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[ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.] A WOMAN AT BA:. I BY [ JlARIE ZIMMERMANN, j Author of The Bane of Both" etc. €tc, I CHAPTER XXIX. A SURPRISE. AT this picture Davis looked with sombre regret. Rough and time-worn as it was, there was no mistaking the noble personality. ''That's the Squire's wife, sure enough." said the detective, and I'm sorry for it. Within the packet was a folded paper, which proved to be a missive from his mother, and ran thus DKAR SON, Wile i was turning over sum Things, i found the picter i Menshunned. Let's hope it's the krect one. This is the like ness of the gal that was along with the squinter That your father drored and showed to ole Rivington. So long. XXX. "Yore luving Mother, "MAGOIB BOND." The next morning the detective waylaid Doctor Kynnesley, and told him of his— Davis's—meeting with his brother's wife. Do you know this woman?" asked he, displaying before Randolph the sketch his mother had sent him. I should think I do," answered the Doctor heartily. That's Roxana to the life. How in the world did you come by it ? Thereby hangs a tale which is not ready for telling," said Davis with reserve I may, however, remark that I deem your sister-in- law's position to be a serious one." Let's have the truth, whatever it is," cried Randolph fiercely. I have not got as far as the truth myself," said Davis, gravely but my opinion is that, at some former time-under extreme pres- sure, I am sure-the Squire's wife made her. self amenable to the law." Randolph gave him an ugly look. For two pins I'd ram my, fist down your throat," said he. Do you think my brother married a shoplifter or a bigamist? Your brother married as true a lady as ever stepped," answered the detective with emphasis; "but that does not alter the fact that his wife was-is, I should say, rather—in the power of the man Fulke." Great Heavens cried Randolph aghast. Is this how my brother got to loggerheads with him ? d J I Ah, there, answered Davis, we come tc a dead stop. Of how far the Squire has knowledge of the business, I've no notion; neither do I regard the Fulke difficulty as the more serious part of the affair. No; the death of the woman Water3 -11 The death of the woman Waters I" said Randolph vaguely. What do you mean by that? "May I remind you of your own evidence at the inquest, Doctor? Was the doubt as to the actual cause of this woman's death ever cleared up ? "I cannot fairly say that it was," answered Randolph. "But it is simply monstrous tc Connect Mrs. Kennesley in thought even with such a business when she did not so much ae know the woman. "Unfortunately," said Davis gravely, "I have good reason to suppose that the Squire's Wife did know her. May I ask if you are acquainted with Mrs. Kennesley's family history ? I am not in the least." Sorry for that. I was wondering whether there might be some black sheep in the family, who had been making things un- pleasant." "We value the sisters for themselves," said Randolph sternly. "Perhaps you'll say next that my brother's wife had a hand in the woman's death." My business is to prove, Doctor." Randolph put his face close to the detectives. Sa.y a word .against her, and I'll "Gently, my friend," murmured Davis warningly we can't afford to quarrel. It is not for me to say-as yet—whether or not this woman was poisoned but such being the case,it would be my business to lay hold of the poisoner as soon as possible. Is the Squire going on satisfactorily ? He varies, being better to-day and worse to-morrow," answered the Doctor. I purpose calling at the Hall between three and four this afternoon, and should be much obliged if you could contrive to be there and give me the opportunity to speak privately with Mrs. Kynnesley." /'What about?" asked Rondolph sus- piciously. "Business that may not be put off," answered Davis gravely. Upon this the Doctor promised to do as he Was asked, and the two men then separated. It chanced that the sisters went with their Work baskets to the garden room directly after luncheon that day. The mother, who Pestered the doctors' lives out of them, had been called to town to a sick friend, to the relief of all parties. The old lady had pro- tested from the first against any such thing a "brain affection." How was it possible, she asked again and again, when her son hadn't a care on his mind? Why, he bad but to wish for a thing, and have it! was her plaintive cry. The sisters admitted their mutual relief at her departure as they sat grave and anxious together. Times were so changed at the old Hall now. With the falling of the leaves, peace and prosperity had dropped from the time-honoured place. Randolph walked presently into the room. After an anxious look at the sick master, who sat huddled in an armchair in the farther apartment, fast asleep, he flung himself upon a lounge. H Any news, Ran ?" asked Daphne. "Fulke's getting on," answered he moodily. I bad a letter from Doctor Moore this morning, and I think a crisis is imminent." He looked at Daphne with a speculative air. I wish," he went on, that you could have seen your way to making Fulke one of the family, Daphne, my dear." It was an