The Montgomery County Times and Shropshire and Mid-Wales Advertiser

CAMBRIAN RAILWAYS.— Approximate return of traffic receipts, for the weekending February 19th, 1899. Miles open, 250. Passengers, parcels, horses, carriages, dogs, and mails, £ 1,828; merchandise, minerals, and live stock, £ 2,647; total for the week £ 4,475; aggregate from com mencement of half-year. £ 29,455. Actual traffic receipts for the correspond- ing week last year Miles open, 250. Passengers, parcels, &c., £ 1,819 merchandise, minerals, &c., £ 2,545; total for the week, £ 4,364; aggregate from commencement of half-year 128,968. Increase for the week, passengers, parcels, &c., E9; decrease, merchandise, minerals, <fcc., £ 102; total increase for the week, £ 111; aggregate increase, passengers, parcels, &c., £ 324; aggregate increase, merchandise, minerals, &c., £ 163; aggregate in. crease from commencement of half-year, JE487.

M A K K KTS. FAKMING AND THE CORN TH\l>lv ',V, L tmry, on Saturday, February the 18'fi t'oilow,. The weal her e niinsr tl.e pa ft week has be« n scring- 'ike. but the land in many parts is .-till tun w.^r to he worked, Hnd it is feared, in coriseipience "f i s jires^nt Midiletied >tate, that the sowteg ot spring corn will he much d..1H\,pd Wtieal has Hlpl, with a dull trade at aliou' former prices. liart. tiasUeen quiet. and no change in value can lie reported, Oats, peas and beans have moved slowlv at un- changed rates. Flour has been dull at 6d per sack decline. Offals have been less active, and buyers have refused to do business except on easier teruis. bnsKwoMt'RY CORN MAR-'KT, SATl'kDAY.-(jU". tations: — wheat lit- 3 i I I s 9,1 per22i?h.m: malting barley 16s Od to 18s Od grinding barley 14s Od to j 15sOd per 2801 bs-. aats lis Od to 12s Od; peas, 12s Od to 12s 6d per 225lhs beans, 13s Od to 14s Od per 240lbs. WELSHPOOL CORN, MONDAY.—Prices — Wheat, 12s Od to 12s 6d per 2401bs barley, 16s Od to 17s Od per 280 lbs oats, 12s Od to 12s 6d per 225lbs. WELSHPOOL SMITHFIELD,-At the Smithfieid on Monday stock was fairly plentiful. Good beef realised 6d to 6d; and mutton, 7d to 7d per lb. Pigs were fewer and sold at about late rates. WELSHPOOLGEN KKAL,Monday.—Wholesale prices Butter Is Od to Is 2d per lb eggs 14 to'15 for Is; fowls 3s 6d to Os Od pu-r couple chickens, 4s Od to 4s 6d; ducks, 0" Od to OsOd rabbits. Is 6d to Is 8d per couple apples, Id to ld per lb. 2 NEWTOWN GENERAL, TUESDAY. —Eggs 14 to 15 for IIs butter Os to Is 3d per lb fowls 3s Od to 3s 6rt; chickens 3s 6d to 5s Od ducks Os Od toOsOd; rabbits Is 6d to Os Od per couple; apples, Id per lb. LIVERPOOL CORN. TUESDAY.— Wheat, only moder- ate business at Friday's rates to d dearer for Springs.—1 Duluth, 6s 2d to 6s 3d 2 Kansas, 5s 8d to 6s Od. Beans, eisier. Peas, 5s 9d. Oats, slow-wliite, 2s 5d to 2s 7d yellow and black, 2s 3d to 2s 4d. Maize, quiet-old mixed. 3s 7d to 3s 8d new, 3s 6d to 3s 6d, beirg id to id under Friday. Flout, unchanged. LIVERPOOL CATTLE, MONDAY. .Kumbers:- Beasts, 840; and sheep and lambs, 3,609. Quota- tions:— Best beasts, 6d to 6'0; second, 5id to 5âd; third. 4id to 5d best Scotch sheep, 8id; other sorts, Sid to 61d per lb. The supply of stock was stnallex- than last week, showing a decrease of 208 beasts, and of 564 sheep and lambs. Good de- mand for all classes at about late rates. BIRMINGHAM CATTLE, TUESDAY.— Fair supply, but slow trade. Prices ru ied as follows:- Beef, Herefords, 6d to 6d; shorthorns, 5ici to 6id calves, 7d to 8d mutton, wethers, 8d to 8i-d ewes and rams, 5d to 6d per lb. Bacon pigs, 7s 6d to 7s lOd; porkets, 9s Od to 9s 6d sows, 6s 3d to 6s 6d per score. LONDON HAY AND STRAW, F sr)AY.- Prices: Good to prime hay, 60s to 82s bd inferior to fair, 40s to 55s good to prime clover, 70s to 90s new ditto, Os to Os; inferior to fair ditto, 50s Od to 68s mixture and sainfoin, 50s Od to 80s Od new ditto, OOs to 00s straw, 24s to 33s per load. SALFORD CATTLK,.TUESDAY.—At market :-Cattle, 2,344 sheep, 7,345 calves, 157; pigs, 74. Quotations as follows:- Cattle, 4id to 6jd sheep. 6d to 8d; calvep, 63td to 8d per lb pigs, 7s 6d to 8s Od per score. CORK BUTTER, Thursday.—Primest, —s r>rime, -s; firsts, 108s; seconds 95s kegs, -8; thirds, 82s; kegs —s fourths 65s fifths -s choicest —s choice -s; superfine —s fine mild 100s keg-s-8 mild —s choicest boxes —s choice boxes, -s. In market 22, which were classified as follows Primest 0, prime 1, firsts 2, seconds 11, thirds 2, fourths 0, fifths 0, choicest 0, choice 0, super fine 0, fine mild 1, mild 0, choicest boxes 0, choice 0, unbranded 5, kegs 0. Fresh better, 100s to 89s; factory thirds, 80s to 77s. OSWESTRY CORN MARKET, WEDNESDAY. -1'l following were t fie quotatiors:-Wbitt- wheat (old) Os Od to Os Od; white wheat (new), 3s 10d .to 4s Od per 751bs red wheat (old), Os Od to Os Od red, wheat (new), 3s 8d to 4s Od per 7blbs old oats, 12s 6d to 13s 6d new oats, 10s 6d to lis 6d per 2001bs; malting barley, 18s Od to 20s Od grinding barley, 12s Od to 13s ad per 280 lbs. OSWESTRY GENERAL MARKET, WEDNESDAY.— Quotations:—Butter, Is 2d to Is 3d per lb; eggs, 13 to 14 for Is; befif, 6d to 8d per lb; mutton, 7d to 8d; veal, 7d to 9d pork, 6d to 8d; fowls, 4s Od to 4s 6d per couple ducks, Os Od to Os Od per couple; rabbits, 2s 2d to 2s 4d per couple; potatoes, 9d per score carrots, 3s Od to 3s 6d per cwt. OSWESTRY WEEKLY CATTLE FAIR.—There was a fair supply at the Smithfield on Wednesday, trade being better all round, especially in beef. Messrs Whitfield and Son sold 252 cattle and calves, and 502 sheep and pigs; Messrs Hall, Wateridge and Owen in conjunction with Mr Doody sold 65 cattle and calves, and 85 sheep and pigs; and Messrs Whitfield and Batbo had their usual sales. Prices ruled as follows ;-Beef, 5idto 6d per lb; mutton, 7d to 8d per lb. veal, 6d to 7d per lb. pork pigs, 8s Od to 8s 6d per score; bacon pigs, 7s 6d to 7s 9d per score. ELLESMERK,TUESDAY.—Wheat lls6dt( 12s0d per 225 lbs; barley, 16a Od to 19s Od per 280 lbs; oats 108 Od to 12s 6d per 200 lbs butter, Is 0^ to Is 2d per lb eggs, 12 to 14 for la fowls, 3s 6d to 5s Od; ducks, Os Od to Os Od rabbits, 2s Od to 2s 4d per couple beef, 6d to 6Jd ni iitcor), Sd to 8id veal, 8d per lb; bacon pigs, 7s 6d to 8s Od sows about 6s porkets, 8s Od to 9s Od per score. WHITCHURCH, FRIDAY. Wheat, 3s 10d to 4s 2d per 75 lbs; barley, 4s Od to 411 3d per 70 Ibs; oats, 2s 6d to 3s 3d per 50 lbs; eggs, 11 to 12 for Is; butter Is Od to Is 3d per 16 oz fowls, 3s 0s to 5s Od couple; ducks, 5s Od to 5s 6d per couple; potatoes, 6d to 7d per score; beef, 6d to 8d per lb; mutton, 7d to 9d; lamb, Od to 9d; veal, 7d to 8d pork, 5d to 7d per lb rabbits, 2s Od to 28 4d per copple.

