The North Wales Times

THE ALLEGED FORGERY AT WREXHAM. POLICE PROCEEDINGS. At the Wrexham Borough Police Court, on Saturday, John Taylor, living in Talbob-road, Wrexham, secretary bo a number of societies, including the Shepherds' Lodge at Wrexham, the Football Association of Wales, and the Wrexham Reform Club, was charged with having at Wrexham, on or about April 2, 1896, forged an endorsement on a certain bill of ex- change, to wit, a cheque for the payment of the sum of JE220, drawn upon the Wrexham branch of the North and South Wales Bank by the Wrexham Waterworks Company, and payable to the order of William Griffiths, John Henry Jones and Edward Cleveley, trustees of the Wrexham Lodge of the Royal Order of Ancient Shepherds. Mr. J. Hopley Pierce prosecuted, and Mr. Stanley D. Edisbury defended. The magistrates were Messrs. J. F. Edisbury (chairman), C. Murless, B. Owen Richards, and Dr. Edward Davies, The prisoner appeared to feel his position acutely. Mr. Pierce said that this was one of the sad- dest cases he had had to trouble the court with for some time. It was not only very sad, but very serious. They had before them a man who had up till recently occupied an important position in the town, and who had,unfortunately been led away in some way or orther into com- mitting the serious crime with which he was charged that day. He (Mr. Pierce) only pro- posed to offer sufficient evidence to justify a re- mand till Friday. They had only one charge to go into that day. By that he meant there were a great many more at the back of it. A cheqne for £ 220 was made payable by the directors of the Wrexham Waterworks Company to William Griffiths, John Henry Jones and Edward Cleveley, the trustees of the Shepherds' Lodge, Taylor, the prisoner, re- ceived the cheque in the usual course of his business as secretary of the lodge. He got two of the trustees to sign it, after which be should have got the third trustee to append his signa- ture, when the last named would have taken the cheque to be dealt with in the proper man- ner. Prisoner, the prosecution alleged, forged the name of Edward Cleveley, took the cheque to the North and South Wales Bank, and in. stead of paying it to the credit of the Shepherds he paid it to the credit of the Wrexham and District Perfect Thrift Society. This made two offences so far, the alleged forgery and the misappropriation of the money. Mr. Robert Arthur Conway, clerk at the North and South Wales Bank, gave evidence bearing out the opening statement with refer- ence to the cheque produced. Mr. Edward Cleveley said he was one of the trustees of the Shepherds' Lodge in Wrexham. The cheque produced.was made payable to him. self and to his co-trustees. He did not write the signature Edward Cleveley on the back, neither did he authorize any one else to write it. This was all the evidence. Mr. Stanley Edisbury said he reserved his defence, and applied for bail. Mr. Pierce, whilst not opposing the applica- tion, dwelt upon the seriousness of the charge, and left the matter to the bench. He asked, however, for substantial bail. The Chairman said the prisoner would be admitted to bail in four sums of jEI50 each, prisoner in E150 and three others in a like sum. He would be remanded till ten o'clock on Friday morning. Mr. Edisbury then consulted the gentlemen stated to have promised to go bail, and subse- quently informed the court that neither would stand to that amount. The prisoner was there- I fore remanded in custody to the County-build- ings, where he remained until to-day (Friday).

COLWYN BAY. PETTY SESSIONS. Sattirday:Before .Messrs. A. O. Walker (in the chair), T. G. Osborn and Dr. Venables Williams. TRANSFER. On the application of Mr. Amphlet, the license of the Royal Hotel, Colwyn Bay was transfeired from Mrs Parry to Mr. Thomas Byrne. OFFENCES UNDER THE WEIGHTS AND MEASURES ACT.-THE RAILWAY COMPANY FINED. The London and North Western Railway Company were summoned at the instance of Mr. J. Clarke Jones, Inspector of Weights md Measures under the Denbigh County Council, in respect of a w«;gh-bridge, which was- wrong with fche extent of GOlbs. at Old Colwyn. Mr. Fenna appeared for the Railway Com- pany, who admitted the offence. Mr. Clarke Jones stated that the facts briefly were that on the 19th of December last he visited Old Colwyn station. He inspected the weighbridge and found it was fast to the ex- tent of 601bs. That meant that when the platform was empty a weight of 601bs. was registered on the machine. Therefere, when a load was weighed it was registered at 60lbs more than it really was and the purchaser would be charged for that sixty pounds This weigh-bridge was used by the