically completed.

COOK YOUR COCKLES. An outbreak of enteTic fever at Rochester and Chatham is attributed: to the peopde eating raw and partly-cooke.d cockles.

ORDER OF DRUIDS. Lodge Dinner at Cardiff. To the number of about 60 the members of the Loyal Pride of Cardiff Lodge of the Bristol and South Wales Order of Druids sat down to a really excellent dinner provided by Host and Hostess Jenkins at the Marchioness of Bute Hotel, Frederick-street. Cardiff, last night. They were a genial company, not the least genial of them all being the worthy chairman, Bro. M. Roberts-Jones, who presided in the absence of Councillor Chappsll, unexpectedly detained at Pontypridd. Supporting the pre- j sident at the cross-tabl-e were Bro. Gecrge Gage, D.C.S., Bro. W. Shipp, Bro. H. W. Gage (founder of the lodge), Bro. A. Hilyer (trea- surer), and Bro. George Brayley (lodge secre- tary). I The toast of The King came from the chair, and likewise that of The Loyal Pride I of Cardiff Lodge." Responding to the latter, Bro. Brayley said it was one of the beat lodges in the district, not, perhaps, so much as regarded strength of membership, but in respect of the soundness of its financial position. During the last four years they had been making steady progress. It fell to Bro. Hillyer to propose the toast of The District." Bro. G. Gage, district corresponding secre- tary, from Bristol, in replying, said the total membership of the district was 1.418. During the past iive years they had paid out in sick pay alone £ 4,-181 6s. 6d. He was sure more of the young men of Cardiff would join the society if they knew the benefits derivable. Bro. Shipp, district auditor, also responded, and eulogised the accident insurance fund in connection with the Order. He stated that members by a payment of fonrpence per year were entitled to compensation amounting from JS50 to £ 100 in the event of accident, the speaker asking laconically how long it would take a member to pay such a sum at the rate of four- pence a year. There was almost a plethora of musi- cal talent amongst the members. Songs were rendered by Messr3. David Butler, J. Wil- liams, R. W inter, W. Clarke, J. Gage, M. Par- fitt, George Brayley. and H. W. Gage. Mr. J. Hyett gave a recitation. Mr. D. Butler was a skilful executant at the piano.

SPORT OF THE DAY. To-day's lighting-up time for cyclists: 7.10. Supper Dance has been scratched for the Lincolnshire Handicap. Drumcree is fancied by Sir Charle3 Xagent for the Grand National, who thinks the big country at Liverpool will suit him. On Saturday White N'un II. left Epsom to be finally prepared for her Lincolnshire Handi- cap engagement. Her destination is unknown. The first produce of The Tartar, who won so many races in the late Sir John Thursby's colurs. a filly from Miss Brand, was foaled on the 14th inst. Uncle Jack, who was recently purchased by Mr. S. B. Joel for 3.00ugs., will, we understand, be seen out in one of the racsa at Maiden Erlegh this week. Mr. Edgar Cohen has been mentioned as the proprietor of the Maiden Erlegh meeting. The entire estate, however, including the race- course, ia the property of Mr. S. Joel. 1 Amurath will be ridden in the Lincolnshire Handicap by J. Waldo, the elder of the two American lads recently brought over by rr. Corrigan. W. Waldo will have the mount on Nightshade. Sir Windham R. c. Anstruther has rescinded the order to siiiu, his horse, Caledonia.to Eng- land, and the animal in question will be trained for Australian engagements by Kelso at Sydney. E. Driseoll. who met with such a nasty acci- dent through the falling of Hornpoo! at Ke-ap- tCll Park, has sufficiently recovered to leave Kcmpton for his home, and he hopes to resume his riding duties in a week or so. Kingston is at the head of the American list of winning stallions with 39 winners and a total of Hanover comes next with £ 15.458, Candlemas, Domino, Albert. Eother. and Esher following in the order given. Sir J. Thursby's winnings on the flat during his connection with the turf were .-—1892, £ 2.232; 1393. £ 1.402; 1894. £ 3.057; 1895. £ 1,795; 1836, £ 1,569; 1897, £ 2.349; 1898, £ 3.552; 1899, £ 3.008; and 1900, £ 1.010; total. £ 19.974. Origi- nally trained by the late J. R. Humphreys. of Lambourn, Sir John's bore-es later on passed into Peace's stable, and in recent years were looked after by th-eir owner's son.

SHEEP DOG'S INTELLIGENCE. In the district of Aube in France a peas-ant recently'slook a small flock of fourteen sheep to the market at the principal town in the dis- trict. The animals were sold, and the buyer left the same evening with his purchases. together with 150 ether sheep. It was arranged that the dog. which was accustomed to be with the fourteen sheep, should be given into the bargain, and Parisien (the dog's name) followed his new master. But during the journey he found an opportunity of sepa-rating the four- teen sheep from the flock, amd, actually drove them back to their old home. l

