Herald of Wales and Monmouthshire Recorder

I Questions to Ask Yourself. 1. If you suffer from chronic headaches, are they caused by Eye Trouble? 2. Can you see far and near ob jects with equal ease? 3. Does close work, such as reading or sewing, cause blurring of vision or pain. in the Eyeballs? 4. Do your Eyes ache, smart, or water, and become in- flamed? WORTH ATTENTIOLull Olt YOUR EYES 5. D. your Eyes quickly tire? 6. Do you mistake letters or figures in reading or look- ing at the clock? 7. Does strong light cause pain or a burning sen- sation? 8 Do you read at arm's length or bury your face in the book? If you have any of these symptoms, it is ample evidence of defective sight. DON'T TRIFLE WITH YOUR SIGHT, IT-S AS PRECIOUS TO YOU AS LIFE ITSELF. H. G. EVANS, M.P.S., D.B.O.A., ATTENDS E. EVANS, M.P.S., Cmiat, Wedr.e3ay i,lmm QUALIFIED OPTICIAN, AT The Square, Aniiniiihord, Thursrisy Morning

MISSING SWANSEA NURSE I The relatives ot Si-ter LLizabeth Clements, v. ho li va alPlasmarl, Swan- sea, are anxious for news of her. She was one of the first batch of nurses to go to Serbia, ¡d was last heard of from Val- jevo in October, when she wrote asking I [Photo by Chapman. I her parents not to wo-rry about her as, although, on: active service, everything was all right. She said she was on duty in the enteric fevor ward as senior nurse; that there were 200 beds with Serbian soldiers, that butter had not. been seen since they were there, and sugar they had not tasted even in tea. The secretary of the Women's Suffrage Societies, under whose auspices they went out, has written in response to inquiries: We can all enter into your feelings at this time of great anxiety and war, and only wish we were able to give inquirers some com- forting news."

PEMBREY SCHOOL MAIAGER8. The monthly meeting of the Pembrey School Managers was held on Saturday evening. Mr. Howel Williams presided. The Clerk read a letter from the County Education Committee acceding to the Managers' recommendation that the cleaners of the boys' and girls' schools be paid f,24 per annum. Another letter was read from the committee stating that they had deferred the payment of Mrs. Hewitt's salary owing to the abrupt man- ner in which she left the school. A fur- ther letter was read from the committee enclosing a letter sent by Mrs. Hewitt to the committee resigning her position. The matter then dropped. It was decided to raise the salary of all supplementary teachers residing three miles from the schools by £5 4e. per annum. Mrs.. L. G. Thomas, Burryport, was ap- pointed uncertificated teacher at the Burryport Girls' School at a salary of £45. Mrs. E. A. Davies was also appointed teacher at the Copper Works School at £45. The resignation was received of Misa G, Howells, certificated assistant, who had accepted a similar post at Dafen. As a result of a letter received from the Sanitary Inspector, re the unclean state of the offices at the schools, it was resolved that the chairman and clerk visit the place. It was unanimously de- cided to award D. E. Daviee, a scholar at Pembrey School, with a silver medal to mark five years' unbroken attendance. The committee decided to close the schools from Wednesday afternoon until Monday, January 10th. A letter was read from the Education Committee stating that they have not now the use of Noddfa Chapel, Trimsaran, for the accommoda- tion of the extra children. Mr. D. Evans: I dout understand this letter. The ehapel has been granted to the committee. Eventually the Clerk was instructed to inform the committee that the church had been granted for use.

