The Rhondda Leader

Organ Recital at Ton. On Thursday a grand organ recital was given at Jerusalem Calvimstic Methodist Chapel, and this, like the previous recital, proved an unqualified success. Dr. Roland Jtlogers, Bangor, the well-known adjudica- tor, presided at the organ, and the skilful manner in which he manipulated the keys, stops, and pedals, brought forth from the organ such music that the audience was held spell-bound. The soloists of the evening were: Soprano, Miss Jennie Higgs, L.A.M. (Lianidloes); contralto, Miss Kachel Thomas (Mountain Ash); and baritone, Mr. David Hughes, R.A.M. (Swansea). All vocalists so well-known to Jxhondda musicians, that it is nedless to say that the vocal part of the programme was of the highest standard of excellence. These artists were suplemented by the chapel choir, under the conductorship of Mr. Ben. Devonald. The programme was commenced by the singing of the hymn, I mae'r dyddiau'n d'od 1 ben," to the tune Llanfair." T- this, the audience was invited t n" ',1 join. x uen — oi cue audience with his rendering of Rossini's grand and melodious overture to William Tell." This opens with a rather slow movement in Jj; minor, which is followed by a storm" picture in a difficult but highly effective allegro" gradually subsiding into an "andante" nute solo, concluding with the well-known march from William Tell. Mr. Hughes then gave Cymru fy ligwlad" in his usual spirited style. This was followed by Treharne's famous and charming song, The Heavenly Dream," which was ex- quisitely rendered by Miss Higgs. The next item on the programme consisted of two selections on the organ. The first was a minuet by Paderewski—the greatest liv- ing pianist. This was a piece abounding with fine soft passages, and was well cal- culated to show off the softer qualities of the organ. The second was Morandi's Bell Hondo." This piece is so-called be- cause many of the phrases are such as one hears from a peal of bells. This was fol- lowed by Miss Thomas singing Abide with me (Liddle), with so much feeling as to call forth rounds and rounds of ap- plause from the delighted audience. The next was Mendelssohn's solo, Hear ye Israel," rendered by Miss Higgs with con- siderable taste and effectiveness. Dr. Rogers then followed upon the organ with Handel's harmonious Blacksmith, with variations as arranged by Dr. Chipp. The singing, of the anthem, Teyrnasoedd y Ddaear," by the chapel choir, was quite on a level with the preceding part of the programme, and brought to a close the first part of the concert. The second part of the programme was opened by Dr. Rogers, who rendered Lemmens' "Fantasia." This consists of a theme with variations depicting a peaceful calm, which gradually works through var- ious movements into a terrific storm. The storm being over, prayer and thanksgiving are offered up for proection from the dan- gers of the furious elements. It need hardly be said that this grand composition was highly appreciated by the audience. Mr. Hughes then gave the ever popular "Revenge! Timotheus cries," and of course, quite thrilled his hearers. Miss TB'Hnas then sang Gounod's "There is a ireen hill far away," every one listening with engrossed attention while Miss Thomas so sweetly and pathetically told the tale of the Crucifixion." The next item on the programme was another organ solo by Dr. Rogers. This item consisted of two pieces. The first was Wagner's "0 Star of Eve, which is so well-known as a competitive piece for bass voices, and the second was the intro- duction to the third part of Lohengrin, winch, though written for an orchestra, yet is very effective and very popular, ar- ranged as an organ solo* The choir then surpassed itself in a de- lightful rendering of the anthem, Cerwch v? Arglwydd," by Sir A. Sullivan. Great credit is due to the conductor for the very excellent manner in which he had trained hlThe°audience was then delighted with Miss Hiesr's interpretation of Gounod s 4* The Peace of God." Then Mr Hughes sang" The Village Blacksmith." Dr. Rogers then followed with Gounod s Grand March, from The Queen of Saba." This grand triumphant march, opens with a flourish of trumpets. The air is then taken up by the flutes, from which it pas- the basses. The whole piece is writ- ses C a st stirring and jubil" ".tr!>'n. ten in a mo. J'xT''n The doxology was then sung to the tune The Old Hundredth." This was a fitting termination to a concert, the like.of which is rarely given in the Rhondda, and the „ood folks of Jerusalem ought to be highly commended for their enterprise m provid- ing such a musical treat for their patrons It is to be hoped that the proceeds, which are to be given towards defraying the cost of the new organ, will be ample reward for such enterprise.