unfortunate remark, as coming from him, the god of her maiden altars. The dainty face flamed from chin to brow, and in that moment Roxana understood whv no suitor, let him be never so eligible," had ™>rT? ,un^ favour in her sister's eyes. The Doctor had walked meanwhile, to the window, quite innocent of any wrongdoing. With Davis's horrible suggestions in his mind, it was simply impossible that he could associate in the ordinary way with this woman, who shed her virtues, as suns and flowers shed theirs, broadcast upon her surroundings, and whose perfections had blinded him to the charms of another, every whit as worthy as herself. At this moment a voice hailed the Doctor, ? on the terrace now; and imme- diately after Davis came into view. Together HmJ^W° ^en en(-er'ed the garden room. A r»OUi k foll°wed; then Randolph lnto 'be »ir. and *er fiffurp hp™ /) kective—save for the supine ngure beyond—were alone. and^th fthpip'y wa,lked into the inner room, Mr n ?°xa™ followed him. und^st^Ti'l' i she directly, "am I to ThW^v you wisb fco sPeak to me ? witW^k/uU yes' Si"ce 1 >ast conferred Whicl^which—^ade a C6rtain discoveiX SLbtgT grope about his pockets as he spoke, and at last pulled from his waistcoat a, folded paper, which he slowly straight- ened. "Perhaps, "he said, this will explain liufficieD tly," He handed her the crude sketch he had shown to the doctor, keeping a stern eve on the paper, which was folded at one corner. You identify this lady?" asked he, gently. She said she did, and she gave him a big brave look, though her toosrue ntnck to the roof of her mouth. This drawing," she whispered, is not of recent date. Whence did you get it ? Pardon me," said he, as she attempted to strighten the folded corner; "I will explain first. It was done some years ago under } distressing circumstances." II How fast she breathed now. j "They were the sad circumstances of a beautiful and cruelly-used girl, Mrs. Kynnes- ley," he continued mournfully, whom & hard fate had driven to the prisoner's dock. This sketch was taken of her as she stood |)il6F6 "Who did this?" she whispered, after a leaden silence; and he then turned back the folded corner, and suffered her to read the name inscribed there. Stephen Bond," he explained, was my stepfather, and this sketch has been found among his effects, along with letters written by Paul Rivington, the lawyer." "Thank you," she murmured. "Is there anything further you wish to say to me ? L "Nothing further." Then I will ask you to excuse me," she went on, always with that high and heroic look. I should like to be alone now." At this Davis bowed, and went to join the other two, who had returned to the room where they had previously met. He found the Doctor and his fair companion craning their necks out of the window, in the en- deavour to make sure of the identity of a certain individual who was then crossing the grounds. Oh, its certainly some visitor," Daphne was saying. How provoking." Randolph then caught sight of the de- tective. Here, Davis, you've got eyes like a hawk, I know. Is this our worthy curate or not ? said he. Davis turned red, then white, as he looked at the man now almost in a line with the old -mulberry tree on the front lawn. Great Heaven I its Fulke," he cried. Fulke I said the others, aghast. And he's escaped," added Davis. This is a surprise, if you like." The dectective glanced through the open- ing at the still sleeping master and drew the curtains more closely. "We'll have him in here," said he; "No one has noticed him, perhaps, and we shall want to know first how the land lies. Doctor, be on your guard, please and do you oblige me, Miss Daphne, by retiring at once. He may be armed, and so be dangerous." "Oh, let me stay," entreated Daphne. II I am not at all afraid of him, Mr. Davis." CHAPTER XXX. I THE CRITICAL MOMENT. I "POSSIBLY not; but why run any unneces- sary risk? Well, keep out of sight till we see what sort of a temper our visitor is in. Here he comes. Awst# with you, young lady, cried Davis. The two men-Kynnesley and the detec- tive-warily watched the approach of the man who, sure enough, was none other than the master of Fulke Court. Within a few yards of the garden-room window he halted. It is the unexpected that happens," saiél he, coolly. Warm, isn't it ? He drove his hat to the back of his head as he spoke, and leaned heavily upon the stone rail. The man was covered with dust, and looked ready to drop. You have escaped? asked Kynnesley. It looks like it-" "Then Dr. Moore Dr. Moore," put in Fulke sharply, U i. most likely a patient himself, my friend." What I said Randolph, dismayed, How so ?" Do you usually receive your visitors at the window? asked Fulke, drily. The two men looked at each other, whis- pered together, and then stepped back. Come up, please," said Davis; and Fulke slowly mounted the terrace stairs. As he entered the place, he saw Daphne, who stood trembling aside, and he looked at the girl with emotion. A chair stood near; into this he dropped involuntarily. "Pardon me," he murmured, "I'm dead beat." What about my friend Moore ? n asked the doctor, when Fulke had quenched his thirst. What has happened to him "Well, I was walking in the fields with the