ALL RIGHTS EESSBVBS. T n U-BAYIS STORY. "EVENING EXPRESS" NEW SERIES. Nurse Helen. -0 [COMPLETE.] The vicar's wife put down her bool, as the trim maid-servant entered the drawing-room with the tea-tray. Work was laid aside. Tongues, which had been, perforce. silent while the hostess read aloud, began to wag freely, and the rattle of toea-cnps and saucers formed an accompaniment to the animated discussion of the coming bazaar. I "I wish. though," she said, timidly—she was always timid in the presence of the loud- voiced Mrs. Prince, the recognised leader of Paston society—"I wish so much that we had decided to devote the proceeds to the sick poor. This is such a distressing time—so much illness, arrd our funds exhausted." "Dear Mrs. Garner," said Dolly Prince, smartly, "you know that we must have a new piano, and it is so important that we get the parish room properly ventilated. I'm sure after some of our concerts I have been quite knocked up." "And the old piano," put in another girl, laughing, "is getting worse and worse every day. It is posiitive agony to play on it, and I ought to know, as the accompaniments gene- rally fall to my share." "I know it is agony to listen to the wheezy old thing." "The poor are so tiresome. I think they fall ill on purpqje." "They exacting." said Mrs. Prince, in a loud, aPbhoritaibive voice. "They have got a nurse now to see after them. They ought to be satisfied." "But the nurM cannot supply all the neoes- •ities for sickness," said Mrs. Garner. earnestly. "I feel ashamed when I know how much Nurse Helen does do out of her own pocket. The people tell me that. if she comes in tired out, and there is something very nice for her dinner or tea, she generally goes straight out with it for some sick person. It makes Janet Dean so angry." "Well." said Mrs. Prince, sharply, "she can afford It. or she wouldn't do it. What does Lady Benson give her? Eighty pounds a year, isn't it? A large income for one person." "I think when Lady Benson did saddle us with a nurse she ought to have given so much a year for necessities," put in another, un- gratefully. "She expected us to look after their needs." said Mrs. Garner, bravely. "They are our poor." "Do you call Nurse Helen pretty? said Dolly Prince, carelessly. "1 heard someone say she was." "I think,' said Mrs. Garner, seriously, "that she is the most beautiful woman that I have ever seen." "Really! Dolly stared increduousiy. "How do the people get on with her? asked Mrs. Prince in a strident voice. "I hear queer tales about her poking into this tiling and that. Making mountains out of molehaiis, as if the pe< pie weren't faddy enough. Such rub- bish a.bont drains! "And she washed out old Mary Morgan's room," chimed in Dolly, rather spitefully. "Actually like a common charwoman. She can't be a. lady, you know! The vica.r's wife asserted herself rather ang.ily— "I think this goes to prove that she is the truest lady And then she stopped and blushed, for a woman's dear voice was heard in the hall, and the door opened to admit the parish nurse. She entered with the brisk air of geif-pos- sessaon which was one of her most serious ill uie eyes ot tne Paston ladies. A subordinate ought to speak mild and look meek in the presence of her social superiors. They took umbrage at her erect carriage and the haughty poise of her well-shaped head. Her bright, searching eyes swept round the room, and met Mrs. Garner's with a. sudden smile in their blue depths." "I am so sorry to disturb you, Mrs. Garner, but the vicar would make me come in. I meant only to call at the door for the linen you were so good as to promise me for Johnny Nicholls." "Sarah shall get it for you, nnrse. But you must have a cup of tea—do. JFou surely are not thinking of walking to Trampton this damp evening." "I must." said Nurse Helen brightly. "His mother is not able to dress his leg yet, and the poor fellow must be made comfortable for the night, and as I have to pass Martha Owen's, I'm taking her weekly dole of tea and sugar. She will be so delighted to have it a day sooner." She put an open-work cord bag, containing sundry small packages on a chair, and took her cup of tea from Mrs. Garner's hand. "So far," said the little woman kindly. "It is quite five miles to Trampton. I often think of you going along those dark, lonely roads at night." "How good of yon, dear Mrs. Garner! Bnt the roads are quite safe, and I shall be home before eleven. I hope." She drank her tea, and bestowed a few words of admiration en some of thereaily beautiful work lying on the tables. Then as she lifted her bag to go, a sudden thought struck her, and she "nrued back again. "Mrs arner, I hear that Mr. Chudleigh, of Garswood, never gives any assistance to the peopie here. He is the landlord of most of the cottages down Trampton way-wretched hovels some of them are. Could he not be prevailed upon to aid u!! 0 Surely he could not refuse if our urgent need of funds at this time was put before him?" Every head in the room shook an emphatic negative. The nurse looked puzzled. "He is young, I hear, and very wealthy." "Not one penny will Mr. Bart Chudleigh give in charity." said Mrs. Prince, loudly. "He is a selfish. young man. I detest a self-opinionative person. I assure you he has refused me!" "He has been wrongly brought up," said Mn. Garner, gently. "His late father would not help us. He never enriched our charities by one farthing, and I'm afraid hit son takes after him. I'm beginning to think Mr. Chud- leigh is hopeless." "Quite," said Mrs. Prince, emphatically, and most unsociable. Time after time I have invited him to my little dinners. But, dear in ft. no! From all accounts he is happier in the stables with his horses." "Surely he can be managed!" "Oh. no. he can't," put in Dolly Prince, shaking her vain little head. "He is ;t perfect Goth. We meet him at the Hunt Balls, and those sorts of things, you know; but he doesn't dance. He is nothing but a Goth." She did not add that for the sake of the Goth in question she had imperilled her neck in the hunting Odd. in the vain hope that a neat figure would mask b 1 horsemanship, and win the admiration of te young master of Gars- wood. "We want money so urgently." said the nurse, thoughtfuliy, "that we cannot afford to leave one stone unturned. Perhaps if he were approached again She looked round the room questioningly. "Perfectly useless," Mrs. Prince took upon herself to answer, stiffly. "Positively I refuse to have anything to do with a project of this kind. When w" were collecting for the dia- mond bracelet for the dear duchess, he refused to give me even ten pounds. It is not likely that he will lavish money on a lot of old grumbling men and women!" The nurse's bine eyes flashed for an instant. Tlitn she said. quietly: I suppose if no one else will undertake this duty, there can !je no harm in my doing so." Everybody ap",d, and Mrs. Prince was petrified. Then iihe broke out, indignantly, quite crushing Mrs. Garner's gentle "No harm a.t ail, nurse, Qnite out of place. I beg you will not do anything of the kind. Most use- less and unseemly." Nurse Helen's smile was maddening in its composure. "Do you think so? Well, I consider that a landlord so culpably careless, a man so desti- tute of generous feelings, certainly deserves no consideration at onr hands, and if fate throws him across my path, I shall not be able to resist making an appeal to him; and if he refuse, I shall tell him what I think of him." She said this half jestingly, but there was a vein of seriousness in her words. Funds were urgently needed, and it tortured her to feet her own powerlessness to provide even small comforts for the sick in her care. As she left. the vicarage behind her, and trudged along the bleak, muddy road, with a drizzly rain, blown by the wind full in her face, she turned over in her mind one project after another, and burned with indignation at the indifference of the wealthy to the crying needs of the poor Just as she passed the imposing white gates of Garswood a dogcart came swiftly along the road. A yoang man, in a huge ulster. was driving, with a liveried servant sitting beside him. She caught a glimpse of a brown, good- looking face under a, tweed cap, and a pair of dark eyes glancing indifferently down upon her. The dog-cart turned up the Garswood avenue, and it struck her that this must be Mr. Bart Chudleigh. She came to a full stop on the road. Why should she not follow him and make an appeal now for her sick? Odd! Of course it would be odd—but then she was always doing odd things and outraging people's ideas of decorum. What, would Mrs. Prince say? The lines of Nurse Helen's handsome mouth grew very obstinate. A fig for what Mrs. Prince thought or said! In another minute she had

Justness Stresses,. ill U N Y 0 N'S COLD AND COUGI-I CURES. .l- Colds lead to Coughs, Coughs to Pneumonia and Consumption; therefore, it is all impor- portant to check a, co'd before it reaches the lungs. }\fUNYOX'S COLD CURE will positively break a cold within twenty-four hours, and MLTNYON'S COUGH CURE will cure every form of Cough and all pulmonary troubles where the lungs are not too far affected by disease or covered by tubercles. When a cold reaches the iungs or bronchial tubee, MUX TON'S COUGH CURE should be used alternately every half-hour with the Cold Cure. The Cold Cure will prevent pneumonia if used in the beginning of a cold. Pneu- monia, or inflammation of the lungs, can be controlled by the use of these two Cures. Price, One Shilling each. Special large size, 43. A SEPARATE CURE FOR EACH AILMENT. mostly a shilling a vial of all chemists, or sent post paid on receipt of price. White for Guide to Health (free by poet). It con- tains valuable information and full list of cures. THE MUNYGN IIOMCEOPATHIC REMEDY CO., REGENT HOUSE, EEGENT-STi'ERT, L15754 LONDON, W.