public and a charge was made for its use by the railway company, and it was clearly the duty of the owners to keep it in order. Mr. Fenna admitted the offence and quite agreed with what had been said touching the responsibility of owners of public weighing machines. But as no doubt the bench were aware the London and North Western Railway Company had such regulations in force that would make it almost impossible for such a thing as this to happen. However, he continued the road approaches to this particular weigh- bridge had been remetalled, and some of the material had got between the platform. The man whose duty it was to look after the plat- form, and to see that it was kept clean, was not on duty when this thing happened, and the person appointed in his absence it appear- ed had neglected to brush the place on that day. It was a case of pure inadvertence, and did not warrant a heavy penalty. The Company did not benefit by the falsety of the machine, and he expressed the regret of the company that this had happened. He would undertake it should not occur again, and in fact, he never remem- bered another case like it in connection with any of the Companies' weighing machines. A fine of £ l. with 8s, costs was imposed Sydney Thompson, a vendor of vegetables, was charged by Mr. C. Clarke Jones with hav- ing three weights in his possession that had not been duly stamped as required by law on the 19th December at Colwyn Bay. Mr. Jones said that he on the day in question, saw defendant selling vegetables from a cart in Colwyn Bay and had in his possession three un- stamped weights. He did not say "hat the weights were incorrect, but defendant had committed an offence by not taking them to be stamped. Notices were issued as to when and where stamping was done. He did not suggest that this was a serious offence, but the Countv Council felt that traders should be made to feel their responsibility, and to comply with the act. Defendant who did not deny the offence, said he had the weights tested since the officer had seen him, and they were found to be correct. A penalty of 5s. with 7s 6d. costs was inflic- ted. Robert Davies, Market Gardener, Carmel, was also charged by the same officer with hav- ing unstamped scales in his possession at Col- wyn Bay, on the 19th December. Mr. Jones stated that defendant brought his weights to be stamped about twelve months ago, but the scales in question had never been stamped. Defendant said that he was under the impres- sion that new scales did not require stamping, Fined 5s, and 7s 6d. costs. NEGLECTFUL CYCLISTS. David Evans, Rhiw Bank, Colwyn Bay, sum- moned at the instance of P. C. Thomas Pierce, for having ridden a bicycle without a light after sunset, on the 17th ult, pleaded guilty. The officer stated that when he saw the defendant on Sea View Road, it was two hours and ten minutes after 'lighting up time.' The Chairman observed it was a very dangerous practice for cyclists to drive their machines without having their lamps lit at night. Defendant would be fined 5s. and 7s. 6d. costs. Frederick Merriden, Colwyn Bay, failed to appear in answer to a similar charge preferred by the same officer, but a medical certificate was handed in stating he was unable to attend an account of his health. P. C. Pierce said he saw defendant riding a bicycle without a light an hour after lighting up time between Llandrillo and Colwyn Bay, on the evening of the 15th of January. The Chairman asked if the defendant was not a cycle factor in Celwyn Bay, and being an- swered in the affirmative said defendant ought know better things, and would be fined 7s. 6d. and the costs which were also 7s. 6d. HIGHWAY OFFENCES. William Roberts, Gwerntaino, was fined 9s including costs for riding on a cart drawn by two horses, without reins on the highway, on the 18th of last month. Sergeant Jones, who proved the case, said the defendant was in a narrow lane over which there was considerable traffic when the offence complained of was committed. Thomas Bartley, the smithy, Colwyn Bay, was charged by P. C. Thomas Pierce, with allowing three cows to stray on the highway between Mochdre and Colwyn Bay on the 1st of February. Defendant pleaded euilty, but in extenuation stated that the animals could not have been on the road for more than half an hour. He paid a man to look after his cows, but a rail that had been placed in a defective fence, for which he was not responsible, had been removed by someone so the animals had got into the road. A fine of 6s. for each cow, with 4s. costs, was imposed. THE DRUNKARDS' LIST.