(Covyright.) MURIEL'S MARRIAGE. BY RALLI WEST, Author of "Lady Dorothy," "A Summer Night," "My Beautiful Shrew," &c., &c. "I can't afford to go racing about the Continent this year, and I feel inclined for a thorough rest among the mountains, so I have taken a house for two months at Thorn Hill, in Cum- berland and you must be ready to start, girls, by July 20th." My father spoke in his most peremptory tone, and knowing how much Muriel, my elder sister, disliked to be ordered abouto I feared an angry re- monstrance at being thus summarily dis- posed of; but to my surprise Muriel simply replied: Very well, papa, Iwill be careful not to make any engagements after that date." "Youckn ask your girl friends, if you like, for the last few weeks. For the first month I shall want the spare rooms, as Pechall and Ernald art coming for the fishing." "That odious Mr. Pechall again," pried Muriel, when my father had left the room. "Why will aot papa understand how cordially I detest him P She stopped suddenly, and clasped her hands above her head with a gesture of weariness. "Eva, I believe for once, the very first time in all my life, I am tired of gaisty, and shall be glad to flee away to the mountains." "You will not like it for long, dear." "Perhaps not," she answered, dreamily, and crossing to the piano began playing her favourite Schumann. I was very proud of my brilliant, beautiful sister. She was just three-and-twenty, five years my senior, and though the very opposite in tastes and pursuits, we loved each other dearly. Edith, the sister next to me, had maryed and gone to India. Since then Muriel had been "extracting me from my shell," as she called it. I was painfully shy, disliking in. tensely the whirl of society into which I had been lately plunged. Drawing was my one accomplishment, and gladly would I have devoted all the day to it, but I was obliged to take my share in entertaining the guests with whom my father delighted to fill his house. It was a matter of considerable astonishment to our friends that Muriel had not married; but she turned a deaf ear to all her admirers save one, Captain Arthur Templeton, and to him my father strongly objected as a son-in-law. "Papa utterly refuses to allow the engage- ment," Muriel said, in answer to my eager ques- tions, the day I knew that Arthur had called to ask for her hand, "and, by way of c.onsoling me, says that Mr. Pechall has his consent to win me for a wife. Of course, nothing will ever induce me to give up Arthur. But listen, Eva. If I seem to keep things to myself, you must not mind. You are-almost child, and I do not want get you into any trouble with papa or ù I Whatever you may fancy, don't ,one. tions, there's a good -1\ any ques- to Arthur and/x have written and wail ,11m that we must be patient r untia papa sees we are thoroughly in ,&rnest, He is sure to give his consent in the end." All this had happened a year ago, but up till now Papa had not shewn the least sign of relent- ing, though more than one person had spoken highly of Captain Templeton as a man sure to rise in his profession. Muriel met her lover sometimes in society, and I had a strong sus. picion that they corresponded; but she rarely spoke to me about him, and, true to my promise, I psked no questions. Meanwhile Mr. Pechall was assiduous in his attentions in spite of the coldness with which Muriel treated him. He was not vulgar, and he was very rich; but that was all that could be said in his favour. He was turned fifty, and without exception the most nervous man I had ever seen; always in mortal fear of catching cold, fancying himself extremely delicate, and never stirring from home without a big medicine chest, specially constructed t<r hold the numerous remedies, external and in- ternal, which he considered necessary for hit highly-strung temperament. I should think B< oth, his valet, could have told a good many ta'es about his master-if such a stately per- sorage would have condescended to tell tales. Broth was awe-inspiriug to a degree—even Muriel was a little afraid of him—but it was a ease of "Jove me, love my valet," for without B, oth his master never travelled. Dudley Ernald, who was to be our other gue. t at Thorn Hill, was, like Mr. Pechall, well off; but there the resemblance ceased, for he w; a a splendid specimen of young English man- 1 oo 1; six feet in his stockings and broad in proportion; fair-haired," grey-eyed, with large, well-shaped hands, dexterous alike in wielding a fishing-rod or-what I thought far more in- tere ting-a paint brush. Like mysrlf, he had. a passion for drawing, and many a hint had he given me about my pictures when once I had found courage