worthy man when he suddenly began to stagger about and called for Wade to come and help him. Then his eyes took to rolling, and he just slid down under a tree. As he fell, he put his hands up in a peculiar man- ner, and said, 4 Oh, my head, my head 1' and a sudden light flashed into my brain. I remembered so falling, and thinking that the end of all things had come. When the doctor went down, however, I thought my opportunity was arrived, and-well, here I am." But about Moore ? asked Randolph anxiously. I don't feel quite up to the mark, though." muttered Fulke, moodily. "For the life of me I couldn't remember what my name is; but I found my way here, you see." This he said directly to Davis, whom he regarded with gloomy interest. Who are you ? asked he abruptly. I seem to have met you before, but -11 "And did you leave Dr. Moore where he fell ? "put in Randolph, hastily. "Why, certainly," answered Fulke drily. Every one for himself, you know. Who is that man ? he muttered, uneasily regarding the detective. "Have I seen you before? Do you know me ? "Yes," said Davis. Who are you ? A friend, said the detective genially. v. It was then briefly arranged between Davis and the Doctor that a mounted messenger should at once take a letter, announcing the patient's arrival, to the authorities. The situation was now so complicated that the two men hardly knew what to do for the best; but they decided—hoping that the servants had not seen Fulke's arrival—to keep him close for the present. Davis, it was arranged, was to notify the temporary master of Fulke Court of the missing man's sudden appearance among them, and to bring him to the Hall. Where is-is-u said the Baron. Then he stopped and smote his forehead in dismay. "He means Rox," said Kynnesley. "Why I had forgotten all about her. Call her, Daphne, will you?" "I think not," interposed Davis thought- fully." I want first to settle a bit of business for myself. Baron, oblige me, please." As he spoke, he signalled Fulke forward to the curtained archway that divided the smaller room in which they were from the larger one less frequently used. In a line with this archway, where the light from the octagon window fell prone across him as he sat asleep in his armchair, was the master. "Ha!" said Fulke with kindling looks. He had found the missing link." You fought together ? whispered Davis promptingly. We did, and I fell." It was over the shoe you fought ? Yes. Where is it?" asked Fulke sav- agely. "Whose shoe was it, Baron?" said the detective. The other eyed him with suspicion. "Who are you?" asked he wrathfully. I've seen you lately, but where ? No, don't hold me, man; I won't have it." At this moment Doctor Kynnesley pulled Fulke back, and pointed to the window. Thence Davis saw the groom Sam who walked beside his horse, coming in company with another man towards the house. "That's Wade, the keeper," cried Davis. "Now, Baron, do you get out of the way, please, and leave this business to the Doctor and me." So saying, he drove Fulke behind the cur- tains, and then asked the Doctor to call the two men to the terrace steps, and admit them that way. I was halfway to Doctor Moore's place when I met this man," Sam explained, as he entered. "I didn't know him, but he comes up antr asks me the way to Squire Kynnes- ley's and when he tells me where he's from, and as how lie's got a message for you, Doctor, I thought I d better walk back with him before going any further." Right you are, my man," said Randolph heartily. Give me my letter. Wade can take any message back now. Thank you, Sam that'll do," and the groom went out. The secretary sent this, sir," said Wade, handing a letter to Doctor Kynnesley. "Mr. Mott's gone, sir; but, believe me or not, it's no fault of ours." "How is your master?" asked Randolph with concern. Prooty bad, sir still, he might ha' been worse. But-begging yo ur pardon, seeing you haven't read the letter-how did you known the governor's ill ? Mr. Mott told us," answered the Doctor. "What!" said the man agape. "You don't mean to say as he's come here, sir ? Mr. Mott's all right," said Davis serenely. What happened at your place ?" Well, it was like this, gentlemen. The master was walking out as per usual this morning with Mr. Mott, and he stayed away an uncommon long time. At last I goes after him, and there I finds him laying his after him, and there I finds him laying his full length under a tree with no sense in him whatever, andno signs of Mr. Mottanywhere. We [put it down to him, first go; but Doctor Young, that's attending on him, says no, and that it's all to do with what happened at the beginning o' the week, for one of the patients turned obstreperous, and hit the doctor an awful crack on the spine unawares. Weil, after the governor came to a bit, we told him about Mr. Mott, and the secretary had to write a letter that minute; and that's the letter I've brought, sir. The doctor said I was to ride over post-haste with it." Had Sam, the groom, any idea of your errand here ?" asked Davis thoughtfully. "No, sir; not from me, leastways. It wouldn't do to blab in our business." "Good," said Davis. "Now do you, my friend, get back to the asylum as fast as you can, and deliver