The Merthyr Express

POET'S CORNER. MY LAND OF DREAMS. Come close your eyes and lay your hand in ill i11 e Com-e, float with me along my stream of wine, Into a land from whose enchanted shores You'll ne'er depart, and whoso cxhaustless ••tores Of Dure delight annihilate old Time. Come! dwell with me in this my fairy world, Wher-3 freedom' Bag for ever is unfurled. And where regrer and sorrow are unknown From out whofe confine: bitterness is flown- Ah, come with me and share my isle em- pearled. You shall be queen, and I. submissive king, Will conjure up the genii for your rint* 'And In each fleeting- moment we'll compress One hundred thousand years of happiness— As on the pendulum of tim-e we swing. €ome sip with me this anodyne of grief. Then you'll be chieftainess, and I the chief Of Pleasure's court, and Joy, our willing slave, Will charm the wonders ifrom Aladdin's cave, If you'll but cross with me my coral rcef. Eternity itself will prove too short To drain tha treasures of mv soul's resort: Bo hand in hand we'll squander countless years, Cn one long dream with no regretfu1 tears, Nor e'en a sigh to mar our perfect lot. Come where Pandora's quenchless fire gleams, Where Love's libations pour in wondrous streams, For there I promise you perennial youth, .With all assurance of exquisite truth- If you'll but journey to my Land of Dreams. GEO. H. THOMAS. Merthyr.

PUBLISHED BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT. The Road to Love BY MADAME ALBANESr, Author of "Capricious Caroline," "The Strongest of All Things," "Susannah and One Other," "Love and viiga." "The Way to Win," etc.. etc. COPY iUGHTr SYNOPSIS OP PREVIOUS CHAPTERS. CHAPTERS I. & II. Richard Varlcy hears of the accident which has befallen Sir Patrick Mil. I per on the hunting field. The landlady at the inn where he is staying informs him that. Sir Pat- rick k dead. After dinner Richard Varley walks over to Corbyn- Court. lie leaves his card, ancl sends a mesy^ge of sympathy to Sir Patrick's only child, Ellen Milner. Although he is due back in London on the following day, he is almost mind- ed to stay awl offer his services to Ellen Milner. 'A wire fro Dorchester. saying he is leaving Eng- land immediately and must seo him before he de- parts, causes him to change his mind. He goes to London next day. Sir Patrick made a foolish mar- riage, but Ellen's mother died when she was two years old. Since that time she had groinn up in her father's society. She knew no relatives, and had no women friends. She had heard of her mother's sister. Mrs. Barneith, and her son and two daugh- ters. Her aunt Margaret makes her an offer to fome and livo with her and share household ex- penses. Ellen has a little over a hundred a year, through a life assurance, and her lawyers advise her to fall in with Mrs. Barneith's proposition. She does so, and spends the dreary winter months in exile in a sordid little home, amidst most uncongenial sur- roundings, in a north countr* town. She finds the atmosphere of her aunt and cousins narrow, and constricting, r.nd in the early spring months decides to make her cseape. At a junction railway station he sees a young man. whose breezy, well-bred man- ner attracts her very much, me stationmast<u calls him "your lordship." This young man finds her a third-class railway coirtjjartnrfent. little knows that she and he will mget W.iJer ntfrc intimate cir- cumstances. CHAPTERS III. and IV.—Ellen goes to London, and visits the Chadwicks Mr*. Chadwick was formerly a maid at Corbyn Court. They make her welcome, and here she accidentally meets Richard Yarley again He discusses her future with the Chadwieks. He meets Lord Norchester in a smart club, who confides his domestic diffi- rulties to him. Richard Varley promises to look after Lady Norchester while her husband is away. She has expressed her wish for a lady companion, and Varley at once thinks of Ellen Millier. CHAPTER V. liHlen returned from th-e journey to Ealing tired and <lepre.«ed. It had been practicaly decided that she would take the two tiny itrif, tconis which e-he had seen. She had put on a pery brave air to deceive Mrs Chadwick whilst the arrangements were ip progress, but in truth her heart sank as she pictured herself alone in l tiny little house in an ugly little street. She dragged herself up to her room, careful to keep back the tears till she was alone; she was tired, but she could not sleep, everything to her looked so grey, so dreary. She was mpted in this moment to try to get into com- munication with some of her father's scattered delations, to put her pride into her pocket and to a3k for help. "Daddy never refused anyone who came to frim in trouble," she said to herself, "surely [ have tht right to expect some consideration irom those whom he helped?" But alwavj against this there arose tho in- mperable difficulty of assimilating her proud ipirit with those to whom she would be