to own to him that I could draw. I vas rather afraid of him at first, he was so big, and strong, and clever; but he had a gentle, c( urteous way with women that was very winning; and after he had told me one evening about his mother, and I noticed how his face softened as he spoke of her, I felt more at ease with him. "No more 'At Homes.' Safe for two whole months! I exclaimed, delightedly, the evening before our departure for Thorn Hill. Muriel and I had just returned from a grand affair, where she had been the centre of a little court of admirers, and I had watched her from a safe corner. "It certainly is a pity you are so shy, Evie. I Ilend several asking to-night who that sweet- locking girl was. Can't you possibly shake off that nervousness, darling ? You look scared to death if a man only glances at you, and if he ventures to speak I believe the luckless creature sets nothing but monosyllables in reply to his mo t brilliant efforts. You are a little goose! Corre and look at yourself," dragging me before the long glass. "There, what more do you want, I should like to know ? Your complexion is lovely; so are your eyes, when you allow anyone to have a glimpse of them; but Dudley Ernald is the only man who ever succeeds in making you behave like an ordinary mortal." Reflected in the mirror, I saw a smile flit across her face as she mentioned Dudley's name. She held me closely to her for a moment,then ki-sed me with a tender "God bless you, my little sister. I fancy the Fairy Prince will come some day and chase away your shyness—if we only give him time." And she turned away hum^y,^ the old song: "Love's blind, they » while I fled precipitately to my room, thankful to hide my burning cheeks. iiie first* fortnight of our stay at Thorn Hill passed away quietly enough. O,d'ey and my father fished enthusiastically all day long; but Mr. Pechall was so disgusted at the state of his face from midge-bites after the first few ex- peditions that, to our annoyance, he insisted on constituting himself our cavalier. "It is so unfortunate to possess such a highly sensitive skin," he said, ruefully our. 1 veying his disfigured countenance in the 1. rashioned glass of the little sitting-room which Muriel and I had appropriated for ourselves. "Really, I dare not again brave the stings of those venomous insects until these-er-wounds have healed. Sorry though I am to be thus com- pelled to disappoint your dear father, I regret it less because it enables me to enjoy more of your charming society." This speech was addressed with an elaborate bow to Muriel; but, perceiving that she was absorbed in her correspondence, he turned hit attentions to me, and inflicted on my ears a long dissertation on the charms of my sex, wandering from that to the ever favourite topic of his deli. cate constitution. "Conceited, affected, odious ittle creature," 1 neara Muriel murmur, as she bent ner neaa lower over her writing; and I inwardly echoed the sentiment. I spent most of the time in sketching; and, profiting by a nervous headache which com- pelled Mr. Pechall to keep his room, Muriel and I started one day directly after lunch, I with my sketching block, she with a book, to visit a tarn some distance from Thorn Hill. It was a steep climb to get to it, and we were both thankful to rest; but, in spite of being tired, Muriel soon wandered off "to explore a little," she said, leaving me to finish my sketch. I had been busily working for over an hour when I was startled by the sound of a man's footstep crunching through the bracken; and, looking up, I saw Dudley. "Ah! Miss Ev.t! lie exclaimed, as he caught sight of me, the same idea has inspired us- to catch these lovely reflections. How does the sketch get on ? He threw himself on the grass beside me, and critically examined the drawing which I handed for his inspection. "You have made wonderful progress," he said at length, as he restored my block. "That little bit of foreground is charming. I shall be coming to you for hints if you go on at this rate but, do you know, I think you are dreadfully imprudent to sit with your feet on this wet grass. I find it too damp to be pleasant," rising as he spoke and searching about for some flat stones to make me a footstool. "Did you si e Muriel?" I asked him, as he settled to work a few yards from me. "She wanted to explore, she said, but she has been gone ever so long." "I passed her some way down the hill, talking to the same "man she was with this morning," he replied. "Talking to the same man she was with this morning ? I echoed. Why, she did not go out at all this morning. It could not have been Muriel you saw, Mr. Ernald." "Pardon me, but