I BRITISH COLUMBIA'S SMELTING INDUSTRY GilANBY SMELTER AT GRAND FORKS, B.C. i

DEATH OF LIAKBU0 MMILS CHAIBMAN I I The death, has occurred at -Mouni. Pieasaat, Upper Cwmtwrch, of Mr. Meee j D. Powell,, J .P., after a long and painful illness. Deceased, who was 60 years of I age, was a well known and respected res- dent of the district. He was for over 30 years manager of Brynheallys Colliery. He had taken a keen interest in public affairs, especially in Council and educa- tional matters, and his loss wail be much felt in the district. He has; acted 38 chairman of the Llandilo District Coun- cil .since last March, and has been a ———————-————————— —————————— I deacon, of the Cwmllynfell and Ebenezer II Chapels for the past 25 years. He was I of a genial and charitable disposition. I Widespread sympathy is felt with his I widow and four grown up children in their sad bereavement. I Votes cf Condolence. j I At Saturday's meeting of the JÀ,a.ndilo I Board of Guardians, the ehairinan (Mr. j Evan Davies) moved a vote of condolence with the family of Mr. Powell, who was a member of the Board. He was one of I their most faithful members, the chair- man remarked. Mr. Gomer Harris paid a. tribute to the sincerity of the deceased. A similar vote was passed at the subsequent meeting of the Llandilo Rural District ■, .Council on the proposition of the vice- { chairman, Mr. W. E. Richards (presiding), I seconded by Mr. J. Bevan.

BURRYPSflT CHIL9 FATALLY BURST II I r. W. W. Brodie conducted an in- quiry at Burryport on Thursday in^o the circumstances attending the death of Mary Annie Peters, the .seven-year-old daughter of Mr. Rees Peters. Tluskisson- i -)?. Mrx. PetMs. the child's rncther *aid that on Monday night ghp r?mov?! t've. firog-Liard temporarily and left the, room for a minute. The child was sitting <iii a stool in front-of the "p, She heard -?r?a?.?, arid f!1n ? the f!'ihr? f?'h'T?' ? f! sV-ie- ?h 'n :w--? a n<'?.?<!?, ;a 'i:Ln: ,d; wrapping a -cu.it ;irc:ind the child.' D! J. '{. ?'M:.t. -.if! hp ?as on?prt and ?<d the <'h;Id .??vprpiv hnrn? ?ho? 'hp face, ohp?t DDd arms. He did PN-?7-r thing he could to y.l'eviate the suffericc the little one. The jury returned a verdict of Acci- dental death." | i

THE KfNfl'S WELSH. Private Benjamin Jones, an Anglesey soldier, who was woutukd at the Darda- nelles, has just returned home. While in j hospital Jones had the honour of speak- "ing to the King. His Majesty inquired of Jones whelhrr he f-ould fpf-Ftl,- English. The s^ldi^r r'-pli<»d in tlw a"; -"tatire. whereupon fhe Kins: said. I •••an -v'cai". a little Wc].«-h." mid his •Majesty did so to the great delight of the W--I'-li .soldier.

COOD-BYE 10 THE TROOPS SIR JOHN FRENCH'S MESSAGE. The War Office issues Sir John Frenches farewell message to his troops. It is as follows.- Order of the Day. In relinquishing the command of the British Army in France I wish to c-x- press to the officers, nou-eoiumissuxned officers, and men with whom I have been 80 closc-ly associated during the last six- teen months my heartfelt sorrow in part- ing with them before too campaign in ■which we have bn so l-dog engaged to- gether has been brought to a victorious conclusion. I have, however, tie firmest conviction that such a glorious ending to tILeir splendid and hemic efforts is not-far dis- tant, and I shall watch their progress bvwsr-do An final goal with intense in* tfareet, but in the most ccnfkfemt lope. The cMocees so far attained has been due to the indomitable spirit, the dogged tenacity which knows no defeat, and the heroic oourage so abundantly displayed by tho rank and file of the splendid Army which it will over remain the pride and glory of my life to have commanded during over sixteen months of incessant fighting. Regulars and Tterriteriale, old Army and N,-w Army. have ever shown then magnificent qualities in equal degree. From my heart I thank them all. At this sad moment of parting my heart goes out to those who heve icucwod life-long injury from wounds, ICIld 1 •think with sorrow of the great and glorionw host of my beloved comrades who have made the greatest sacrifice of all by laying down their lives for their country. In saying good-bye to the British. Army in Prance, I ask them once again to accept this expression of my deepest gratcrmde and heartfelt devotion towanta them, and my earnest good wishes for &e glorious fnhure which I feel to be assured. (Signed) J. D. P. French, Fi«kUMferflfcal Ownma»ding-i tv^Cihief British Army in Farance.