illdebt. td moreover her experience with her aunt bad taught her a bitten lesson, therefore, bleak and friendless as the future looked, she must still fight on single handed. Had her father only lived long enough to have set his affaire in order, Ellen's plight would have been very different; but death had been far from his thoughts that day he had riddeD forth so well ind handsome and in sucb good spirits! Whilst she lay trying to frame tom-e kind of definite scheme, Ellen was unconscious that she ur was being discussed. Var!ey had left Lord Norcheste.. early. The young man had changed his plans. After the dinner the thought of music hall or theatre L bad bored him instead he resolved upon hav- ing a spin into the country in his motor, and had tried to induce Varley to accompany him, but the other man had shaken his head. "I have a certain value for my n-eck," he ea;d, "and moreover, if you want me to see about your business, I'll set to work this very night." He bad not taJcen Norchester into his con- fidence, nor bad be said anything about Ellen Milner, beyond the fact that he knew of some one whom he imagined might be able and will- ing to take up the duties required of her, and Could go and stay at Wynche with Lady Nor- ebester, indeed, after they had separated he ,tv,as just a little dubious as to whether he would be doing a wi«e thing for Ellen if he brought this suggested engagement to her notice. Per- haps more from what Chadwick had left unsaid than what had been told. Varley had guessed at what was actually passing with Ellen. She would scarcely have been likely to have stayed with these people in so humble a manner if things had not been very bad with her. He found Mrs. Chadwick more communicative than Chadwick. In fact, Ellen's former maid con- fessed that sht was a good bit bothered. There isn't anything in the world I wouldn't do for Miss Ellen." she said "but then I'm no use. and she is sc set on doing something for herself. She might stay here, but it don't seem right to me that she should be here. I don't believe Sir Patrick he'd be pleaeed at that, sir. But then, again, I don't like letting her go ancl leave us and go somewhere by herself, thoosrh she has just upon settled to do this." "There are nc. relations then," Varley asked. "no one who has a right to look after her?" Mrs. Chadwick told him that it appeared Cnere were no people belonging to Ellen to whom she could M. She's just been living along with an annt cf noel'S, sir, since poor Sir Patrick died: but the had an awful time, and rac away. That's wL" she came here to me." "I have an idea, that I can holp her," Varley «akl. "I should be very much obliged if you will arrange that Mi*s Milner will see me if fo.esib'e io-morrow. I am afraid it will have lo b" early." "Oh Miss Ellen she's always up vrey early. Sir; slip's beer going out for a walk before breakfast these last few mornings. Yes, sir. you are welcome to have our sitting room with plec.yriire, and I'll tell Miss Ellen. I'm sure," nr.id MR?. Chadwick, earnestly, "both mc and Chadwick would be awfully glad if there was

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PASSING OF OATMEAL. Maleea way lor the better Foed of a Better Day, Oatmeal porridge is no Jonger used for breakfast in my home," writes a bright woman. This was an admission of no small significance to one" brought, up" on the time-honoured stand-by. One month ago," she continues, I bought a packet of. Grape-Nuts food for my husband, who had been an invalid for over a year. He had passed through a severe attack of pneihnonia and influenza combined, and was left in a very bad condition when they paBsed away. I tried everything, but nothing seemed to do him any good. Month followed month, and he still remained as weak as ever. I was almost discouraged when I got the Grape-Nuts, but the results have compensated me for my anxiety. In the one month that he has eaten Grape- Nuts he has gained 10 pounds in weight, his strength is rapildy returning to him, and he feels like a new man. Now we all eat Grape- Nuts food, and are the better for it. OurJittle five-year-old boy, who used to suffer from pains in the stomach after eating the old-fashioned porridge, has no more trouble since he began to use Grape-Nuts, and I have no more doctor's bills to pay for him. We use Grape.Nuts with hot milk, and find it the most tasty dish in our bill of fare. Last Monday I ate four tablespoonfuls of Grape-Nuts and cream for breakfast, nothing else, then set to work and got my morning's work done by nine o'clock, and felt less tired, much stronger, than if I had made my breakfast on bacon, &c.; as I used to. I wouldn't be without Grape-Nuts in the house for any money." Name given by Grape-Nuts Co., Ltd., 66, Shoe Lane, London, E.C. There's a reason. Ever read the above letter? A new one appears from time to time. They are genuine, true and full of human interest.