THE EVOLUTION OF THE BRITISH ISLES. A GEOLOGICAL SKETCH. Dr Roberts prefaced his lecture last week with the remark that the subject was so large that he could do no more than touch upon its fringe in the time at his disposal; but that he would be well satisfied if he could succeed in helping them to realise that there had been a gradual building up of the British Isles-an evolution, a growth, a development, they might call it by what name they would—andif hecould at the same timegive them an idea of the natureof the processes of that evolution. The first slide exhibited was a map shewing the physical features of the British Isles, and the lecturer pointed out that fiom such a bird's eye view as was presented by such a map, while they would see that the hilly and mountainous regions were on the west and north and the flat regions, in the main, on the east and south, they could learn nothing as to the mode of origin of the land. There was no indication given by such a map as to whether the land had come into existence at one stroke or had grown and developed into its present form. To answer that question they must study the land with the eye cf a geologist. A geological map of Great Britain was then projected upon the screen. The lecturer explained that the various colourt; and tints upon the map represented groups of rocks of different geological ages, and that every strip and patch of colour was placed upon the map so as to cover the parts of the country where the rocks represented by that colour were known, by the investigations of geological surveyors,to appear at the surface. A glance at that map was sufficient to show that Great Britain was built up of rocks of great diversity of age, and therefore did not come into existence as a whole at one time, but was the result of a gradual evolutionary process. They might compare Great Britain to one of those noble cathedrals of which England was so proud. To the unprofessional eye the cathedralpresented only the appearance of one beautiful harmonious whole; but to the eye of the architect the various stages of its growth were clear, and the additions made from century to century were easily traceable. So with the land areas. Instead, however, of comparing the land to a cathedral a more fruitful analogy would be to compare it with a living thing. The characteristic of life was unceasing change, con- stant waste and renewal. The laud, also like a living organism, was subject to waste ana renewal. The lecturer then with a series of lantern slides thrown upon the screen illustrated the processed of -destruction-the action of the sea; of frost on cliffs and mountain summits, and of rivers in excavating valleys. He then by another line of argument based upon the amount of material carried in the sea by rivers, in chemical solution, and mechanical suspension proved the enormous destruc- tion which is constantly taking place, and indicated the mode by which the extent of that destruction might be estimated. If this destruction had been continuously going on in the past, and there was abundant evidence to show that it had, how was it that any land was left? The lecturer then proceeded to consider the processes of renewal by which this waste was repaired, and new rocks formed to take the place of the old. He went on to explain the sifting process by which the materials brought down by rivers are laid down on the sea-bed the coarse gravel close to the shore; the less coarse sand further out; the finer mud still beyond, and in the parts remote from the mouths of rivers and other sources of sediment, accumulations of the shells and hard carts of marine creatures forming beds of a'. Tue lecturer then explained bow t i.tt. ia «.% .i posit son rendered it possible to recont" rne; ir, imagination the old distribution of land and w:irej t- the rim. dIP geological formation win nepostreu After "In that movements of elevation of tie ern-t :'1' now raking place, and have taken place it! the past. Competent to elevate the new rocks thus formed into land, Dr Roberts pro<vPde«.i 1.\1 deal wilb the mode of evolution of the British Isles Ue showed by reference to a geological map and by sections how Great Britain had grown from west to east by successive additions of newer and newer rocks, the material to form them being in great part derived from the destruction of the mountainous earlier formed regions in the west and north, so that there had been an increase in horizontal extension coincident with the decrease in vertical elevation. lie fiijall 'v took one wroup- the Carboniferous series-and illustrated the mode by which a stage in the evolution of the area of the British Isles may be worked out. By a suc- cession of maps upon the screen he demonstrated how the distribution of land at the period of the deposition of the Carboniferous rocks, could be mapped out., and showed that. at that time a great land area, including North Scotland and the ex- treme west of Ireland, stretched awav to the north and west to an unknown distance, wilile a narrow peninsula stretched across mid-England expauding into and including the mountains of Wales, while to the north and south of this neck of land seas covered not them and southern England. He pointed out that the carboniferous period was brought to a close by great earth movements and that the existing distribution of workable coal over Great Britain and Ireland depended on these move- ments and the subsequent denudation which occurred. Ireland was less fortunate than England in that, at the close of the Carboniferous period, she formed, for a louger period than England, part of the land area which was undergoing extensive denudation so that her coal measures were more completely removed by destructive agencies, while the submerged portions of England with some of the coal measures left, still undestroyed upon them were covered over as with a mantle and protected from further destruction by the material resulting from the denudation of the land area in the west and north. The lecturer concluded by pointing to the influence of these preserved stores of mineral wealth upon the people and life of different parts of the British Isles thus illustrating the intimate connection which exists between the present and the past, so that the more our knowledge grows the more .are we enabled to realize how profoundly the life of to-da) is affected by events that happened in remotest antiquity. ♦

A BANWY VALE MALE VOICE CHOIR. To the Editor of the COUNTY TIMES. Sir,-Mr Drvhurst Roberts's idea of forming a male voice choir from the district to compete at the next Powys Eisteddfod is an excellent one, and I may say that ae far as I am concerned I will do my utmost to assist. I have spoken to several about it and the unanimous wish of all is to see the choir formed and the practices in full swing. Now, boys, let's go irA and,win.-Yout-s, &c., I a ii fair. DAVID GITTINS.