it was. Miss Curzon is not easdy mistaken. I wanted to catch a sunrise effect to-day, so turned out early; and as I was returning, about six o'clock, I saw your sister in the dell close to Thorn Hill, talking to a respectably-dressed man." Muriel, who hated early rising, to be out at six o'clock, and talking to a man! "I expect it was one of the numerous protf you tease her about," continued Dudle- "But forgive me suggesting t' ° _uat Jt would per- haps be as well not t.r> v your fathp- ,mn,lon the f',ct befora iiti is not quite the thing to-d.iy, 11 -1 Y, i fancy, and you know YOt.r sister's indis- criminate almsgiving,' as He calls it, always makes him-irate." Before I could reply Muriel herself came in sight. She was very pale, and eeemed lost in thought as she came slowly towards us. iÕt look almost of fear crossed her face as she caught sight of Dudley. "Why, when did you come, Mr. Ernald ? she called to him, when she was within speaking distance of us. "About twenty minutes ago, Miss Curzon, as far as I can tell." "Then I expect you passed me on your way up; I wonder I did not see you. I was speaking to a man a little below here, close to the Farm. He says he can let us have a boat by the hour, Eva, much more reasonably than Mr. Pechall's favourite Bailey." "And I should think you would reach your destination in half the time," said Dudley, laughing. For Bailey, 'hough highly respectable, is antique, whereas your man, Miss Curzon, is young and strong. I seem to know his face well, though I can't remember where I have seen it. He would make a capital model for you, Miss Eva—he is so handsome." I felt the hand Muriel was resting on my shoulder tremble. "Are you ready to como home? she asked. Oh! Muriel," I rcmonstrato I, it is quite early, and the light is just perfect now." "Poor pet," she said, "it is too bad of me to want to tear y u away when you are in the full swing of your work." Something in her tone struck me. "We will go, Muriel," I said, beginning to put up my things. "Your voice tells me how tired y u are." "Miss Curzon, will you truit me to bring your sister safely home ?" interposed Dudle)": "Like Miss Eva, I can see you are tired, but she is get- ting on so famously with that sketch that it seems a shame not to finish it." So it was arranged; and in the pleasure that Dudley's bright, clever tOk always gave me I quite forgot my surprise at Muriel's unwontad fit of early rising, and did not question her about it. "Are you still tired ?" I asked her, when she came into my room as usual to bid me good night. "You are so pale to-night, and somehow you don't seem yourself." "Yes, I am tired," she said, throvin:; herself into an easy chair, and drawing me on to her knee. I put my arm round her neck, and we sat there silently for a few minutes, watching the glimmer of the sheet lightning through the trees. It was unusually dark, and the storm of the previous night seemed still to be hoverinj around. "Eva," said Muriel, suddenly, "if people told you 1 had acted wrongly, behaved badly and, undutifully, would you still believe in me ? "I would believe you before everyone, Muriel. I should not care what people said." "Oh' it is hard to do right," she sighed. "Duty seems to pull one two different "ways." "What is it that troubles you so, Muriel ? [ wish you would tell me. I would keep your secret faithfully; and. though I am not clever liko you, I could at least sympathise, and sym- pathy does help, dear." She kissed me tenderly. "No, darling, don't tempt me. Whatever (rouble I may have, you, at least, shall not >e dragged into it. Now I shall go to my room fctvd leave you to sleep peacefully. Plea-ant t reams, pet. Oh! my darling," she whispered as jJtp held me to her, "you are very, very dear 1., mo. Now go to sleep and dream of the Kiiry Prince." But I had no inclination to follow her injunc- Uins. A vague feeling of uneasiness oppressed tV. That something was seriously wrong with Iftariel IJgft- J>ut wHJ be ? I threw myself in the easy nuair she had just .• lit ted, and pondered long and deeply over her I. si.ange wor is. Save for the distant murmur i Of a mountain stream hard by, everything was j profoundly still. The house stood apart in its j ot/n grounds, about te-i minutes distant from the 'J hh road. It was a wild, unkept place. A long i winding path led from the front of the house to a iteep field beyond, which, in its turn, led to tlf main roId, while from the back and sides ¡ of the house a lawn, the ruggedness of which Wi-uld have driven a gardener to despair, sloped d(,M'n to the brawl inc at(->%».*■. fr».- boundary to that side of the grounds. There d(,wa to the brawl inc at(->%».