—SUNDAY TIPPLING. William Jones, Colwyn Bay, was fined 5s. and costs for being drunk on the Abergele Road, on the 30th of January, as proved by P. C. Pierce. John Clay, blacksmith, Colwyn Bay, pleaded not guilty to a charge preferred against him by Sergeant R. H. Jones, of being drunk in Aber- gele Road, on Sunday, the 24th of January. Evidence in support of the complaint was given by the Sergeant and P. C. Jones, Old i Colwyn. Defendant said he had walked to Llanddulas and back that day, and could not be very drunk to be able to do that, and he only had one drop' of whisky all the day. His son, George H. Clay, corroborated the statement. The Bench considered the case wag proved and fined defendant Is. and 68. 6d, costs. William Jones, Tudno House, Colwyn Bay, summoned at the instance of the same officer, for being drunk and disorderly in Sea View Road, was fined half a crown and 8b. 6d. costs. William Foulkes, Old Colwyn, was charged with a similar offence at the same time and place, by the same officer, and pleaded guilty. Deputy Chief Constable Jones said there were eight previous convictions recorded against the defendant, the last being in 1895, when he was fined 20s. and costs. The Chairman said he would be mulcted in a like penalty for the present offence with costs. David Jones, 2 Ivy Street, Colwyn Bay, pleaded not guilty to a charge of drunken and disorderly conduct. Sergeant Jones said he saw the defendant staggering' drunk in Abergele Road at ten minutes to nine on Sunday night, February 7th. Thomas Hulley, Llewelyn Street, deposed to seeing a man in the place mentioned by the police sergeant, but he could not say that it was the defendant. In answer to that officer, he II said he had seen the Sergeant looking at the man. Benjamin Jones, Flint, labourer, said he saw defendant staggering, but he thought he was all right. By Sergeant Jones: He did remark to the officer at the time that 'Th,:re is a man coming having had a drop,' and he also had said They will have drink, however, you try to close the public houses.' William Jones, Brickfield, Colwyn Bay, called for the defence, said he saw the defendant at ten minutes past eight on the night in ques- ton, and he was perfectly sober then. Cross examined, he denied having been in defendant's company on that evening, acd had not been with him in Llandudno in the after- noon. Defendant was fined 26s. Sd. including costs. Robert Jones, Rhiw Bank Avenue, was fined J Os. and 6s. 6d. costs for being drunk and disorderly in Abergele Road, on the 6th of February. P. C. Pierce, who proved the case, stated defendant was very drunk and was knocking against paser" Ly. AN ABORTIVE AFFILIATION CASE. Edith Evans, Ivy Street, Colwyn Bay, sum- moned Ellis Evans, Llanfair, near Ruthin, lately a carter in the employ of the London &. North Western Railway Company, at Colwyn Bay, to show cause &c. Mr. Amphlett appeared for the complainant and Mr. A. O. Evans, Denbigh, for the defen- dant. Evidence for the complainant was given by herself, Mrs. Williams, with whom defendant used to lodge at Colwyn Bay, and with whom she slept, the girl's mother, and a fellow-lodger of the defendants named Roberts. Mr. Evans for the defence, pointed out at some length the discrepancies in the testimony of the complainants witnesses, and argued that there was a total absence of legal corr ora- tive evidence. After a private consultation the clip, -nail said the bench were unanimously of ol aioa that there was not sufficient corrobe-, -tive evidence to justify an order against the defendant.

LLANRWST. WEDDING. A very interesting wedding took place at the Parish Church on Wednesday between Mr. Burrows (of the eminent firm of Messrs. Hughes and Burrows, ironmongers, of this town), and Miss Annie Jones, daughter of Mr. Robert Jones, 44, Denbigh Street. Mr. James Burrows acted as best man, and Miss Jones as bridesmaid. The Rev. J. Davies officiated. The happy pair left by the 3. 27 p.m. train for Hanley, Staffordshire. We wish them long life and prosperity, much joy and happiness. The wedding presents were costly and numerous. DEATH OF MR. IDWAL JONES, APOTHECARIES HALL. Much sympathy is felt for Mr. Isgoed Jones and family, in their sad bereavement in losing their youngest son, Idwal Jones, aged 19 years, who expired on Friday morning, February 5th, and was interred at Sion Chapel Cemetry on Monday. The funeral was a large one, attended by the most respectable portion of the community. The service, both at the house and chapel, was most impressively con- ducted by the Rev. W. Thomas, the worthy pastor of Sion chapel. The deceased was a most promising young man, and was appren- ticed to the North and South Wales Bank, and was for some years at their Liverpool branch, but lately at Holywell.

