NAMELESS ; OR, NOBODY'S DARLING.

BY JENNY WREN,

(Written for the "Star Supplement.")

CHAPTER VII.

ONE SEVENTEENTH OP JULY.

In the library of Oakleigh Hall site its master and owner, Adam Flidgett, looking older and more cadaverous than ever, as he draws his chair closer to the fire, and reads again and again, with eager interest, a letter that has just been handed to him on a silver salver, by a richly-liveried footman. Surrounded by wealth and luxury, the soul of Adam Flidgett shrinks within him at the slightest approach of danger. " No," he asserts to himself, " I will not recognise the claim of this foundling. It's all very well, this trumped-up story of Rachel's ; she is doubtless jealous, and wishes she had not chosen so unwisely as to remain in Auckland, but she has chosen her lot, and she must abide by it. I will not recognisethis nameless impostor, and I don't think she can contest it with me." But it frets him, it wears him, and when at last he consults the family solicitor, and hears, to his astonishment, " that very likely the young lady's claim was a valid one," be is bitteny angry—angry with Reuben for marrying a nobody, doubly angry With Rachel for sheltering and rearing _ this nobody's darling to put him out of his in heritance. He knows they are on their way to England with the dead woman's letter to prove their plea. He knows that" his brother bade him forward the cause of the lost child,, and he falters for one moment, then hardens his heart against the generous impulse. He sees the notice of the arrival of the vessel that brings Rachel and her charge to their rightful home ; he'knows the very hour to expect tho train that passes through Oak leigh ; and he gives orders to his servants to admit no such travellers—he will not see them. He walks his spacious library with almost tottering footsteps, impotent with suppressed jpassion, and, when a servant enters to tell him that a carriage with two ladies has stopped at the park gates, he finds Adam Flidgett stricken, prostrate, speechless, on'the library floor. " A paralytic stroke," says the physician, who is summoned immediately;_ and the unconscious victim to evil passions sees not, knowß not, the gentle face of his sister Kachel, as she bends over him in anxiouesolicitude, orthe almostawe-stricken countenance of " little Namie," as she glides through the silent corridors of the splendid mansion that so soon will be her undisputed inheritance.

A few days and all is over ; Adam is laid to rest in Oakleigh churchyard, and the will of Reuben Flidgett is read again, coupled with the dying declaration or his injured wife. The marriage is proved, as also the birth of Agnes, daughter of Reuben and Felicia Flidgett, and Namie is duly congratulated as the heiress of Oakleigh. But it was long before our heroine could find happiness in her lovely home. Aunt Kachel, whose strength had supported her under many trials, now seemea quite overcome, and a long, severe illness followed their arrival in England. Many old friends of tho family gathered round them with expres sions of regret and sympathy, and all the county was eager to make the acquaintance of our little Namie. But the brightness seemed to fade from the young life; ahe was no longer the free, light^nearted maiden. Her honours seemed to press her earthward, and prevent her blythe young spirit from soaring like a lark into Heaven s own blissful sunshine.

