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! SERIAL STORY. ■— I The VOICE…
SERIAL STORY. ■— The VOICE OF THE CHARMER. *+- By MRS. L T. MEADE, -HH- AUTHORESS OF v The Med-icine Lady," A World of Girls," 3Vild Kitty," Wheels of on," The Cleverest TVoman in England^^c:c.i &-c. CHAPTER XVIII.-(Contin-tted.) TOO MUCH AND TOO LITTLE. Dering glanced at him, and the pity in his kind heart instantly rose to the surface. "You are in trouble, old man," he said, just touching Ward's shoulder with one of his ihinds. "We have been greater than ordinary friends all our days. You are in trouble why don't you make a clean breast of it ?" Believe me, Dering, if I could, I would-to you." Why not ? I am surely man enough never to betray you. What is up ? Speak, for Heaven's sake f" I cannot tell you, for the thing which holds me back from confiding in you and also from immediate marriage is, in a measure, intangible in a measure, also, it would betray confidence to re- veal it." "Then you mean to tell me to my face," said Dering, angry once again, that you have no im- mediate intention of marrying Miss Neville?" That is the case." Does she know of this ? Perfectly." Is she satisfied ?" "It rests with herself to remove the obstacle, Dering; now I can say no more. If, under the circumstances, you prefer another secretary, you have but to say the word." I want to say something else, Ward. The rea- son for this extraordinary delay must be explained by money. Am I not right ?" "I cannot tell you whether you are right or "wrong, but I will confess one thing—I have no fancy for bread without butter, nor for love in a cottage." You offered, a moment ago." said Dering, to resign your post as my secretary. I accept your resignation with one breath, and appoint you anew, with a double salary, with the next. You and your wife can have a private suite of rooms here. You cannot tell me to my face that it is not possible for you to marry on an income of a thousand a year ?" Ward shut his lips again. f Why don't you speak ?" said Dering. I hesitated for a moment in order to find words to thank you-in order also to find suitable words to decline gracefully what many men would jump At. You offer me too much and too little, Dering. A thousand a year, with no hope in the future, can- mot content me. I will stay with you for the pre- sent on the old terms. Now, perhaps, this dis- cussion is closed." Dering was silent; he stood facing the splendid prospect which swept to right and left of him; he felt puzzled, disappointed, and lonely. Fewyoung men had more to thank Providence for, but his mood was neither one of exultation nor of thank- fulness at the present moment. He looked round .after a moment to say something further to Ward, but Ward had disappeared. I begin to dislike him," thought Dering. I o(!ould find it in my heart to be glad if he insisted on leaving me. Yes, I begin to dislike him," he continued, as he wended his way round to the stable. All the same, I don't suppose I could live without him. He 18 the strangest man I ever met. I begin to fancy that his influence is a bad one, and yet I should like to see the man or woman either whom he could Ilot bring under his spell," CHAPTER XIX. iNCOMrKEHENSIBLE. CC MOTHER wants you, Patty," said Margot. What for ?" asked Patty. She has just returned from a long ramble by her- self her cheeks were flushed with exercise, her eyes were bright. Ten days had passed since Dering and Ward had left the Red Lodge. I cannot tell you why mother wants .you," re- peated Margot, whose tone was decidedly petulant. ,I can only say that she does. I suppose it is mother mystery. I hate mysteries, and we seem to be surrounded by them at present. She wants you, anyhow. She is in her room, and says that you are to go to her there." To her room ?" thought Patty in wonder. Why am I to go to her room ?" She began to tremble slightly, but without another word, turned from Margot, entered the house, and went upstairs. When Patty's knock sounded at the door of Mrs. Fletcher's quaint old-fashioned bedroom, she came at once and opened it. Welcome, my dear," she said in a cordial voice. "Come irL: I want to speak to you. I have Something to say, and as I do not wish our con- versation to be interrupted, I thought it best to see you here." Patty came in silently. The colour which exercise had given her had now faded from her cheeks, her face was pale, her naturally wide-open eyes became somewhat narrow, as if she was were keeping a careful guard over herself. Mrs. Fletcher noticed her changed expression, but resolved not to eommMit upon it. She sat down on an ottoman, and drew The girl to sit by her Bide. She had an unpleasant task before her—she meant to speak to Patty very plainly and very openly with regard to her engagement, and, further, intended to sound her, if possible, on the subject of the missing will. She began her conversation in a cordial tone. I have made up my mind to forgive you, Patty," She said. Yes ?" answered Patty, lowering her eyes, I -1 am glad of that." "At first," continued Mrs. Fletcher, I felt it •difficult to restore you to quite your old place in my affections, but the resentment I felt towards you when I received Sir Wilfred Dering's letter has now faded into great pity for your very evident unhappiness. 1 mean to speak to you very plainly. Patty but I wish you first to understand that I feel towards you some- what—somewhat as if you were really my child." I don't think you can feel like that," answered Patty. 1 might be a different girl from what I am if my mother had lived, if I had ever known her." Here she started up, and her face grew whiter than ever. Why must vou speak to me in this room ?" she said. I know" what you are going to say, and all your words, I feel in advance, will be utterly use- less and thrown away. But why must you speak to me here ? The woman who was really to me as •a mother died in this rocm. It is misery to me to Bit here and recall her memory." Sit down again," said Mrs. Fletcher. You are so unhappy already, Patty; your misery is so apparent, that a little more or less cannot greatly matter for a few moments. I will come at once to the point. You are engaged to Mr. Ward. He has excited very strong feelings in your breast. lean- say if you love him, but there is no doubt that you are much influenced by him. Now I want to ,do all in my power to hasten your wedding." A faint smile broke out round Patty's lips. She as recalling a passage in Ward's letter. Ward in his letter had said that all would cry Haste to the wedding." What matter, when the bride- groom himself tarried ? I am sorry to appear rude," said Patty aloud, but the fact is, nothing can be done in the matter of my marriage. Mr. Ward and I have decided that there is no immediate hurry." "Patty, I think I deserve some of your confi- oence. There must be some reason for this strange resolve. Is it want of money ?" "In one sense, yes," replied Patty. Her words came out with hesitation. "I wish you would be quite frank and open, my wear child. It is impossible for me really to help you unless I know the simple truth. There is some obstacle which prevents two people who are deeply attached to each other from being made happy in ,the right and natural way. It cannot only be money, for 1 had a letter this morning from Sir Wilfred -Dering- m which he said that he had offered to