To the Editor of the COUNTY TIMES. Sir :—From the number and tone of the letters I have received in response to my suggestion of forming a Male Voice Choir in the above district, I am glad to say that the state of feeling generally is most favourable to the project. I shall therefore have very great pleasure in making arrangements for a meeting of representatives to discuss the question in all its bearings and to organize the choir. In one interesting communication from an ardent historian the suggestion is made that as the lordBhip or commot of Caereiuion includes the parishes from which the members of the choir.would be drawn, the choir should be known as the Caereinion Vocalists" or Can- toria Caereinion." This designation has the merit of being musical, historical and concise, and I commend it to the consideration of the Committee upou whose shoulders the dnty will devolve of christening the choir. Anyone who-e common sense had not completely deserted him would have known that my appeal was addressed to horny handed sons of toil," men who are in the thick of the battle of life, fighting it bravely, strenuously and successfully men whose hours and sources of recreation are restricted to the narrowest limits by the exigencies of their occupation. To enable these men to spend a few of their scanty leisure hours in the pursuit of an ennobling art, to bring a little of the sunshine of pleasure into their work-a- day lives is something to the good at any rate. It -isn't pounds, shillings and pence. It itn't chemistry or electricity. But it is something quite as necessary if not more so. It is something that lightens the burden of toil, and brightens the life of the toiler. What amount of fretwork can accom plish this? Pontrobert. E. DRYHTRST ROBERTS. » —

PARLIAMENT. BISIIoPS IN THE HorSE OF LORDS. On Tuesday Mr Herbert Lewis brought forward his motion against the Bishops being allowed to have seats in the House of Lords. His argument iollowed the reasons ou which the Long Parliament was founded when it passed a similar resolution in 1641, supplemented by some Nonconformist grievances against the Bishops for opposing useful reforms and for throwing obstacle after obstacle in the way of Nonconformists obtaining theii civil rights.— Sir E. Clarke raised the Debate to a high plane by an eloquent defence of the Bishops. Lord Hugh Cecil gave the Debate a new turn, as he advocated the retention of the Bishops in the House of Lords, not as a matter of privilege, but as representing the educated opinion of the Church of England, and as a germ to extending and strengthening the constitution of that House by admitting representatives of other religious bodies to it also as life I'eers. Nothing would have given him greater pleasure than to have seen the late Dr Dale in the Upper House. He moved an amend- ment in favour of the admission of other religious denominations to representation in the House of Lords. On the question being put, Mr Balfour suggested ttat Lord Hugh Cecil should withdraw his amendment. This the House would not aliow, and it was negatived without a Divioion. The main Resolution was then defeated by 200 to 120. ■*

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ISLE OF WIGHT EXPRESS AND COUNTY j- PAPER" (price one penny), published at Newport every Friday, is an old.established, and the best and most popular paper in the Isle of Wight; its circulation is varied and increasing; it goes in the homes; it has agents in every village in the Island, and branch offices in every town. "Wanted" class of advertisements, 20 words 6d; trade advertisements at favourable rates.-Write estimates to the Chief Office, High Straot, Newport, l.W BOURNEMOUTH. Intending Residents in, D or Visitors to Bournemouth, Boscombe. Parkstone by-Sea, Swanage, &c., should advertise for houses or apartments in the Guardian series of newspapers, published simultaneously at Bourne- mouth, Boscombe, Branksome, Parkstone, Poole, Wimborne, Bland ford, and Swanage, Scale same a» P.O. telegrams, 12 words 6d forevMY additional word. Three insertions at the price of two. Diamond Jubilee enlargement to 64 columns. Address Manager, Guardian, Bournemouth. J CAMBRIAN RAILWAYS. CHEAP WEEK-END EXCURSION TICKETS Are now issued on EVEKY FIUDAY AND SATURDAY TO Wolverhampton, Walsall, Petei'boiougb, *Leic-e.ster, *Derby, *Burton-on-Trent, Stafford, *Coventry, Manchester, Preston. Blackburn, Bolton, Leeds, Dewsburj, Huddersfield, Liver- pool, Birkenhead, Wigan. and Warring- ton, from Oswestry, Llanymvnech, Llanfyllin, Montgomery Welshpool, Newtown, Llanidloes, Machynlleth, Borth, Aberystwyth, Aberdovev, Towv, Bar- mouth. Dolgelley, Harlech, Portmadoc, Penrhyn- deudraeth, Criccieth, and Pwllheli. — SIMILAR TICKETS ARE ALSO ISSUED From Aberystwyth, Borth, Aberdovev, Towyn Barmouth, Dolgelley, Harlech, Peurhyndeudraetb Portmadoc, Criccieth. and Pwllheli, to SHREWSBURY. Tickets to hese stations are not issued from Welshpool. EXTENDED ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE ISSUE OF TOURIST TICKETS FROM CAMBRIAN STATIONS TO THE VARIOUS HEALTH RESORTS IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND. AND IRELAND ARE NOW IN OPERATION. For full particulars see Tourist Programmes, which may be had at all stations. EVERY FRIDAY AND SATURDAY, CHEAP WEEK-END & 10 DAYS, TICKETS Will be issued from Liverpool, Manchester Stock- port, Chester, Crewe, Stafford, Shrewsbury, Brad- ford, Leeds, Oldham, Huddersfield, Halifax" Roch- dale, Wakefield, BJackburn, Chorley, Accrington, Burnley, Bolton, Wigan, Warrington, Preston, Leicester, Derby, Burton, Stoke, Burslem, Hanley, Birkenhead, Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Wed- uesbury, Walsall, Peterborough, Northampton, Hull, Sheffield, Barnsley, &c., &c., to Oswestry, Llanymynech, Llanfyllin, Welsh pool, Montgomery, Newtown, Llanid- loes, Machynlleth, Borth, Aberystwyth, Aberdovey, Towyn, Barmouth, Dolgelley, Harlech, Portmadoc, Criccieth, Pwllheli. CHEAP WEEK END TICKETS (Friday and Saturday to Monday or Tuesday) will be issued on EVERY FRIDAY AND SATURDAY Also 14 DAYS' EXCURSION TICKETS From nearly all Cambrian Inland Stations, to Machynlleth, Borth, Aberystwyth. Aber. dovey, Towyn, Barmoath, Dolgelley, Harlech, Portmadoc, Criccieth, and Pwllheli, also to Rhayader, Bnilth Wells, & Brecon. ON EVERY THURSDAY and SATURDAY in DECEMBER FULL-DAY & HALF-DAY EXCURSION TICKETS will be issued to LIVER- POOL (Lime Street, Edge Hill, Spellow, or Walton), via Whitchurch and Crewe, and to SEACOMBE, via Ellesmere. Wrexham, and Hawadeu Bridge; and to MANCHESTER (Lon- don Road), as under :—From Oswestry, full day at 3 40 a.m. and 11 50 a.m. and half-day at 1 50 p." (via Whitchurch and Crewe); from Ellesmere at 9 0 a.m for full day, and 12 5 and 2 10 p.m. for half-day; to Seacombe only (via Wrexham) 9 5 a.m. for full day, and 12 10 p.m. for half-day Third-clsss fares for full day To Seacombe and Liverpool, 38 6d To Manchester, 4s. Half-day To Seacombe, Liverpool and Manchester, 2s 6d. Passengers returr tie same day from Liverpool (Lime Street) at 6 50 p.m., or 11 55 p.m., Edge Hill at 120 midnight, Seacombe 6 50 p.m. and from Manchester (London Road) at 7 0 p.m., or 12 0 midnight. ON EVERY THURSDAY and SATURDAY ii» DECEMBER and until further notice, Cheap Day and Half-Dav EXCURSION TICKETS will be issued to LIVERPOOL, BIRKENHEAD, SMA- COMBE, NEW BRIGHTON, and HAWARDHH (for Harwarden