Slowly Aunt Rachel recovered, and did not fail to notice the change in her darling. She remarked that the only time the old brightness seemed to return was on the arrival of letters from New Zealand, and then her smiles were quickly dimmed by tears. The Captain wrote regularly, and sometimes Archie would venture to send a tender little note telling of his steady ad vancement in his profession, and his hopes of seeing Miss Namio again. Dame Green, too, who had received such a substantial proof of their gratitude in the gift of a well-stocked and cultivated farm, where she hoped to reclaim " poor Joe " from his evil ways, sometimes wrote to Miss Rachel, Butthe event of mail-day was Miss Corthrew's letter, so explicit in its detail, so full of earnest, noble .sentiment, so strong in its assurance of the most faithful friendship. Misß Rachel would linger fondly over the closely-written sheets, reading over and over again the simple, life-like experiences of the friend who was dear unto her as her own soul; and Namie would sit at her feet in a very rapture of delight, almost fancying she was again within the privileged precincts of Miss Carthrew's studio. The faithful Peggie, too, sent tor remembrance* to her beloved mistress, and the burden of her plea was, " That they would soon return, as life at Ecoria Cottage was very dull without Namie's cheerful presence, and Mips Rachel's quiet, gentle rule." "Mies Carthrew buried herself all day in her den," Peggie said, " en gaged on some work, with the exception of her scanty leisure for meals and her two hours during the day for walking out." One day, as they sat in the handsome draw ing-room looking over some familiar papers the Captain had sent, Miss Rachel noticed the fast-gathering tears in Namie's eyes, and drawing her tenderly towards her, inquired with gentle earnestness, " Agnee, are you not happy in your own home 1 Would you rather nave remained in New Zealand as our own little Namie ? Child, why those tears 1 Tell me truly—do you not wish to remain in England? 5' The fair head lay upon the bosom that had sheltered it from infancy; the young heart beat against that true one whose love had constituted its very life, and tho voice that answered in trembling earnestness was low and swset as a little child's as she said, "Oh, Auntie, dear Aunt Rachel, do not think me selfish or ungrateful, but all this state and display is a burden, not a joy. Take me back to the dear old home in Auck land ! I would only value wealth as a means of benefiting others. Let us find some good use for this plare, Auntie, and go back to home and happiness." " We will not stay if you are not happy, Namie," replied her aunt, "but I should like you to have the advantage of travel—to take a season tour on the Continent, and another through England and Scotland, with just a peep at Erin's green isle. It would be a holiday of pleasure and profit to visit the places Esther has often so vividly described; and when you are of age and we have de cided how to dispose of Oakleigh, we will go home." , "That would be delightful," cried Namie, "and could we not secure the services of Mr Russell as envoy during our travels J" "An excellent "idea," said her aunt. " Poor fellow, he is a kind of family con nection, but has always been left out in the cold ; and he is such an excellent linguist." "It would be kind to settle a small annuity

on him," said Namio, thoughtfully. " Could it not be managed without hurting his feel ings, and making him think he was re garded as a poor relation ?" "Kind heart, ever mindful of other's need," replied Mies Rachel tenderly. "We will consult Mr Law about this, dear, and it shall be as you wish." So after the time of mourning was over, the hall was again deserted, and Miss Rachel carried out her plans for the improvement of the receptive mind of her beloved niece by wandering over many lands, comming ling with many minds, and gleaning from them all a rich harvest of culture and refine ment.

Two years passed, and weary of travel, the ladies had returned to (sakleigh to spend the Christmas, and preside over the various village festivals which the season demanded. The old hall rang with the sounds of mirth and joyous, loving, Chriet mas cheer; not a poor tenant in all the wide estate lacked Christmas blessings, not a heart of rich or poor, young or old, but called down a blessing upon the fair head of the young heiress of Oakleigh. It was New Year's Eve. The guests had all departed, the old mansion was silent and rlarkened again; and Miss Rachel sat in her quiet room, resting after the fatigue of the festivities, and thinking of the possible future. More than one wealthy suitor had sought to win the hand of "little Namie," but with gentle maidenly dignity she had told the simple truth, "she had no heart to give, and the one was truly worthless without the other." Tenderly touching were the letters she wrote to the dear ones in New Zealand, full of deep yearnings for love and home, sweetly unconscious 01 any sacrifice involved in returning thither. All these things passed through Miss Rachel's mind as she sat by the slowly-dying fire (in this lost hour of the old year, and a look of tender love and supreme satisfaction rested upon her placid features as she thought of ncr darling's freedom from worldiness, selfish ness, or pride. A gentle rap came at the door,^and Namie entered softly, her loose wrapper failing to conceal the graceful out lines of her slender figure, her long, fair hair falling round her shoulders in shim mering coils of gold. "I thought you had not gone to bed, Auntio," she said simply, " and I could not think of sleeping till the chimes have rung their New Year's welcome, so I came to sit with you." " Welcome, darling!" replied her aunt, drawing her fondly towards her on the couch; " I was thinking of you." " You always are, you dear thing I" cried Namie, kissing her fondly. "Auntie, I hope we may spend next New Year's Day at home in dear old Auckland. I know they are all thinking of us to-night." And a rosy flush spread itself o'er cheek and brow as ske hid her face on her aunt's shoulder. '' Agnes," said Miss Rachel, '' it is time to begin to think of some plan for the disposal of Oakleigh, if you still decide to leave it. In a few months you will be of age, and at liberty to do entirely as you think fit in the matter." " Can I really do just as I like with it?" inquired Namie, a happy light beaming from her clear blue eyes. " Then I would like this old house con verted into a boautiful homo fpr foundlings and orphans, and the income from tho estate settled upon it as an endowment. Then I could return with happy heart, and know that this strange life had not been all a dream." " Have you 'thought about it, darling," inquired Miss Rachel, tremulously ;" it will be a great sacrifice of all tho world deems most precious." " I hare been thinking of it all the time, Auntie, and to mo it involves no sacrifice ; my heart is not here, I care not for these things." " Very well', my darling child, so shall it be," replied Mlbs Rachel, reverently, " and may the God of the fatherless bless you in tho deed."