a letter to your master, or to the secretary, in case the doctor isn't in a condition to receive it." Davis then briefly conferred with the Squire's brother, after which Randolph went to a side table and sat down to write. Wade was looking about him with per- plexed face. I'm blest if I can make things out," he muttered. Who'd ha' thought o' seeing you here, sir"—this was to the smiling Davis; and that young lady"—indicating the silent Daphne-" is one o' them two what came to the asylum that day you was there, sir. 1'11 swear to her." Rii,n (I ol pli here came forward with a letter, and handed it to Wade. "Begging your pardon, sir, but are you the Squire's brother?" asked the man, adding, as the Doctor nodded assent, "Then the gent's name wasn't Randolph at all ? "This gentleman is Doctor Randolph Kynnesley," said Davis. He merely left out a part of his name." "And who is Mr. Mott?" cried Wade. Hang me! but I shouldn't wonder if he turned out to be the lost 1, "You have a long way to go, and time presses, my friend." said Davis genially. "Mr. Mott is all right, and-that's all, I think. Good day," With that Keeper Wade took a respectful leave. Then Fulke came leisurely forward, and the little party looked at each other in silence. Suddenly the Baron put his hand on Davis's shoulder. I know you now," said he. You came with that man Wade to see me one day, and I saw you in the fields another time. Who are you? Why do you concern yourself with my affairs?" Because I am the man," answered Davis gravely, "whom your worthy cousin ap- pointed to hunt you out, living or dead, Baron." "My worthy cousin! What, Hubert!" muttered Fulke. "So he is at the Court in my place, is he ? Does he know I am here ? Not yet. I'm just off to take him the news, only I want to have a little talk with you first," said Davis. What sort of talk ? asked Fulke sullenly. "Business, you may be sure. That shoe, to begin with.' "Oli, dear," murmured Daphne, "I am sick of hearing of this shoe. Do you mean the old shoe that Sallie Waters lost, Mr. Davis?" I'm afraid," said the detective, that I do." Well, hadn't I better fetch Roxie ? pur- sued Daphne, addresing the Doctor. "Lether bide yet," answered Davis quickly; and the girl refrained, but unwillingly. It was just at this moment that thesluggish figure beyond the talkers stretched out one arm, then the other. Hearing the hum of voices, he leaned with dull wonder that way. "Baron," said Davis formally, you must admit that two men like you and the Squire do not fight over an old shoe unless its possession is of vital consequence. Now, I want to know where that shoe is." In safe keeping, I suppose, of the Squire, or his wife," answered Fulke. The sick man rose when he heard that. He crept a pace nearer, and listened greedily to the talk within. "Why did you get fighting over such a thing?" I decline to say," said Fulke fiercely. Oh, what does it all mean ? cried Daphne with dismay. "Mr. Davis, will you-- One moment," said the detective civilly; all in good time, young lady. You gave evidence, Baron, at the inquest, did you not ?" "A mere nothing," muttered Fulke evas- ively. "I am quite aware of your purpose to reserve a certain knowledge, Baron," pur- sued Davis, but I advise you to do what you can towards clearing up the origin of your quarrel with the Squire. Who struck the first blow?" "It seems to me," said Fulke, after a second's thought, "that we both plunged into each other at the same moment.' You had no suspicion, I suppose, of finding this tragical shoe in your friend's possession?" None whatever. I had dined here, as you will have heard, and having taken leave of the ladies, I went round by the back way to say good-night to the Squire, who was indis- posed, and had gone to his own place. As I approached, I saw him sitting at his writing- table, his face being half turned towards me; and from the prostrate air of the man I fancied he must be more seriously unwell than his people supposed. All at once I saw that old shoe, and I instantly divined the truth, and resolved that, by fair means or foul, I would secure it. Fortunately for my purpose, the Squire's door was ajar—the French window, that is-and pushing it slightly, I crept in. "I was so full of the idea of what the pos- session of that shoe meant for me, that my exultation got the better of me. A sound— il; was but a breath—escaped me as I put out my hand to grasp the coveted thing. The Squire instantly lifted his head. We just looked into each other's eyes. The next instant we were fighting for its possession. Of the issues of that combat you know more, I fancy, than I do. My last recollec- tion is of falling headlong into a fathomless pit, with the horrible consciousness that I had lost the shoe." "But what does all this mean?" cried Daphne wildly. "Why did you fight over this shoe, Baron?" "For the woman I love," answered Fulke fiercely, "as he did." Mi-ss Daphne," said Davis gravely, does it not strike you as strange that your sister's husband should make a secret treasure of a tramp's old shoe ?" You mistake," she cried staunchly. It can all be explained, I am sure. Rox will know. Let me fetch her." "Not yet," said the detective. "Now, may I ask you