*■. fr».- boundary to that side of the grounds. There WviS not a dwelling-place within a mile of ours; oQ of the numerous advantages mentioned in th.) advertisement being" that, amid the turmoil of the world, the inmates of Thorn Hill could muse in perfect solitude." I did muse in soli- tude, long and intently; Dudley Ernald, I fear, playing a prominent part in the medley of thoughts that flitted through my brain. At last, 08;8rcome by the Oppressiveness of the air, I fell a-^eep. I do not know how long [ slept, but sivMenly I awoke with a start. Rubbing my sUepy eyes, I went to close the lattice window bgiore beginning to undress As I leant out to unfasten the hook, a bright flash of lightning ihamined the surrounding scene, and shewed me WAat seemed to be the figure of a woman o en- ird the gate which led into the field. Who could by in this lonely spot at such an hour ? It must hlv"e been a triek of the lightning, I decided fry, having waited for a third and fourth flash, I cojld see no one, strain my eyes as I would. .)nee again I was aroused, this. time by a diirinct knocking and the voice of Bessie—the mrJ.d who waited on Muriel and myself-entre;tt- Int; me to unlock the door and let her in. The giij's face was white and scared. Miss Eva," she whispered, "something has happened; Miss Curzon is not in her room." The woman's figure at the gate flashed across my mind. "The stormy night must have made her rest- less," I said, as I began mechanically dressing iiyactil. very niceiy sne has gone to the morn- ng-room; it is always cool there." "I do not think it is that, miss. I went to ler room just now to ask for something for )Ook, who is mad with toothache. The bed lasn't been slept in; the dressing-bag has gone, rod this note for you was lying on the tthle. 11 I tore open the envelope and read in Muriel's slear, firm hand the following wordi: Do not think hardly of me, Eva darling. 1 could not help myself. We are to be married early to- morrow morning. I would not tell you before- hand, because I did not want to get you into trouble; but by the time you read this I shall be safely away. He is to meet me at the gate.—In haste, ever your MURIEL." Though no name was mentioned, of course it was Arthur with whom she had gone. But for Bessie going so unexpectedly to the bedroom, nothing would have been known till the morning, and the fugitives would have been gafe. "Bessie, whispcrod, "you are right. Miss Muriel has gone. She is to be married early to-morrow—no, this morning," glancing at the clock, which shewed me that Muriel's wedding: day had dawned. "It is no use making a fuss. Go back quietly to bed, and don't say a word." I knew I could trust the girl, for she simply worshipped Muriel, and knew about the engage- ment to Arthur. But alas for the success of my plan! Cook, tired of waiting, had set otf herelf to Muriel's room a:r f:n; iu miuiiig it empty, came to e. Overhearing Bessie say: "I can't believe 1. s true, Miss Muriel running away with a gentleman," she broke into such loud exclamations of astonishment and dismay that the whole household was aroused. For the next few minutes all was confusion. Then Booth came rushing in, and in tone3 as agitated as was possible for such a stately personage informed us that his master—whom he had left safe in his room for the night-had dressed himself in his outdoor garments, and was nowhere to be found. His travelling rug and umbrella had also disappeared. I felt utterly bewildered. What could have induced Muriel to run away with Mr. Pechall, of all men ? "Confound the fellow!" cried my father, angrily. "They can't have gone far. He shrll be forced to bring her back and marry her openly before the world. None of your underhand tricks for me." And he forthwith started everybody off in various directions to search for the happy pair. I stole into the garden to see if my suspicions about the woman's figure at the gate were correct. In spite of the evidence to the contrary, I still could hardly believe it was with Mr. Pechall, not Arthur, that Muriel had eloped. The first streaks of dawn were just tingeing the horizon, and, stooping down, I could see im- printed in the wet gravel, the track of her little feet. The foot-prints continued down the field path to the gate beyond. Slowly I went back to the house, and sat watching the sun rise, and waiting for—I knew not what. The sound of heavy, lagging footsteps and the creaking of a door made me look quickly round, and there on the threshold stood Mr. Pechall, his clothes dripping with water, his whole aspect woe- begone in the extreme. "They must have been trying to escape by boat, and there has been an accident," I