General Booth celebrated his eightieth birth- day quietly on Saturday at Hadley Wood. The Prince of Wales sent him a congratulatory message. I At the Independent Labour Party Conference at Edinburgh on Saturday an animated discus- sion took place on the proposal that no salary be paid out of party funds to members of Parli- ament who refuse to sign the constitution of bho party. The motion was aimed particularly at Mr. Victor Grayson, who told the congress that he would not surrender his independence owing to a financial thumb-screw. Mr. Keir Hardie replied that it was only a question with Mr. Grayson of surrendering his attituds of 1 self-importance. The resolution was carried, J tho withdrawal of tho salary to take I t the end of the presout Parliam&x^

FUN AND FANCY. Teacher: "Johnny, what is an isthmus?" Johnny: "A narrow sliu of land connecting two scandals." "Yep, woman is certainly de cause of me ing dis way. If rtje wife hadn't lost her job I'd had a home right now." Tommy "Pop, what is the difference between a cook and a chef?" Tommy's Pop: "About 20 dollars a week, my son." Mother: "Tommy, are you teaching the parrot to swear?" Tommy: "No, mother; I'm just telling it what it mustn't say." Braidsen Tapes "Pes, I'm fired Discharged without any reason." Silkson Thredd: "Well, you didn't have any when you took the job, did you ?"' "I hear yer frien' Tamson's married again." "Aye, so he is He's been a dear frien' tac me. Pie's cost me three waddin' presents art' twa wreaths." Poungster: "Why is it, ma. that a honey- moon is supposed to last only three months?" Ma: "At the end of three months the quarterly bills come in "So your daughter is improving in her piano playing?" "Yes," answered Mr. Cumrox "You enjoy it?" "No. But it doesp't make me as nervous as it used to." Green: "That fellow who plays the cornet is ill." Jones "Do you think he will recover?" Green: "I am afraid not. The doctor who is attending him lives next door "T like to see a man take an interest in his work." "So do I. I once knew a policeman who was so enthusiastic that it positively pain- ed him to see anybody out of gaol." "So Algernon is going to devote himself to poetry?" "Yes, but only after a season in the bank. I don't want the poor boy to die without even knowing what money feels like "He tried to kiss his wife last night, and she gave him a black eye." "Why did she do that?" "She thought he was drunk." "She certainly had grounds for the suspicion., Did you ever see her?" A country paper has this delicate person item "Those who know nice old Mr. Wilson of this place personally will regret to hoor that he was assaulted in a brutal manner last Wleek, but was not killed." "Yes, sir. This is the house for summer board- ers, and that large building next door is a san- itorium." "What's the sarntorium "Tho folks who board with us one summer generally stay there the second year." Mamma: "Where is that pretty too-chest your aunt gave you?" Small son: "In the closet; but the tols is all broke." Mamma: "Mercy me! You naughty boy. You must have been trying to use them." A Scotchman took an American into a bar and asked him what he would take. "I guess I'll take champagne," the Yankee answered. "Then ye can guess again, and guess something nearer tuppence this time." An Echo of Modern Journalism.—"I do miss Mrs. Jones. She told me all the news of the parish." "Oh, that was only gossip-no truth in it." "Well, there, I liked to 'ear it. Truth or lies, 'twas all news to me." "Good afternoon, Miss Brown! Going for a walk? May I go with you?" asked an elderly but ardent admirer of the lady. "Yes; my doc- tor says that we always walk with an object, and I suppose you'll answer the purpose!" A school girl, during her examination, re- peatedly miscalled patriarchs partridges. Where- upon one of the auditors remarked: She is making game of the patriarchs. This, Sydney Smith said, was the most perfect pun he knew. The banquet table was spread, and the guests about to be summoned. "Are you sure there are no reporters present?" anxiously asked the host of the butler. "I've made certain of it, sir "Then hustle out and get a few," rejoined the host. "You don't object to these investigations of the affairs of your great monopoly?" "No," answered Mr. Dustin Stax. "They're a deal of help in enabling me to catch up with details of my business that might have escaped my attention." Said a witness who once appeared before Mr. Justice Maule, "You may believe me or not, but I have stated not a word that is false. I have been wedded to truth from my infancy." "Yes," replied the judge, "but how long have you been a widower?" "I have always mado a practice" said the earnest young man, "of spending an hour each ovening thinking over my mistakes of the day." "And I," said the successful old man, "spend an hour each evening working out the mistakes that others had made." Visitor: "Doctor. I don't know wnat the trj- ble i3, but I can't sleep at night." Doctor: "Um—yes. What is your occupation?" Visi- tor: "I'm a coal dealer." Doctor: "Pardon me, but you should consult a minister. I can't undertake to relieve your conscience." Old Mrs. Flaherty was a general favourite in the little town where he lived. The doctor was away all one summer, and did not hear of the old man's death. Soon after his return he met Miss Flaherty. and inquired about the family, ending with "And how is your father standing the heat?" Two friends from two different Scotch churches, but of one denomination, met the other day and discussed the preaching of their respective pastors. "Your preacher uses the ideas of other men," said one. "Don't you wish your pastor would do the same," was the significant response.