to bear in mind that, according to Baron Fulke's own statement, the two men fought for the woman they love ? As a rule, men do this only when such a woman is in some way or another in danger, Miss Daphne. Furthermore," Davis went on after a slight pause, you are aware that at the inquest our worthy doctor here men- tioned the possibility of the deceased having been poisoned." Roxana's husband clutched the curtains with quaking hands. Life and knowledge had flashed into the stunned faculties. Now, I have reason tosuppose," continued the detective, "that your sister was the last to see this woman alive. Such being the case, she should have appeared at the inquest; seeing that she did not, it becomes my busi- ness to inquire why not ? Again, for what reason was Squire Kynnesley hiding such a remarkable object as a tramp's old shoe, if not with the hope of shielding some person or another whom its discovery might com- promise ? Now let us suppose-just by way of argument-that this person was his wife, and-" "Liar!" shouted a hoarse voice behind him. The curtains were torn asunder, and the Squire burst in upon them. Simultan- eously Roxana herself appeared on the threshold of the adjoining roon>. Forbear," said she to her husband, who fell back as from an apparition. My time is come." You have heard all ? asked Davis gently. "Yes, in despite of myself," answered she. "I recognised Baron Fulke as he came to- wards the house, and retreated to the end room instead of going out, as you probably thought I had done." A dread silence fell upon the little group for the moment. Every mind was battling, more or less, with the sensations of the last hour. Roxana, vhose husband hung upon her looks, stood still and sombre in the shadow of the doorway and, watching that stricken but exalted face, Davis felt his courage ooze from his very finger-tips. It was a horrible necessity that bound him to put such a question to this woman; but, martyr as she bad been all along to circum- stances, it was more than probable that, in her desperate strait, she had become involved in Waters's death. He turned with solemnity towards Roxana, Xhe moment to put her to the test was come. (To be continued.)

A BRIGAND HUNT. I ENGLISH SPORTSMEN'S PLANS FOR ADVENTUB E. I There are now several outlaws at large in dif- ferent parts of Italy, and especially in Sardinia and Sicily, for the apprehension of whom, dead or alive, the Government offers substantial re- wards, varying from £ 40 to £600, the latter be- ing the price placed on the head of the Sicilian brigand Varsalone. It will be remembered that a reward of £ 1,200 was offered for the capture of Musolino, although the gendarmes who caught him only received a present of £ 20, as it was con- sidered that they had done nothing but their duty. It is reported from Rome that a group of young English sportsmen, tired of the com- paratively mild emotions of big-game shooting, propose to take up brigand-stalking as a novel and more exciting form of sport. The financial proceeds of their "bags" will be devoted to par- tially reimbursing the victims of the- outlaws. The police, regarding this new departure as another instance of English originality, have re- minded the sportsmen that they will incur a very great risk, but, while declining all responsibility, they have promised every support and encourage- ment in their power.

UNCONSCIOUS FOR TWO WEEKS. Miss Nellie Corcoran, the girl who had lain unconscious in a state of coma in St. Vincent's Hospital, New York, was an Saturday brought to some realisation of her surroundings. The case has puzzled the doctors, who are inclined to think her condition was superinduced by hysteria. The girl's temperature has been as high as 104deg. Fahr. She has been insensible to the pricks of needles and to electric and other treatments.

BEAR LOOSE ON A LINER. I On its last voyage from Liverpool to New York the liner Cevic carried a number of animals consigned to Messrs. Bostock's menagerie. One of these, a large Polar bear, escaped from its cage on the lower deck, and caused much excite- ment on board. Firearms were discharged to frighten the animal, and effortg were made to- corner it with a rope, but it eluded all pursuers and careered indiscriminately about the ship. After exploring the two cattle decks the bear climbed into a forecastle bunk occupied by a sick sailor, who was considerably scared by the un- expected visitor. Finally the animal found a refuge in another bunk and stretched itself out comfortably at full length, no one daring to ap- proach it. Ultimately, however, it was secured and put back in its cage.

A ROYAL VIOLINTST. I It has recently transpired that a Prince of the Bavarian Royal Family recently occupied a place in the orchestra of the Prince Regent Theatre, at Munich. One of the violinists had been suddenly taken ill, and hearing that the production—which was one of Wagner's operas-was likely to be delayed, the Lokal Anzieger states that Prince Ludwig Ferdinand, who is known as a good per- former with the violin, offered his services, and filled the place while the piece lasted, His incog- nito, however, was carefully preserved, and the secret only leaked out afterwards.