give Mr. Ward an income which would enable any reasonable man to support a wife with comfort." n "I have said that it is not only money," -replied Patty. "There are other hindrances which it is quite impossible for me to explain. They may vanish with ti on the other hand, they may never be able t0 be overcome. It is quite useless for us to talk any further on this subject. I will say one thing, and only one, and then even to you, Mrs. Fletcher, I must absolutely defuse to speak of the matter again. At the prej sent moment I do not consider myself engaged to Mr. Ward. I do not pretend that this state of things does not pain me. Nay, I will add frankly that I suffer considerably. My sufferings may cease as time goes on, or- or they may become Unendurable, and something may happen which will enable us to meet again. I don't know -I ought to hope that such a thing will not happen. I don't *now what I hope just now —I am bewildered, but 0*y conscience does not trouble me. I am grateful -You for being] kind and interested, but I have nothing more to say on this matter. If you will ) allow me to stay on here as Margot's friend and companion, I shall be very grateful; but if you would rather that I went away, I must, of course, yield to your wishes." No, Patty," said Mrs. Fletcher, I do not wish to part from you. You are strange and incompre- hensible, but there is something about you which makes it impossible forme not to love you. You shall stay at the Red Lodge until-until the happy day comes when you go from it to another home. Under ordinary circumstances this house would have been your home, your property. I cannot pre- tend to forget that, Patty." It was now Mrs. Fletcher's turn to grow pale. In spite of herself, her voice slightly shook; she watched Patty ^vvith keen suspicion in her eyes, Patty felt the look — she even guessed what prompted it. She walked suddenly to one of the windows, then she turned and glanced at Mrs. Fletcher. "Let bygones be forgotten," she said. "This place will never be mine." Mrs. Fletcher's heart gave a sudden glad bound —there was a ring of sincerity in Patty's voice. I have sometimes thought," she began, that perhaps, after all—after all—(you know, Patty, I only inherit as heir-at-law)—it has occurred to me that, after all, there may be a will." There is no will," said Patty. Her face grew crimson as she spoke, tears rushed from under her burning eyelids. Of course, there is no will," she continued. Rest in peace: you and Margot will always be rich and happy. The good things of life are for you: you will always have them. Now shall we agree not to torture each other any ,more ?" "You are unfathomable." said Mrs. Fletcher, but she looked at the girl with glad eyes of relief and pleasure. She went up and took her in her arms. I wish I were your real mother," she said. I can truly say that I love you. I want you to believe that there are few things I would not do to secure your happiness." You don't mean what you say," thought Patty to herself. "You would not do the one, the only thing which could give me what my hungry heart craves for, and you shall never be asked, never- never. I feel strong now—I feel strong. By my own words I have set the seal to my future actions. After all, it is nice to be good; it rests one, it stills the heart." CHAPTER XX. THE DOCTOR'S PRESCRIPTION. EARLY in the spring of the following year Mrs. Fletcher carried out her idea of coming to London for the season. She took a house in a fashionable part of Mayfair, and the girls and she took posses- sion of it early in the month of March. During her husband's lifetime, Mrs. Fletcher had many friends in the fashionable world. Since her sudden accession to wealth these friends had begun to look her up again, and her advent in London was hailed by numerous visiting cards and other tokens of goodwill. Mrs. Fletcher looked at these with a certain bitterness. "The wealthy widow, the owner of the Red Lodge, with its large rent-roll, the mother of the young and pretty heiress, is a person of importance," she murmured. "My frienclt see many fascina- tions in me now which they failed to observe at a time when I could have appreciated their atten- tions. Would they be so good-natured, so profuse in sympathy, so anxious to throw their houses open to Margot and myself did they know that I am, after all, but on sufferance ? Any moment that mysterious lost will may turn up again. At any moment Margot and I may have to return to that state of dull obscurity which will assuredly mitigate against our charms. Well, there is no doubt, at least, that Patty knows nothing of the will. Its disappearance is an unsolved mystery—may it long remain so, is my fervent prayer. If only Margot, if only Sir Wilfred"—here Mrs. Fletcher suddenly stood still, and the dawning of a very real hope filled her eyes. We shall meet in town," she thought; we shall often meet. Sir Wilfred wants the marriage: I want the marriage. Surely Margot cannot be obdurate enough to hold out against so much that is lovable, so much that is de- sirable. Dare I speak to her? Not yet-not yet." On a certain afternoon, when the Fletchers and Patty had been about a fortnight in their new home, Patty went out to walk by herself in one of the parks. As she was leaving the house she met Mrs. Fletcher. Where are you going, my love ?" asked the lady. "Out," answered Patty. "I am restless; I want a walk." But it is already late," replied Mrs. Fletcher. I don't particularly care for you to go out with- out a maid, Patty, especially at this hour." "Nothing would induce me to walk with a maid," answered Patty, impatience in her tone. I shan't be long away. Ask Margot to keep a cup of tea for me." Don't tire yourself," said Mrs. FIetcher;" re- member, we are going to the Talbots' dance to- night." Patty nodded, and a moment later found herself in the street. She had said that she must have exercise, but to Judge from her lagging movements and pale cheeks she looked tired already. There were black shadows under her eyes, even her lips had lost their rich colouring. She walked slowly until she came to the corner of the square where Mrs. Fletcher's house was situated. A street out of this square led direct to Hyde Park. Patty stopped at the corner, and looked across the road. The season was only just beginning, but already the park was full of carriages and people. When she left the house her intention had been to drag her- self as far as the park, secure a chair, and sit down. It would amuse her, she thought, to watch the fashionable world from afar; it would distract her troubled thoughts to watch the horses, the carri- ages the gaily-dressed ladies. She now stood stiH, however with indecision in her eyes; she felt that she had scarcely energy to cross the wide thorough- fare she determined to walk down Picca- dilly' instead. Her pallor and weariness had in one way taken from her personal beauty, in other ways they but added to it. More than one person looked at her-some eyes were fixed on her in curiosity, other in admiration, but the greater number in pity. What ailed this pro- foundly sorrowful woman ? Patty looked older than her years. Her eyes were so full of anguish that they told some of her story to all who glanced at her. By-and-by she reached a corner which led into a quiet street; she turned instinctively, glad to get out of the crowd. There