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FOR THE YOUNG FOLKS, A YOUNG NATURALIST. The little boy was looking at a fly-trap—one of those green woven-wire, sugar-loaf-shaped affairs into which the flies crawl at the bottom, and from which they never find any way of escape. It was half-full of the buzzing insects, and others Were still entering. "I've found out one thing abouc flies, any- how," he said. "What is that, Benny?" asked his mother "I've found that they don't know how to talk to each other." "How do you know that?" "Don't you suppose those flies on the inside of that trap know that they're caught and can't get out? Of course they do. And if they could talk to one another, don't you suppose they'd tell the flies on the outside to go awav and not try to get in? Of course they would. They wouldn't be mean enough to want their friends to be trapped just because they were." THE RIGHT SORT OF PRIDE. A certain amount of pride is one thing in this world absolutely essential to everyone. Whether it be in social life or business, it is necessary to success. Haughtiness and snobbishness axe not what is meant; far from it. It means the ability to hold your own with others in a way that commands respect. Nor does it mean a re- hearsal of who your grandfather was and how much money you would have if an ancestor had not been extravagant. It means personal ■ dig- nity When a girl goes into a business office to apply for her first position the employer does not want her if she is compelled to use the chairs and desks for support and if she is continually rearranging her attire. A certain amount of nervousness is to be expected, but uncontrolled self-consciousness and visible silly fear are evi- dences of the lack of the right kind of pride. Nor does the employer want her who tries to tell him how much she knows. Boldness is even worse than being too timid. The girl who wins is straightforward, is not afraid to answer ques- tions quickly and honestly, knows that she is willing to try, even though she may make mis- takes. and so shows that she can maintain the dignity necessary in a well-regulated office. The appearance often spells fortune or failure, for it points to pride or lack of it.. j A MISTAKE SOMEWHERE. Talking to boys in public meetings is gettin • to be an art and a science. Billy Ross is a grcs temperance lecturer, and at Roaherville wa preaching to the young on his favourite theme. He said, "Now,* boys, when I ask you a quer tion you mustn't be afraid to speak right out and answer me. When you look around and see all these fine-houses, farms, and cattle, do you ever think who owns them all now? Your. fa- thers own them do they not?" "Yea, sir," shouted a hundred voices. "Well, where will your fathers be in twenty years from now?" "Dead!" shouted the boys. "That's right. And who will own all this property tbe31" "Us bovs," shouted the urchina. "Right. Now ten me, did you ever in going along the streets notice the drunkards lounging around the pub- lic-houses, waiting for somebody to treat them?" "Yes, sir, lots of them." "Well, where will they be in twenty years from now?" "Dead," exclaimed the boys. "And who will be the drunkards then?" "Us boys!" Billy was thun- derstruck for a moment, but recovering himself, tried to tsli the boys how to escape such a fate.

USE HUY.IL'S LIOOT FOUS&O

,= FOR MATRON AND MAIO 6HE IS NOT LOVED. Men do not fall in love with sarcastic girls. At first they may be attracted, not because they feel any distinct admiration, but the girl who is quiak-wit-ted usually does attract, and at first her caustic remarks may make them laugh. That she has a superior wit and is much ad- mired and sought out the sarcastic girl is con- vinced of, and she doesn't seem to notice that it is always a fresh crowd around her, and that she has no power to hold those who on first know- ing her may have been one of her most enthu- siastic admirers. When she feels herself being left alone her re- marks get still more acid, and more often than not she becomes an acrimonious old maid. Men do not fall in love with her, simply be- cause they are afraid of that caustic wit of hers. There is always the uncomfortable feeling in their minds while laughing at the so-called witty things that she says about others, that she talks in the same way about them when thdlr backs are turned. Brightness and a sense of humour are admi- rable in their way, but when a girl employs the latter in an endeavour to say funny things at another person's expense, she is running the risk of making herself unpopular. TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING. Be neat, but not too all-powerful neat. Better a dusty room than a spotless one gain- ed by nagging. Some women's sole idea of a home is a place where every corner may be inspected at any I moment by her dearest foe. t "Persnicketty" is an old-fashioned expres- sion of what a woman should not be if she wants her husband to be happy. Cleanliness may be akin to godliness, but it is difficult to make the victims of a perniciously clean housewife see it in that light. On the other hand, do not be sloppy No woman need be a fright because she does her own work. Likewise a slovenly house is not one where the father and children delight to linger. SOMEHOW THEY DG. It is a wonder that children ever do grow I up to be good-looking, healthy men and wo- men, when one thinks of all the things they do consciously or unconsciously to hurt them- selves. Nor