THE INVENTOR OF THE POSTCARD. There has recently died in Vienna Dr. Manuel Hermann, the inventor of the postcard, which from Austria commenced its triumphal march throughout, the civilised world. In 1869 Dr. Hermann, who at that time occupied the chair of Political Economy in the Polytechnic School of Vienna., published a pamphlet, entitled "A New Method of Corresponding by Post," which greatly aroused public interest. In this Dr. Hermann proposed the adoption of cards of uniform size, which were to be capable of con- taining 20 words, including the address he also suggested a 2-kreutzer stamp as posta-ge of the card. At that time the current postage of an inland letter was 5 kreutzer (about 6d.) The enthusiasm of the then Austrian Postmaster- General with regard to the project was so great that in October of the same year he had the post- card introduced into the postal service of the country, removing, however, the restriction on the number of words to be employed.

Queen Alexandra is said to be so passionately fond of clocks that she has some SOU of them- small, large, fancy, and plain-at Sandringham. Curiously enough, these have always been kept half an hour fast to humour the King, though the custom is supposed to be handed down from the famous Earl of Leicester. The finest collec- tion in the world is supposed to be at Bucking- ham Palace, the number of clocks there being considerably over 300, while Marlborough House is believed to boast & -collection of some 400.

HISTORIC BATH. STORY OF AN APPRENTICE'S HEART Carpenter by apprenticeship, 18 years old, a resident of that historic city, Bath, Arthur George Viner is a young man who has come through storms to peace. He is a fresh-looking, vigorous youth, and the events that made him remarkable date from his sixteenth year—a critical year for the heart in more senses than one. At this time he was making satisfactory progress in his apprenticeship, when it was observed that his work fell off. Previous to that he had always worked well. The illness that I am now speak- ing of," he added, came on within the last two years, and when standing at the bench I could hardly work, the palpitation of the heart was so bad, and nothing seemed capable of affording relief until I was induced to try Dr. Williams' Eink pills." His father. Mr. Viner, explained that is son had been growing BO fast that he outran his strength, and the lad's illness became so serious as to occasion great anxiety. He was home for 10 months, and had to give up his trade for that period. You look all right now." Yes," said Mr. A. G. Viner. but I was very different a few months ago. When I was taken ill first the palpitation came on badly, and what with loss of appetite and sleeplessness, 1 suffered very much. For six months I was under a clever doctor, and a second one was called in for consul- tation. I remained in bed, too weak to get about. They told me to stay at home and lie on my back, when I became a patient of the Royal United Hos- pital. I firmly believe that Dr. Williams' pink pills for pale people saved me from my grave. I had heard of the good they had done others, and started taking them after I had been some months at home from work. I began to pick up after I had begun them, carefully following the instruc- tions. My appetite mendej, and then I could sleep more soundly, and I grew stronger and altogether felt better in myself. By the time that I had taken eight or nine boxes I felt sufficiently well to return to my employment." Are you still taking the pills ?" "No," answered Mr. Viner; "for I am as well now as ever I was." Young people who outgrow their strength, like Mr. Viner (who lives at 25, Crandale-road, Bath), will find in Dr. Williams' pink pills for pale people (genuine, bearing the seven words on wrapper), the greatest of all restorative and strengthening medicines. Diseases of the heart, due to weakness and poor blood, diseases of the nerves, and the ailments of women and girls, are alike benefited by them. They have the great advantage of curing indigestion and bile without purging. Further testimony to their value will be found in an article headed The Woman's Friend," on another page of this issue.

SILVERY NEVADA. In some notes on the fabulous wealth mined from the Sierra Nevada mines, "Engineering" says it is estimated that up to the present time the total value of the gold and silver drawn from the lode aggregates nearly £ 100,000,000. One company alone took out in less than 10 years metal to the value of over E30,000,000, and paid out in dividends to the shareholders some E15,000,000. Little wonder that men went mad, that adventurers, money hunters, and unprincipled rogues of all cations, should flock to this Eldorado.

A WONDERFUL OWL. I A Honolulu message to the Paris editor of the "New York Herald" says that when the Steamer Tampico was returning from Seattle a bird alighted on the deck. It proved to be an owl standing about a foot in height. The bird was then 750 miles from land and was exhausted. It soon revived and has since been kept in a cage. The Tampico was not the first boat the bird is said to Aave visited in mid-ocean. The crew of the barquentine S. G. Wilder, which arrived at Hono- lulu recently from San Francisco, recognised the bird as the same one that had alighted aboard their vessel fully two weeks before the Tampieo was visited.