(SWANSEA FRERCIIAfS VALGUL At the Swansea Docks there was nt more popular Py-t-wbman than M. Rene Maziere, who, prior to joining his regi- ment at the outbreak of the war, was em- ployed at the offices of Messrs. Wm. j). lieee and Co., Queen6 Buildings. Some- where in Fiance" he has distinguisluxl himself and covered himself with glory frrr the brave mtuEMr in which he rescued three of his comrades when they had given up all hope. He was recently pre- sented with tike Cross Militaire. Describing the particular incident for which he was awarded the Croad. M. Bene Maxiene say«:—" One of our regime ate attacked the enemy one itig-M, but were tntfruoeegful, and feD book. Tfcere wtere zomy of oar wounded left on the field. The following morning oar regiment eame up, and took fbe-plaos of our comrades. Thiem were a mianfeec of woended, six of them being in a large bole in. the ground that had been made by a shell. The psor fellows were in great pain, and were showtiug ior ooomu thing to eaL they oould uoo-make- tbear way back to fike FæDch lines ia the-day Kgirt for fear of bobc shot at by the enemy. I ocwdd. (tea jtjhom pbaady ftwongfo my binoculars, and informed dee of our regHBMt. I voinatowed to g<% and reeeoa them. The Qnptain pointed out fhe grart ride I would be undertaking., list iwaads ally he consented. Preparations ware made, and I dopar?d via t? loava^af, bread and a pot of amp wH :meafc. By< ewe and ?ow I at imw& "??? them, the Germs= oootmuamy &E??x)? me, but t?RpSy aU &air A? Mt?MA! me. The p-r bo" weM my ?ad -1 see me, &ad onoe or twiœ coada** I! aho?M nwer t. t?em??M'?. Tlfrir parblk of tt? food iaaHTj I .¡ I iatended takn<? one of QMML ta^' our tM??ee. 0!? of m^mtn was w<?mded <m thBLtX?M &a)? att??H?M* I offerei to attaa afflv. Ho agned. t aCfaMihed his hsaciaJ to myfbet, on& im'; hIUt of as luting Aat on the gamndL I oea d him and mprndf after niiirti adUStfiftcakgrwd fttr omftniom trhw fill the Germans at m to JhaA fines. Sbe ;0,. W6.'J;cr88-whea" srM Muong his aairndm aean. Be formed us that also in the place jUllt left was a yewow RfmKlmaft 1Iio WM Act by o?n?.<f the-eM?ty in tha abdomen, Mw! he n? ?t«u?ty ? an e?hMeted d? fwo??m). W" &e conwnt of my eapimn I again M- toedto t? plem I it<t ??ntdad cetu??me?. <M? eo?-em? the Jloor fenow who am so badjy woanded wxiih mm tnt nanaas, I ameeded by smuiar meaats adopted in tie fiist case to drag him to ow u"w;b". The nam was new felling hea.ftt.v. The way I had to diag him along was com- posed of thnefc mud, and the enemy fired at us the whole of the time. The wounded man, however, survived the awful ordeal, and the camp doctor after attending to him had the poor fellow im- mediately removed to the hospital, and I am happy to tell you that the injured wy is progressing favourably. I also went to the hole again and re- turned with another comrade who was wounded in the shoulder. The same evening our regiment received orders to attack the enemy, and when near their trench I was struck with a grenade on the knapsack, and a piece of the explosive entered my back. I eventually crawled back to our lines, as did another wounded comrade, the Germans firing at us the whole of the way, and I am now in hos- pital, making splendid headway towards recovery."