Passing Pleasantries. "My daughter has a great ear for music." "Well, that wouldn't be so bad, if she didn't think she had a voice for it, too." "Oh, mamma!" exclaimed little Edith on her return from the show. "I saw an elephant, and he walks backwards and eats with his tail! "What's a nabob?" asked little Ethel of her eigrht-year-old brother. "Why, anybody ought to know that," he replied. "A neigh-bob is a horse with a docked tail." Teacher: Johnny, what is the name of the principal river in Egypt? Johnny: The Nile. Teacher: That's right. Now, Tommy, you may name the Nile's smaller tributaries. Tommy: Juveniles-4 Teacher: How many commandments are there? Small Boy: 'Leven. Teacher: Eleven! What is the eleventh? Small Boy: Keep off the grass. Stranger: What. is your name, little boy ? Little Boy: Willie. Stranger: Willie what? Little Boy: Willie Don't, I guess. That's what mamma always calls me. Little three-year-old Clara, after watching the lid of the teakettle rise and fall, emitting at the same time tiny puffs of steam, exclaimed: "Look, mamma; tne teakettle's got the asthma." Little Daisy's atiit had given her a doll so dressed that she couldn't tell whether it was a girl or boy. She looked at it in great per- plexity for a few minutes, and then said: "Never mind, little boy; be a good girl." Small Tommy was sent home ill from the kindergarten one day, and as he entered the house he said: "Mamma, I'm just awful sick, but I don't want you to try any faith cure on me." Gorst: What 's Simpson doing now? Fish Oh. lie's travelling with a menagerie." Gorst: Pretty hard work, isn't it? Fish: Hard work! No; he's nothing to do except stick his head into the lion's mouth twice a day. Two physicians at the bedside of a patient disputed as to the nature of the disease. At last one of them ended the discussion by saying, "Very well; have it your own way now. but the post-mortem will show that I am right." The Cashier: I should like to get off thfs afternoon to go to a funeral. Boss: All right. Scrips. Let me know when you are ready to start, and I'll be with you. It's Snrrey v. Middlesex, isn't it? I wouldn't miss the match for worlds. "I am sorry for you. my boy." acid the old man. "I feel certain you are about to wed a woman who does not know how to cook." "It might be worse, father," answered the voung man. "She has promised never to try to learn." Clara: How did you come to accept Mr. Sr. phead ? i Dora.: I had to. He proposed to me in a canoe, and he got so agitated I was afraid we'd upset. Lawyer: Where did he kiss you? Pretty Defendant: On the mouth. Lawyer: No. no! you don't understand. I mean where were you? Defendant (blushing): In his arms, sir. Alex. Smart: Say. didn't Henpeck know his wife bef he ma"ie(bher? Numskull: Why, certainly he did. Alex Smart: Then why did he marry her? Cholly (describing a visit to his fiancee): Yaas, when I entered the pawlah. doncher know. I found her staring at vacancy, and- Pepprey: Looking at your photograph, was she? Finicky: Now, when I drink at a public fountain I always put my lips at the edge of the cap, near the handle, to avoid contamina- tion. Cynick: Yes; I've noticed everybody does that. They used to sing some time ago A rather pla-intive song: "Man wants but little here below. Nor wants that little long." But nowadays the song is set With music to the rhyme: "Man wants as much as he can get, And wants it all the time." A good story is told of a man called William, who is engaged as a window-cleaner at a certain big hotel in London. One morning William, instead of doing: his work, was rea.¡g the paper, and. as bad luck would have it, the manager looked in. "What's this?" he said. William was dumb. "Pack up your things and go," said the ma.nager. So William went to the office, drew the money that was owing to him, and then went up- stairs and put on his Sunday clothes. Coming down to say "Good-bye" to the other servants, he happened to run across the manager, who did not recognise him in his best coat. "Do you want a job?" asked the manager. "Yes, sir," said William. "Can you clean windows?" "Yes, sir." "Yoii look a handy sort of chap.I only gave the last man twenty-two shillings, but I'll jrive you twenty-five." "Thank --ou. sir," said William, and in half an hour he was back in the same old room- cleaning the window this time, and not reading the paper.

Impurities in the Blood. We have seen hosts of letters from people who have received great benefit from the use of Clarke's Blood Mixture. It cannot be too highly estimated, for it cleanses and clears the blood from ail im- cleanses and clears the blood from ail im. purities." This is a good testimonial from the Family Doctor," which goes on further to say:—"It is the finest Blood Purifier that science and skill have brought to light, and we can with the utmost confidence recommend it to our subscribers and the public generally." For Scrofula. Scurvy. Eczema. Bad Legs. Skin and Blood Diseases. Pimples and Sores of all kinds, its effects are marvellous. Thousands ot wonderful cures have been effected by it. Clarke's Blood Mixture is sold everywhere, at t Zs. 9d. per bottle. Beware of worthless imita- tions and substitutes. 8IJ

CHINESE TROUBLE. Russia's Aggressive Act HOW THE DISPUTE AROSE. Perilous Situation. BRITISH IN GREAT STRENGTH. A special telegram to the "New York Herald" Paris edition from Tientsin, dated Sunday, states that General (query Colonel) Campbell offered to withdraw the British troops from the disputed territory condi- tionally upon the Russian force also retiring, but the Russian commanding officer declined to accede to the proposal. Instructions from St. Petersburg are now being anxiously awaited. Long trenches, 45ft. apart, are filled with troops, the British force outnumbering the Russians by twenty to one. Unless the instructions from St. Petersbnrg are conciliatory in tone, it is understood the Russian commander will attempt to drive the British forces out of their strongly entrenched position. Both sides seem determined to maintain their poaitions until compelled to move by force of arms. The Russian Ambassador at "Washington, Count, Cassini. commenting on the Tientsin affair, says that China granted the concession, and the Russian military officer immediately desired te take possession of it. Questions in Parliament. In the House of Commons on Monday, Mr. J. WALTON (R., Barnsley) asked the Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs whether lis would give any information in regard to the reported seizure by Russia of 'and at Tientsin which was mortgaged to British bond- holders. Lord CRANBGRNE said that since he had, received private notice of the question he had not had an opportunity of obtaining the last information at the Foreign Office. He must ask the lion, member to repeat the question. Mr. W. REDMOND (N., Clare, E.) asked why it was that General Barrcw's instructions, that the Russians should bo opposed by force of arms, were not carried out. Lord CR-ANBORNE: I must have 11 Alice of the question. Mr. W. REDMOND: I will also ask why the white flag was raised. (Nationalist cheers, and cries cf "Order.") More Russian Aggression. In the House of Commons on Monday, Sir ELLIS ASHMEAD-BARTLETT (D., Shef- field, Ecclesall) aaked the Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs whether the Russian Govern- ment had recently endeavoured to exclude the British fleet from certain portions of the Gulf of Pechili and had claimed the waters of the Blonde and Elliott Islands as exclusively belonging to Russia, and, if so, what steps his Majesty's Government had taken in con- sequence of this claim. Mr. BALFOUR (in the absence of Lord Cran- bcrne): We have received no communication on this subject from the Russian Government, but the Russian admiral remonstrated against the presence in the waters of the Elliott Islands of his Majesty's ship Plover, which was engaged in pursuing pirates. The action of the commander-in-chief on the Station in sending British troops to these islands appears to be in accordance with our rights under Article 52 of the Treaty of Tientsin. Sir E. ASHMEAD-BARTLETT: Am I to understand that the claim has not been accepted by the Government? N,) answer was given. British Influence on the Yangtsze Sir ELLIS ASHMEAD BARTLETT asked whether the information in the possession of the Government showed that there was a. decline of British influence in the Chinese provinces bordering on the Yangtsze-Kiang. Mr. BALFOUR said there was no informa- tion at the disposal of the Government indicating any such decline. German Influence., A Swatau dispatch to Berlin says that on the demand of the German Consul the district governor of Fsin-Ing will be dismissed on account of his anti-Chrietian attitude and the ditatoriness shown by him in dealing with German claims. At Ho-Ping two men who took part in anti-German riots have been beheaded, and at Chang-Lo two of their accomplices have been arrested.—Renter. A Renter's telegram from Tientsin or- Mon- day says:—There is no change to-day jn the position of the Anglo-Russian land dis- pute.