thought, as the recollection of Muriel's mysterious inter- view with the young boatman came to my mind. "Mr. Pechall," I cried, "tell me, quick, where is my sister ? "My dear Miss Eva," he replied, in a whining, querulous tone that made me long to shake him, "how should I know ? Great as is the admiration I feel for your sister, I—nay, pray be reason- able my dear young lady," as I repeated my question. "If you will kindly summon Booth I shall feel obliged. I am utterly exhausted." So saying, he sank into the nearest chair, and leaning his head against the wall closed his eyes, and with his arms dangling at his sides looked the picture of languid despair. Just then the door opened and Dudley came in. "Pechall! he exclaimed, in surprise. "But where—is Miss Curzon safe ? There has been an accident, surely," noticing Mr. pechall's forlorn condition. "Kindly summon Booth," was the only rop'y "I feel very ill. I fear- "Tell us at once, where is Miss Curzon?" interrupted Dudley, sternly. "How can I tell ? yet more faintly. "As you ran-" began Dudley, but stopped short. The huddled-up figure before us looked the last person who could have tempted Muriel away from home. "Yes, I ran indeed; but against my will. For heaven's sake call Boo'h." At that moment Bessie appeared with coffee that I had ordered. "Ah! Miss Muriel is back, then," she cried, catching sight of one of the runaways. I shook my head. "Mr. Pechall says he knows nothing about ber, Bessie." "Then, excuse me, Miss Eva, but he must be made to say. You wicked little monster!" planting herself before the Jimp figure in the chair. "Tell us this minute what you have done with our young mistress. The idea of deserting her, after persuading her to elope with you! Bessie's plain speaking had the desired effect, for Mr. Pechall sat bolt upright, and surveyed us with an expression of such abject terror that, in spite of my anxiety, I nearly laughed. "I elope with Miss Curzon!" he gasped. "I should never have dared to do such a thing." "What have you been doing, then ? I asked, much relieved to find he was not, after all, to be my brother-in-law. "Storms, dear Miss Eva, always upset me. After Booth had left for the night I felt restless, and as a turn in the fresh air sometimes soothes my nerves I dressed again, let myself out, and made my way to the rustic seat on the hill. I suppose I must have missed the path, for my foot slipped, and before I could stop myself I slid down at a terrible pace right into the streamlet." "I wonder you did not notice the noise and confusion when they went to search for Muriel." "I—er—fancy I must have had a l ttle nip while resting on the seat. I took a rug and um- brella to guird against the chills of the early morning air. Pray call Booth at once." And he leant back again with closed eyes. "Your man is away sear hing for Mi-s Curzon," said Dudley. "Let me take you to your room and help you to bed." "Miss Eva," said Bessie's voice beside me, "here's a letter just been given me for you. The man who brought it said he had strict orders to deliver it the first thing in the morning." Muriel's writing! Going out of sight of the house, I sat down on the stump of a tree to read my precious letter undisturbed. She clearly explained to me her reasons for the step shr had taken. Arthur had been promoted, and hill regiment was ordered to India. He had therefore written to my father entreating him to reconsider his decision. Muriel had added her entreaties to her lover's, but in vain. Then she had yielded to Arthur's wish to be married secretly, and go with him to India. "Nothing," she wrote, "would have induced me to consent but the fact that I saw papa would never relent. He was bent on my marrying Mr. Pechall. It has been bitter pain to leave you; but, if I mis ake DOt, bright days are in store for you. I do not think you will be lonely very long." Then followed directions as to where to send her trunks. She was going straight to London, and would call at our house and collect the rest of her things. She wrote brightly and happily, bu' l-oh t how terribly I should miss her; Mid, overwhelmed with the thought, I buried my. face in my hands and,indtilged in a good cry. "Miss Eva, I can't bear to see you in such distress." It was Dudley's voice, and as I r.iise(i my head I saw him looking down on me with kindly, earnest eyes. "Muriel has been everything in the world to me," I said, forcing myself to be calm, "and I have just had a letter from her to say that she Is to be married to Captain Templeton this Aioriiing. it is the thought of losing her alto- gether that upsets me." "I am glad you have heard from her," he said. "I know Templeton