[ARL DE LA WARRS KMSE News has been received that the eightk Earl De La. Warr died at Messina on Thursday merning. lie had been suffer-1 ing from rheumatic fever foHowed hf pnwnaonia. The late enrl was M years crt ag«» mad is CTeceoded in the title by We gidtot Lord Bwckhnn^. who is dlQl at lit

ALL RIGHTS R= mvim.] THE CHRISTMAS CANDLE. By FERGUS HUME. I won't have it! cried the Sqmre, throwing down his morning paper. It i-, sheer nonsense! For three years you have placed that candle in the window each Christmas Eve. And what has oome of it ? Nothing! Something may oome of it to-night," replied his wife, in sad, low tones, since I hope for the best. Why should you ob- ject to my showing a guiding light to bring our child home? She is your daughter as well as mine, James." The old Mail thnIst hi8 hands into his pockets with a frown, and turned to stare out of the window at the wintry land- scape. A bad daughter she has been to us both, Maria. Ungrateful ehild, to leave her kind parents and run away with that coraman sailor, Grain." Scripture says," oommewted Mrs. Ran- leigh, firmly, that a woman shall leave her father and mother to cleave to her husband." Quite so—to a husband of her father and mother's choice. I wished her to marry a rich man with a title. Yet she preferred to elope with a poor merchant captain without my blessing of yours." I don't deny but what Laura acted too hastily," sighed his wife; but you were always too hard on her, James. At first you enoouraeed Roland Grain to pay us visits, and then- "I knew his father," interrupted Ran- leigh, hastily excusing himself, and, personally, I liked Roland. But I never intended that he should marry Laura. A captain in the merchant service was not my idea of a son-in-law. I told him so in this very room, when he asked my per- mission to marry Laura." I remember." Mrs. Ranleigh looked round the luxurious library. You would • not listen to reason. James. What was the relllt Laura eloped with Roland, and over since we have heard nothing of them." And that's what I'm angry at," cried the. Squire, with a scowl. The least my child and your child could have done, Maria, was to return and aek our pard-on such disobedience." ISht you said that you would never J'or vivo her, James." thi- ?' ?so:' shall I. Laura never enters thi:" house again. She has made her bed and she artist lip on it. As to that silly candh of yours, Maria, it's only a false light to lure Laura into expecting a reception she wont get." • Speak for yourself. James," said Mrs Ranleigh, brooming wonderfully fierce for so meek a woman. "1 know this, that J Lrura will he rpci'ivcd by me with open and oren heart." Sht» won't find the house open, any- how," snapped th? Squire, angrily. ?e tbat every dMr and every window i? locked before mid nil'!) t! Ch. James! Mrs. Ranlnigb knowing j her hT'?b.?n'rs '{}b!;Ú;y, becmlf: terrified, j Nnt o? <'hristmn? Lve, when all should 1 p pence and gocd-will. Think of the many h:ip;*y hours we have spent in tbis v Christmas-. listening to our dear J I »uri sinrin.q carols, and—— Tha: time is Maria. \Ve'll never lie.ir her sing c-,trot,, was cne she loved," continued the T.I,).i. no attention to the i-ttprrnntioo. One you were fond of, Limes. JTow does it And in. a wmT'orinsr vofce, with the tears ftreaniint: ?,? )jr.?r. foee, ?he began to sing; •• Win v. '•"•v-ePt and mild. Ke«rlir»~ r.Vr he Holy <'h;i;l broke in 'h- 4,1(1 man. "it breaks IllY heart. I loved l.-ur-' rl^aily, and her desertion has made nie before mv time." Ponri v,iv that. James. Tf Laura re- t"T'!1" Sn,, won't. Hud "he tended to re-t t .-i, ?'- l>Î\,l h<p beard from her. Tf j .? ?.'? ?p for he' to ask forgiveness now." "Tt ? ]'(,pr too late for a mother to f—rrive." s-i.l Mrs. Ranleigh. and left the Tt j, to() fc, -i Diot)i,?r ic, rc'?mpd h?' rrwc'in-r of the newspaper. r(!Glll. 'Ait-r wltli ;i as an I c.il mer^^nt. and. on retiring from busi- ness. had purebred a famous old Esfw? T"in.