can a mother be always nagging at them; her influence must be, for the most part, by suggestion. Before a child is old enough to have any personal vanity it is somewhat difficult to make it understand that facial contortions will cause bitter sorrow in after years, or that parties during the week not only injure the health, but retard studies, that wet feet and sitting in draughts often cause future suffering from rheumatism or a weak chest I THE JOINT PURSE. Every man and every woman has his or her own little idiosyncrasies, and the newly-mar- ried are apt < to jar on one another and irritate one another. It takes a great deal of lovr, to put up with peculiarities. There are marriages that promise to be hap- py, but which become failures because of some small peculiarities. One husband will be lazy about shaving, and his stubby face may fill his fastidious little wife with disgust which tuns to dislike. But the rocks on which many matrimouial barges are wrecked is that of money. If there is constant friction about money matters there can be no happiness. If the wife has to beg for every penny and the husband constantly grumbles about the expenditure, then marriage may be counted a failure. There is only one way of avoiding this diffi- culty, and that is to settle all monoy ques- tions at the first go off. Let the husband and wife get pencil and paper and sit down one evening and go over their income carefully. Allow so much for rent, so much for lighting and heating, so much for clothes, so much for travelling, insurance, charity, and so on, leav- ing a generous margin for unexpected ex- penses. The secret of so much daily comfort and happiness lies in system. Have tho money apportioned, and stick to the arrangement. Make your wants suit your purse, and do not attempt to satisfy all desires regardless of tho family ex- chequer FASHION FANCIES. Coloured embroidery enters into much of the now lingerie neckwear. For slim-throated wearers some novel neck- pieces show little bows arranged at the top of the stock. Some indescribably soft rose shades touched with brown arc relieved in millinery by violet tones. Gay little teacoats to slip over light-coloured I frocks are of all-over lace. t Gun metal tissue is shot with nearly every I colour, and used as effective trimming. Dull toned gowns are set off with elaborate flower-bedecked hats. Linens are either heavy almost like Russian crash, or they are thin and fine. Crush ribbon and satin folds are to take the place of high ruchings. Among tho fads of the moment is tho one of lacing the sleevo all the way up on the out- side of the arm. Embroidery in cross-stitch and in colourings seen upon some of the smartest new modols in linen and pique. Coloured fourlads with a black dot in place of a white one are seen in Paris. Coloured net over silver or gold net forms sleeves and guimpes in some new models. Delightful one-piece frocks are in washing silks with guimpes and sleeves showing em- broidery. The one colour fancy necessitates dyeing to I the shade of the dress material all Laco and other trimmings. The up-to-date cry is, "When in doubt as to trimming try jet." Where two immense roses appear on the same ( hat they are unusually flat in shape. HINTS FOR THE HOME. Whiting or ammonia in the water is preferable to 6oap for cleaning windows or paint. J Moisture is the greatest enemy of the piano, and it cannot be too carefully guarded against. When boiling eggs put on the lid of the sauce- pan, and the eggs will have a much finer flavour. When blowing out a candle hold it above you and blow. If this be dono the wick will not smoulder. If too much blueing is put in the water in which clothes are rinsed, add a little household ammonia. Brushes that have been used for paint can be cleansed with turpentine, and spirits of wine will remove varnish. When anything is made too salty it can be counteracted by using a tablespoonful of vine- gar and one of sugar A small lump of yellow soap or a few soap shavingj placed in a mouse hole will prevent the mouse from reappearing Never fill a lamp quito full. or when ft is brought into a warm room the expansion of the oil will. cause it to overflow. Finger marks on doors should be rubbed with a cloth wrung out of hot water and dipped in whiting. Rinse and dry thoroughly, rubbing until the polish is restored. Soda used in the laundry should be dissolved before the garments to be washed arc placed in the tub. Yellow stains, which soon form holes, are caused by soda touching wet linen. Keep the roots of the celery plant Dry, and grate them and mix the powder with one-third as much salt. Keep in a bottle, well corked. It is delicious in soups, gravios, hashes, etc. Saucepans should be kept clean on the out- side as well as inside. To prevent the'smoke from sticking rub the outside of c. new saucc- pan with fat before placing it on the stovo. Wash with hot water and soda. The shine that shows a serge skirt, or jacket to be no longer new can easily bo removed by sponging the garment with blueing water, such as is used to launder clothes. While still damp. press the part under a thin cloth. If grease be spilled on the hearth do not wash it. Take up as much as you can by rubbing it with an old newspaper, and then rub the mark over well with a piece of dry hearthstone. Brush off the hearthstone, and, if necessary, re- peat the process. 'LINBRKD COMPOUND' for Coughs and Colds. Re- lieves Asthma and difficult breathing. 9id., l/lj.