were comparatively few people in the street; she drew down her veil, and resolved to take an omnibus home. She had scarcely come to this conclusion when a strange thing happened. She was walking along very slowly when she was conscious of an altogether new and dreadful physical sensation. A sharp two-edged knife seemed suddenly thrust into her quivering heart. It entered somewhere in the neighbourhood of the breastbone and came out between the shoulder-blades. The anguish was so sudden and intense that a faint cry escaped her lips. The pain passed as quickly as it came, but returned again, again, and again. Patty found herself ab- solutely incapable of movement; she clung de- sperately to the iron railings of a house; her lips were blue, she cou!d scarcely see; large beads of perspiration stood on her forehead. A gentleman who was passing-an elderly, grave-looking man- stopped to speak to her. "Forgive me," he said, "you are evidently ill; ean I do anything for you ?" "I should like to go to the nearest chemist," said Patty, bringing out her words with an effort. I feel faint; he may give me a restorative." I There is a chemist at the corner," said the gentleman may I take you to him ?" He took Patty's hand and drew it inside his arm his manner was all that was kind and fatherly. When they reached the chemist's shop he took off his hat, bowed, and walked quickly away. Patty felt a little better now she went into too shop, told the chemist something about the strange attack which had come to her, and asked him to give her a restorative. I can give you a little sal volatile and water," he answered; but yours is not a case for me; you ought to see a doctor and have a proper pre- scription." Patty considered for a moment. The pain was undoubtedly in my heart," she said aloud, and my mother died from an affection of the heart. Perhaps I'd better take your advice,4 she continued, looking up appealingly. You certainly ought," answered the man. An excellent doctor lives about half-a-dozen doors from here. If you go to him at once, you may find him at home." What is his name ?" asked Patty. Dr. Power. He is a very good man indeed; his address is 44, B-- Street-just round the corner." Patty thought carefully for a moment. Yes, she would go; she would learn the truth about herself at any cost. She would not for worlds let Mrs. Fletcher know of this queer attack, but the agony was so keen that she dreaded a repetition of it, and was anxious to take means, if possible, to pre- vent it. She thanked the chemist, therefore, and went straight to Dr. Power's house. He happened to be in, and she was shown into his consulting-room almost immediately. On lifting her eyes she saw, to her astonishment, that he was the elderly gen- tleman who had offered her his arm in the street. He gave her a keen glance, smiled slightly, and said: 1 am.glad you have come to me. You were suffering from an attack of your heart when I saw you just now, and the symptoms doubtless alarmed you a good deal." They did," answered Patty. I don't know how to thank you for helping me as you did. When the chemist saw me, he recommended me to come straight to you." Looks as if we were playing into each other's hands, eh ?" said the doctor with an amused smile. Now describe your symptons fully I am all at- tention." Patty did so; the penetrating, observant eyes of the man of science were fixed on her as she spoke. You must let me examine your heart," he said. when she concluded her brief story. During the examination the doctor could not fail to notice the narrow blue ribbon which Patty wore round her neck. That ribbon, with its wedding- ring attached, told him a history which distressed him very considerably. When he had finished his examination he spoke. On the whole, my verdict is not so bad as the pain you suffered might have led you to antici- nate," he said cheerfully; the heart is very much weakened, and its whole condition points to a severe strain of some sort-probably a mental one. At present, however, there is no actual organic disease, although conditions are highly favourable to such a state taking place before long. Forgive me, my dear young lady-I don't even know your name—if I ask you a very abrupt question: are you happy?" n No said Patty. The word was wrung from her by the suddenness of the query tears welled into her eyes. Then," said the doctor, "the whole mischief lies in that brief monosyllable of yours. Get happy and you will get well. The strain of the grief you suffer is too much for you; you inherit a weak heart, and if this strain continues, mischief is cer- tain to ensue. If the grief from which you suffer i. 1 +- if Ciltlliut IJU 1:t:UnUlt::u. JUU Iixuot icaiu uv* iuigcu w live above it. If, on the other hand, it can be re- medied, don't lose an hour in seeking mental relief; otherwise, believe me, your life will be the forfeit. Now I am going to write a prescription for you. This medicine will ward off a similar attack for some time, but remember distinctly that the real remedy rests with yourself." Patty thanked Dr. Power, paid him his fee, and left the house. She hailed a hansom and drove home; she felt like one who, walking in a dream, sees everything faintly and a long way off. On her way home she suddenly remembered that in order to avoid immediate trouble she ought to get her prescription made up. She stopped at a chemist's, therefore, and kept the hansom waiting until the medicine was ready. A couple of minutes later she was at home. The drawing-room was on the first floor. She was passing it to go up to her bed- room when Mrs. Fletcher who was evidently watch- ing for her, called to her to come in. "I know you will be glad to welcome an old friend," she said. And Patty found herself shaking hands with Sir Wilfred Dering. CHAPTER XXI. A SONG. « PATTY, mother has sent me to fetch you." The speaker was Margot Fletcher. She opened the door of Patty's bedroom and stood on the threshold, hesitating whether to enter the room or not. Mar- got was all in white-in shimmering white, from her shining white throat to the tips of her satin shoes her dark hair and eyes and rich com- plexion forming the only bit of colour about her. Her eyes were shining now with a curious expres- sion. A look made up partly of defiance, partly of expectancy, gave a fresh charm to her always charming face. Patty, are you ready ?" she repeated. The carriage is at the door." Yes, wait a moment," replied Patty I've only to fetch my gloves and fan." She turned as she spoke, opened a drawer, took out a pair of long gloves and a large feather fan, and turned to accompany Margot downstairs. Her dress was black, made low at neck and sleeves. Margot looked at her with dissatisfaction. Why do you wear that ?" she said. It is too old for you; it makes you look years old than me." That is as it should be," replied Patty. Don't let us waste any more time now, Margot; we are very late as it is." But won't you have some colour ? You really don't look your best-your face is white, your dress black. There are some crimson camellias in the drawing-room; let me fetch some to put in your hair and belt." "No," said Patty, I prefer to go as I am." Are you ill ?" No, Margot. Why do you question me?" I won't say any more. I hope the Talbots' party won't fag you to death. For my part I don't care to go a bit, and I told mother so just now. I have