<i«n, P, ht" had come tqlive with hi" wife and child. Peine amhitious. lie desired her to marry rank and wealth- b,t T-uurri ll'HI r]\<-sen to fall in love with Obtain Wol ind <"3rain, when he was on a visit to hi" father's old friend. Failing winning th* old man' approval, the yeung conulp had clt)t)exi. and for three vnoHrir"- had been heard of them. TJip Sr»uire —he had fnkrTl oyer the rural Tr he hou'rhf the mansion—had vnyei1 forgiven his-dauph'tpr for thwartine his Avishee. And. what is more. he de- that he never would forgive her much to the dismay of Mrs. Ranleigh. who hox obstinate her husband could be The jVjor woman's orlv comfort was in talking about her lost daughter: and she found a rrfnK listener -in Mrs. Hetter, for- merly Lanro's nurse, and now the house- keeper of The Orange. The two tried fe think of ftome ulan wherebv to reconcile the Souire with Mis. Grain, but oould think of nothing; while the g-irl herself remained silent. livery Christmas Eve th"v placed a lighted candlo in the nnreeir > Hdow. in the hope that the same would at'fr*ict the wandering daughter. So far, T'ethiuv had come of this comedy. B"t it's early davs yet, niuin," said Vr<i.. [Tetter, cheerfully, when Mrs. Ran- ).¡,,1\ syujsht her out after the interview with the Squire. "And I dessay Miss Tv*nra has never forgot: the Rtory of the J'glit in the windor which brought home the prodigal son. She always loved that ttory. and said if she ever went avoy she would always look for the candle." That was only a childish game, nurep," snid Mrs. Ranleigh, shaking her head. I daresay Laura never thinks of the story. It is foolish of us to continue to place the raudit in the wiactow-so my huattemd says. Even if I/aura did wnne back, he says he'll see that the house is well locked up. Lor' bless you. my dear, what do that matter? cried cheerful Mrs. Hetter, who was as optimistic as she was stout. Why. he's done that these three Christmas Ere* —ever since you told him about the candle -rind each time. mum, I'VA had the small door a* the- cifjp of tho, beu- open. He locked it and T unlocked it. If Mim Taxtra comes by that door, she will come as ar- raT.ghd—.— A rra nged, nn rse ? Mn. Ranleigh lojiked etartled. Now. (1.6nlt you take on my dear." said the old Creature, gootliingly. If Wbv, to he stiTe, T never thought a« Mim Laura -iM run away with that nice young Jœ'Bt for if I had I'd ha' told you and master, Pf* was my duty. But she did hint as she ightgo" confessed Mrs. Hefcter, boidlw, and fsared if she did as her pa would lock her out. So I told her as I'd place a candle in the window aad leave the sataD dwr ajar, a* you migiht say." Mrsr Ranleigh looked steadily at the crinkled old face. I beliwe you knew moret aoour the elopement than you 84i- mitted at the time, nurne." M>-s. Hetter chuckled. P*T»pa," ahe admitted, cauhfoiwlr; but as I was nerver ?V.P>d. T nerer said anyfhing. I wanted I iTmvrFt t, marry the Captain. •tra.s a handsome ronug pnt, thougJt not rich, m, "lIP and master rich when you married? Not you; and I think I should know, having been with you these thirty and more years. I don't say as I knowed as Miss Laura was taking things into her own pretty hands so I'm r as running away went; but I do know as she was worried out of her life by that Mr. Vert as is secretary to master." lvfr. Vert!" Mrs. Ranleigh looked amaxed and indigaant. Surely he would never ttMse his eyes to, my daughter! He would not doxei Aye, but he did," said the old woman, obstinately, and worried her dreadful, as often she said to me, although we neither said a thing, not being wishful as Mr. Vert should lose his situation. Any- how, when she did go off with her own true love, I wasn't sorry, since it stopped that Mr. Vert from bothering. I do be- lieve, mum "—Mrs. Hetter looked round cautiously, and sank her voice to a stage whiper-" as Miss Laura's silence has to do with that Mr. Vert." "What do you mean, nurse? What I say, mum. Keep your eye on Mr. Vert, for never has he forgiven Miss for going away with the Captain. Natural enough," added Mrs. Hetter, rub- I bing her nose thoughtfully, seeing as he wanted her and her money all to himself. Anyhow, it's Mr. Vert ae keeps master boiling over with wrath at Miss Laura. ¡ However, it ain't none of my business, mum. I've to see about that candle and I the side door and a fire in the nursery, for Miss Laura's coming." Ah," wailed the mother, she never. I will oome back; she never will." Hope for the best mum," said Mrs. Hetter. consolingly, and hurried away to I make her yearly preparations for the re- turn of the prodigal daughter. Mrs. Ranleigh had long since suspected that the ancient housekeeper knew more about the elopement than she admitted. On this occasion she had learnt a fact of which hitherto she had been ignorant, namely, that her husband's secretary had .