The bells rang out their merry peal over the moon-lit, snow-covered earth, ushering in a New Year of blessing to the generous heart that bowed in silent prayer that she might in this matter be guided and blessed by Him who careth for the orphans, and biddeth the fatherless children trust in Him.

The seventeenth of July, the anniversary of Namie's adoption by her Aunt Rachel. A bright, lovely morning, the soft summer air is fragrant with the breath of many blossoms, the landscape bathed in the golden light of a midsummer ran. According to Namie's expressed wish and desire, the old hall has undergone extensive alterations in readiness for ite now and numerous inmates, and to-day the Oakleigh Orphanage and Foundling's Home is to be opened. There is to be a grand festival. People say " they never heard of such a thing as a young girl throwing away such splendid chances." But Namie heeds them not, as Bhe site with happy, beaming face, watching the preparations that are going on in the park tor tho reception of her chosen guests. Three hundred and fifty children, waifs and strays, nobody's dar lings, all coming to be made happy, and taught how to lead good, useful lives. Ah ! is not this something infinitely better than the mere possession of wealth? Annt R*ehel is anxious, fearing lest the generous young heart that has done this noble deed should suffer in the rebound. But there is b« caaw for fear.

The thing is' done, the deeds are signed, the trustees appointed ; every item has been carefully considered, every possible precaution taken leat there Bhould be any defect. Miss Rachel is liberally provided for, and there are certain items in favour of New Zealand friends; but the yearly rental value of the estate is to be the endowment of the institution that now opens to receive its homeless, friendless children. The village bells ring out a merry peal, as for a bridal, at the hour of noon, when the pro cession of little ones enter the park gates ; Aunt Rachel and Namie stand in the pOrtico to welcome the little travellers, who have been chiefly chosen from the streets and allies of the great city whose wealth is so great; yet where poverty reigns in all its squallidferranny.over thousands of perishing, hunger-slain families. There is a dinner in the great dining room, a festival for the children, all kinds of merry games, and a hearty feast of such goodies aB children love, and as the shades of evening fall among the grand old trees, three echoing cheers ring through the noble park—and then it is over. In her own quiet room Namie kneels in lowly confidence, committing this work into His hands who can make it to prosper, Sto comfort tho sorrows of tho orphan, to bind up the bruised spirits of the little waifs and strays who have known so little of earthly love or care. At night, when the children are sleeping, Aunt Rachel and Namie walk through the long dormitories with the kindly matron, and look at each little face as it lies upon its Snowy pillow, smiling even in its dreams. And so Namie bids farewell to her English heritage, and sets her face towards llOMe.

CHAPTER Yin.

MISS CAETHHEW'S WORK,

It is New Year's Eve at Ecoria Cottage. There has been a little gathering in Miss Carthrew's rooms. Kindly hearts have

mingled tender memories, as the Captain, Archie, and a few chosen friends have con versed together, speaking hopefully of the prospect of soon welcoming homo the gentle lady and her fair young relative. But now all is quiet and repose. Even the faithful Peggie has long since retired to rest, and Hits Carthrew waits to welcome in the glad New Year thatisso full of joyous hopes and anticipations. 'Tis nearly midnight; the moonbeams stream through the uncurtained windows in a flood of silvery light, as the night lamp bums dim and Miss Carthrew sits in her studio, alone with her own heart and her God. In her hand is an open Bible, and beside her lies the palette and brushes she has been so lately using. The soft moonlight rests upon a large, unfinished picture that hangs on the opposite wall, lighting up with its sublime radiance the beauties of Miss Carthrew's "work," tho latest creation of a true artist's soul. More than two years have been devoted to its execution, and It is almost completed, save for the finishing touches here and there the artist's eye alone can see necessary to crown the beauty of the noble picturo that has delighted the eyes of the worthy Captain and the privileged few who have access to the artist's studio.