POLICE COURT. Monday, Feb. 8th.—Before Colonel Johnson and H. J. W. Walling, Esq. DRUNK. R. Jones, Bettws-y-coed, was charged by P. C. Williams with being drunk in Bridge Street on Sunday night. The officer, who was in plain clothes, received information that three men were drunk in Bridge Street. He went as far, and found the defendant leaning against a wall, and in a very drunken state. He refused to give him his name and address, consequently he was locked up. Defendant pleaded guilty, and was fined 2s. 6d. and cost. Jacob Williams, Bettws y-coed, was charged by P.C. Roberts with being drunk on Sunday night in Bridge Street. He also refused to give his name and address. Fined 2s. 6d. and cost. ASSAULT. Edward Jones, Llanrwst, summoned George Edwards for assault, committed on the 21st of August, 1894. When the case came forward, the complainant admitted that it was the de- fendant's brother that struck him, but that they were both together. The case was dismissed. RIDICULOUS CASE OF ASSAULT. Sarah Jane Knowles, Glan Conway, against Edward Jones, Glan Conway. Mr. W. P. Roberts appeared for the complainant, and Mr. J. E. Humphreys for the defendant. Complainant, who is a very young girl, in giving evidence stated that en Tuesday after- noon, the 2nd inst., she, and a little cousin of hers, and a boy, were sent to a well near Pentre Bach to fetch water. There she saw two little boys, about 5 years old. Her cousin, who is about six years, approached one of the boys a.nd wanted to kiss him. She told them to kiss one another, and shouted 'Hwi, John JRichard,' 'Hwi, Mary -Jane.' Evan Jones, Ty'n-y-coed, who was working in a field, came to the road with a big stick, and struck her nine times on her arms and back. Her arm was bleeding, and there was a mark on for several days. Cross-examined: Were you laughing in going home ? No. What made you run away ? I saw him cutting a stick and ran away. David Elias Davies, a young lad, said he lived at Ty du, Glan Conway, and wor' with farmers. He remembered the Tuesday in question. He was on the top of a hill, and could see the road. He saw the defendant coming after the girls and beating Sarah Jane with a stick. Cross-examined Did she go home at once? Yes; and was laughing. Mr. Humphreys, for the defence, maintained that the defendant took it for granted that the complainant was urging the children on fco fight; and to teach her a lesson, he gave her a few strokes with a light rod he had cut from the hedge. Mrs. Roberts, who lives at Ysgoldy. said she was rearing the little boy John Richard, and on this Tuesday she heard the girls shouting Hwi John Richard,' and Hwi Mary Jane,' and saw the complainant coming up and laugh- ing heartily. The case was dismissed, the chairman re- marking that it was the most ridiculous case he- ever heard.

BUCKLEY. Mr. James Efres (the Liverpool Evange- list), preached aid lectured at the English Bap- tist chapel on Sunday and Monday. The sub- ject of the lecture was 'Cliristmas Evans,' and for an hour and a half the lecturer held his audience in the closest attention. The humour in which the lecture abounded, aId the, various anecdotes told were highly appreciated by the large audience. Many a useful lesson was' driven home and the good humoured thrusts which were sprinkled throughout the lecture were well received. Mr. Harold Joaes presided very ably, and the pastor (Rev. W. Jenkins) also took part. The usual votes of thanks brought a most pleasant and profitable evening to a close.

At a meeting of Conservatives and Unionists held at Tavistock on Friday, Mr. Michael Wil- liams was unanimously adopted as the Union- st candidate for the Tavistock division.

[0 PYKIGHT. ] TWENTY SHORT STORIES. 13, Hie Town and Gauntry Mom" BY AMELIA E. BARR, (Author of H Jan Vedder's Wife," "Friend Olivia," etc.) Two young men sat at an open window smoking. They had had a good gallop, an excellent dinner, and were lazily enjoying their cigars, and watch- ing the moonlight flooded avenue. Out of these elements arose, through some law of evolution, a vague, restless, sen .-a of want, which Will Van Alston expressed by a complaint- "There is no romance lett in life now, John." John le thought a moment, blew the smoke leisurely away, and answered- Pretty near right, Will; in every American ULopia tiura is something business like." No love's young dream, John." We live too late in thE; day, Will." And there are no girls who will dream it with you." "All too wide awake, now," I would like to find a little girl who would marry me for myself, without caring for a fine house, a grand trousseau, and a wedding tour." Did you ever tell any nice girl that 1" "I said something like it to Amelia Schomberg, at Newport, last summer." "And?" "She laughed, and answered that the world knew better what we wanted than we did our- selves, and that on most points it was more than an even chance the world was right." Weli, I don't object to a woman wanting everything she can get; that is natural. What I dislike is their knowing everything. They have all of them 'theories,' or 'missions,' or something or other, and it takes a fellow no end of review- reading to keep up with those little Vassar graduates One does not mind that much, if-" Oh yes, one does. When I say something about the lovely moon' to a pretty girl, and she quotes Proctor in reply, sentiment is out of the question one feels swindled, somehow." Well, of course, it would be nicer to hear her quote Teaiiyeon Not at all; I would a great deal rather she would look pretty, and say, 'Yes, I think so, too.' I am going to look for a wife who can't act like a star, and sing like a prima donna, and who never had an idea that she could lecture, or write