slightly, and I believe he is a thorough good fellow. But, Eva, I can't t ear to see you so unhappy. I wish-you would let me try and take your sister's place. Wait just a little while," seating himself beside me and taking my hands in his; "I want to ask you something before I see your father again. What do you say to managing my house instead of his ? Then you would never be left to do things alone,, for I should always be at hind to help you. Some time ago, I made up my mind that if you. would not have me for a husband I would be a bachelor all my days; only you seemed so young, I thought if- fair to ask you until you been more of the world. Muriel knew I lov JrI. you, but she, too, thought I ought to wait." "But you don't know me," I said, desperately. "I am so nervous, so shy, and the more I try to improve, the worse I seem to get. I shall never make a good hostess, I am afraid, Mr. Ernald. Indeed, 1 am not a bit fitted to-to fill the posi- tion you suggest." "Is that your only objection to filling the posi- tion ? he inquired, the suspicion of a smilo lurking round the corners of higmoutli. "You do not object to me personally, Eva darling P If only you will trust me I believe I can make you very, very hippy; and—my dear old mother is just longing to know you." udley gained his point in the end; but it was not until we had been married some time that, I accidentally discovered how good he hid been to us. My father had (unknown to us) been speculating heavily, and lost. Muriel was to have be n the price paid in-return for the sub- stan' iil help Mr. Pechall promised to give, once he was her husband. Dudley persistently refused to give me any details, but 1 know it was through him that our London house was con- tinued, Muriel's wedding portion paid, ani my f.ithar induced to forgive the runaway match. [Tuft END. ]

A Treorchy Wounding Case. PRISONER COMMITTED FOR TRIAL. At Ystrad Police Court, on Monday.William James Evans, collier, Treorchy, was charged with wounding a Treorchy collier named Needs, on the 23rd September. Nicholas Joseph Needs, 10, Chapel-street. Treorchy, the prosecutor, said that on the 23rd September he visited the PengeTli Hotel,where he had a dispute with David Evans, with re- gard to the work. He afterwards met a man named Benjamin Blunt, with whom he re- turned to the hotel, late in the evening. They were having a conversation in the passage, when the defendant William James Evans, came in. Witness called Evans to him, and said lie was present when he had quarrelled with David Evans. Defendant gave Blunt a different version of the quarrel, and called him (witness) a liar, and wanted to fight. Defendant told him to clear out, and caught him by the collar. A scuffle followed, in which both fell to the ground. Evans got up first, and as witness was in the act of rising, Evans kicked him on the shin-bone. The force of the kick drove his leg right under him, and he again fell to the ground, and he heard his leg crack. Witness failed to rise, and Evans was about to kick him again, but Blunt pushed him back. He had received several Kicks about the legs in the scuffle and ic a blow on the nose with defendant's head. Cross examined Hehad been to see the pris- oner since the affair, to see how lie was going to be supported. Prisonerthen saidhe was very sorry, and lie would do his best for him. Witness told him there might be fault on both sides. Benjamin Blunt, collier, Cwhlpare, gave evidence, and said he saw the defendant give Needs a little kick-a nllddhng sharp kick." Both men went on again. Needs, after being kicked, said his leg was broken. Mrs. Elizabeth Buckingham said she saw the quarrell in the Pengelli, betwcen the de- fendant and prosecutor. Evans struck Needs, and both fell and rolled to the bottom of the stairs. Evans got up first and kicked Needs on the leg, and was about to repeat the oper- ation, when he was stopped by Blunt. Needs then said his leg was broken. Henry Northam, Treorchy, gave pr-tically similar evidence. Dr. Armstrong said that an examination of the prosecutor's leg showed that he had sus- tained a fracture of the fibula. There was a good deal of swelling, and he seemed to be suffering considerable pain. Defendant, when arrested by Sergeant Lewis, said they were both the worse for drink, lie did not remember kicking the prosecutor. Prisoner was committed for trial at the Quarter Sessions.

EV. HUGH PRCE HUGHES says:- "When events of interest take place in connection with Christian Churches, let advertisements be sent to the local press —they are of much greater use in all respects than mere placards on walls, which are surrounded by so many others."