Messrs. Joseph Crosfield and Sons, Ltd., and the Erasmic Co., Ltd., have been appointed soap makers to His Imperial Majesty the Sultan of Turkey. Economy is one of the most essential elements of success, and the most wretchedly disregard. ed. The most valuable statue in the world is that of the god Daibutsu, in Yokohama, Japan. It stands 65^ feet high, weighs 450 tone, and con- tains 500lbs. of pure gold. There are numerous methods of restoring faded photographs. One of the simplest is to inimeres the picture, which must be unmount- ed, in a saturated solution of bichloride of mer- ury, in which it should be left a few minutes, iid afterwards thoroughly washed and dried. t

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_I any way you could see as would hlp Miss Ellen, sir. She's got all her father's pluck; but it's different to have spirit when you're riding to hounds and to have the fame spirit to fight the hard things she's got to fight .isn't it, nir?" "Yes, it is quite different," said Varley. The arranegd interview took place the next morning at nine o'clock. A certain little ex- oitement had put some colour into Ellen's cheeks, and though she was paler and thinner and had grown graver in manner, he could traos quite a near resemblance now to the little Ellen Milner he had watched so often in the hunting field. "1 do hope, Miss Milner," Varley said, "you think it intrusive of me to ask you to see me but I have been having a little chat about you with Mrs. Chadwick, and from what she tells me I—I believe you can be of great as- sistance to me." Ellen opened her eyes at this, and smiled. "Is there anything I can do for anybody?" she asked. And Varley smiled back at her. there are many things that you can do I have a sort of idea that you would like to live in the country, Her face lit up. and her eyes glowed. anywhere that not a town." sh" said. "T used to laugh in the old days when Daddy used to say that he could not breathe in Lon- don; but I understand it now. I have a dream." she added, "I should like to live in a tin v little cbttage. on a moor I should never be lonely. The streets, the people, the narrow- ness of life here depress me. If there is any- thing you want me to do in the country, Mr. Varley, I will do it." "That is a brave promise." Varley; "ard happily I can claim it without compunction. I do want you to go into the country. I want you to take up certain duties with a friend of mine. She is a very beautiful young wom; but owing to rert.1.in circumstances in oor youth she has not had those advantages which are common to mGfõt women ip the position which she holds. You would be a secretary, compan- ion. even a poverne&s." Ellen looked At him thoughtfully. "1 believe I might be able to teaoh very little children," caid: "but oh! I have such a lot to learn myself, Mr. Varley." "No diplomas are needed for the work which you would have to do. It is more an influence winch is required, someone who instinctively would help to set, litvle troubles right. I very anx'ous to find a proper person, nnd I foel convinced you would be most successful." Ellen did not speak at once, then she said "You have taken my breath away; it doesn't seem possible that anything so delightful should come to me so ensily." Varley hesitated a moment, and then he said "Ah but you mustn't run away with the idea that there will be no difficulties, nothing dis- agreeable. In fact, were it not that you have told me yourself that you must ",am your liv- ing, I should hesitate to propose this engage ment to you, because whilst it has much to re- commend- it, it may also have much that will try you. Your pupil, as I may call her. is not altogether an easy person she is very passion- ate. You will require an infinite amount of tact At the same time you will have freedom. you will have rooms at your disposal; there will be a horse for you to ride, close at hand there is a moor where you ca.n go and dream. The country round and about is most beauti- ful." "Oh! I am grateful to you," Ellen exclaimed. "I feel as if you have put new life into me! Thank you a thousand times, Mr Varley." Just for an instant she seemed to flash back into the happy light-hearted child he remem- bered so well. Her gratitude touched him with a sense of pathos As he held out his hand, be said with a faint smile: "Don't thank me too much, perhaps after all you will find the difficulties greater even than I imagine them to be. At any rate, I hope things may go pleasantly,, and if your exper- ience at W ynehe proves itself to be impossible. well then I shall hope. Miss Milner, for your father's sake, that you will let me try again to b? of some little service." As he was turn- ing away he said. "Oh! we have not discussed the subject of money! Will you leave that in my hands?" With a blush Ellen agreed, and he went. away with the understanding that he would go into the arrangements immediately, and that in all probability she would be leaving for the coun- try in a couple of days' time at the latest. Lord Norchester paid him a visit at his office that morning, and discussed certain matters which he wished to settle before going abroad. He made his arrangements in such a sombre way and with so much deliberation that Varley exclaimed at one point. "My dear Harry, yon are not going away for ever!" "One never knows what may happen," Lord Norchester answered, "eo I want to leave mat- ters in ship-shape order, and. look here, old chap, I do hope you won't, mind looking &fter things in general for me. I am afraid I am going to give you an awful .lot of trouble, bnt you are the one person I know who can handle a difficulty with great delicacy and tact." And he gave a little sigh, "there is sure to be some- thing of a difficult nature cropping up." Varley was silent a minute or two, then he said: "I suppose your decision is made, but you know, Harry. I must protest, onoe again. I don't think you are doing quite the