quite made up my mind-I won't speak to that man on any terms. He insulted us, and I will never forgive him." What man do you mean, Margot ?" Need I tell you ? Sir Wilfred Dering. He was here to-day, and mother gave him welcome. You talked to him Patty mother told me so." Why not ? I don't feel any ill-will to him. But surely we need not discuss him now, we are late as it is don't let us keep your mother waiting another moment, Margot." It's very fine for you to say that we are not to discuss him now," retorted Margot. I can't talk about him in the carriage before mother. I ab- solutely refuse to enter on the subject with her, but as I have got to meet him in half an hour, I wish you at least, Patty, clearly to understand that I am going to keep my word. I won't be civil to him. I may be forced by circumstances to acknowledge his presence in the briefest possible manner, but be assured I shall do no more." Come, girls how much longer are you going to keep me waiting ?" called Mrs. Fletcher's voice from below. Come on, Patty," said Margot. But it was now Patty's turn to stand still. "Did you say," she stammered, "did I under- stand you to say that Sir Wilfred Dering was to be at the Talbots' to-night?" Of course," replied Margot," and doubtless ac- companied by his shadow, or rather his substance, Mr. Ward." Patty s cheeks were no longer pale. Margot looked at her with full sympathy. Ah that excites you," she said. I am glad to know that something excites you once again. You have become so cold, so dead in yourself, so immovable. Deadness, and coldness, and immov- ability don't suit you. Patty; they kill your charms. But now you are awake again. I am glad-I am glad! Your heart is all right. Come, you look yourself once more with that brilliant colour and those shining eyes; you don't want red camellias now. Come, this party will be misery to me, but you will Bee the man you love once again how glad you will be. That little stupid mysterious cloud which has come between you two all the the winter will vanish when you meet. Oh, how very glad I am for your sake." Thank [you, Margot-let us come now," said Patty. She took Margot's hand in hers. Her own firm, strong hand trembled. She did not attempt to gainsay any of Margot's words. Her heart, which had lain like a stone in her breast for many months, was now awake and joyful. In a few moments she would see Ward. No matter anything else—no matter just now anything beyond this one simple fact-they would meet face to face in a short half hour. She entered the carriage with a glad spring, and, sinking back in a corner, covered her dazzled eyes with one hand. What is the matter with you, Patty: are you unwell ?" asked Mrs. Fletcher. I am perfectly well," replied Patty, with a ring in her voice. # She did not know herself for the girl who had crept back from the doctor's a few hours ago. Then all things pointed to death; now all things pointed to life. She would see Ward in a few moments. She was starved—starved to the last extremity, and a full meal with wine fresh from the grape was offered to her. She was too happy to speak, and Mrs. Fletcher and Margot did not trouble her with any more questions. They arrived in due course at the little house in Mayfair, where the reception to which they had been invited was held. The Talbots were people who belonged to the artistic and literary set; some of the smaller lions of the season were therefore to be met at their house. The whole thing was pretty, bright, and delightfully unconventional. The house was a small one, but as the reception rooms opened one into the other, as the hall was a good size, the stairs low and wide, and as there were one or two conservatories, it was possible to entertain a goodly number of guests in these minute dimen- sions. goodly number of guests in these minute dimen- The Fletchers and Patty were some of the last arrivals. When they entered the house, the place was thronged. Stairs, hall, conservatories and re- ception rooms were full of a moving mass of people. There was a babel of sound which seemed to Patty to resemble a confused and ugly jargon. She could not stand silent in it-it seenaed to get on her brain, to worry her indescribably, to deprive her, as if with a blow, of the sense of excited joy which she had experienced when in the carriage. An acquaintance came up-a young antl promis- ing artist. This young man had known Miss Neville in the days of Miss Regina Rhodes, and was eager to renew acquaintance with her now. He told her about his latest picture and his latest success. Margot and Mrs. Fletcher were borne far away from her. She stood near the staircase, leaning against the wall. The colour of expectancy was still in her cheeks, and the light of hope in her eyes. Selwyn, as he looked at her, thought that he had seldom seen a more beautiful woman. She was so delightfully enthusiastic, too; she gave him so much-so much of speaking eye, and glowing cheek, and softly parted lips for so little. Her dress might have been a little old rfor her, but it suited her. He. had admired her long ago when she was nothing but a careless, happy child now he began to feel his heart quicken, to think of her as the principal figure in his next picture, to compare her to Queen Elizabeth of Hungary, to Saint Cecilia, to many other rapturous visions. He concluded that he was falling in love with her, and liked himself for the sensation. Let us go into one of the conservatories," he said. "There is such a din and noise here we can't hear ourselves speak. That is the worst of Fred Talbot and dear good-humoured little Mrs. Talbot, they will overdo things-they will ask twice as many people to their parties as the house will hold it's useless speaking to them. The fact is they just overflow with hospitality, and any poor beggar who has not another spot to turn to is safe to find a hearty welcome here. There is Fred now at the head of the staircase one of my very oldest fr ends. You shook hands with him, of course, when you arrived, but let me introduce you specially? No ? You don't want to? Well, he has vanished, so I can't. Let me give you my arm; it's not quite so chok- ingly hot in the conservatory." How do you do ?" said another voice in Patty's ears. She raised her head with a start and en- countered the keen bright gaze of Sir Wilfred Der- ing. I have been here some time and have been looking for you," he said. "Ah, how do you do, Selwyn? I am afraid I must carry Miss Neville off; my friend Mr. Ward is just going to sing, and I should like her to hear him." A rather wretched expression crept over Bob Selwyn's bright face he had to retire, owning him- self vanquished for the time, and grumbled/inder his breath as lie watched Patty and Dering threading their way through the crowded rooms. Shouldn't-be surprised if he were sweet on her,' he muttered. Shan't blame him if he is, I'm sure. Mighty hard luck on me, for she was suiting me down to the ground, and I'm awfully hard to please —but there, perhaps it's only my fancy, and she may be free to win after all. But stay, haven't I heard some queer story about her and that dis- agreeable secretary of Dering's—something about a fortune relinquished and-but no, it can't be. She's not the girl to throw herself away on a fellow of that sort. He can sing though—Heavens, what a voice! I must listen to it, come Whp. may." (To be Continued).