"The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof," she murmurs softly to herself, and as we glance at the picture before her we see that the central^figure is an angel of beauteoußform and countenance, holding in his outstretched hand a scroll, on whicli may be plainly traced the glorious words, " The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof." In the other hand he bears a streaming banner, on which is inscribed in letters of gold, " Beheld, I have given you the land for an heritage." In the foreground of the picture are groups of busy labourers are engaged in various agricultural pursuits. There are the reapers gathering in tho abundant har vest; and there the vino dressers carrying in the purple clusters of rich, luscious grfipes. There the flocks and herds upon the hill-side, with a group of shearers en gaged in clipping their shaggy coats of the superabundance of wool they cany. There the water-mill by the brook-side.

On the left hand can be dimly discerned the distant smoke of a busy town, with its manufacturing industries, towards which laden wagons are see toiling along tho dusty, country road, while overhead is represented a railway arch, suggestive of more expeditious means of access.

On the right we see a wide expanse of water, with a white sail dotting tho horizon in the distance, and tho smoko of a noble steamer curling upward to tho azure sky. In prospective are buildings, suggestive of store-houßos, whore tho produce of tho earth is bought and sold, and just beyond the piles of merchandise is a heavy looking edifice, within tho open door of which are seen heaps of gold, which men are shovelling into a treasury that appears well filled, and in which a ponderous key is visible, bearing the inscription, " Wealth." Opposite this imposing building wo sco tho drtrk, shadowy outline of a grim archway, at the closed door of whichcrouch awrotehed looking group of medicants, whose haggard countenances tell their silent tale of poverty and suffering.

And above these there appears the angelic form of the heaven-sent messenger, gazing with pitying lovo upon these children of poverty, these weary toilers who have laboured all their lives in the production of that which they mo forbidden to onjoy ; and with one hand outstretched towards the vineclnd hills mid peaceful volleys, where the flocks are feeding and tho ripe corn waving, he cries, "Tho earth is tho Lord's, and the fulness thereof ;" wliilo with tho other ho beckons tho hungering, shivering, mendicants of charity, proclaim ing their heaven-sealed title to tho products of labour, "Behold, IMiavo given you the land for an heritage." "It is good, it is true," Miss Cartnrew says, softly. "it will tench its own lesson. On ! that all who look upon it may eomprehond it* mean ing, and learn the truth and tho necessity of~jfollo\ving the Divine command, 'Thou shalt not withhold tho corn, or the oil, the wool or the flitting, from him who hath toiled in thy fields.' God has given the land for an heritage. Why should there be poverty in the midst of plenty? Why should the golden key of wealth lock up the treasures that are produced by labour, leaving tJio patient toiler to subsist as he may on less than ' a tenth of the spoil!'" Sho rises from her Beat and goes to the window that is open to admit the Bwecfc, cool air, and as the moonbeams fall across that broad, white brow, we see a noblo pur pose written there ; the light of a high and holy resolve shines from those dark, earnest eyes as she looks up to the starlit heavons and murmurs fervently, " Father, teach me to do Thy will; guide me with Thy counsel ; and afterwards—" Tho little Swiss clock begins to strike tho hour of twelve, and Miss Carthrcw knoclfl thoro in the silent, solemn hush of the New Year's birth, holding converse with the Father, receiving the seal of His loving favour, even the Spirit of Uim who hath said, " I will guide tiioo with mine eye." Then cornea a day when Captain Cart wright site on the verandah of Ecoria Cottage, looking anxiously down the green road, pacing up and down the garden path from time to time in a very fever of expectation. Miss Carthrew has gone with Archie to meet the voyagers, while Peggie is busily preparing a " real welcome for them in the dear old homo. Tho house has been enlarged and embellished: the garden is in it* full blaze of summer beauty ; the orchard is fairly burdened with ripe, delicious fruit.