Castle), from Oswestry, Ellesmere, Overton-on-Dee, Bangor-on-Dee, and Marchwiel. For full particulars of train times and fares, see handbills. THE Special Attention of the Public is drawn -L to the FURTHER REDUCED RATES ft the conveyance of FRESH MEAT. Including Welsh Mutton also for Butter, Cheese, Fish, Fruit, &c., Station to Station P+ Owners' Risk! Also to the Reduced Scale of Rates for Parcels by Passenger Train. For full particulars apply at the Stations. MINIMUM CHARGE, SIXPENCE. RAMS Are now conveyed between Stations on the Cambrian Railways, at a charge as for Two Dogs, with a MINIMUM OF TWO SHILLINGS EACH RAM EVERY THURSDAY and SATURDAY IN DECEMBER, 1898, CHEAP EXCURSIONS WILL BB EU3V TO LIVERPOOL AND MANCHESTER From Llanidloes 6 40 a.m., Newtown 7 12, Mont- gomery 7 28, Welshpool 7 50, Llanymvnech 8 14, Llanfyllin 7 40, Oswestry 8 40, Ellesmere 9 0, aad Fenn's Bank 9 21. For times of trains at intermediate stations see handbills. SECOND CLASS TICKETS are now issued be- G ween Cambrian Stations and stations on the London and North Western and Great Westera and other Companies' Lines. These Fares Me based on a very small addition to the Third Claes fares. GREATLY EXTENDED ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE ISSUE OF WEEK END TICKETS (Friday or Saturday to Monday or Tuesday), TO CAMBRIAN COAST STATIONS AND WELLS FROM STATIONS IN EWGLAND, Are now being put into operation. They include Bookings from Bath, Bristol, Cam. bridge, Darlington, Durham, Gloucester, LlnlD Cheltenham, Harrogate, Middlesborongh, JNew- casUe-on-Tyne, Nottingham, N orwicb, Scarborough, Sunderland, Tynemeuth, Worcester, Ac PIC-NIC & PLEASURE PARTIES' Tickets, at reduced fares, are issued (with certain limitations) at all Cambrian Stations to Parties of not less than Six First-class or Ten Third-ctaffl passengers desirons of Pleasure Excursioni to places on or adjacent to this railway. Single fares for double lourney will be charged for parties of 30 First-class or 50 Third-elass pM sengers. lf[ To obtain these tickets application must be mØ to Mr. W. H. Goug-h, Superintendent of the Oswestry; or at any of the Stations not leøø thaJ8 three days before the date of the Excursion. Further information regarding Excursion TraiM and Tourist Arrangements on the Cambrian ways can be obtained 011. application to Mr. W. n Gongh, Superintendent of the Line, Oswestry- C. S. Oswestry, Sept., 1898. General Manage

I PUBLISHKU BY ^PECIAR. ARRANGEMENT THi. BOM) OF KLACK, BY WI!Ji<I VM LE QUEUX, Autll,¡r of Wh .1 l"ltldeth a \Vifc' If ,ill' Entire Th" Scribes and Pharis "Tii" !> i\ of Temptation," Tho G, vti VV ii-i j. Eugland," &c., &c. [ COPYRIGHT.] CHAPTER XI.— PURELY CONFIDENTIAL. Jack Yelvorton's declaration held me dumb. He knew the truth, yet could not divulge because any con- fession made to him by one who sought spiritual guidance was sacred. I pressed him to tell me something which might give me a clue to the truth, but he only grew additionally grave and answered— Roddy was my friend as well as yours, Clifton. If it were possinle don't you think that I would bring the li i 'm!1I; ment •' Ah, don't speak of it he sighed In this affair I've suffered enough. If you knew how the possession of this secret oppresses me you would be silent on that sad topic always.' I said nothing His face had grown haggard and drawn and I could see that hi a conscience was torn bv a tumult of emotions. It was certainly extraordinary, I reflected, as I smoked 1? f,11?' and he stood leaning against the mantel- sheit with his eyes fixed upon the opposite wall. That •lay 1 had again met after years of separation this man who had once been among my best friends, and lie was actually in possession of the secret which I had been longing through those winter months to learn—thex secret of the tragic death of poor Roddy Morgan -But he was a clergyman. Had he been a member of Sav thePr°tef10U hL;mi^vt' in the Crests of justice, SSrfl u'Vr11'' 61'"1' f°r, thiUr? ,was no doubt now that d )een lllui'dered —but he was a servant of his } WOrds sp°ken ln confidence into his ear by the penitent were as the secrets of the Roman Catholic the truth mhlm 1 c°uW hope for no word of the truth. At last he spoke again, telling me that the real leason lie had accepted a country curacy was because of this terrible secret ever oppressing him. But he added quite resignedly, < it is, I suppose, a burden placed upon me as a test. Now I know the truth I feel as an accessory to the crime bnt to divulge would be to break faith with both God and man "'ords admitted of no argument I sat silent KE& Then at length I mv hlndaw fri?d9 Clift<>n,' he said, as he gripped don't you p? y" ut y°u understand my position, yes'' I answered. 'That you cannot speak is ?fflaw S°0d;m £ r lV :i"d 1 wellt forth into the quiet POttlp A I*™ he °nly n^ht CRme from the cottage windows here and there. The good people of thPrpf' 8 ?u g° early and rise with the dawn, thp liii]1"6 jGle T^as H^le light to guide my steps down and ani road f° the Hall. Nothing stirred, sheep-do*^ S0U was dismal howl of a distant During the fortnight that followed I saw plenty of the new curate. His manner had, however, changed, i grown the same merry buoyant companion as he had been in our college days. Tiprfpnf Puddl"gton Jack Yelverton had come as a Olmi-nV, CT>e l?r' ^'e ways and manners of the rp-j. or the past twenty years the estimable bppn Preached regularly once each Sunday, and Tonfl> *(• <• assisted by a puny consumptive-looking sprm I'1 f,°.m c°Hc>ge, but the smart, clever, witty sermon from this ecclesiastical giant was electrifiying. &ked of it for days afterwards, discussed the he.,llad Put forward so boldly, and were ,P led to admit that he was an earnest, righteous, aud uprig-ht man. He dined with us once or twice, afterwards taking a iiand at whist we cycled together over to Oundle by ^ay ot Newton and Fotheringhay on another occasion ?,, e Uppingham to visit a man who had been with us at Wadham and was now one of the masters at Uppingham School and several times I drove him to Peterborough and to Stamford. Thus we were together a good deal, and the more I saw of him the more convinced I became that he was thoroughly earnest in his purpose, and that he had not adopted the Church from motives of gain, like so many men whose relatives are ecclesiastical dignitaries. T,,Oreceived ?n.e morning from Muriel caused me to decide upon a visit to town, and I left the same • Chnrfil'p relrr more t° my chambers in SS £ Mansions Next day being Sunday, I °n round to Madame Gabrielle's Z K™? lmJ\^ ]Vluriel t0 ca» at eleven and go h me to spend the day at Hampton Court. I knew that she always liked a ramble in Bushy Park, for town- stitled as she was it reminded her of Burleigh, the great demesne of the Cecils outside Stamford. usheredaCher In' at eleVen- 'iext morning Simes tl.P d?