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¡ I To Cure Herrings. —Spread the fish on a. cleanly-scrubbed tfoor, aiid Sprinkle with salt. When sufficiently salted they are washed in large vats. The fish are then threaded through the gills on Jong fipitg holding two or threo dozen. These are hung in the smoking room, where fires of oak boughs are kept smouldering. In about 24 hours they will be sufficiently smoked. Light Past.3 for Tartlets.—Take three- quarters of a pound of fine flour and mix with it a teaspoonful of baking powder. Add the white of an egg beaten to a stiff froth and as much water as is necessary. Roll out very thinly and spread with two ounces of butter. Fold up and roll again. Then repeat the process twice more, using in all half a pound of butter or lard. Set aside for two hours in a cool place, ajid then use for cover- I ing tarts. Milk :8 good for patent shoes. Remove all dlit, and dirt from the shoes, then wash the uppers thoroughly witli milk. Let them stand a minute with the milk on them, then wipe with a soft, dry cloth. Shoes thus treated keep their brightness for a long time without needing any polish or dressing. Tomato Eggs.—Choose tomatoes of a good and uniform size and shape for this dish, ruuL fairly large but not too ripe: that is. not to soft; they must be well coloured, how- ever. Remove the stalk and a slice from that end, take out all the seeds and core. Carefull," break into each one a small egg, season with pepper and salt, and add half a teaspoonful of thick cream to each. Place them on a lightly buttered tin, bake in a fairly brisk "oven for from lellr to five minutes, and have ready some fried round oroutes of bread large enough to hold a tomato. Dish up by placing each on a croute; garnish with fresh parsley. Wooden spoons and chopping boards should be well scrubbed with, bath brick or sand in preference to soap. This treatment will effectuallv whiten the wood and make it smooth and glossy. If the surface has been stained with grease it should be washed with hot soda-water before it is scrubbed with sand. Mint and herbs should be washed in cold water, wrung drv in a clotii. and chopped with a, proper knife. If c-arefuUv dried thus, they will be crisp, and, instead of clinging in a wet mass to the knife and board, will be quickly chopped to powder. The beard as() will not be stained green, or require, special attention to cleanse. Never add thickening to gravy while it is I boiling. Draw the pan containing the gravy ( awav from the fire and mix the thickening in slowly, smoothing it till :-in lumps have dis- appeared. Let it boil up again and it is ready to serve. White enamelled kitchen utensils often be- come to ail appearances hopelessly ruined when food has burned them. Place a. mixture of strong soap powder and boiling water in them, and let them stand two or three days without changing the water. Then pour off and rub the inside with a soft cloth. All blackness and stain will disappear. Be careful not to scrape before soaking in this way, as the enamel will crack. A simple way of cleaning ivory is as fol- lows- Get some bicarbonate of soda and some hot water. Dip a brush into the water and then into the soda, and rub the ivory with it. 80S w
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--ROYAL MINIATURES STOLEN.
ROYAL MINIATURES STOLEN. THREE IE ARRESTED. PRISONERS IN COURT. There was a further development in connection with the theft of the three miniatures belonging to her Majesty the Queen from the premises of Messrs. Carl Hentschel (Limited), at West Nor- wood. when, before Mr. Hopkins, at Lambeth Police-court on Wednesday, two men named Frederick Burl and Joseph Hunter, both labourers. were charged with being concerned in the robbery. When the case was called. Mr. Carl Hentschel, managing director of Messrs. Carl Hentschel (Limited), said his firm had premises at 230 and 232. Knight's-hill, West Norwood. which they used as studios. On Thursday night the three miniatures were left safe in the studios. On the following morning he received a telephone message, and subsequently went to West Norwood, where he found that the place had been broken into. The Magistrate: What did you miss? — Three miniatures and various tools belonging to the works.—What do you put the value of the three miniatures at? Well, it i, difficult to estimate the value. They are the property of her Majesty. I should value them at between JB200 and £ 3G0, and the tools I value at about ;616.-Ai-e they in the s-ame condition as when you saw them last? Two of them are. The third one has had the glass broken. Detective-Inspector Fowler said at four o'clock on Saturday he received the miniatures from a man at Brixton Police-station. The man. who would be called as a witness, was then acting under police instructions. He continued to do so until Tuesday night, when the witness saw the man with the two prisoners inside a public- house at Loughborough Junction. In answer to the Magistrate. Burl said. I have nothing to ask. I know nothing about this afTair." Police-Sergeant Ebbage said that Hunter. when arrested, said. "This is a nice thing:" While witness was bringing the prisoners to the police-court Hunter said. What do you think I shall get? Witness replied. I don't know." The Magistrate said the prisoners would be remanded for a week. Hunter: Any bail. sir? Inspector Fowler: There may be other charges. The Magistrate: I will consider the question of iSfcil next week, when I know more about you. It will be remembered that through the re- production in the newspapers of one of the stolen miniatures they were recognised by the manager of a Brixton beerhouse when offered for sale in the bar by some men. He paid the men JB2 on account, and arranged for them to call later to complete t'ne transaction. The men did not appear to know much of the value of the miniatures. The manager, who knew there was £ 100. reward offered for their recovery, took them to the police-station, and gave the police all the information in his power. As the result of police inquiries a man named Leonard Phillips was arrested, after offering in pledge some workmen's tools, and charged at Lambeth police-court, on Tuesday, with being concerned in the burglary. He denied having any share in it. and was remanded for a week.
CROYDON GAGGING SENSATION.
CROYDON GAGGING SENSATION. ACCUSED IX THE POLICE-COURT. Further investigation wa" made by Mr. Paul Taylor at the Marylebone Police-court, London, on Wednesday, into the remarkable charge which has been made against a young electrical engineer of being concerned in gagging and binding a lady at Croydon and then ransacking the house, stealing property valued at £ 65. The prisoner is Arthur Leslie Delamere. of Albany-street, Regent-street. who has been in custody since December 31st on another charge of being concerned in breaking and entering the flat of Mr. Albert Alfred Tindall. a publisher, of Tenby Mansions, W., and stealing jewellery and other property valued at £ 156. At the previous hearing Mrs. Savery, wife of a bank clerk living at St. John's-grove. Croydon, Said that the prisoner was a friend of her brother, Mr, ^Wi!li'n flad came at the latter's invitation to uidi* JiGLisC tlifi (Ifty be- fore the outrage. She alleged that the neri day he and another man gained admission to the house by saying they were detectives, then gagged and bound her. and ransacked the house. Mr. Bodkin prosecuted on behalf of the Trea- sury, and Mr. Budden represented the prisoner. Mrs. Saverv's husband said Mr. Pierce was his brother-in-law. £ On the afternoon of Sunday, September 29th, witness was at home with his Wife, when Mr. Pierce called with the prisoner Delamere. Conversation drifted to the subject of holidays, it being only a few days before the witness would be going away for his annual vacation. Remarks were made as to whether some of the most valuable articles in the house would be removed during their absence from home. Witness was positive that mention was made of the electro-plate and a gold watch and chain during the conversation. On the request of the witness's brother-in-law,. Mrs. Savery brought a gold watch and chain down from up- p stairs to be shewn to the prisoner. When it was placed in his hands Delamere remarked: 11'6 like mine." The next day. upon the witness re- .1- 0J.. L _1 -1 .L L- turning irom Tne LIlY, ne discovered inn ixit? house had been ransacked and his wife asaaulted. Mrs. Langley, who lives next door to the Saverys. stated that about five o'clock on Sep- tember 30th she heard cries coming from next 9 door. She went to the back of her house and saw Mrs. Savery standing on the step of the back door with her hair hanging down. Her mouth was tied with a towel and a cushion was tied behind her head. Her wrists were tied to- gether with cords. Prior to five o'clock she had not heard any noise from Mrs. Saverv's house. Mr. Albert Greenwood, manager of Messrs. Barnett's pawnshop in High Holborn. said that on Monday evening. September 29th, a man called at the shop and said he wished to pawn a gold watch and chain. W itness offered £ 16, and the advance was made under a special con- tract for three months. The man gave the name of William Pankhurst. of 14. Duke-street. Picca- dilly. and witness noticed the initials" W. P." on -the watch. When the man signed his name he wrote in a back-hand, sloping style. He wore a jacket of dark material, and was tall. clean- shaven, and about thirty years of age. Witness took no details of the watch, but said that the contract on the ticket attached was enough. He did not know of any inquiry being made by the police about the watch. The watch was handed to the police on January 10th. and on the 15th he picked out two men at the Marylebone Police- station as being like the man who pawned the watch. One of the men was the prisoner. Prisoner, who smiled occasionally as the wit- nesses gave their evidence, was again remanded.