(Iared to raise his eyes to Laura. The poor lady had never liked Mr. Julius Vert, who dark and secretive, and often had t wished her husband to get rid of him. The Squire always refused, as he found Vert an extremely useful and clever servant The man was always servile towards the Spuire and insolent to everyone else, so Mrs. Ranleigli had never approved of him. Now that she knew of his intentions to- wards Laura, which had only been thwarted by the girl's elopement, she de- r termined to watch him carefully. It misht be, as Mrs. Hetter suggested, thnJ' the man had more to do with Laura's in. explicable silence than was apparent. It was o mad idea to think that the secre- tary held the key to the situation, ani one without foundation. All the same, poor Mrs. Ha?le'gh, like a drowning man. clutched at this straw. There was nothi! I <? would nM do to regain her darling (tli i td. Throughout the day Ranleigh remained •gloomy, as he always was at •Chrishna? lime, for it was then, three, years pre viously. that Laura had eloped. He spok^ little to his wife, ate little at meals, too r H walk in the snowy park, and busic' himself with business in the library aloii'r "vith his secretarv. At night the Squire made a tour of the house, bolting everv ,r.or and barring every window and ex- tinguishing every light. Mrs. Hetter, how- ever, had made her plans, jiist. as her master had made his. and managed to whisper to Mrs. Ranlei.-rh that all wai readv for the exile's return. Comforted by this, the poor lady retired to her bed worn, after lingering as long as she could in order to watc-h the secretary. Vert c.iii.ght, her doing so. and wondered why she bestowed such attention on him. as usually he was left unnoticed. However it never dawned on him that Mrs. Hotter had betrayed him, and. with a shrug of his shoulders, he rptired to bed- Shortlv the great house was buried in complete rlarkne.s, save for a solitary candle burn- i!,g iii a window high up in the left- wing. It wa. u still, fnty night, mid far and wide the landscape presented an expanse of snow. Stars gleamed like jewels in the cloudless sky, and a brilliant moon showered down flood of light on the Arctic world.- The earth, arrayed in white and bathed in silvery radiance, waitel silent and exceptant for the announce- ment of the Holv Birth. Poor Mrs. Ranleigh also waited. Hop- ing asSiinsf hope, she tried to believe that the midnight bells rould hi-rild the home- coming of her absent child. Thp Squire was sleeping soundly, careless of Christ- mas and of Christmas obligations, so Mrs. Ranlekh was left to her own sorrowful meditations. After a time sh e could not a,ear the silence and the solitude, kgo threw nn her dressing-Town, and went down to the library to choose a book. With a lighted candle she softlv descended the stairs, and, to her surprise, saw that th" library door was half open. More than this, a brilliant stream of light poured forth into the halL a siirht which startled her extremely. Wondering if Lanra had returned unexpectedly, the anxious woman stole into the room, blowing out her candle -vs she did so. Then she re- ceived a shock. Two lamps were burning, eo that the library was fully illuminated. At his own particular private desk stood Tert, with h's back towards the door. He turned as Mi-q. Ranleigh entered, and she saw that he held a mnall bundle of papers. These fluttered to the ground when astonish- ment held Vert spellbound. One was at once picked up by the newcomer almost mechanically, and mechanically she glanced at the same. It was a letter in her daughter's handwriting. What is the meaning of this? cried Mrs. Ranleigh, shrilly. Why are you here at this time, Mr. Vert, and how do vou oome to have