yyi——mmm——— ST. PATRICK'S DAY. 11 Observances at Cardiff and Bslirry. Not restricted exclusively to Irishmen, the annual Irish banquet at Barry's Hotel, Car- diff, last night was a notable one. The attendance established a record. Dr. J. Mullin, M.D., J.P., presided, supported by Alderman David Jones. Councillors Frank Fox (secretary) and Lewis Morgan, Drs. Broad, R. J. Smith, Cantillon, and Donovan, Mr. Head- constable. MoKenzie, the Rev. Fathers Cor- rnaek. Hayde, and Nolan, and Messrs. A. Thomas (Grange), James Courtney, James Mander, Antonio Radmilovic. and others. The gathering, following precedent, was not restricted to Irishmen, although they were again largely in the majority. In proposing "Ireland a Nation," the Chair- man pointed out that by that phrase they meant Ireland as an integral part of the British Empire, working out its own destiny in its own way, and contributing to the great- ness of the Empire. (Cheers.) Tho Rev. Father Nolan, in reply, said they did not wish for separation, but they wanted Ireland to receive her just rights, and be recognised 'as she should: be recognised. (Cheers.) The Rev. Father rlormack submitted "The Day We Celebrate" in a humorous speech, and Father Hayde responded. "God Save Ireland" was sung as a grand finale. Banquet at BarlY. In celebration of St. Patrick's Day a ban- quet was held at Culley's Hotel, Barry Dock, last night, presided over by Dr. P. J. O'Don- nell. The C'hairman proposed "Ireland, a Nation," coupled with the name of Mr. J. P. Farrell, M.P. for North Longford, who responded.

BRIGGS' ILLNESS. Reported Worse. Biigss, the Lancashire cricketer, who is still at Cbeadle Hospital, is reported rather worse to-day.

AMERICA AND VENEZUELA. Complicated Situation. Washington. Tuesday Morning.—Information has reached Washington that Mr. I. M. Bala, the United States Consular Agent at Barce- lona, Venezuela, has been thrown into prison by the Government officials, who attempted ineffectually, to extort money from 11.r. Baiz. The United States Government has entered a vigorous protest against such treatment of their representative, and have demanded his release. The situation is somewhat complicated by the fact that Mr. Baiz is not an American citizen, but is of Danish nationality. The United St,a,t2s Government, however, considers that Mr. Baiz can claim its protec- tion. as he holds the Venezuelan Exequator as United States Consular Agent.-Central News.

"KEEPING UP THE SHAMROCK" Maiiv' and ingenious wero the exensea ad- vanced at the North London Court this loom- ing by thoit; who came up to explain "hythey were drunk and disorderly. Patrick O'Dea, 32, leather tier, of Goswell- road, who was adorned with green favours, ex- plained that he was honouring the Saint, but a constable's recital of the language used hardly bore out the statement. Fined 2s. 6d. or three day- Margaret Elliot, who made her 42nd appear- ance on a charge of druulcenness, got one for over-exuberance at Dalston.

AND HE GOT IT. One of the candidates for tho post of lunatic attendant to the Blackburn Guardians was a man named Booth, who said he formerly occupied a similar position at Bury Work- house. The Chairman: And where were you before that? Applicant: At the War Office ir. Pall Mall. The Chairman: Dear me; but not as lunatic attendant ? Applicant (with shocked expression)—Oh no. Oh dear, no. (Loud laughter., Applicant received the appointment.

CADBURY'S COCOA has a world-wide reputa- tion as a delicious, strengthening beverage and a, valuable nutritive food. The Lancet says it represents "the standard of highest purity." Always insnt on having CADBURY'S—sold only in Packets and Tina-as other Cocoas are often substituted for the lake of extra profit. e2