Parson (visiting prison) "Why &re you here, my misguided friend?" Prisoner: "I'm the victim of the unlucky No. 13." Parson "In- deed! How's that?" Prisoner: "Twelve jurors and one judge." When a policeman marries he soon begins to wonder where he can hide his truncheon, 'so that his wife cannot find it. Nell: I stopped in at a bargain sale to-day." Belle: "Did you see anything that looked real cheap? Nell: Yes; several men waiting for their wives." Teacher: "Say 'they aren't' or they are not.' You must never say they ain't. Tommy: "Why not?" Teacher "Because it ain't proper, that's why." He (at church): "I wonder why those two pretty girls across the aisle look so sad?" She: "Oh, it's because each has a new bonnet, I suppose?" He: "I don't see why that should bo productive of such melancholy." She: "Why, each thinks the other has the prettiest." He: "Then why don't they exchange and be happy?" She was boasting of her latest conquest. "The first thing I knew," she said, "he was at my feet., "Who threw him?" asked her dearest friend. Of course, it is well known that these little pleasantries are not unusual betwegjr feminine friends. Nothing succeeds like the success of a wid after a second husband. The men never grow more eloquent about hard times than when talking to their wives. "Talk about nerve!" "How now?" "Why the hotel I was staying at burned down and the next day I got a bill for a fire in my room." "Why don't you work?" demanded the severe lady. 'Because ma'am," replied Weary Wat- ^rJdmy J "Ye? m^y "*onr sneered. Yes, ma am," he answered "I've Ca^sT186 a J°b °n the tunnel from Dover Z hriw 0ne is brought to see how much the lawyers can make oat of it. There are two kinds of women in this world. j ,,m and sighs silently about her wrongs, tne other storms and raves about her rights. Many a couple during courtship have found plenty of room on one chair, and after marriage discovered that they could not live together in a ten-roomed house.

SMUGGLED RELICS. I Amercan plutocrats are now engaged in a brisk struggle to evade Italian laws against the exporta- tion of ancient art and archaeology. A Christian sarcophagus of supoeb workmanship of the seventh century, has just been confiscated while being smuggled from Spoleto. The Popolo Romano states that the whole of the .beautiful stonework [ had been packed in cases, and had got as far as Genoa, when the seizure took place. There it was ascertained that it had been found in a church at Spoleto, and was being) exported to enrich the archteological treasures of a wealthy American.

A LAKE OF PITCH. I Much of the tar used in the paving of streets comes from the West Indies, the island of Trinidad in particular supplying an abundant share. There are some parts of the island where pitch is every- where to be found the beach is pitch, so are the vocks, and at La Brea, where pineapples grow to perfection, it is said that the chief component of the soil is pitch. The wonder of the isle, however is the pitch lake, over a mile and a half in circum- ference. In parts the pitch is quite liquid, and the surrounding ground is full of pitch to a depth of several hundred feet.

I THE WOMAN'S WORLD. Does the gown make the woman, or does the woman make the gown ? It is certain that a woman stands very little chance of an attrac- tive appearance if her dress is ill-fitting, of tawdry material, or quite out of fashion. Still, a woman must kno-w how to wear a smart gown, or the effect is terrible, for when she doesn't know how to carry an elegant costume it enhances all her lacking graces. There is a good deal that may be said on both sides, but of one thing there is no doubt. Every woman should make it her duty to see that her clothes become her. Nearly all new skirts are made (says a writer in "The London Journal ") with a seam on the cross of the material down the centre of the front, and this, together with a hip yoke, makes the skirt as tight-fitting as possible, which is a necessity when it is to be worn with one of the long loose sacque coats that are so fashionable at present. Here is the description of a skirt for a theatre gown which was being made in a Parisian atelier last week. It was of fine cloth, of the exact shade of cream when it is two days old. It had a hip yoke pointed back and front, much encrusted with" broad cream silk jours, whieh are a kind of silken hemstitching. There was a row of hemstitching uniting the voke to the skirt itself, and another yoke ran perpen- dicularly along the centre seam of the front. At the lower edge of the skirt were five stitched cer- ceaux pleats, separated each from the other by a row of jours. The skirt was lined throughout with white sateen which glistened through the open work with great effect. A ping-pong fan Is one of the latest novelties. It represents a series of racquets, the outer ones showing a surface and edge in exact imitation of the genuine article. One long discarded custom is being brought into favour-that of wearing a flower in the hair. Had women realised to what an extent the pretty custom was admired and even loved by the majority of the opposite sex it never would have fraternised with the spinning wheel, the blue dishes and the lace mitts in the dim and cob- webbed garret of things past. To man, and that man a sweetheart, this little art, for such it is, of putting a flower in the hair is a signal to all the sensitive sentiment within him. If you doubt this, look to the voicings of the poets. There you will find holding sway and running riot as roses on an old wall such phrases as a blossom in her tresses," a flower to bewitch me in her hair," and that rose above her ear was my undoing." Whether the hair is black