^l) i i i- -was. tluletly dressed in black complexion! C™e her h"' weU "Mngher 'Well,' she said putting forth her gloved hand as she Your'tinfp l + rea l{ y°u had forgotten me Your note last night gave me a great surprise for + S^1)p°Se1^'1Cr truth were known you were engaged 18 Ae tli1S tim.e dark or fair ? I asked, the City. ratlier nlce fellow, cashier in a bank in r"d he tf,kes y°u out of^n, I suppose ?' franklv° °5^lree jjlmes a week/ she answered, quite «bwn to the MomcoV' mUS'C" sometimes' or- not, tha/relwnnf 'l-1 lilu:l!ied'1 remembering how popular Why always thrMonicoV P as8istanta and derks" Caf^Roval'10 9m^d" We can't afford Frascati's, the Monico ^t %mall TfyS' ,We ^et alittle Hfe at the whether > u°St' and 11 d«eail't matter to us not in evening Cfh-o -r3 ^tweed« «r not. A man Jimmy's i« lar.l-m 0 E°yal' Verrey's, or those places ■ "l1011 an outsider; so we avoid Asmiitt him, eh?' I inquired, amused. a light irrpc™8 -v! f1^ the others,' she responded with umbrella T?f' • Tir' toying with the handle of her has nobody to tak^l °ndfn is frightfully dull if a girl as she can in n out- ^'1(' can t go about alone very friendlv + 1G co?ntry, atid girls in business are not many So„Ii -ds eacli other" You've no idea how I sun,^ CX1St araon^ Pirls «hop.s.' buy a bonrw!l t a man goes to Madame Gabrielle's to he oueht fa + I a 1Jnef,eut' or something, you all think Of conrJ .in°tlce o £ I laughed. from the who'p«Mlf ,reP^ed* But it's the travellers by the girls f ?ouses wllo are most sought after well to do in/i ca,n-se they are generally pretty 'cribs' of'which'T lf'„tl,ey °^ten ^now of good favourites, and mve ttu> tl,e girls wl'° are their bargain.' a recommendation into the 1 'I always used to think that the shopwalker in the ery places had a pretty lively time of it. Is that 8() ?an get the girls in his rWu ? customers, and he if he likes therefore he dLsn^6"1 mt° aiWful hot Water looking town traveller who ™ r-e mucl1 tor the good- has such a very gay and easv lif^V V" brougham and «hops are compelled to WPPT^ •?. ^lrls in drapers' «.ey hate «» but Then you mav thank y su°h a tyrant.' shopwalker,'I laughed. y stars that you haven't a 'B' are both quite a^nal^to us^iT and manaSer> who he, she protested quicklv '"D7 shopwalker could nagging at one or other if wL. ,ayne is constantly that's too bad, for aS you kno^ 4 effect a :sale- And merely to look round and m-ip» +L n}!lny ladies come in that'tl1011 ,whatever of buying and 'P™7 haVe n0 that the shape doesn't suit thpm make lame excuses gau<ly. It isn't fair i0 u3 > m °r that th« tolo«r is too «-uurse not, I said Bnt forget all your bURine8s worries for to-day, and let s have a pleasant hour or two out m the country. There's l f. Pleasaut hour or two twelve so we'll go to TeddV^T h'°? Waterloo at liushy Park. Do you care for £ ?. "nd Wa!k across Ot course.' she oripd a r nal • ten or eleven months since we^werp fi,' ^V, it^s fully you remember, we went down W ? last time. Do Werent the trees in the avenue t ^estlut Sunday? Yes,' I said, remembering thp' then 'r we had afterwards spent on the river T>ant afternoon too early in the season for boatimr ;n J;ut it was now to wander about would, I knew be f-ir therefore, Therefore, we took a cab over 'to^l ei^oyable- travelling down to Teddington, lun-hed nI +i ei'\?6' and and afterwards, in the bright springTunShJ16 °larence, up the avenue, where already thrtrPPr 2l "e\Strolled into leaf. There were but few nennlp fV 6 ursting season was considered too earlv On !lSr when London is dusty and th^'str^K^")111'!1' S\lndays, palpitate with heat, then crowds of ™ u closed shops by all sorts of conveyances to Uet f^T C°™e theTe sight of the cooling scenery. Bnf i !!11 and obtain too far afield. Yet there is no S')1' 't is within easy reach of London, and in beautiful Rpot bright spring day, when the grass is m-n ''U'e ^e"NS ot a thing is bursting into bud, Ld the & W leu -eve?7- merrily as if thankful that winter bn« « al6i Sln"lng always found it far more pleasant than in tlTkV ^ad when omnibuses tear wildly along the »u„» oays, clouds of dust, when carts-full of coarse vm-U< n"8'ng men from the East shout loudly, and chaff those who are seated on the tops of the four-horsed 'In 10Se w^° when the public-houses are filled to ovpvfl^Se-S' R?d crowds of ever-thirsty bona-fide travellers. ^lnR by In the warm sunshine, which reminded mp n I>erfect March days wo had had on the RiVu.. Be wandered together across the Park, chattin-' Jir she relating to me all the principal events of i toilsome life during the past six months which prised that period when the metropolis is at it« w„°n!" and when wet Sundays render the life of T A,wirs, workers additionally dismal. In winter the life of °« 8 shop-assistant is truly a dreary monotonous exktnr, Avorking nearly half the day by artificial lieht in atmosphere unhealthily warmed by one of those D fating abominations called gas-stoves, and if s,lriri °* happens to be inclement there is absolutely nothing t^ do save to wait tor the opening of the big resturants at six o ciocK in tiit- eveiiiiig. 'i o sit idle in a cai e and be choked with tobacco smoke is tl the recreation which shop assistant s m Loin ion can obtain if the Day of Rest be wei. Truly the shop jiw-istfint s liie is an intensely disuml one. Knowing i-11 this. 1 felt sorry for Muriel. Then the winter w.s i.een very dull,' I observed, after siie had been teliing me o the miserable weather and her consequent lWtbilay to get out on Sundays. Y ¿ii,' she 'IJlswcrcd. 'I used to be envious when you wrote telling me of the sunshine and flowers you had on the Riviera. It must be a perfect Paradise. I should so like to go there and spend a winter.' As far as natural beauties are concerned, the coast is almost as near Paradise as you can get on this earth,' I said laughing. But Monte Carlo, although delight- ful, is far nearer an approach to the other place—the place which isn't often mentioned in polite society-in fact, somebody once said, and with a good deal of truth, that the doer of the Casino was the entrance-gate to hell.; I d like to see the gambling-rooms just once,' she said. 'You are best away from them,' I answered. The moral influence of the tables cannot fail to prove baneful.' I was disappointed,' she said, when I heard you had left London without wishing me good-bye. You had never done so before. I called at your chambers, and Simes told me you had gone abroad. Surely you could have spared ten minutes to wish me farewell,' she added reproachfully. I glanced at her and saw a look of regret and disap- pointment upon her face. Yes, she was undeniably beautiful. I told myself that I had always loved Muriel that I loved her still. Her eyes met mine, and I saw in their dark depths a deep and trusting love. Yet I was socially her superior, and had foolishly imagined that we could always remain friends without becoming lovers. When I reflected how years ago I used to chat with her in her father's shop, in the days when she was a hoydenish schoolgirl, and compared her then with what she was now, I saw her as a graceful, modest and extremely beautiful woman, who possessed the refinement of speech and grace of carriage which many women in higher standings in life would have envied, and whom I knew was honest and upright, although practically alone and unprotected in that great world of London. You must forgive me,' I said. I ought to have seen you before I went away, but I left hurriedly with my sister and her husband. You know what a restless pair they are.' Of course,' she answered. But you've been back in England several weeks. Mary Daffern wrote to me and said she had seen you driving in Stamford nearly three weeks ago.' Yes,' I replied. I was sick of the eternal rounds of Nice and Monte Carlo, so travelled straight to Tixover without breaking my journey in town. But surely,' I added, it doesn't matter much if I don't see you for a month or two. It never has mattered.' Her eyes were fixed upon the ground, and I thought her lips trembled. Of course it does,' she responded. I like to know how and where you are. We are friends—indeed, you are the oldest friend I have in London.' But you have your other admirers,' I said. Men who take you about, entertain you, flatter you and all that sort of thing.' 