The old man waits, and listens eagerly. "Yes, that was the sound of carriage wheels." He hobbles out to the gate, hold ing his old cocked hat in his hand. "Blessmybuttons!" he cries, "howfoolish I am. If I was but young, that I could have gone to Auckland to meet them; that rogue of an Archie will have her all to himself. Ah! Here they come at"lost! Yes, there's Archie on the box, and Namie waving her handkerchief from the window. God bless her I"

The next moment .Miss Rachel stood be side him, calling him " Father," her warm "tears falling on his cheek as she kissed him ; and Namie fairly clasps him in her arms for joy, emiling and weeping at once, as her eyes rest on her fair home, the abode of her choice. Then Peggie came forward to welcome her old mistress and Miss Namie, while Archie kept in the background and attended to the luggage. He had received his welcome on the deck of the vessel that restored to him his hope and happiness, for to the fond young lover's heart there could be but one meaning in the sudden fleam of joyous welcome, the half-shy, alf-tearfiil smile of contented happiness that rested on the placid features of his dearly-loved Namie. Together Hiss Carthrew and Rachel entered the house—the latter to admire the improvements and general air of refine ment that rested everywhere in Miss Car threw's arrangements for their comfort, the former to take the slight figure of " her little friend " into a long, loving embrace, declaringthat itwaß "good " tosee the dear face at home once more. There was so much to be told, so much to listen to, that

it was quite late ero the Captain and Archie took their leave to return to their own home; and Namio retired to her pretty chamber —too happy to .sleep—with love's sweet, subtle infiuenco shedding a tender radiance over her tranquil features as fshe sat there dreaming of the happy future that awaited her in her own dearly-loved home. Late that night the two friends sat together in Miss Carthrew's room discussing the possible future, speaking hopefully of the young people's prospects. Archie was to be ordained very shortly, and a noble, useful life lay before him. He had not yet presumed to speak one word, but it was evident that he was only "biding his time," half fearful lest the treasure he coveted might be beyond his reach. " But it is a true heart," said Miss Rachel; '• and they are worthy of each other." "Rachel," says Miss Carthrew, " I have much to tell you that it was impossible to express in letters. The silent workings of my own mind ; the desire to cany out, as far as possible, the principles I have learned to regard as the most noble development of . Nature's grandest instinct—Christian charity. I almost fear to tell you my secret yearnings, lest I grieve your loving nature ; but, after all, personal affection is but human, while universal brotherhood is divine, for has not the Great Teacher said, 'Ye are all brethren ?' You have seen the picture that has engrossed my attention during the whole period of your abeence; the embodiment of the grand idea of ' the land for tho people.' Well, dear, believing this, that private property in land is a great and growing evil, how can I reconcile the thought with the personal possession of such large estates as I hold in England '! I have thought deeply on the subject, and havo resolved that when Lord Inglcwoocl's lease has expired, I will not renew it. 1 will myself take up the interests of my tenants, and become, as it were, a governing power for good among them, a centre around which they slmll gather, and receive tho equitable value of .all they pro duce. Can you understand me, Rachel 7 I propose to do away with the present system of profit and loss, to establish an Equitable Association among my own tenants; to form a littio commonwealth that shall redeem this small community from tho hard ship of poverty and distress, by allowing each producer to receive the full valuo of his production. For Instance, I will sup pose that a farmer in the village of Brantley brings his wheat to my depot, and recoives tho full market valuo for the sumo. I will also suppose that a cabinetmaker brings his handiwork to my depot, and receives like wise its true, equitable value. Supposo, then, tho farmer wishes to purchase the furniture, or tho cabinetmaker tho Hour pro duced from tho wheat of the fanner, thoy shall each receive the goods at the samo prico at which 1, in the first place, purchased them, thus leaving no margin for profit, and giving each man tho full return for his labour. Tho rente, which shall not be excessive, shall be spent in tho improvement of tho estate, the support of tho stores, schools, hospitals, library, church, &c, and the residence shall be de voted to any charity thqt may bo noeded. You see, Rachel, thin is what the Oovorn ment should establish. I am »nly planning in miniature tho ijfflrcsentation of what should bo the gloruSus constitution of all society, putting myself in the position of tho governing power that should be tho strength and marrow of tho puoplo's prosperity." "But, Esther," said Rachel, " this work is too groat for you alono, unaided. How will you reconcile tho pooplo to your views, and so organise your plans as to ensuro the success of tho undertaking J"