League Table. POSITION OF THE TEAMS. The visit of Mr. John North to Cardiff will be quite the event of the year in billiard circles, and, no doubt, the short stay of the famous eucist will be taken advantage of by those who are desirous of seeing first-class play, and further by those who wish to take lessons in the game, for Mr. North wishes me to state that he is open to give lessons pri- vately any mornins this week. On Monday evening Mr. North met A. Llewellyn at the Cardiff Conservative Club, Cardiff, in a game of 1,000 up, the Welshman receiving 250 start. Play was most interesting throughout. Llewellyn, however, was not in his best form, and failed to reply to several fine breaks on the part of North. After the match several games of billiards were played, and then North interested the company with some amusing trick shots, masse cannons, &c. On Wednesday evening a match will be played on the fine billiard table of the Claude Hotel, Roath. Communications for Mr. North may be gent care of this office. Sir,-Under the heading "Football Gos>sip" in the "Express" of Saturday appears the fol- lowing:—"The Italian Colony in Cardiff is quite excited over the international match. Their views are thus interpreted by Mr. Antonio Radmilovich," &c. Allow me to remark first, the Italian colony in Cardiff take no interest in football, and not one would cross the road to see a match; secondly, Mr. Radmilovich is an Austrian, and shouid write on behalf of the Austrian colony; thirdly, Mr. Radmilovich does not speak the "lingua Toscana, in bocca Romana," but a dialect kind of Italian to be compared to English as spoken by a Somerset farm labourer; fourthly, the sentence "Peache la Popolasione della Capitale ocidcn- tall e appena cosi rappresentation the quelta del Metropole di Wales" may sound well, but it is sheer nonsense, and if shown to an Italian would raise a smile.—I am &c., Felice Car- mino.—Un-di- Padua, P.P.D.D. The victory of Pontypridd over Mountain Ash on Monday puts the Rhondda Metropoli- tans at the head of the league table, a posi- tion that had previously been occupied by Mountain Ash. As will be seen from the table, this is the first game Mountain Ash have lost in the competition. Only just over half their league engagements have been played, however, and, with Pontypridd only a single point in front of them, the struggle is still likely to be keen, for who will be cham- pions is still a matter of considerable doubt. The positions of the cubs in the competition up to date are as follow P. W. L. D. Pts. Pontypridd. 6 4 1 1 9 Mountain Ash 6 3 1 2 8 Treherbert. 4 3 1 0 6 Lhvynypia 6 1 2 3 5 Treorky 4 0 2 2 2 Penygraig 4 0 4 0 0 The race on Saturday last for the champion- ship of the Roath (Cardiff; IIarrier3 proved to be the best ever held during the tnnals of that club. Johnson and Shackell took it in turns to make the pace for the first mile, and made it so fast that there was soon a long tail. Shackell was the first to take the country on the top of Rumncy Hill, but was soon given the" go-bye" by White, Wade, and Jjhnaon, who at once commenced to draw away from the rest. All across the Rumney Flats, up through Llanrumney Park, and back on the country on the sea side- of the Newport-read, the three men were running practically stride for stride. At the foot of Rumney Hill Whit.* and Johnson managed to get a few yards away from Wade. They increased their lead to about twelve yards at the Tennis Court, but at this point Johnson was compelled to drop away, leaving White by himself, but Wade "came again" in a most plucky manner, and was only beaten by five yards, Johnson being 30 yards in the rear of White. The first and second men beat the previous record made by J. Raymond of 35min. 41sec. by 4sec. and 3sec. respectively, while young Johnson was ,nly 4sec. outside. The times of the six first men home were: — T. W. White, 35min. 37sec.; Harold H. Wade, 35min. 38sec.; T. M'C. Johnson, 35miu. tJ5aec.; F. H. John-son, 36min. 48sec.; C. W. Winter. 37min. 14sec.; and A. T. Shackell, 37mm. 44sfc. On opening the sealed handicap embodied in this race the winner was found to be C i. M. Peaty (7min. lOsec. start), with Wade i40scc) second, and F. H. Johnson (95sec.) tttp-d. White, in addition to winning the Dewr." Chal- lenge Cup, will be presented by the club with a gold meda.l as a memento of the ra-c, and also with a gold medal for having covered the six miles under 36min. 30sec. Wade and John- son are also entitled to the last-mentioned medals. Wade. Winter, Shackell, and it. H. Edwards (38min. 46sec.) were on Saturday pre- sented with their fast-time badges, having com- pleted the course in under 39min. WELSH ATHLETE. The Glamorganshire Golf Club visited Pem- brey on Saturday last, and spent I a most enjoyable day. On their return all the players were loud in their praises of their recaption, and spoke highly, too, of the course. I append the scores:— ASHBURNHAM. GLAMORGANSHIRE. R. Hulton 0 C. B. Stoddart 3 E. Trubshiaw 0 John Hunter 4 W. W. Brodie 1 A. M. Ingledew 0 F. N. Powell 0 F. Mason 11 D. J. Joseph 0 J. A. Varden 2 W. D. Rock 1 E. Nicholls 0 S. D. Bowen 0 J. Connor 2 A. L. Tregoning 3 A. Duncan 0 E. W. Pemberton 0 J. A. Alexander 0 A. Lewis 0 L. Gottwaltz 5 A. P. Waller 0 J. G. Wilson 5 < 27 The Wednesday Cup was won by W. L. Yoratla with a very good score. Mr. Yorath has improved wonderfully of late, and it is thought he has a good chance to pull off the Lower Handicap of the Tournament Compe- tition, but there are still four players left in who will have to be seriously reckoned with, and he will have to play at the top of his form to win. The scores are: — THE WEDNESDAY CUP. Gross. H'cap. Net. W. L. Yorath 93 17 76 J. A. Alexander 98 13 80 Alex Duncan 99* 14 85 K. R. Mar ley 100 14 86 F. W. Howell 112 24 88 Captain Schuyler 100 11 89 C. Carey Thomas 101 12. 89 Sidney Robinson 105 15 90 E. B. Newman 119 27 92 Twenty entries. The others retired. In the Higher Handicap of the. same compe- tition W. Howell beat A. M. Ingledew by 3 up and 2 to play. These two had a very good match, as the result will show, for the final had to be played over 36 holes. The cup draw (second round) is as follows: -J. G. Thomas beat J. Pitchford by 4 up and 2 to play. Next Saturday will be Club Cup day. A spring meeting will be held at Penarth at Easter, as usual, for which entry forms. we are able to state, will be sent to members in a day or two. The Glamorgan Golf Club, I am delighted to hear, intend holding a competition confined tJ professionals, whicdi will probably take place about the 22nd of May. Very substan- tial prizes will be offered as an inducement to the best players, and it is hoped most of the best professional celebrities of the pastime will put in an appearance. On the last occasion such an event was held we had the pleasure of a, visit paid us by (amongst others) Braid and Alec. Heard. The event will be of great interest to all golfers in general and South Wales golfers in particular. Porthcawl play the Jersey Marine Club at Jersey Marine, Swansea, on Saturday next. This will be the first occasion that the clubs have met on those links, and a good game is looked for. Saturday, April 6, will be medal day at Porthcawl, and on the 18th of the same month a match takes place between Abergavenny and Porthcawl at Abergavenny. I may add that April 19 and 20 are the proposed dates of the Annual Spring Meeting of the Porth- cawl Club. and I understand that the pro- grammes will be ready in a few days. A ASSOCIATION" CUP COMPETITION will be played at TriWyrliiw on Good Friday, April 5th. Winners to rcoeive (tup and Knnners-up Kleven Medals. -.Apply Evans, 9, Hill.stn>pt" Troedyrhi-r. e8900

GOLFING, New Links at Cardiff. New golf links have been, acquired near Llanishen by residents of t1.é Roath Park dis- trict of Cardiff. The s:te is a splendid one, and commands a magnificent view of the channel. It is expected that the Rhymncy Railway Company will open a new station near the links shortly. The land is regarded as an ideal inland course, and the hew club starts with a strong original membership, dating from March 27. The first play takes place on Easter Monday. Mr. Selwyn Biggs is the lion, secretary.