right thing. I am perfectly well aware that you must have heaps of things to make your path rough, but then, on the other hand, you havS iiany things which in the opinion of most peopfe make life desirable." Just a little angrily the young man answered him. "I have told you. Dick, I am going as much for Miriam's sake as my own I give you my word of honour it is quite impossible for 113 to go on as we are now. You know a little about her. so you ouTnt to understand. She has taken this craze to be alone, and to go in for study. and all that sort of thine: so the 1>eo;t thing I can do is to make myself scarce for n time at least. By the way," he added, "you said last night you thought you knew the very person to go down to Wynche. Do you think you will be able to arrange that?" "Yeg," said Varley, "I think I phall be able to arrange it. I know of a girl who I believe may ba of great use to Lady Norchester." "A girl!" said Lord Norchester. quickly; "I should have thought Miriam ought to have had someone a little older, a woman of the world." But Varley shook his head. "No. J have a sort of idea that this girl will iust brim the kind of influence into your wife's life which she now lacks. At any rate, it is only a.n experiment, and we can but try-it. Are you down to Wynche again?" "No: I have brought un all my traps; I am not taking too much, you know. because I mean to motor across Europe. I am going without any plan, but I rather expect to pick up young Darrell en route, and he may have some echeme sketched out." "You'vo seen your mother?" Norchester nodded his head. "Yes. I am going to say 'good-bye' this after- noon. She » a little bit cut up: mother takes thinsrs so hardly. Of course, I have been an awful disappointment to her. I know that. Evelyn has promised to cheer her up. Evelyn's an awfullv good sort!" Richard Varley smiled faintly at this descrip- tion cf Lady Evelyn Wynche. who was by com- mon repute one of the prettiest and most charming girls in society at th"1 moment. "I often think," said Lord Norchester, All he got up to go. "that if mother hadn't been so jolly hard and so down on me, things might have been a little different." "It is always easy," aid Varley, "to find ex- cuses for our own weaknesses in discovering the weaknesses of others." The young man looked at him with a glint of amusement in his eyes. "Don't preach, Dick." he aid. Then t.hev gripped hands "Now you're going to look after everything for me, and I shall keen you in touch with my movements as far as I pos- sibly can. If I am wanted. of course. I'll come back as quickly a-possible." Thev parted with this. and Richard Varley went back to his work. that is to say he went back to the table, and at down and tried to work; but the current of thought roused by his kinsman's visit. carried him'far away from the dry routine of his lawyer's duties. He had a yearning to be able to stand and smooth out things for Norchester. The young man ap- pealed to him almost as pathetically as Ellen Milner had: in fact, he waa not quite sure whe- ther there was not more oathos attached to the future of Henry, Earl of Norchestre, than there was in the future of the girl who at this mo- ment seemed without, a friend in all the world. CHAPTER VI. Mrs. Chadwick was greatly excited at Ellen's news. She had nothing but nice ■ things to say about Mr. Varley, who had had rooms with her off and on ever since she and her husband had started the house; and, of course, the fact that he had been a friend of Sir Patrick's made everything all right. It appeared, too, that Mrs. Chadwick knew a little bit about the occupants of Wynche. A cousin of hers had a daughter who was one of the under-housomaids in this big establishment. "And she is going on well, too, though tho housekeeper's a bit hard to please. It shouldn't be difficult, Miss Ellen, to arrange that this girl. Eliza Bond, should wait on you." Ellen shook her head with a faint smile. "I don't expect to have anybody to wait upon me." sho declared. But Mrs. Chadwick was quite sure that going on Mr. Varley's recommendation, things would be made very nice and comfortable for Miss Ellen. "My cousin's grri says that Lady Norchester is very handsome, but very queer. There H some talk that she wasn't quite his lordship's equal, but that's no business of ours, is it?" "Norchester!" said Ellen to herself. "I won- der where I've heard that name before. It sounds almost familiar." The question of clothes was discussed between herself and Mrs. Chadwick, and she felt the necessity of spending a few pounds and buying herself a very modest black evening gown and few other things. She heard nothing from Varley till two days later, when a. little note arrived. He wrote from Wynche Castle, telling her the best train to travel by. and saying that he would be there to receive her on her arrival. "He doesn't do things by halves now, docs he?" said Mrs. Chadwick, approvingly. She had thought of travelling down with Misw Ellen, but now she contented herself with tak- ing the girl to the station and starting go her jouraej. It was with very different feelings that Ellen put herself into the train this time. The ex- citement was very pleaoant; for though Varley had warned her that she must not expect her now life to be a bed of roses, the feeling that she Was going to a position of trust, that she would have her place in a well-appointed house- hold. and., above all, that she would be breath- ing the sweetness and the freshness of the coun- try air, served to irradiate her spirit. When she found herself waiting on the plat- form from which she Wag to take another train. Ellen suddenly remembered that it wa:, here where she had sat a few weeks before and watched that young man talking to the station- master. The recollection of his charming face and delightful manners brought him before her almost visibly at the same time there flashed back to her memory the recollection of his