" Kacho "I,replied Miss Carthrow, with Holomn earnestness, "there in one who in mine helper, even (Jod. He will guide me in all things. He alone can make thin or that to prosper, but by and by I mta out this work beforo 1 bid a final farewell return to England, when 1 hopo to carry earth's soitowh mid life's tendorcst ties. " Kachel," she continued, drawing tho fair head to her bosom, and softly caressing the glossy hair that was drawn so neatly otl'tho clear, broad brow, " can you bear another word I have to whis[>cr so gently, so fondly in your ear—a truth that, though it seems Borrowful, perhaps, yet is better known and bravely borne as being the will of Him who doeth all thing* well ?" " What is it, Esther?" inquired Rachel. " Oh ! tell me, dear, is it anything about yourself —your health ?" " Yes, dear love, I must tell you that I have suffered soverely several times during your absence, and Dr. P. fissures mo that although there may bo no immediate danger, there in an afTcction of the heart that may perhnjis—"

"Oh, Esther! interrupted Rachel, "my precious friend, this in too sad, too—" "Hush, hush, dear heart!" replied Miss Cftrthrew, soothing her as one would com fort a frightened child, " nay not so, since 'tis His will, only we must redeem the time sowing precious Heed while yet life and health remain, ho I have decided to return to England a few months hence, after Namios marriage, if (iod wills, and set about thin work He has given im> to do; and, darling, (something tells me He will allow me to carry it out, to sco its »ucccnßful workings, before Ho calls me bonce. You will be happy here with Namie, and will still support me by your loving prayers, and by-and by we ahull meet again in His prosonco, darling, in whowi hands are the issacs of life and death."

"It grows Into, dear, wo must rotiro. Good night, true heart, good night," " Brave, noble soul," thought Miss Rachel, as she lay in the silent hush of her own chamber; "sho seems to live in His presence, at His feet, who giveth strength to the feeble, and iilleth the humble loving heart with Hit) eternal joy."

(To be Continued.)

A Comprehensive Advertisement.

A funny advertisement appears in a Berlin journal. The advertiser, with a happy knacKffor killing several birds with ono stone, first solicits the sympathy of friends and acquaintances in the loss he has just sustained by the death of his dearly-loved wife, next intimating V.is desire to find a suitable wet-muse for the infant whose birth cost its mother's life. After this he goes on to ftate that it " would not \>e dis tasteful -to him to enter into correspond ence with a lady of mature years and amiable disposition, having a certain fortune at her command,- with a view to a second marriage." The lady, he adds, must be a good businesH woman, acquainted with the drapery trade, and capable of overlook ing his well-known establishment, where " orders are carefully attended to and ex ecuted within twenty-four hours after they are given." Having thus appealed for sympathy, for a nurse, for a second wife, and called attention to his shop, tho enter prising tradesman and widower concludes by stating that he is about to sell off his stock at a sheer loss ; that he removes on such a day to more extensive premises; and that he is anxious to find lodgers for his first floor, excellently adapted for oilices, &c. A postcriptum tacked on to this singular advertisement respectfully solicits the custom of the public, whose interests have always been the chief concern of tho bereaved draper.

A Live Ghost.

In the year 1704, a gentleman, apparently of large fortune, took furnished lodgings in a house in Soho Square. After lie had resided there some weeks with his establishment, he lost his brother, who had lived at Hampstead, and who on his death-bed particularly desired to be in terred in the family vault at Westminister Abbey. The gentleman requested his landlord to permit him to bring the corpse of his brother to his lodgings, and to make arrangements there for the funeral. The landlord with out hesitation signified his compliance. The body, dressed in a white shroud, waß accordingly brought in a very handsome coffin, and placed in a great dining-room. The funeral was to take place the next day, and the lodger and his servants wont out to make the necessary preparations for the solemnity. He stayed out late; but this was no uncommon thing. The landlord and his family, conceiving that they had no occasion to wait for him, retired to bed as usual about twelve o'clock.

One maid-servant wasleft up to let him in, and to boil some water, which he had desired might be ready for makii-.g tea'on his return.

The ffirl was sitting all alone in1! the kitchen, when a tall, spectre-looking figure entered and clapped itself down in a chair opposite to her. The maid was by no moans one of the most timid of her sex; but she was terrified beyond expression, lonely as rfio was, at this unexpected apparation. Uttering a loud scream, she iiew out like an arrow at a

jide door, and hurried to the chamber of her master and mistress.

Scarcely had she awakened them, and communicated to the whole f.'imily some portion of the flight with which she was herself overwhelmed, when tho .spectre, en veloped in a shroud, and with n, face of death-like paleness, made itn appearance) and wit down in a chair in tho bedroom without their having observed how it entered.