"PHYSICALLY UNFIT." Dr. Anderson, of Edinburgh, who discovered the new star, had to leave the Church some time ago on account of bad eyesight! This week's Sketch says that in the same way one of our greatest professional golf players was rejected from the Army for defec- tive sight, and an amateur half-mile cham- pion was lately found to have too wen's a heart to join a Yeomanry corps. t

2tb.t1rtsSt5. PHOSFERINE The Greatest of all Tonics. i I ■ ■ REMEDIES THAT OVER-WORKED, r Lu r PLAYED-OUT FEELINCL When You Feel Over=worked, Run* down and Played=out, Your Nervous System is Deranged, and Your Body Ill-nourished and Weak, and You Need the Vitalizing, Medicinal and Purifying Virtues of Phosferine to Put Your Body in Proper Working Condition Again. It is seldom that a really healthy person gives any indication of being over-worked. One never sees farm labourers, hod-carriers, or gardeners that have the appearance of being over-worked, although they generally work much harder and longer hours than the class of workers who complain of being over-worked. The fact is almost all the remunerative occupations now-a-days are more or less unhealthy. and it is this unhealthiness that causes tnose that engage in them to feel over. worked. If your occupation is of a sedentary 'nature, if it is carried on indoors, or if it involves the exercise of the brains rather than the muscles, it may be reckoned among the unhealthy occupations, and you need Phosferine to drive away the over-worked, worn-out. run-down feeling it causes. Phosferine is intended for just such persons as yourself. The poisoning of the blood and nerves and the general weakening 6f the system which a sedentary employment and indoor life produce is rectified by Phosferine, and the entire body is restored to a strong, vigorous, healthy condition. Let us, therefore, suggest that when you imagine yourself to be over-worked, run-down, played-out, and mentally, nervously, and bodily exhausted to purchase a bottle of Phos- ferine, and see how speedily it brings your worn-out system, your poisoned nerves and blood, and your fagged brain and body to a normal healthy state. ROYAL COMMANDS. Phosferine enjoys the distinguished honour of having received commands from MEMBERS OF THE BRITISH ROYAL FAMILY. 1.) H.I.Y. the Empress of Russia. I li.I.H. the Grand Duchess Olga of Russia. n -u' tif KAHg Greece. II.R.H. the Crown Princess of Roumania. 5r v SUCelX ofT?oama,na' HI-H. the Grand Duchess Serge of Russia. H.I.M. the Dowager Empress of Russia. H.I.H. the Grand Duchess Xenia of Russia. And the Principal Royalty and Aristocracy throughout the world. Proprietors ASHTON & PARSONS (Ltd.), 17, Farringdon-road, London, E.C. Eottlea, 1/lJ, 2/9, and 4/6. Post free. 1/3. 3/ and 4/9. Sold by all Chemists, Stores, &w. The 2/9 size contains nearly four times the i/lj size.

Shipping Casualties. c [Lloyd's Telegrams.] Monday. Ardietlien. Great Yarmouth telegraphs: Steamer Ardlethen, Shields for Ergasteria, went ashore Hasbro' Sands yesterday morn- ing; floated without assistance this morn-, ing, proceeded London; feared bottom damaged by badly bumping on sands. Alba.—Great Yarmouth telegraphs: St tamer Alba, which went a>shore Southwold Beach, floated off without assistance alter jetti- floated off without assistance alter jetti- soning part cargo; arrived here. Coltnies.—Hong Kong telegraphs: Eelgian steamer Colonies took fire in port, but fire since been extinguished; damaged, but extent not known. Br.t unfel s.-F lush i iig telegraphs: German steamer Braunfels, Hamburg for Antwerp, went ashore Schardynkil; got elf without assistance and without damage, and pro- ceeded on voyage. Vinhlong, French troopship, has gone ashore entrance Singapore; apparently position not dangerous; assistance with her. Denietian, steamer, Pomaron for Stettin, ashore near Swinemunde; assistance sent from Swinemunde. Burnock and P. M. Wilcock.—Steamer Burnock. while passing Barking, collided with ketch P. M. Wilcock. carrying away latter's bow- sprit and headgear. Martha, German steamer, with coal, grounded R-efenmuas; assisted afloat by Svitzer steamer, and taken into Flensborg leaky. Parjvhyba.—Cape Town telegraphs: Steamer Orwell spoke steamer Parahyba in 17 S., 3 E.. disabled; offered assistance, but was refused. Lizzie and Asturias. Bilbao telegraphs: Steamer Lizzie has been slightly damaged by collision with steamer Asturias. Berdianski telegraphs: Navigation open. Ingeborg, Swedish steamer, Reval for Horsens, loaded various kinds wheat, put into Hel- singborg after being ashore; leaks very slightly; all blades propeller broken. Nikolai. Russian steamer, for Valencia, sul- 7 phate. returned Leith boilers leaking. Fairy.—Hull telegraphs: Steamer Fairy, from Antwerp, general cargo, arrived Humber Dock this morning; when hatches \e.re opened quantity wool in mainhold was found on fire; two fire engines extinguished fire; cargo seriously damaged, also some damage done to ship. rolsjo. steamer, previously reported, has been towed into Oporto; particulars of Jamage not yet to hand. Norham Castle, steamer, Southampton for South "Africa, towed into Ascension hy steamer Tongariro; high-pressure cylinder burst March 14, 500 miles east; engineer hopes make repairs enable proceed in four or five days; the mails will be taken on by steamer Tongariro to Cape Town. Scotsman.—Londonderry telegraphs: Steamer Scotsman, pieviously reported stranded. floated this morning, and now alongside Ramelton Quay; discharging cargo. Flat Holm telegraphs: Unknown sailing vessel ashore North Grounds Lightship; too distant to distinguish. Gibraltar telegraphs: Petroleum hulk No. 42 broke adrift nd went ashore. Meta. -5trtyauger telegraphs: Norwegian steamer Meta, Blyth for Hammerfest, coal, has crank shaft broken. Marthe Marguerite.—Vigo lelegraplis. French barque Marthe Marguerite. Peusacolvi for Nantes, carga phosphate, towed into Vigo by steamer Papanui with loss rudder L'Aquita.ine.—New York cables: French steamer L'Aquilaine, from Havre, arrived. Ijsving had one engine disabled; repaired at sea. Britibh Trader, British steamer, from Antwerp, has lost one blade propeller. New York, steamer, from Southampton, arrived with port tail shaft broken, ammonia tank burst, two men killed. Matador, German barque, from Bremen, has lost sails. Ilalmstad.—Gothenburg telegraphs: Steamer Halrastad is leaking at rate of lin. per hour, but divers report no appearance damage. Floriston and Gauntlet.—Charlton telegraphs Steamer Floriston, of Newcastle, cntwards." collided with ketch Gauntlet, of Jersey." doing slight damage; damage to steamer unknown.

RUSSIA IN CHINA, French Press Views. Paris, Tuesday.—The "Figaro" to-day says that the importance of the conventions now being negotiated by Russia, relative to Man- churia is exaggerated in Great Britain, and expresses the opinion that the outcry in the British press will not hinder the slow advance of Russia towards Manchuria. The "Journal" state* nobody will think more about the Tientsin incident in a week's time.