'Yes, yes,' she answered, hurriedly. 'But you know I hate them all. I merely accept their invitations because it takes me out of the dreary groove in which my work lies. It's impossible for a woman to go about alone, and the attentions of men amuse me rather than gratify my natural woman's vanity.' She spoke sensibly, as few of her age would speak. Her parents had been honest, upright, God-fearing folk, and she had been taught to view life philosophically. But you have loved,' I suggested. You can't really tell me with truth that of all these men who have escorted you about of an evening and on Sundays there is not one for whom you have developed some feeling of affection.' She blushed and glanced up at me shyly. It really isn't fair to ask me that,' she protested, flicking at the last year's leaves with the point of her umbrella. A woman must have a heart like stone, if she never experiences any feeling of love. If I replied in the negative I should only lie to you. That you know quite well.' Then you have a lover, eh?' I exclaimed quickly, perhaps in a tone of ill-concealed regret. No, she responded, in a low firm voice, I have no lover.' Then after a few moments' pause she inquired Why do you ask me that ?' t Because Muriel,' I said seriously, taking her hand, because I desire to know the truth.' Why r she asked, looking at me in mingled amaze- ment and alarm. 'We are friends, it is true but your friendship gives you no right to endeavour to learn the secret of my heart,' and she gently withdrew her hand from my grasp. I was silent, unable to reply to such an argument. voice you love tIns man ? I said, in a rather hard voice. But she merely shrugged her shoulders, and with a forced laugh answered eniov^nv^W^ ,?f something else. Wre are out to affairs es to-day, not to discuss each other's love We had approached I)iana fountain, and she stood pensively besIde it for a moment watching the shoal of lazy carp, some of which have lived in that pond for over a century. d° n?t wish to discuss my own affairs of the ear Muriel, I burst forth passionately, as I stood beside her. 'Yet, as one who holds you in esteem, who has ever striven for your welfare, I feel somehow that I ought to be still your confidant.' You only wish to wring my secret from me because it amuses you,' she protested, her eyes flashiug resent- fully. You know that's the truth. When you have nothing better to do you bring me out just because I am company. If you had held me in esteem, as you declare you do, you would have at least wished me farewell before you went abroad for the winter.' This neglect had annoyed her, and in sudden pique she was reproaching me in a manner quite unusual to her. I had never before seen her assume so resent- ful an air. 'No,' I responded, pained that she should thus charge me with amusing myself at leisure with her society, although when I reflected, I was compelled to admit that her words were the absolute truth. For several years I had merely treated her as a friend to be sought when I had no other person to dine with or accompany me out. Yes, of late, I had neglected Muriel sadly. I don't think you are quite fair,' I said. That I hold you in esteem you must have seen long long ago, and the reason why I did not wish you farewell was because—well, because I was just then very much upset.' You had met a woman whom you believed you loved,' she said harshly. It is useless to try and con- ceal the truth from me.' 'I have not attempted to conceal anything,' I responded, nevertheless starting at her mention of that woman who had been enveloped in such mystery, and who, after a few days' madness, had now so completely gone out of my life. How could she have known ? In answer she looked at me straight in the face with her dark, fathomless eyes. You have told me nothing of your love,' she ex- claimed in a hoarse tone. If you cannot trust me with your confidences as once you used to do, then we can no longer remain the fast friends we have been. We must drift apart. You have already shown that you fear to tell me of your fascination—a fascination that was so near to becoming fatal. Yon know nothing of Aline Cloud-of who or what she is-yet you love her blindly Her well-arched brows knit themselves, her face became at that instant pale and hard set, and she held her breath, as if a sudden determination had swept upon her. She knew my secret, and I stood confused, unable to reply to those quick impetuous words which had involun- tarily escaped her. Did she love me, I wondered. Had jealousy alone prompted that speech ? Or was she really aware of the truth concerning the blue-eyed woman whom I had adored for those few fleeting days, and whom I was now seeking to hunt down as a criminal ? CHAPTER XII.—' You OF ALL MEN 'No,' I admitted. I was not aware who Aline Cloud was, nor did I know that you were acquainted with her.' She started as if she had unwittingly betrayed herself. I—acquainted with her she cried in a voice of indignation. You are mistaken.' But you know her by repute,' I said. Tell me the truth about her.' She laughed, a light, nervous laugh, her eyes still fixed upon the water. You lovelier she exclaimed. It is useless for me to say anything.' No no, Muriel, I cried. I do not love her. How could I love her when I knew nothing whatsoever of her r' Why, I only saw her twice.' But you were with her a sufficient length of time to declare your love.' How could she know ? I wondered. Alme herself must have told her. She uttered a falsehood when she declared that she did not know the mysterious fair-faced woman whose power was so mysterious and unnatural. Well}Tsaid at length, I admit it. I admit that a moment of mad ecstasy I made a foolish declar- ation of affection, an avowal which I have ever since regretted She gave me a pitying, scornful look, a glance which proved to me how fierce was her hatred o>. Aline. If you had told me of your fascination I might have been able to have explained the truth concerning her. But as you have thought fit to preserve your secret, no end can now he gained by the exposure of anything 1 know,' she said, quite calmly. What do you know about her, Miiriel ?' I inquired, laying my hand upon her arm in all seriousness. Tell me.' But she shook her head, rather sadly perhaps. The bright expression of happiness which had lighted up her countenance until that moment had died away ana been replaced by a look of dull despair. The sun shone down upon her brightly, the birds were singing in the trees and all around was gladness, but she seemed troubled and oppresed as one heartbroken. No she answered in a low tone, her breast heav- ing and falling slowly. If you have really escaped the enthralment it is enough. You may congratulate yourself.' whv i" Merely because you have avoided the pitfall set in your path,' she answered. She was beautiful. It was because of her loveliness that you became entranced, was it not r' There is 110 necessity to conceal anything.' I said. You speak the truth.' A nd you hud some illustrations of the evil influence