for the newspapers. I shall only ask her to bept etty, stylish, good-hearted, and a thorough believer in John Earle." "You will find girls by the dozen to fill that bill, John. My idea is a far rarer creature; and yet I only want a good, simple girl, who has some iliusi(-,iis, left." Where are you going this summer 1" With Jim Fellows, sketching, fishing, and camping among the Catskills." Then you won't find your ideal this summer; country girls are as far removed from sweet simplicityas possible. Of all women they love money and show the most." "Sometimes, John Earle, you are mistaken. Where are you going?" "Not far. I shall have to be in the city occasion- ally, and the rest of the time I shall share between the Branch and my sister's little place on the Hudson." Then you won't find your ideal, either. Girls who go to the Branch and to nice little places on the Hudson read everything and know everything. You had better get up some social science and theology, read the last new novels and poems, study a part in half a dozen favourite tragedies, and the tenor's role in Faust and Mignon and the Bohemian Gid. It will be a great deal nicer trail- ing a line down a trout stream-you had better come along." I Can't brother Dick is going .to Europe, and I must walk into the office once or twice a week. A man is obliged to be mercenary, whether a woman is or not. When do you and Fellows start ? "To-morrow. We shall be back in four months." "Bring your ideal with you." Oh, certainly Then the half-serious and half-joking conversa- tion changed into an earnest discussion about fish, flies, fishing-tackle, camping dress, and accoutre- ments. How far their imaginary wives were creations of vague unrest, smoke, and moonshine, or embodiments of convictions, they were not pro- bably themselves able to determine. Men have much fewer convictions than they think they have, for in these days of rapid change there is no time for anything but opinions. The next morning John Earle met Will Van Alston on the shady side of Broadway, with a creel at his back and a fishing-line in his hand. You are a pleasant sight, Will, in this heat and tumult," said John, "you make me think of dewy, dripping mornings, and cool, unplanted places. Where is Jim ? "Gone with the traps and the man to the steamer. I had to get another dropper and a surplus reel. BeLtereome along, John." ¡ "No, you tempter. I hope you will find your ideal, and I wish you all the good things in the old angler's greeting—you know it." Yes, I know it and Will's brisk footsteps involuntarily set themselves to the breezy jingle:— Showers and clouds and winds, All things right and tight, All things well and proper; Trailer red and white, Dark and wily dropper; Midges true to fling, Made of plover hackle, With a gaudy wing, And a cobweb tackle; With your rod and reel, Flies of every feather That can fill your creel, Wish you glorious weather," etc. Now it may be good for some men to be driven into the wilderness for, relieved from enforced courtesies," they grow sweet of heart; but the rule is not.. universal one. Thus, though Jim Fellows forgot his cynicism in painting grassy dells and bit- of water and yellow sunsets, Will, even at first was tired fif the monotony of their life, and had spasmodic impulses to run back to New York for a sparkling draught of society. After three or four weeks of woods and hills these impulses became stronger and stronger. It was all very well for Jim, who made business out of purple patches and manicsg becks, to put up with insectb and showers, and meals without ,;t table-cloths, and water without ice, but he was tired of getting wet, and the trout were not plenti- ful, and he never could hit the rig iit haltin fact, Will was bored. He was admitting this very plainly to himself one afternoon. They had just made a fresh camp, and he had not caught a fish all day; Will wondered if Jim considered the fishing as much as the painting advantages of their location. Suddenly a little figure stepped lightly on to a rock nearly opposite to him, He laid his rod gently on the ground and watched her perhaps he had not read Mr. Stoddart's advice to bachelor anglers, "Never f- il in love with a, woman by the water-side there are situations in which every woman looks an angel." If he had read, he did not heed, but watched with the .liveliest interest this sister of the angle. She had a lithe, graceful figure, and it was clad in white flannel, made jauntily short, and looped up with bows of black velvet. Her feet were shod in stout English walking boots, and she carried a rod that bent almost to her hand. Her face he could not see, for it was quite shaded by a deep sun- down." Before he could decide what to do, there was a sound of crashing brushwood, and a gentle- man joined her. He was evidently her father, and Will now determined to retrace his steps a little, cross the stream above, and join them. In half an hour he had made his introduction, and seen the young lady lift with a clever jerk a splendid fish of more than two pounds weight. "Reckless creature," she said, with a low laugh it just came to see what the matter was." "I have been throwing my line for three pours," said Will, "and I could not get a fish to look at my bait." "Let me see it." Will exhibited his fly. She shook her head and pointed to the bushes. They are full of those very flies use for bait the flies not there. There 'i. is afgreat deal of human nature in fish nature," and she pushed back her sundown and looked Will pleasantly in the face. Such eyes! They took Will captive at once. He was only too glad to receive a lesson from such an expert. The animation of her face and the poise of her figure, as she kept