EXPELLED SCHOLAR.
EXPELLED SCHOLAR. DRIVES TO STATION IN HEARSE. A pupil at a Buxton school was expelled on Monday, and some extraordinary street scenes followed. The expelled youth, who belongs to an aristocratic family, went to an undertaker's, stated that he had got the sack." and engaged a hearse and three mourning coaches. He trimmed h hat with crape, and sat on the hearse smoking a shilling cigar. The coaches were filled with pupils, who all wore crape hat- bands and smoked cigarettes in the intervals of chanting a doleful dirge. The drivers' whips were decorated with what looked like hat brims. In the principal thoroughfare crowds of persons gazed on the unprecedented scene. Some accepted it as a silly jokp. but more staid persons denounced it in unmeasured terms. The merry cortege passed along to the railway station, where. aft-er bidding his chums adieu, the dis- graced scholar entrained cheerfully for home.
FATAL MISHAP AT 107.
FATAL MISHAP AT 107. "Had it not been for the mishap she would probably have lived many years longer," said a doctor at the inquest, at Bristol, into the death of Mrs. Honor Coleman, a widow, aged 107, who died from the result of an accident. Ellen Lansbury. aged seventy-five, deceaseds daughter, said her mother was going to bed on the evening of January 7th, when she slipped and fell to the ground. She was attended to by her eldest daughter, aged eighty-seven. with whom she lived, and who now lies scriousl\ ul as the sequel to her mother's death. A verdict of accident was returned. Strangely enough, Mrs. Honor Coleman s mother was drowned at the age of 101 whilst walking over a plank across a stream. None of the family, it is their proud boast, died before eighty-seven years of age.
' TRAGIC AFFAIR AT RAMSGATE.
TRAGIC AFFAIR AT RAMSGATE. Earlv on Tuesday morning the son of Captain L. W. Vaile, J.P.. D of Ramsgate. was found dead in the bathro, at his parents resi- dence. A portion of the Vad was blown off, and beside the deceased w « a double-barrelled gun, with string attached. For a number of years the deceased has suffered from menta] trouble. He was of middle-age. I J.. At Westminster fc\.bi/ey on Saturday tne in- duction took place of the Ri J. Ridge- way into the Bishopric of Chichester and the Kiirht Rev. Herbert J. Molony into the Bisnopric M id China. The two lovers who threw themselves into the. River Lea on Friday strapped together face to face were declared at the inquest on Saturday to have committed suicide, both being sane at tho time.
THE TEMPERANCE BILL.
THE TEMPERANCE BILL. DEMANDS OF RELIGIOUS BODIES. A conference of religious bodies, including members of the Church of England, the Salva- tion Army. the Society of Friends, Wesleyans, Congregationalisls, and Presbyterians, met at Birmingham oil Monday to discuss prospective temperance logislation. Bishop Gore. who presided, moved that effect should be given to the following proposals in the forthcoming bill: Establishment of unqualified discretion of the local licensing authority over all licenses. Substantial reduction in the number of licensed houses. Exclusion of children from licensed premises. Further restriction of the sale of intoxicants 0:1 Sunday. A time-limit to compensation. Limitation of hours — viz.. 1,t,r opening, earlier closing, and closing on clcctWn and other special da- Prevention of hawking; control of clubs; simpler method of arriving at compensation value. The Rev. J. H. Jowctt. seconding, said the Benches throughout the country had been paralysed. The resolution was carried unanimously.
MURDER OF A FORESTER.
MURDER OF A FORESTER. ALLEGED PARRICIDE. In connection with the recent murder of the forester named Schwarzcnstcin in Kopcnick Wood, suspicion has fallen upon the murdered man's own on Willy, says a Berlin correspon- dent. Twenty police dogs followed the track from the scene of the murder to the forester's house. and seeing young Sell warzen stein they stopped and started walking round him. It is stated that father and son had been on bad terms, the former upbraiding the youth for his idleness and frivolity. A gun of the same calibre as th! which caused the forester's death was found in the son's room. It had been cleaned quite recently. A coachman who locked the door of the house as. usual on the rog-ht of the crime states that he found it open early next morning, and youncr Schwarzenstein asked him not to mention the fact. The son has been arrestcd. but he persists that he is innocent. He has, however, confessed to forging a bill.
LTFEBOAT RESCUE.
LTFEBOAT RESCUE. SHIP WRECKED OFF NORTH DEVON COAST. The ss. Huddercfield, of Cardiff, bound from Barrv to St. Helena, was wrecked at Harrland, North Devon, early on Monday. The steamer, which carried a crew of twenty-one, under Cap- tain Owen. ran on a partly-submerged reef. After the ship went ashore the steamer's lifeboat WDS launched, and with nine of the crew reached Clovelly. The local lifeboat was launched, some of the shipwrecked sailors going back to point out the situation of the vessel. The remainder of the crew were taken off with some difficulty.
CRANE BLOYvTN INTO THE WATER.I
CRANE BLOYvTN INTO THE WATER. I TWO MEN DROWNED. During the gale at Dalmuir on Monday after- noon a crane weighing twenty tons, which was being used in the shipbuilding yard of Messrs. Beardmore and Co. in the building of the battle- ship Agamemnon, was blown into the water. With the crane went the cranehouse, and the two men therein, James McDonald and Archi- bald Campbell. were drowned. Considerable I damage was done by the fall of the house.
A lEAR'S CHURCH OFFERINGS.
A lEAR'S CHURCH OFFERINGS. The annual statement of the voluntary offer- ings of the Church cf England for the year ended Easter, 1907, has been issued by the ffeciety for Promoting Christian Knowledge. The total amounts to £ 7.452,244. of which £ 2.488.574 has been contributed for general purposes, and £ 4,975.669 has been raised by church collections or parochial machinery for parochial purposes. In .the compilation of the figures no account has been :¿!: of contributions to societies supported by the co-operat/c:i of Churchmen and Noncon- formists. and everything'' ^latu^c °f Government aid has been carefully occ'uded.