name. "\V1)T, he was called Norchester!" she to herself "That man who spoke to him from the train as it came in called him Norchester. I am sure. How odd!" She took th's little remambrance as a good omen, for if the Lady Norchester whom she was going to join had any connection with this handsome, attractive looking man, sh3 could not fail to be interestiiv. The local train was slow. but it drew up at length pt the little wayside station at which Varley had told Ellen to alight; and he was there himself standing on the platform waiting to receive her. "I haven't com" in the motor," he said. "I thought you would prefer this." "This" turned out to be a very pretty little phaeton drawn by a pair of ponies. Ellen's face coloured wit h plea "ure. "Oh;" she said, 'how kind of you! What dear little animltls." So '2h went forward and stroked their noses, and spoke to thorn and handled them in a way which proved to the groom that this young lady knew what she was about. And she raw that Varley had left the driver's place for her: she hesitaW a moment. "May I?" she asked. "Won't Lady Norches- ter think it strange?" He reassured her. "It's all right. I know what you can do with these ponies, and I am not a bit of a whip mysetf. Don't bother about your luggae—it is coming on later." It seemed like a draam" to Ellen to sit in a luxurious carriage and onco again to hold the reins in her hand. The ponies were in splen- did form and trotted off in fine style. Richard Varley found, an extraordinary amount of pleasure in sitting beside her. in watching her, and in telling her which road to "You are iust in for the best time of the year." he said, "and I know you will endorse my opinion and say that Wynche is situated in a most beautiful part." "Even if it were less beautiful," said E' en, "it would be lovely to me." And yet as she spoke, the tears clouded her eyes. This return to all those things which had had such close association with her child- hood brought back the see of her loss, unbearably for the moment; but happily the ponies gave her plenty to do. the road curved a good deal, and she had to be continually on the watch for motors. As they were drawing nearer to Wynche she turnnd once to Varley and said: "You won't let, me thank JOU. but my heart is just overflowing, for even if I am a failllre here I shall never cease to feel I owe you a big debt of gratitude." "You will not be a failure," Varley answer- ed. And no more was said between them till the carriage rolled in under a broad stone gateway IInd pll into an avenue of most 1Il&gTIi6œnt beech trees. As they approached a turning out of this avenue, Varley suggested that they should pull up. "Perhaps you would rather walk the rest of the way," he said. "I want to point out a few of my favourite bits to you I am afraid I shall not have much opportunity, as I am going back to town this afternoon." "Oh! I am sorry!" said Ellen, and she said it earnestly She was growing to like Richard Varley very much indeed. She had regarded him as a man contemporary with her father, but as they 8-0- proachfd a certain spot in the grounds and he took off his hat and pointed out the beauties of the scene. Ellen suddenly realised that he was not as old as -he had supposed him to be. His hair was grey-tinged, it was true, but the face was not lined, and when his manner was buoy- ant. as it was at t,his moment he looked youn. It was evident that he took real delight in introducing her to the natural beauties which would henceforward surround her. He ex- plained as they walked on to the house, that as a boy he had spent many happy days at Wynche. "The late Lord Norcheeter was my mother's cousin andlro 1\ great friend of my father's, so he took a great deal of interest in me. He married rather late in life, and died just, at the time when he would have been of such value to his boy. As they faced the castle, Ellen stopped in- voluntarily, with an exclamation of admiration. "Oh! how beautiful!" she said. "What a splendid old house. I am so glad to come here." "That's righf," said Richard Varley. and his face lit up as he spoke. He led her through the great entrance, paus- ing to speak about some of the oldest parts of the architecture to her. Within they were re- ceived by various men-servants. "Will you tell her ladyship that Miss Milner has arrived." said Varley. The butler replied that Lady Norchester had desired that Miss Milner should go to her in her room. "I am afraid I can't come up with you," Var. ley said in a low voice, and involuntarily he put out h:8 hand. Ellen slipped hers into it, and the firm pressure of his hand-clasp, gave her a feeling of courage and confidence. She followed the foot- man up the broad ftaircarse. Inside, the house was very old, less beautifuJ perhaps than out side. There was a silence and grandeur about it, however, which appealed very strongly to Ellen. As they passed along a corridor, the sound of an angry voice was heard close at hand. With a scarcely concealed smile, the footman paused at the door and threw it open. "Miss Milner," he announced. Ellen passed into the room and then paused. Someone was sweeping to and fro acreanrng out. words in passionate anger. Ellen had a vision of a splendid face distorted with rage. There was something superb in the movements of the furious woman. She took no notice of the new-comer, but went on launching a tor- rent of abuse at an oldish woman, ovid-ently a maid. who was quietly occupying herself with putting the room straight, picking up a chair which had been flung down, settling cushions on the sofa. Even in the first moment of ac- quaintance with the mistress of Wynche Castle, Ellen felt that there was a kind of insolence conveyed in the silence and indifference of the maid. But in truth her feelings were rather blurred indeed, she was conscious of a sense of alarm, and she stood trembling a little as Lady Norchester suddenly paused and looked at her. (To be continued.)