which lay within her ?' Muriel asked. I recollected how my cniciflx had been mysteriously reduced to ashes and nodded in the affirmative, won- dering whether I should ever succeed in obtaining knowledge of the truth which she evidently possessed. YPt you had the audacity to love her she laughed. You thought that, she — this woman whom all the world would hound down if they knew the true fncts- could love you in return It is amazing how a pretty face can lead the strongest-willed man to ruin.' I rather resented her attitude in thus interfering in my private affairs. That I admired her was true yet I was not her lover, and she had no right to object to any of my actions. I cannot see that I have'been so near ruin as you would make out.' I exclaimed, philosophically, An unrequited love is an incident in most men's lives.' she spared you she cried.. If she had smitten you you would have perished as swiftly as objects dissolve into ashes when she is present. At least she pitied you. And you were doubly fortunate.' Yes,' I said, reflecting upon her words, at the same time recollecting her mysterious connection with poor Roddy Morgan. She was without doubt endowed with a power that was inexplicable.' Inexplicable she echoed. 1 It was supernatural. Things withered at her touch.' If I, your friend, am fortunate in my escape, would it not be but an act of friendship to explain to me all you know concerning her?' Her dark luminous eyes met mine in a long, earnest glance. 'No!' she answered, after a moment's reflection I have already explained. You have escaped the in- cident is ended.' And she added with a laugh, Your neglect of me was, 01 course, fully justified in such cir- cumstances.' Now that's unfair, Muriel.' I exclaimed. I had no intention of neglecting you, neither had I the slightest suspicion that you desired me to say farewell to you. Have you not told me that you have an ad- mirer whom you could love 2 Surely that is sufficient. Love him, and we may always remain friends, as we now are.' No she responded, with a dark look of foreboding. We cannot remain friends longer. Our mutual con- fidence is shattered. We may be acquaintances, but nothing more.' I had not mentioned poor Roddy's death, for it was a subject so painful' that I discussed it as little as possible. Was it not, however. likely that if I explained all the circumstances and told her my suspicions, her hatred might lead her to disclose some clue whereby I might trace Aline Cloud ? Her words caused me considerable misgiving, for it was now entirely plain that, contrary to what I had confidently believed, namely, that she loved me, she in reality held me in contempt as weak and fickle, in- fluenced by every pretty face or wayward glance. I looked at her again. Yes, my eyes were not love- blinded now. She was absolutely bewitching in her beauty. For the first time I became aware that there was but one woman I really loved, and that it was Muriel. I regret that you should not consider me to be still worthy of your confidence,' I said, bending towards her seriously. I have admitted everything and have expressed regret. What more can I do ? Forget her she answered, with a quick petulance. It is best to forget.' Ah I sighed. That is unfortunately impossible.' Then you love her still she cried, turning upon me. You love her No,' I answered. I do not love her, because Because she treated you shabily and left without giving you her address, eh ? You see, I know all about the circumstances.' You are mistaken,' I protested. I do not love her because I entertain a well-founded if perhaps absurd suspicion.' Suspicion What do you suspect ? she asked quickly. Then, linking my arm in hers, I walked on, and com- mencing at the beginning told her of that fateful day when I discovered the tragic death of poor Roddy, and the circumstances which, combined with A line's own confession, seemed to point to her being his visitor, immediately prior to his death. As she listened her face grew ashen, and she percep- tibly trembled. A violent emotion shook her slight frame, and as I continued to relate my dismal story and piece together the evidence which I felt certain must some day connect Aline with the tragedy, I was dumb- founded to discern that which, in a single instant changed the whole aspect of the situation. Muriel was speechless. She was trembling with fear. And you really suspect that your friend was murdered ? she exclaimed at last in the voice of one preoccupied. If that had been really so, wouldn't the doctors have known ? Medical evidence is not always reliable,' I answered. From what I -have already explained it is proved conclusively that someone visited him in his valet's absence.' Who called there, do you think Ah I don't know,' I answered. That is what I am endeavouring to discover.' She gave a slight, almost imperceptible sigh. It was a sigh of relief! Could it be true that my little friend held locked within her hreast the secret of Roddy's tragic end ? I glanced again at her face as she strolled by my side. Yes, her countenance was now pale and agitated, its aspect entirely changed from what it had been half an hour before. Why cannot you tell me something of Aline I asked quietly, after a long silence. Because I am as entirely ignorant of her as you are,' she answered without hesitation. All I know is that she is a strange person—a woman possessed of powers so marvellous as to appear almost supernatural. Indeed, she seems the very incarnation of the evil one himself. It was because of that I was angry when I knew that her beauty had entranced you.' But you are acquainted with her,' I declared. Your words prove that.' No, I have had no dealings with her,' she answered. I should fear to have, lest I should fall beneath her evil influence.' Then how did you know of my acquaintance with her ?' I asked, noting how charming she was, and wondering within myself why during all the years I had known her I had not discovered the true estimate of her beauty until that afternoon. The information was conveyed to me,' she responded vaguely. And you believed that I had forgotten you, Muriel?' I said tenderly, in a voice of reproach. It is certain that you were held powerless under that spell which she can cast over men at will. You reposed in contentment beneath her fascination, and called it love.' But it was not love,' I hastened to assure her. I admired her, it is true, but surely you do not think that I could love a woman who is thus under suspicion P' Had your friend ever spoken of her ?' she inquired after a brief silence. No,' I said. Aline, however, admitted that she knew him, but strangely enough declared that he had committed suicide at Monte Carlo months before.' Then what she said could not be correct,' Muriel observed thoughtfully. I really don't know what to believe,' I answered, bewildered. Her words were so strange and her in- fluence so subtle and extraordinary that sometimes I feel inclined to think that she was some supernatural and eminently beautiful being who, having wrought in the world the evil which was allotted as her work, has vanished, leaving no more trace than a ray of light in space. Others who have known her have held similar opinions,' my pretty companion said. Yet she was apparently of flesh and blood like all of us. At any rate, she ate and drank and slept and spoke like every other human being, and certainly her loves and her hatreds were just as intense as those of any of us.' But her touch was deadly,' I said. As a magician is able to change things, so at her will certain objects dissolved in air, leaving only a handful of ashes behind. In her soft white hand was a power for the working of evil which was irresistible, an influence which was nothing short of demoniacal.' Muriel held her breath, her eyes cast upon the ground. There was a mysteriousness in her manner such as I had never before noticed. You are light-quite right,' she answered. 