INCOME-TAX REDUCTION LEAGUE.I
INCOME-TAX REDUCTION LEAGUE. A meeting for the inauguration of this league was held. on Monday, at the Cannon-street Hotel, London. Lord Avebury presided, and urged that a shilling Income-Tax was intolerable in time of peace. Lord St. Aldwyn. in moving a resolution declaring the retention of the Income-Tax at its present high rate seriously de- trndo from its value as a necessary part of our taxation in time of war. admitted the impossi- bility of abolishing the tax. but argued that it was of vital importance for The welfare of the country that in time of peace it should be re- duced. One of the grievances connected with the tax had been got rid of last year, but he pointed out other inequalities and anomalies in its present asse>sment. In view of the necessary increase in the Navy, the old-age pension scheme, and other things, there was every pro- spect of a large increase in the ordinary expendi- ture of the country. He feared that the rate of the Income-Tax. even in time of peace, was likely to be materially increased, and it was im- possible to conceive any Fiscal change that would be moie injurious to the country. The resolution was carried, and it was also resolved that the aim of the league deserves the cordial support of the country.
RIGHT TO FRIGHTEN CHILDREN…
RIGHT TO FRIGHTEN CHILDREN OFF. In the King's Bench Division of the High Court, on Monday, before Mr. Justice Ridley and a special jury, an action was tried. "Grover v. Winch." in which the plaintiff, who was a schoolgirl of fifteen at the time of the occur- rence complained of. the a.utumn of 1505, sought to recover damages for assault, which. she alleged, was committed by the defendant, a farmer, by driving a cart after her and slashing his whip at her, so frightening her that the re- sult had been an attack of St. Vitus' dance. It appeared that the plaintiff, with a number of other children, was trepassing and taking pota- toes in the defendant's field, and that he shouted and crackcd his whip to drive them out of the field, but did not touch them. His Lord- ship held that the defendant had a right to frighten the children off his land. There was no evidence of unnecessary violence, and. in his opinion, no cause of action. The jury found for the defendant, for whom judgment was given, with costs.
JUDGES AND VOLUNTEERS. I
JUDGES AND VOLUNTEERS. The Lord Chancellor, the Lord Chief Justice, the Master of the Rolls, and Judges who have served in the corps: with the treasurers of the four Inns of Court, have addressed to barristers n' and students at law a letter urging them, in view of the new organisation of the Territorial Forces, at once to join the 14th Middlesex (Inns I of Court) Volunteer Corps.
MR. CHAMBERLAIN S HEALTH.I
MR. CHAMBERLAIN S HEALTH. Mr. and lrs. Joseph Chamberlain, aceom- panied by Miss Ida Chamberlain, left Highbury tor London on Monday afternoon. They will stay at their town house for a while, after which they will again spend a few weeks on the Conti- nent. Mr. Chamberlain's health is well main- tained. but it is not his intent ion to take his seat in the House of Commons this session.
SCHOOL TEACHERS DROWNED.
SCHOOL TEACHERS DROWNED. S Two sisters. Sybil Green, aged fifteen, and Elsie. aged twenty-two, school teachers, return- ing home to East Parley from shopping in Bournemouth, mistook their way in a dense fog, and when crossing the meadows at West Parley, Wimborne. walked into the River Stour. A keeper who was carrying a bicycle lamp saw the girls fall in. and ran to their assistance, but his lamp went out, and the girls disappeared from view.
FIGHT IN COUNCIL CHAMBER.
FIGHT IN COUNCIL CHAMBER. An extraordinary 6Cene has been witnessed at the Worksop Urban Council. A member of the public interrupted the proceedings, and declined to desist or retire. A policeman was sent for. but in the meantime the offender made various allegations concerning councillors, one of whom threatened to throw the man out of the room. An exchange of blows followed. Business was sus- pended, but the man was eventually rejected.
[No title]
When leaving Newport on Monday the French steamer Conseil Pere. coal laden, went ashore at the mouth of the river, broke up. and sank. The Ostend boat Princesse Ilenriette, with mails and eleven pasrengers. due at Dover at three o'clock on Monday morning, broke down on the passage, and put back to Ostend. Mr. Reginald MeKenna. President of the Board of Education, defended his new regula- tions for training colleges, which have so incensed Churchmen, at a large meeting at Whitefield's Tabernacle. Tottenham Court-road, on Sunday afternoon. The two seamen who are said to have taken a Goole tug from its moorings and stranded it nine miles away were dealt with at the local police- court on Saturday, Hayward being sentenced to three months' imprisonment and James being bound over.
KEXLEY MOTOR TRAGEDY,
KEXLEY MOTOR TRAGEDY, AN OPEN VERDICT W verdict of manslaughter against some person or persons unknown was returned at the inquest which Dr. Jackson, the Croydon Borough Coroner, resumed on Tuesday for the third time on the body of Edward Arthur Borer. aged forty-eight, a scaffolder, in the employ of the Kenley Waterworks Company, who was fatally injured by a motor-car as he was going home CD. the night of Saturday, the 11th inst. The driver, Brown, who has been charged with manslaughter in connection with the case, attended the inquest with his legal representative. After hearing further evidence, the Coroner said r.o doubt the jury had made up their minds that the car which killed. the deceased was driven at a dangerous rate. It seemed to him that their only duty was to find out if possible who was the driver of the car and whose car it was. The Coroner added that it was careless for persons to walk in the road when it was known to be dan- gerous. and when there was a good and fairly; wide pavement to walk upon. It was agreed that the car was driven at an excessive, pace. and. al- though there had been a host of witnesses, no one had been able to identify the driver of the car. He pointed out the discrepancies there were in the matter of identification as to the numbers and letters on the index-plate, and asked the jury whether they thought the evidence sufiicient to warrant sending the accused man for trial. The jury, after a brief deliberation in private, Teturned a verdict of manslaughter against some person or persons unknown. The Coroner said he agreed with the verdict.
AMERICAN COAST WRECKS
AMERICAN COAST WRECKS TWENTY-FOUR LIVES LOST. A New York msage of Tuesday's date re- ported that terrific weather had been raging dur- ing the last forty-eight hours along the coasts of New Jersey and Delaware, and numerous ship- ping casualties are reported. On Monday four small coasting vessels were wrecked or sunk within a few miles of each other, off the coast of Delaware, and twenty-four persons were drowned. including- four women. A great quan- tity of wreckage has been thrown up on the coast"
STORY OF A DIAMOND TIARA.