Porth Intermediate School. Meeting of Governors. The Rev. W. Morris, F.R.G.S., presi- ded, and Mrs. Davies, Miss Gwen Thomas, Rev. J. D. James, Dr. W. E. Thomas, Dr. Morris, Alderman W. H. Matthias, Dr. Naunton Morgan, Messrs. E. H. Dayies, and J. R. Evans, with the headmaster, Mr. Samuel, and the clerk, Mr. W. T. Davies, were present at the meeting of the governors of the Porth Intermediate school on Friday. Prizes Distribution. The Vicar of Porth and Cymmer wrote to the effect that-he would be pleased to grant the governors' request for the use of St. Paul's schoolroom, Porth, on December 20th, when the prize distribution would take place. Miss Ada Jones, Rev, W. Lewis, R.D., Mr. W. W. Hood, Dr. Isambard Owen and Mr. Owen Owen, chief inspector of schools, all wrote regretting their inability to be present at the prize distribution. 11 Dr. Morris suggested asking Mr. Win. Jones, M.P., and Miss Thomas suggested Miss Thomas, Llwynmadoc, to fill th, vac- ancies, but the matter was ultimately re- ferred to a committee. Short of Money. The balance sheet for the year was sub- mitted, and the Chairman pointed out that they were short of money. It was a serious aspect, and the staff was inadequate. They now received L900 from the County Council, being t5 for each of the 180 places at the school. But they had accommoda- tion for 220 pupils, and the average atten- dance was 215. The committee1 therefore suggested applying to the County Council for E200 more annually, being L5 for each of the extra 40 places. Then it was a very serious question as to whether they should increase the fees. Dr. Morris then proposed that a deputa- tion wait on the County Council to apply for the extra grant. This was carried, and the Chairman, Mr. E. H. Davies, and the Rev. J. James were appointed to make the request. The headmaster remarked that the school could easily seat 220 or more. The Chairman stated that the commit- tee's suggestion was to increase the fees to L3. Dr. Thomas asked if they could not vary the fees. Parents who could afford it should pay higher fees than a man in a lowlier position. Dr. Morris replied that they could in- crease the fees, but they would have to be uniform. They had power to give bursar- ies and grants to those who could not pay the fees. That would meet Dr. Thomas' suggestion. The Chairman also thought it would be very difficult to have a graduated scale. The question of fees was then postponed until a reply should have been received from the County Council. In his report the headmaster stated that one of his assistants was absent from school through illness, and had in the meantime applied for an appointment in the south of Spain. He Would therefore be glad to have a mistress as locum tenens until the end of the term. It was decided to advertise the vacancy. The Head mastership. One of the items of the agenda was to consider the advisability of advertising for the appointment of headmaster." Dr. Thomas proposed that the question be ad- journed for a month. Dr. Morris seconded, and the motion was carried without com- ment. The Clerk remarked that he had received five applications for particulars of the headmastership, but he had given none.

Notes from Rhondda Boys at College. [Under this heading, we intend to place before our readers the doings of our own Rhon- dda boys, who may be- students for the term at the University Colleges.—ED.] Cardiff. Each student, unless residing here already, should look out for "digs" before he enters College. Now digs is short for ''diggings," which is the Greek name for "lodgings." To get" digs," don't advertise, for last year one of the students, hailing from the Rhondda, did advertise. He was answered by a young" widow, as she called herself. Now, here is a fix to be in! Personally, the student would not mind accepting, perhaps. But knowing the feelings of that awful body, the Senate, about such things, and remembering that "young widows and fair" are dangerous, because they know a thing or two, he sent a Eolite refusal. So intending students had etter send someone to look for digs," or to enquire at the College if digs" are to let" anywhere. The student first has to see the Principal, Then he has to see the Registrar, who gently re- lieves him of part of his money, which goes for tüitio. Now the student is ready for Icctures. He looks at his time-table, and sees that he has a lecture on at nine o'clock. For the first few weeks lie is there punctually. Then he gets used to ways of College life. So if he awakes at 8 a.m., he takes another snooze till 8.30. Then he gets up and into his clothes, sees if the landlady has put his morn- ing repast. If not, he looks in his larder, eats anthing that is there ready, cake, pickles, meat, or potatoes, any one or all, and then rushes off to College. He goes to his lecture room, and finds the Professor absent (perhaps the latter had had another snooze in bed after 8 o'clock). So to keep things merry, all the students sing the College anthem, viz., "Sospan Fach," with variations, till the Professor arrives. When the student sees the Professor coming in at 10 past nine, he swears he will sleep the next morning till 8.40.

From the boy who shot three Boers. A letter from the boy who shot three Boers, Trumpeter Shurlock, of the 5th Lancers, is published in the Aldershot News. It was written in high spirits on the eve of Elands- laagte, when he had just been congratulated on his revolver practice. All the other boys, writes the young trumpeter, aged sixteen, are left behind at, Maritzburg but I am a trumpeter and have to go with my squadron. I am enjoying myself all right up here. I went to revolver practice the other day, and the sergeant-major said I was very good for the first time, and I bet I will shoot some of the Boers down if I get the least chance." His chance came, and he was as good as his word, for next day he shot three Boers in the cavalry charge at Elandslaagte.

IN dull times advertise for customers, and in brisk times advertise for more custom- ers to be successful, advertise persistently.