'She was a woman of mystery.' Cannot you, now that I have made explanation and told you the reason of my apparent neglect, tell me what you know of her ? I asked earnestly. I have no further knowledge,' she assured me. I know nothing of her personally.' But her words did not convince me when I remem- bered how, on explaining my suspicions regarding Aline's complicity in the crime, she had betrayed an abject fear. 'No,' I said dubiously. You are concealing some- thing- from me, Muriel.' Concealing something she echoed with a strange hollow laugh. I'm certain I'm not.' Well,' I exclaimed, rather impatiently, to-day you have treated me, your oldest friend, very unfairly. You tell me that I merely consider you a convenient com- panion to be patronised when I have no other more con- genial acquaintance at hand. That I deny. I may have neglected you,' I went on in deep earnestness, as we halted for a moment beneath the great old trees, but this neglect of late has been owing to the tragedy which has so filled my mind. I have set myself to trace out its author, and nothing shall deter me in my investiga- tions.' She was blanched to the lips. I noticed how the returning colour died from her face again at my words. but continuing, said— We have been friends. Those who know of our friendship would refuse to believe the truth if it were told to them, so e ger is the world to ridicule the idea of a purely platonic friendship between man and woman. Yet ours has, until now, been a firm friendship, without a thought of love, without a single affectionate word.' That is the reason w hy I regret that it must now end,' she answered, faltering, her voice half-choked with emotion. End What do you mean ?' I cried, dismayed. Ah she exclaimed, putting up both her hands as if to shut me out from her gaze. Don't let us discuss it further. It is sufficient that we can exchange no further confidences. It is best now that this friend- ship of ours should cease.' You are annoyed that I should have preferred the society of that strange, mysterious woman to yours.' I said. Well, I regret—I shall always regret that we met—for she has only brought me grief, anxiety and despair. Cannot you forgive me P' I have nothing to forgive.' slie answered blankly. To have admired this woman was surely no offence against me But it was,' I d('cbre,1. grasping her hand agaiust her will. Wily I held my breath and looked straight into her dark, luminous Then in as firm a voice as I could sum- mon. I sairl- I love you Love me she gasped, with a look of bewilderment. 'No! No Ye. I went oil. in ma(i impetuousness. for years I have loved you, but feared to tell you, because you might regard my declaration as a mere foolish fancy on account of our positions, and impossible of realisation because of the probable opposition of my family, But I have now told you the truth, Muriel. I love you And with my hands holding hers I bent for the first time to kiss her lips. But in an instant she avoided me and twisted her gloved fingers from my grasp. You must be mad she cried, with a glint of indignation in her eyes. You must be mad to think that I could love you—of all men irTo BE CONTINUED.]

-+- A REPORTER IN THE WRONG BOX. UNIQUE INTERVIEW. HAS it ever been the experience of tho; reader to be accidentally introduced into one house when he thinks he is going to another, and then to hold a conversation on the wrong subject with the wrong person ? Such was the fix in which I found myself n day or two ago, says a representative of the Southport Visitor. I had been despatched to make some enquiries. A stranger to the district I asked directions, but when I arrived at the house pointed out. I found an elderly lady, who abruptly informed me that she knew nothing about the place or people for which I was inquiring. Returning, I espied almost concealed amongst trees a little nest of rural cottages in a side lane, and conjectured that it was there I had to go. A hale, hearty, good-looking lady came to the door. Is Mr Millerd in ? I asked, determined to be very careful, but following a memorandum which I had evidently misread. Its Miss Millerd you want to see," replied the lady, smiling. "We got your letter"—she had guessed who I was. Mrs Millerd then informed me that her daughter, who had been long an invalid, was a fruiterer in the Southport Market and would be glad to see me at half-past two o'clock the same afternoon. In the course of a pleasant chat, she went on to say that the youog lady had long suffered from heart disease, that she had consulted several physicians in Southport and Liverpool, none of whom looked hopefally at her case, but that she had at last found an effective remedy in Dr. Williams"Pink Pills for Pale People. I Miss E. MILLERD.

In reference to our advertising columns it will be seen that the entries for Mr Frank Lloyd's March Horse Sales at Wrexham finally close on Monday next, the entries alreadv to hand number 85C, and it is expected this will be the great sale of the year, a large number of foreign buyers having promised to attend. P,100 is offered in prizes, including a 15 guinea Challenge Cup for the best waggon gelding. At the last sale ifo guineas was paid for a waggon gelding, which shows clearly that buyers come to Wrexham to look for the good quality. On Monday night a sensational burglary was committed at the shop of Mr Evan Jones, jeweller, etc Shrewsbury, the show windows, containing a large amount of jewellery, being rifled and gold property valued at over X600 taken away. How the burglars, for there must have been more than one concerned in the robbery, entered the premises is uncertain, but they made an exit by means of a sky light in the roof and then proceeded over adjoining shops to Messrs Pbillips's provision stores, some twenty yards away, which they entered by a window, passing through the shop and forcing open a side door into a passage emerging into the street.

co H h'hsfOiX DEW Cb. To CORRESPONDENTS. Communication* for th:" column ahould be udd,'e""ed to the Editor, ann 1nu.t be written upon one "ide of the paper oidy. They silould t'vi. all eaten be accompanied by tht namt and addresx of the tender, not necetaariiy foi pl/mication but ax a guarantee of good faith.

The polling for a member of Parliament for North west Lanark took place on Tuesday, and resulted as follows :-Dr Douglas (L), 5,723 Mr Whitelaw (C), 5,364; Liberal majority, 359. In 1895 the majority of Mr Holburn, the Liberal candidate, over Mr Whitelaw was only 97. Under the will of the late Mr William Roberts, a native of Manchester and a Welshman by descent and associations, zEI000 is bequeathed to the University College at Aberystwyth, L1030 to the Bala Theological College, and Xl,200 foi the main- tenance of a lifeboat on the Welsh coast, to be called The William Roberts lifeboat. The total bequests of a public kiud amount to £ 23,850.