NOVEL SAFE DEPOSIT. False teeth are occasionally used for secre- tive purposes. An eccentric old lady boasts a roof plate which consists of two thin sheets of gold, between vhich a copy of her will in miniature is inserted. In like manner a chemical dyer preserves a prescription which he declares he would not give up for a larye turn.

MONMOUTH AGRICULTURISTS Important Meeting at Usk. Monmouthshire Chamber of Agriculture, sit. ting at Usk yesterday, under the presidency of Mr. J. Green, Blackwood, decided to call the attention of the President of the Board of Agriculture to the probable danger of intro.. ducing foot and montl disease from the Con- tinent by importing hay, straw, sheep-skins, sheep's heads, and hides, and calves with the hides attached. The county and borough M.P.'s were askedi to support the Pure Beer Bill, the second read- ing of winch is fixed for March 27, and, in view of thealterations recently found in beer, it was decided that attention should be given to the production of pure cider. In supporting the proposition, Mr. William Marfell refuted the statement that cider in the county wias adulterated.

BARRY DOCK fiOSPITAL. Good work was done at Barry Dock Hospital during the past year, according to the annual report. Altogether 134 patients were treated, of whom 21 died. One of the greatest wants of the committee is a larger building and one more suitable for the work. The committee had hoped to have a big balance in 1900 to put towards a building fund, but depressed trade and special appeals for war funds have rather disappointed them. A. bazaar in aid of the hospital will be he,d in Cardiff next autumn. Foreign Arrivals and Movements of Local Steamers. Pontypridd left Newport for Gibraltar 16th. Westergate passed Gibraltar for Newport 17th. Goldcliffe arrived Chantenay 16th. Portugalete arrived Rochefort 17th. Tredegar left Oran for Pomaron 16th. Cyfarthfa parsed Dover for Rotterdam 18tb. Parana left Hamburg for Barrow 16th. Free Lance left the Tyne for Hamburg 15tb Dordogne left London for Cardiff 19th. Glendale left London for Cardiff 18th. Wooda passed Prawle Point 18th. Westward Ho! left Port Said for Liverpool 17th. Inver left Rouen for Newport 16th. Dromonby passed Colombo for Port Said for orders 15th. Hawthorn left Bordeaux for Cardiff 16th. Chitta,gong arrived Nagasaki 18th. Cameo passed Gibraltar for Cardiff 16th. Felbridge left Monte Video for Buenos Ayrea 18th. Demetian arrived Stettin 18th.

South Wales Tide Table. I -•! i z I i 1 i ■* Si I 2 S £ g k I 5 5 < g I r -• ° I 5 Tues- Oloin'ig 5 6 ,^4" 16^ 5 (j-?} TIT T,1Q i 5 30 5 20 5 25 | 6 24 6 27 Mar, 19 < Hwight. 34 5 30 10 34 7 | 33 11 33 6 Wed- 5 541 5 4,i 1 -845 1 6 591-6 53 uesday, Kveuiu 6 17 6 9! 6 12 7 7| 7 9 Mar. 20 ( Hcigi.r | 35 1 32 10 36 3 | 36 9 36 4 'Hmrs- ( ilormV 6 39 6 23 b 35 7 32 I ~73S Mar7?! lrVeV? } -5 50 6 57 7 51 7 52 Mat. 21 Height od 1 34 5 36 1 38 9 38 4 Kist 11..(, .HI. A;ex..ntu-* iTittacu .basin

THOUSANDS OF PERSONS testify that Holdroyd's Gravel Pill. aire Ii positive eure for Gravel. Lumbago, Pains in the Back, Dropsy, Wind, Water Com- plaints. Diseases of the Kidneys, Bladder Urinary Organs, Stone, Goat. Sciatica, and Rheumatism. Try one box, if not satisfied, money returned. Is. lid. all Chemists. Post free 12 stamps.—Holdroyd's Medical Hall. Oleckheaton, York", e8741-3 AI/VIGE TO MOTHERS."—Are you broken in hv^n'i+i'n^T otiha £ hild 8UfferinS with the pain by cuttin,, teeth. Go at once to a chemist and get a, bottle of Mrs. Win3low's Soothing Syrup It will relieve the poor sufferer immediately, ririiil taste; it produces natural, q li the child from pain w* AV n Cu€rul) awakes as bright as a button. Of all chemists, Is. ljd. per bottle, etc Printed by the Proprietors, Western Mail limited and published by them at thei, oSces, St. Mary-,treet Cardiff; at their offices, Castle; Bajley-street, Swansea; at tbe shop of Mr. Wesley Williams, Bridgend alt m the County of Glamorgan; at the Wm, tern Mail Office. Newport at the shop of Mr. J. P Caffrey, Monmouth, both ia the £ w',i? Monmouth; and at the shop ef ?f C«martheSaVie3 Llanedy- m the TUESDAY. MARCH 19, 1901.