Tho worst of all was thin chair stood l?y the door of the bedchamber, so thta not a creature could get away without passing close to tho apparition, which rolled its glaring eyes so frightfully and no hideously distorted its features that they could not bear to look at it.

The master and mistress crept under the bed-clothes, covered with profuse perspira tion, while tho maid-servant sank nearrly insensible by tho side of the bed.

At the same time the whole horn-o seemed to be in an uproar : for though they had covered themselves over bend anil ears they could still hear the incessant noise and clatter, which served to increase their terror.

At length all became perfectly still in the house.

Tho landlord ventured to raise his head, and to steal a glance at tho chair by the door; but behold the ghost was gone! Sober reason began to resume it« power. Tho girl wan brought to herself after a good deal of shaking. In a, short time they plucked up sufficient courage to quit tho bedroom, and to com mence an examination of tho house, which they expected to find in great disorder. Nor were their anticipations unfounded ; tho whole house had been stripped by artful thieves, and tho gentleman had decamped without paying for his lodgings. It turned out that ho was no other than an aecomplico of tho notorious Arthur Chambers, who was executed at Tyburn, 1700; and that the supposed corpse was the arch-rogue himself, who had whitened his hands and face with chalk, and merely counterfeited death.

About midnight he quitted the coffin, and appeared to the maid in tho kitchen. When sho flew upstairs lie softly followed her, and seated at the door of hei1 chamber, lie acted a« a sentinel, so that his indus trious accomplices were enabled to plunder the house without tho least molestation.

Match-Making.

To parentH with n large family of daughters the successful bestowal of them all in. matri mony is no light matter. It is a matter involving not only much serious thought, but ofton also great tronble and expense^ " What," says Thackeray, " causes respect1 able parents to take up their carpets, set their house* topßy-turvy, and spond a fifth of their year's income in ball suppers and iced champagne ? Ie it a sheer lovo of their species, and an unadulterated wish to sco young people happy and dancing? Pshaw 1 They wish to marry their pauehters.*' A wit remarks that when a man s only re sources consist of a numerous family of daughters, the best thing he can do is to luiximml his resources Thiit is no doubt very sage advice; but girls avo a kind of resources which it is sometime* by no means easy to husband. In order to execute that maiwuvre, a groat many other resources have generally t<> bo called into requisition, and not the least important of those is a sub stantial bank account. If his daughters bo hid only resources, both ho and they will be placed at a decided disadvantage. Even if he does not spend a fifth of his income in ball suppers and iced champagne, the father who wishes to give his girls a chance at all must keep them at any rate stylish, which may even be extended to including certain amount of fashionable extravagance. It in only the head of euch a household who knows what all this involves. But when patorfumilas has provided the sinews of war, there, as a rule, his share in tho match making ends. Men have not sufficient tact to be entrusted with such delicate task*! When they take it upon themselves to inter fere in these matters, they are suro to make trouble of one kind or other. Matchmak ing ie essentially tho ladies' province. It it, moreover, a branch of diplomatic service in which few men have any ambition to dis tinguish themselves. At the best, it is a somewhat invidious task. A mother and her six marriageable daughters have been facotiously described as a "school of de- F-ign ;" and that is really the aspect in which t liey are generally regarded. Tho very ap fiearanee of mamma at tho head of such a battalion is sometimes enough- to scare away the most stout-hearted eligible single gentlemen, wliO6e suspicious aro imme diately aroused, and who, rightlyorwrongly, persist in regarding the party as a verit able school of design. Tho dilliculty is ! immensely increased if tho young ladies do not happen to be particularly brilliant or attractive. It is here that pnpa'p financial resources come into play. But even when these resources are considerable, intending suitors are apt to pause when they think of tho process of subdivision that will have to bo undergone. To manosnvro her forces sC as to bring about a series of successful en gagoments, thus demands, on the part of the maternal head, no little skill in general ship as well as in diplomacy.—"Chambers'e ournal."

Men are never so eaeily deceived as when trying to deceive others.

As the mind must govern the hands, so in every society the man of intellect must direct the man of labour.

Deep humility is n strong bulwark, and it is only as we enter into it that we find safety and true exaltation.

STAR SATURDAY SUPPLEMENT, OCTOBER 13, 1883.

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