or brown, red or gold, the charm of primeval femininity remains the same. Every year it is becoming less usual in Paris to have reception days. There is now a new fashion, says the" Ladies' Field," which is infinitely more agreeable as a way of meeting and entertaining one's friends. A rendezvous is given at some spot where tel or lunch is provided on small tables. One can bring a friend, and introductions are made to others of the party, or one can chat with the hostess and return to the friend, if one so wishes, without being obliged to be dutifully agreeable to a circle of strangers. Tea or lunch over, one visits any place of interest in the locality or re- turns to Paris by carriage or train. At Versaillee these rendezvous are very popular, and among cultured people of similar tastes they are a great improvement upon the barren day that women of fashion were compelled to give once a week in order to see their acquaintances. At the leading tea shops and other similar resorts in the autumn and winter it is much the fashion to meet one's friends, the hostess engaging several small tables, where women can divide into groups and are not on the rack of stiff society etiquette. Few people accustomed to travel can fail to have remarked the prominent place which the American girl takes in the family circle. In Europe the pre- vailing ideas used to be that anything was good enough for the girls. Their schooling and their amusements were always secondary considerations, and generally they had to give way to theiz brothers. This notion has been considerably modified in recent years, but in America it scarcel, exists at all. It might almost be said that more money is spent upon the daughters than upon the sons, and that when the latter begin to go to busi- ness the former are finishing their education in Europe. Nothing is spared upon her training to which the American girl owes her assurauce. her knowledge of the world, and her generally briilianl conversational powers. The typical American eiri may not be everything that is charming, but she is certainly a success, the result of the general ac- ceptance of the view, in the United States, that if is necessary to do as much for the daughters 88 for the sons, and very often something more. There is one aspect of the well-dressed woman, or, rather, one essential in her aspect (says the London Journal ), that is constantly overlooked, and that is an air of ease; that she gives you the impresston of being uneanBcions of her clothes however elegant and costly. It should be the aim of every woman to see that she is perfectly dressed before she quits her glass, and then at once to forget even what she is wearing, and give herself wholly to the enjoyment of the moment. To cam the cares of one's clothes in one's bearing can onlv be pardoned in those of very little intelligence. Thin, faintly-marked eyebrows may be greatlv improved by being rubbed every night with almoJ oil. I have known this simple treatment to have the most satisfactory result. After diligent perse- verance with the oily application light eyebrows tbu' — character" of the face. Here is some good advice for the young wife. Never, under any circumstances, speak of your husband's faults and failings. Of course he has them; you would find him a most deadly, dull, and uninteresting person if he had not. You have them yourself, and he has discovered them with a pang as keen as your own. It would hurt you very much to find that he had mentioned the fact to anv- one else; remember this, then, and never speak of his failings to a third person. Some ourious and jealous eyes are fixed on most newly-married people, and the owner of those eyes will be only too ready to repeat and magnify any little tales which come to them, and what sorrows and might they not cause if they got round again to the husband s ears. You must have seen much to admire m the man you married, so, when of his faults has thrust itself most rudelv un«n you, try to banish it from your mind, and thiS land ponder as much as you please upon S numerous virtues. Consider how much good il in him compared with that little bit of bad™ Don t take his faults too seriously and nevTr nh' never admit to anyone that he possesSI thew Should anyone speak to a wife rvf wT ,the?- faults, it is her duty to stoutlv f ^band's under any circumstances, to listen an«i' subject; such a proceediiurl* J^uss the bring her misery and unhappiness. Paris f-h*pOiuii^0S^/ dress the world comes from young ladv ofl? ki 8^ranSely extravagant ideas. A a costnmo f noble family is determined to get up worn m°re g°r6eou8 than any ever before Ionian. She is now having the designs < tie according to her notions. She was acquainted with tne theory that added brilliancy is given to jewels by a healthy skin, having often noticed the fact tnat diamonds and pearls flash most brightly on shining necks and shoulders. She has there- fore, given orders for an entire costume to be made of nothing but precious stones and precious metals. The pearls, diamonds and rubies are to be so set that they will be m immediate contact with the wearer's skin. The lower part of the costume mil be almost solid, the gold and silver being beaten very thin so as to be extremely pliable anf In l^ i anil8' ands' neck, and shoulders aieto be almost covered with loops of pearls, stars will Rhfr!! >*1 riDgS of a11 kind8' The breast with stars and crescents of rubies, wilf £ ;i la{Ilond8- res« of the body covered with pliable bands of woven gold many of the brilliants will be purchased in the w°ith 1I?t° shapes w^ich best ^cord with ohe places in which they are to be set That the costume when finished will cost a, large fortmae goes without