opened the big iron gates, and was speeding up the avenue in the track of the dog-cart-- her long c'oak Gymg behind her, the bundle of linen under one arm, and the cord bag swinging in her hand. The butler, who anawsred the door, said his master had just come in, but expressed some doubt as to whether he would see any one. But the preremptory, "Tell him, please, that Nurse Helen wishes to speak to him for a few minutes" conquered him. And he ushered her into a small library with a respectful alacrity which showed that the nawe Nurse Helen was held by him in approbation. In a few minutes the door opened, and Mr. Chudleigh entered. He was still in his ulster, and he came forward pulling off his driving gloves, and regarding the tall figure standing in tile semi-twilight of the room with a decided scowl. Lady visitors were few at Garswood, and Chudleigh had learned to connect them almost entirely with demands on his pocket. "You wish to see me, I believe," he said, formally. "You are Mr. Chudleigh?" He bowed and flipped his glove rather impa- tiently, though a rather surly interest dawned in his eyes as he looked at the face before him. "I must apologise for coming here at this hour, or. indeed, for coming at all," began Nurse Helen, in a conciliatory voice. "I fear you will think that I am acting in a very un- usual manner in usurping the place of those who have more influence than a stranger like myself; but my reason for coming is an urgent one." She hesitated, and gave him an oppor- tunity of speaking, but he waited, and looked interrogativ.ely. I want to interest you in our sick poor, Mr. Chudleigh." I am sorry." lie began, stiffly- But Nurse Helen interrupted him with a smile that almost dazzled him. Don't be sorry, Mr. Chudleigh Please help us." "I regret that I must refuse. I give a yearly donation to the hospital at Neeton, and to other charities, and I do not feel at all disposed to do anything more." "Neeton is not your own village, Mr. Chad- leigh." I am pestered with outrageous claims on behalf of my own village. If I were to listen to Mrs. Prince nd other ladies* in this place, I might take the whole burden of this beg- garly parish upon my shoulders." All I ask for is a, little assistance for the sick poor. At the present time there is illness in almost every cottage." "Why appeal so especially to me?" he asked, irritably. Naturally at this time we look to the squire and the largest landlords in the parish, espe- cially when most of the sick are your own tenants, and a great number were the tenants of your late father." "Are there no other landlords in the place?" he said, impatiently. "Several, but they differ from you." "In what way, pray?" There was a sudden sparkle in Nurse Helen's eyes. She rested her hand on the table, and looked at him untlinchingiy. The cottages owned by you are a disgrace to civilisation, Mr. Chudleigh." He started as though she had struck him, and a red flush rose to his forehead. Nurse Helen did not give him time to speak. Her blood was up now. She would have her say. You would not permit any of your animals to live in some of the hovels owned by you, for they are hovels, Mr. Chudleigh. You are merciful to your horses, and I honour you for that, but I despise you for your callous indifference to the health and morals of the poor souls who are so unfortunate as to be your tenants. And you take their pitiful sixpence or shilling a week—for what? For huts that bear no resemblance to the habita- tions of civilisation." "You wrong me, most unjustly. I swear—my agent-" "Your agent! When the mastep is indifferent, can you look for anything else in the man? We need not talk of theslume of towns; the housing of some of your poor outrages every law of sanitation and morality." Her cutting words vibrated through him. He could not attempt to defend himself. Her flashing eyes silenced him. He stood before her. bewildered and stung, like a culprit before a queen. In his heart he felt her words were true, and shame humbled him. Nurse Helen turned away with a sudden, little quiver of her lips. "I am taking up your time uselessly. I was warned not to come. Perhaps I have said too much, I And then in some manner the cord bag, with which she had emphasised some of her words, caught on the back of a chair. and fell on the floor, and old Martha Owen's sugar, and some little packets of sago and barley burst throngh their thin papers, and ran out on Mr. Bart Clludleigh's carpet. With an exclamation of distress. Nurse Helen knelt down to save them, but Mr. Bart Chudleigh was on his knees as soon as she was. "Let me assist you. What a misfortune! But we can make it good, can't we?" he said, boyislily. "I'll ring for my house-keeper. She will put up fresh parcels for you. It is all my fault, you know." He rang for his old housekeeper, bade her give Nurse Helen whatever she required, and then, when the woman had rustled out to get the materials, he turned to Nurse Helen rather awkwardly. "You have opened my eyes to my own defects," he said in a. low tone. "I'm really very sorry. I've been a careless, selfish fellow. but I'll try and prove to you that I'm not as bad as you think me. I'll look into things-I will, by Jove! And I'll rectify the errors you speak of." He raised his head, and looked at her with a smile that wonderfully improved his dark face. "Perhaps then you will she hands with me and be friends?" "I'll shake hands with you now," said Nurse Helen, radiantly, and she held cut her strong white hand and cordially clasped his. She did not express her approbation in words, but the pleasure and satisfaction that lit up her splen- did eyes strengthened him in his resolution to turn over a new leaf. The next morning the sick funds were endowed with a sum so ample by Mr. Bart Chudleigh that Mrs. Garner was enchanted, and trotted about the village extolling the wonderful persuasive powers of her favourite Nurse Helen. Mrs. Prince and a few of her supporters were loud in their condemnation. They sharpened their tongues on her pretty freely, called her. amongst other choice names, a designing hussy, and the next time that Mrs. Prince met her in the street she glared at her coldly and passed her without a word. She could not forgive the fact that Nurse Helen had won where she had so often failed. Not one whit did Nurse Helen mind. She was intent on her duti-intent on the improve- ment of the condition of the poor. She had, a3 she told herself, got the thin edge of the wedge in, and she kept Mr. Chudleigh to his word. He applied to her for her willing advice and aid. She steadily set her face against the lavishing of money on anything that did not directly benefit the poor; but she warmly abetted any plan for their comfort and con- venience. And in a, few months radical changes has taken place cn the Chudleigh land. Mr. Chudleigh determined to erect a row of cottages for the accommodation of some old men and women who had been tenants of his father, and it was just when these pretty timbered dwellings were almost completed that Nurse Helen made a discovery. They were just parting after an inspection of the new premises when Chudleigh said quietly: "I've found a name for these shanties." He laughed and reddened, and stole a shy look at his companion. "I'm going to call them 'Helen's Homes! "Oh. said Nurse Helen, "are you really?" She was shaking hands with him at the time, and she let her hand lie in his almost uncon- sciously. She was struck dumb by the revel- ation in his tender eyes, and by the answering throb of her own heart. She turned away, with a brief word, and went down the road in a dazed condition. When she realised what it all meant she battled with the feeling of overwhelming happiness that stole over her, and she sternly took herself to task. What would be said of her, but that she, the parish nurse, had manoeuvred to entangle the affection of the rich squire? Hitherto she had been proof against idle gossip, but now the very thought of the construction that would be put upon her actions made her quiver. Resolutely she set herself to avoid him. She watched him at a distance. While he eagerly sought for her at one place she was at another. It required all her diplomacy and care to evade him. The struggle became too much for her. Her spirits began to give way. and the thought that her work might suffer troubled her. And then, to the loud-voiced grief of the villagers, it became known that Nurse Helen was going to a large manufacturing town, and that another nuree was coming to take her place. The very day this change became public. Nurse Helen came full upon Mr. Chud- leigh. There was no time to draw back. There was determination in his face. And it flashed upon her that she had no right to mar this man's happi- ness. She held out her hand bravely with an attempt at her usual friendly ease, but she was deeply moved and speech was out of her power. He took her hand in both of his and said: "Helen." She tried to release her hand. but her name uttered in that voice that had haunted her night and day was too much. for her. She waited quiet and helpless. "Helen, I love you. You must not go. I cannot let you go. Be my wife, Helen, dear Helen?" "Oh, no. no, no! Indeed I cannot. I am not the wife for you." "You are the wife for me, Helen. Or, rather, you are too good and noble for me. Stay and help me, darling,' He put his big brown hand on her shoulder and .turned her gently towards him. "Helen, you always speak true. Answer me- do you love me?" "I do," faltered Helen, and all her doubts and fears vanished at the clasp of his pro- tecting arm?. But having admitted so much, she became her brisk, imperative self again. "What yould you think of a soldier who deserted his regiment on the eve of battle?" Chudleigh looked puzzled. "That he was a. bit of a coward, of course." "Well. I can't desert my colours. Let me go to this new place for a year. At the end of the year—if you remain unchanged—come for me." He entreated and expostulated, but she remained firm. When the yegr expired he went for her. She was working bravely and cheerfully, but the city slums had paled her cheeks, though they had not daunted her bright spirit. They were quietly married, and he brought her proudly home to Garswood. The village was gay with floral jirches, and every man in the parish struggled for the honour of dragging their carriage from the station. But the homage and the welcome were not so much fo rthe spuire's wife as for their true friend Nurse Helen.