letters-in my daughter's, handwriting? Answer, man." Before Vert could reply and pull him- gelf togca-htvr. through the open door and down the stairs came the omi-vd of a rich contralto voice. Mrs. Ranleigh uttered a low cry, and Vert, staggered against the desk, so taken aback was he by sheer sur- prise. Both man and woman for the time being could not move, as the distant voice ran oft- in a simple carol: Mother Mary, sweet and mild, BemJing'o'er the Holy Child, With the shepherds "kneeling nigh, Sang the sacred lullaby: I Noel? Noel! My baby brings Love and peace to clown anckHvgs; Yes, to all from Heaven above, He is bringing peace aatd love. Laura! gasped the mother, and, still grasping the letter, she turned to fly out of the room and up the stairs. At the door she met her husband in hi* drMPing-gown. What's the meaning of that demanded the Squire, who was p.a.1o with emotion. "Why. Vert!" He started and halted at the sight of the g\tiH secretary. Laura—bos—oome—hack! gasped Mm. Ranleigh. And ask hk "—sh e pointed an accuswg finger at Vert- about Laura's letters which he has stolen." Without waiting for a yply, she fled oat of the room and up the stairs, along the passage and into the nursery. The door was open, and at the door stood the eKm figure of a woman dotbêd in furs. A candle shone w?th a pale gleam in the window, while a fire blazed in the grate, and Mrs. Hetter was clapping her hands 1M the last notaR of the carol died away. But Mrs. Ranleigh had no eyee or M' for anything or anyone '<?ve Laura. With her motherly heart brimming over willil love and thankfulness, she or*w<vl 1,r.r arm*, and the prodigal dauchter fell into) them. Oh, mother, mother, you for-! ?ll P"M ??? j "There i-s nothing to forgive, darling. Oh, Laura, oh, my child! Praise Heaven! died the old house- keeper, still clapping her hands. Praiee and bless the Holy Name! She saw the candle, mum; site v cams to the door, and there was I waiting to lead her up to this very rooon, But she would sing I wished to draw you to me, mother," explained Laura, in a broken whisper, "I didn't know. if you and father would let me come back to you. You never answered my letters, and—why, you have one in your hand now." This! Mrs. Ranleigh eftared in a dazed manner at the paper in her hand. Why, I picked this up in the library. It was dropped by Mr. Vert." By Vert ? By my enemy ? How did he come by my letter? Ah! Mrs. Hetter rubbed her nose in a satisfied manner. Now we're coming to it, my dear. It's my opinion, mum, as that Vert stopped all Miss Laura's letters." "Did you write, Laura?" Again and again mother, asking you and father for forgiveness. I received no reply. Only out of sheer despair did I come here to-night. Roland and I only returned from Australia two days ago." Laura, oome with me," eaid Mrs. Ran- leigh, understanding everything in a moment. Come with me to your father." She drew her daughter out of the nur- sery along the passage, down the stairs, and into the library. There they were startled to find the Squire prone on the floor, half stunned, and Vert conspicuous by his absence. With an exclamation of horror, Laura ran to lift her father's head on to her lap. He had in a measure his senses about him, and stared at her as if in a. dream. You, Laura! Then Vert did stop your letters, and-" Yes, yes. Don't speak, father, she whispered, fondly. -Itotber, dear, get some brandy." 11 I'll see to that," cried Mrs. Hetter, who hail just entered, filled. with excite- ment. a And I'll wake the -ger-Naritg to arrest that villain who has struck down master." Shortly the great house was in an up- roar, and every one of the startled ser- vants knew that the Squire had been struck down by his secretary. Also that for three years the man had intercepted Pil. letters from daughter to parents. And the servant.s were both startled and re- joiced to learn that Miss Laura was back aga in and restored to favour. Kneeling Veside her father, now seated in hie favourite armchair, and with her hand flawed in tbat of her mother's, Laura t"!d how she h?d ?vrit-tec a?aia and again without receiving any reply. The truth wus evident. Out of revenge, Laura's let- ters