constantly throw- ing in her line and pulling it out, was a succession of charms. It was not Will's way of fishing, but he was glad it was hers, and all his objections were soon silenced by her success. Human nature again," she said not one of those graylings had any intention of biting; they came to look at-to tamper with-to nibble at danger. What a temptation that is, even to men —and women, too." Will certainly thought so. He had sense and experience enough to know that he was in danger but did he wish to avoid it ? On the contrary, he was wondering how to insure a return to it. He could think of no better way than that of asking his new acquaintances to walk round by their camp and see Jim's pictures. Then Mr. Sellers asked the young man to come and have a cup of tea at the Manse; and the tea, and the evening that followed it, were so charming that it was easy to foresee it would be the precedent for many other charming evenings. Indeed, before very long Will began to go to the Manse as soon as Jim began to paint in the morning. Sometimes Mary Sellers and he went fishing, though more frequently he followed her about the garden, helping her to pick fruit, or sat by her side while she sewed—in short, behaved as all lovers have behaved from the beginning of the world. It was really wonderful too—at least Will said so to Jim—how exactly Mary's and his ideas about life coincided. He was full of sentiment, so was Mary. He could be happy with Mary in a cot- tage. so could Mary with him. He liked Tenny- son, so did Mary. He thought fashionable society a hollow mockery, so did Mary, etc., etc. Jim smiled. He had noticed that all Mary's dresses were very stylishly and becomingly made, and that she seemed to have a very clear idea of what fashionable society endorsed. Will thought she was natural enough. Mary had an aunt in New York, a wealthy widow, and Mary had fre- quently stayed with her; that, of course, only made Mary's simple tastes the more delightful; it showed that she was proof against the seductiona of the gay world. By-and-by Jim got bored, and proposed to move camp further into the mountains. Will was amazed, pointed out the advantages of the adjacent village, the exquisite scenery, the fine fishing, &c., and declared that he had never been so happy in his life. Jim thought it likely, but begged Will to con- sider that though the world revolved in heaven for lovers, for ordinary mortals it revolved in void, or ennui. "For lovers The remark set Will thinking, and Jim let him think during the whole session of a cigar. When it was finished, he said, "Well? "I believe you are right, Jim, I must be in love. "Of course you are, and there is no remedy I know of, except cutting off the head. What are you going to do ? "Ask Miss Sellers, I suppose." "All right; but I shall go away to-morrow. When lovely woman' wants my friend, I hope I know enough to beat a graceful retreat." "If we never had come up here, Jim!" said Will, with a sigh." Jim whistled a stave, and then mockingly said- Now if this child had been at home, Standing upon dry ground, Ten thousand pounds to one penny He had not then been drowned." These 'ifs' of life, Will, illustrate, I suppose, Artemus Ward's doctrine of the cussedness of things in general." Well, what would you do, Jim ? "In nature it takes an ounce to balance an ounce. I suppose it is the same in love. Go and ask Miss Sellers what to do." This advice was quite in keeping with Will's inclination; he took it, and Miss Sellers advised him to remain at Cedarville for the rest of the summer. Before the summer was over, Miss Sellers had promised to tell Will what to do during the rest of his life. In fact, she had promised to marry him in two months. Will would hear of no longer delay. They neither of them wanted a grand wedding, and Mary's simply toilette could be easily prepared, especially as she was going to her aunt's to make the preparations. For Aunt Martha Sellers had taken the greatest interest in the whole affair, and insisted that her niece should be married from her house. Will approved. At that time of year it would be more convenient; besides, Mrs. Sellers intended buying all Mary's things. She bought very splendid things. Poor Mary made her little complaint to Will privately; but they both agreed it would be unkind and un- grateful to find fault with Aunt Martha's generosity. So one set of finery after another came home, and the whole fashionable world was talking of Mary Seller's trousseau. Mary also began to dress very richly; but she looked so bewitching in her pale silks, and wore them with such a pretty, depre- cating ai", that Will could not avoid the double fascination that bound him. Neither was he above feeling pleased with the compliments everywhere given to Miss Seller's beauty and Miss Seller's graceful toilettes. The aunt having managed the trousseau to her liking, easily arranged the white satin and point lace, the bridesmaids, and the wedding breakfast. As for the European tour, Mary and Will looked forward now to that as the easiest way of escaping .from all the formal visiting and fashionable courtesies they would otherwise be compelled to accept. Indeed, amid the busy preparations for their wedding it had been the lovers' chief conso- lation to retire to the library and plan little tours in England and Scotland, where no one would know anything about them, and they could live entirely for each other. Will, in the cosy library, and in his enthusiasm, had forgotten such a small affair as seasons; how- ever, he said they could go to the south of Europe first," and Mary jieartily agreed to that arrange- ment. So it was, after all, to Paris that the newly married couple went. Will