STORY OF A DIAMOND TIARA. ANONYMOUS LETTER DEMANDING £ 500. George Percy Finn, an under-footman at Melton Hall, has been brought up on remand, at Doncaster, charged with stealing a diamond tiara, the property of Mrs. Montagu. It was stated that Finn entered the service of Mr. Mon- tagu at his place in Norfolk in October. Just before Christmas the family went to Melton Hall. where the tiara. which was worth was kept in the pantry, under the charge of the first footman. It was seen there at noon on January 2nd. but was missed at 2.30 on Janu- ary 3rd. Six days later Mr. Montagu received an anonymous letter from London telling him that the tiara was all safe, and would be re- turned on the receipt of £ 500. The envelope was sealed with magenta wax. and similar wax was in Mrs. Montagu's boudoir. The magenta wax was replaced by some of vermilion colour. On January 15th Mr. Montagu received 'J second letter sealed with vermilion wax. spying the. tiara would be returned when £ 500 had been sent. Accused had been seen near the pantry on January 2nd at 12.30. The same night he was seen in a field near where the tiara was found. When apprehended Finn admitted tak ing the tiara. and shewed where he had placed 1L Prisoner was committed to the assizes.
''TYPHOID AT A HYDRO. -.f
''TYPHOID AT A HYDRO. .f DAMAGES AGAINST DISTRICT COUNCIL' In the King's Bench Division, before Mr. Jus- tice Lawrance and a special jury. on Tuesday, the trial was eonckided. after lasting eleven days, of an action brought by Dr. Fergusson. proprie- tor of the Malvern Hydropathic EstablishmentT" against the Malvern Urban District Council, to recover damages for loss incurred by him by reason of the drinking water at the Hydropathic Establishment haviiig been polluted by sewage which, he alleged, had been negligently allowed; to escape from the defendants' sewers. The jury answered certain questions put by the Judge and assessed the damages at £ 7/800. for which- his Lordship entered judgment, granting a stay of execution with a view to an appeal.
CHAMBERS OF AGRICULTURE.
CHAMBERS OF AGRICULTURE. At a meeting of the council of the Central and Associated Chambers of Agriculture in London. on Tuesday, a resolution was passed in favour of the Board of Agriculture being raised to the, status of a first-class Government department. A report of the Railway Rates Committee, em- bodying a notice of objection which had been given to the proposed working agreement be- tween the Great Northern and Great Central Railway Companies, was adopted. A discussion took place on the hop industry, and a resolution was carried declaring that the state of the indus- try calls for the immediate consideration of the Government.
HAIL, SNOW, AND THUNDER.
HAIL, SNOW, AND THUNDER. Hail. snow, and thunder were among the meteorological features reported oh Tuesday. It is reported from Ilfracombe that officials at the railway-station there saw a "ball of fire of dazzling brjliance "'fall from the sky. and at the same moment heard a terrific peal of thunder, which shook the station and rendered the railway telephone instruments useless. An eager search was made for the "thunderbolt." but. as might have been expected, no trace could be found of it. Heavy snow fell in North Derbyshire. At Newmarket blinding hail was followed by snow.
BANK AWARDED LIBEL DAMAGES.
BANK AWARDED LIBEL DAMAGES. Before Mr. Justice Grantham and a special jury. on Tuesday, an acfion was tried in which Parr's Bank. Limited, claimed damages against the proprietor and editor of Vanity Fair for libel, alleged to be contained in an article in that periodical, supporting certain charges pre- ferred against the bank by a former customer. The defendants admitted the libel, and offered an apology. The jury found for the plaintiffs, with £ 5,000 damages, for which judgment was entered, a stay of execution being granted upon terms.
AUGMENTATION OF POOR BENEFICES.
AUGMENTATION OF POOR BENEFICES. The Archbishop of Canterbury has addressed to Lord Ashcombe, chairman of the Queen Vic- toria Clergy Fund, a letter explaining the scheme for the re-endowment of poor benefices adopted by the Ecclesiastical Commis-ioners. The two chief features of the scheme are that from May 1st next all benefices in public patron- age where the population exceeds 1.000 and the income is less than JE200 per annum will be. raised to that sum: and all benefices similarly circumstanced where the population is at least 500 and the income less than JB150 per annum will be raised to -that sum. Benefits will also be extended to poor benefices in private patronage. The Archbishop points out that the scheme will not only forthwith augment about 1.000 bene- fices. but will enable the Governors of Queen Anne's Bounty to do their distinctive work moro effectively. and will appreciably relieve diocesan funds and the Queen Victoria Clergy Fund. A memorandum by the Ecclesiastical Commis- sioners, embodying the statistical features of the scheme, is appended to the Archbishop's letter.
COMPENSATION FOR EXTINGUISHED…
COMPENSATION FOR EXTINGUISHED LICENCES. The committee of justices sitting at Clerken- well as a compensation authority under the Licensing Act. 1904. on Tuesday lawarded a total of 214.719as compensation to persons interested in seventy-seven licences ordered to be extinguished in the County of London.
THE NEW LAW OFFICERS.
THE NEW LAW OFFICERS. It is announced that Sir W. S. Robson, K.C., M.P.. has been appointed Attornev-General in succession to the late Sir J. LaNy-,oii Walton. and that Mr. h. T. Evans, K.C.. M.P.. has been ap- Solicitor-General in succession to Sir nilham Robson.
[No title]
DEATH OF MR. T. FOWELL BUXTON. The death took place on Monday night at Eas. neye Park. Ware, of Mr. Thomas Fowell Buxton, aged eighty-six, the fourth son of the first Sir Thomas Fowell Buxton. the associate of Wilber- force and Clarkson in the abolition of the slave trade. Mr. Buxton was uncle to the present Postmaster-General, to the present Baronet, and to Mr. Andrew Johnston, chairman of the Essex County Council.
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As the steamship Fleswick, outward bound from Sharpness, was proceeding down the Bristol Channel on Tuesday she collided with a tug belonging to Cardiff- The tug was so badly damaged that she sank immediately, but the crew was saved. The Fleswick proceed on her course. An English bob-sleigh overturned during the rate for the Sigma Cup at Davos on Saturday. and Mrs. Stuart Maclaren sustained a dislocated boulder. The strange phenomenon of burning cliffs is astonishing the inhabitants of Lyme Regis. A detective-inspector stated at the North Lon- don Police-court that with the aid of the finger- print system a criminal's whole history can now be ascertained in two minutes.