had been intercepted by Vert, and, when discovered by Mrs. Ranleigh, he was gloating over the bundle of epifrtres never received by the anxious old couple. Ran- leizti had forced the truth from the man, only to be struck down when Vert made his eiseane. Laura told, also, li-oiv she and her huFlo- 1and had returned from Australia because the girl's heart aelted to gain her parents' forgiveness. Along with Roland, Laura had arrived at the village on this wonder- ful Christmas Eve. and had tried to enter the park. Only the sight of the candle and the memory of the open door had given Laura the hope of gaining forgive- ness. Taking her courage in both hands, fhe had ventured to approach the fridp door, there to find Mrs. Hetty ready to receive her. There, ,fames"#cried ^r"- Ranleigh. triumphantly, you see that I was right in placing the candle in the window. And t your husband, darling? Laura smiled and left the room. Shortly she opened the front door and gave a peculiar whistle. The old couple won- I tIered why she did this; but the reason j v.as soon apparent when she reappeared leading a tall man by the arm. In his arms he carried a bundle." Roland Grain," &1id Ranleigh, with a frown. I H Yes. Don't bo angry, Mr. Ranleigh. As I am allowed to enter the house, I pre- sume that I am forgiven? Laura would hnot: allow me to enter until she knew what our reception would bA," We have forgh-en you both. Roland. Haven't we, James? cried Mrs. Ranleigh. j The Squire was silent. He forgave Laura now that he knew she had written asking for pardon; but he was less inclined to fo-rgive the man who had stolen his daugh- ter from him. Seeing his perplexity, Mrs. Orain took the bundle from her husband's 'arms and placed it on her father's knees. Roland took away your daughter, but lie has brought you back a grand- daughter." I There were tears and startled cries and much happy laughter from Mrs. Ran- leigh and the delighted old housekeeper when the bundle was unwrapped, to re- veal a rosy little girl of two years of age sleeping soundly. The Squire himself was not unmoved. He kissed the child and silently held out his hand to the young father. Captain Grant grasped it heartily, and in a moment all the unhappy past was wiped out for ever. "Oh, the darling, the darling!" cried the joyful grandmother, fondling the child Everything is right now. James, we will have a happy and grateful Christmas." "But that wicked Vert? cried Mrs. Hetter, crossly. He's run away." Captain Grain started. A man dashed past me in the park," he said. wrapned in a cloak and carrying a small bag. Was i t- Let him go," said the Squire, heavily. (( Yes, it was Vert. He loved Laura, and because she married you he intercepted the letters, so as to cause trouble. I shan't' punish him, as it is Christmas Eve." U Peaoe on earth and good-will to nson," murmured Mrs. Ranleigh. who was nurs- ing her grandchild. « Hark! Captain Grain raised his finger. Hrough the xtill open front door came the triumphant clash and clamour of church bells, announcing that the Holy i-Child waa bom. Mrs. Ranleigh hugged her granddaughter to her breast, Laura clung to her father and joined his hand in that of her forgiven husband, while Mrs. Hetter ateod beside them, smiling broadly and weeping with joy. Round the door were gathered the servants, who crowded into the library toO witness the happy re-union which had come about ia so unexpected and miraculous a manner. And, as the music of the belts died away on tbe froety air, Laura lifted up her rich voice and sang -softly the sacred luHaby: Noel! Mv babv brings Love and peace to clowns and kings; Yea, to all from Hpavcn above. He is bringing PN). and love." Then, taking the child from her n-tothei-, she placed if in her father's arms as a proof of the message of pe-ace and good- will. [The End.]

WOMEN WORKERS AT A WELSH TINPLATE WORKS. n (Photo by Chapman.) The shortage of labour in the South Wales tinplate trade is so marked that in some works women are being employed ITore is a woman dealing with white-hot metal plates and returning them through the mill to the doubler." The weight of the plate and heat make the occupation very trying.