somehow had proposed it, and Mary made a point of always doing what Will proposed. They arrived therein a very gay season, when Paris was full of New Yorkers. Many of them knew Will, some of them had met Mary the previous winter. The bride became a reigning favourite every one called on her, she was invited to court, her gowns were copied, her sayings repeated, her beauty and elegance were on every one's tongue. Will was not insensible to such homage; it pleased him to see his wife's sayings and goings-on chronicled in the daily papers-he desired Mary to be worthy of her fame. He found himself studying what modes and colours were most becoming to her, ordering jewels and costumes, and urging her to attend balls and dinners. Mary alw ys found Will irresistible her docility was not the least of her charms. Thus they spent a very gay winter in Paris, and slowly moved northward by way of the German baths. Somehow it seemed impossible for them to find any seclusion; Mary laid it to Will's popularity, and Will insisted that it was Mary's beauty but they generally compro- mised on their mutual good-nature and willingness to oblige people. It was actually August before they reached Ambleside. Now, at last, they would be able to live a simple, natural life. Mary looked over the gray waters with dismay she was getting very tired of fine scenery. Will was tired too, only he did not have the courage to say so. Mary hazarded a disparaging remark. Will endorsed it. "Lakes and woods and mountains, and small country inns; was it worth while spending money and fatiguing one's self for them ? Mary asked. Will seriously doubted if it were. Mary said she must admit she did not like Europe outside of its great cities." Will "rather thought she was right; it was slow." Suddenly Will said, Let us go back to New York," Mary answered, joyfully, that it was her native air, and that she was homesick away from it." If Will had any lurking sense of disappointment in the failure of his dream, he had no time to be conscious of it. Mary introduced the subject of house-keeping; "in their own home they would find that retirement and peace they had vainly sought for in Europe." Then they discussed everything in French, German, and Eng- lish households thatseemed worthy of incorporation into the Sellers' homestead and Will, who was j something of an artist, sketched interiors and j '1' styles or- furnishin;, every one of which Mary declared to be just lovely." Of course there was nobody in town when they arrived in New York. Mary's aunt was at Saratoga, and Will's friends were here, there, and every- where. They took rooms at an hotel, and now really began to enjoy each other's society. No one interfered with their time, there were no ca!ls to make or return, no trains to catch, no routes to to decide on, no foreign customs to submit to. Life in New York is a well-regulated institution. Will and Mary fell naturally and easily into its pace. They remained at the hotel during the decoration and furnishing of their house. It was to be ready for occupancy in November, and in the meantime it supplied them with a never-ceasing source of interest. One day they went to Sypher's to try and match a queer bit of bronze that Mary had picked up in Paris. A gentleman and lady were in con. versation with a clerk in the shadow of a great Chinese screen. It was John Earle and his bride. Will took in at a glance her characteristics-a. fair, intellectual face, and the air of one used to being in authority. Mary looked at her dress- rich material, but out of style. Both comments were instan aneous; the two friends clasped hands, and the ladies looked into each other'# faces, and bowed to their introduction. Then John and Will walked away, ostensibly to examine some antique vases, but really to exchange a few congratulations. Mrs. Van Alston and Mrs. Earle talked about dwarf bronzes, and examined each other's toilettes. Both felt that they were under a battery of criticism, but both stood fire without the quiver of an eyelash. If she thinks I mind her Frenchified ways," thought Mrs. Earle, she is vastly mistaken." if she thinks she snubs me with her eye- glasses, and her know-everything airs, she is a very ignorant young person," thought Mrs. Van Alston. But they chatted away about English dining-rooms and French bonnets until John and Will's return produced the usual regrets and anticipations. As they drove away Mary looked complacently down at her Parisian costume. "I think, Will," she said, "I had the pleasure of showing your friend's wife how a woman ought to dress herself." I hope you know all about those bronzes I saw you examining because John says his wife is a connoisseur in such matters." I am sure I do not know what I said about them it is a matter of inditlerence to me, Will, what women think about my intelligence, but I am sensitive as to what they think about my dress." How does Mrs. Earle dress ?" Now, Will, don't pretend that you did not see that straight up and down overskirt, and that pleated waist!" I was looking at her face." "Oh! What was it like? Now, Mary don't pretend that you did not see those white, intelligent brows, and those soft, clear grey eyes." Upon my word, Will, I did not. I saw her eye-glasses." Will laughed. "John thinks that she is splendid "She is John's wife; that is all right. I sup- pose you are not accountable for John's tastes;" and Mary looked up so bewitchingly that Will for- got all other women in admiration of his own wife. The other pair were presently strolling slowly up Broadway discussing the merits of two dinner ser- vices, Mrs. Earle inclining to an old-fashioned style of indigo blue and white, and John hanker- ing after a pretty French set, adorned with mar- vellous bouquets and plenty of purple and gold. Your tastes, John dear, want subduing a little," said Mrs. Earle, they are toa Frenchy— and shoppy." Perhaps they are, Adelaide. Now I liked the way in which Will Van Alston's wife dresses her. self. I have been wondering, ever since I saw her, how you would look in such a suit." "My dear John, could you ever imagine your wife making a peacock's tail with her train as that woman did? Doves cannot be peacocks, John." And Adelaide:lif ted her fair calm face in such a way that John found it the easiest thing in the world to say he was glad of it." John's home was just such a one as a woman like Adelaide would preside over a handsome dwelling, pervaded by an atmosphere of order and repose. Luxurious chairs, suggestive pictures, pleasant lights, nothing small, nothing in the way, no flowers that would make a litter, no birds that would sing whether you wanted them or not, no aquarium or ferneries, no pets or obligations of any kind. Her table was faultless, her servants soft-footed and low-voiced the whole house went like a noiseless piece of perfect machinery guided by a master-hand. John hardly knew how unconsciously he had imbibed its spirit. He was much calmer in his manners, and superficial observers thought pro- bably he was less happy. But John knew, after a hard day's business, how great was the charm of his still, peaceful home; how delicious the quiet, orderly dinner-table; how restf al the pleasant lounge in the library afterward, where, while he smoked, Adelaide read at intervals amusing or interesting paragraphs from the book which she had in her hand. Not less interesting were the little discussions arising out of these provocative passages. John's literary tastes were being gradually educated in the most charming of methods; for any man will enjoy the company of great thinkers if he may make their acquaintance through the medium of a lovely woman who has tact enough to know when to introduce and when to dismiss them. They went little out, and as the winter ad- vanced, the cosy library, with its lounge and cigar, its beautiful mistress, and new books, grew more and more in favour with John. Will thought marry- ing had quite ruined John, and Mary said he did look wretchedly but John himself knew how sweet and deep and strong was the source of his happiness-a happiness which he felt instinctively the world would not comprehend, and about which, therefore, he wisely held his peace. As time passed on, the old friends, without any real diminution of kind feeling, drifted farther apart. Mr. and Mrs. Earle knew through the news. papers that Mr. and Mrs. Van Alston were acknowledged leaders of fashionable society and that Mary, in a short visit to Washington, had made a sensation that must have been highly flattering to those of her friends who coveted for her the stars and orders of fashionable fame. These notices Adelaide generally read in just such a tone and manner that John unconsciously got the habit of responding to them, Poor Will!" "Poor Will" was, however, doing exceedingly well, and regarded himself as an object of envy to all his acquaintances for Mary, in the beginning of their married life, had marked out the end she meant him to attain to, and all her social successes had been but so many well-considered steps toward it. When they were on their. wedding tour she had said, one night, after a brilliant court reception, "Will, you must go into politics; you have the air of a foreign minister, and you are a born diplomate." Will was not the man to dispute any of Mary's opinions; he liked this idea, and culti vated it. The result was that one day John Earle brought his wife an illustrated paper in. which Will's hand- some face, and Will "presenting his credentials to his Majesty- made the most prominent pictures. Perhaps neither John nor his wife took the interest in the news that they might have done under ordinary circumstances; but just at the same time a very important personage arrived at the Earle mansion-no less a personage, indeed, than John's eldest son; and henceforward the nursery had, in its degree and way, a charm as great as the library. What did John care for kings or courts There was a little autocrat in the cradle of the Earle house that outruled them all with him. Besides, during Adelaide's confinement to her room, John had also discovered a secret of which he was not a little vain-his wife was a famous writer. Under her non de plume, she had been for three years a favourite with him. Her stories had charmed away many a pleasant evening, and from her graver articles he had taken his opinions on a good many social questions. He could not help laughing when he remembered how often he had quoted Mrs. Earle against Mrs. Earle in their evening discussions. Some tears have passed away since Will and John drew in imagination the bachelor pictures of their future wives. Will's simple little country girl" is the star of a European Court, dances with princes, and entertains royal dukes; and John, who only wanted a fashionable, "know- nothing" wife, is now so proud of the clever Mrs. Earle that generally his first remark to a friend is, Have-you seen my wife's article in the. Review ?" or, "Have you read Mrs. Earle's story in Magazine ? Evidently Amelia Schomberg's theory has a principle of truth in it—some power or other "knows better what we want than we know our- selves." Mary's ambition has made a clever diplo- mate out of an idle young man; and John Earle has received in his wife s society such a noble, elevated, and refined education that he is quite a match now for any "little Vassar graduate." Next week:— THE PRIVATE SECRETARY.'