"PEACE."

I CHRISTMAS STORY, IN SIX CIIAPTEHS, [15Y JENNY WHEN.]

V/rittinfor the Star Christmas Supplement

CHAPTER I.

A CHRISTMAS RKVKIHE.

Gebtbudk Arnott lingered longer than -ual over her accustomed task, as tho -tendor twilight faded, and the sweet, cool V of evening fanned her check with its re freshing breath.

Tt had been such a hot, sultry day ; not -en tho light, fresh breeze that blew up from the water could mitigate the scorching rays of tho Christmas sun, as he shone forth • all his strength and splendour ever that fair New Zealand landscape. The bright blossom, that adorned Mrs Arnott's pretty, well-kept garden bail hung their heads in nroopin? languor till evening fell, and (Wrade had fastened her large garden anron around her, antl given them a wel come shower from her water-cans. Now a sweet fragrance filled the air, ami tho man" B'r' Bat down beneath a laden Lich tree to rest awhile and enjoy the Silent fragant beauty of the scene before ', It was Christmas Eve, and the subtle influence of this happy season shed its blessed pcacefillness over Certrude's loving heart. " She was happy, yes, very happy," s be told herself, as she sat there in the deepening shadows. How could she bo otherwise? Then how is ft that a shadow flits across tho smooth, fair brow as' she nonders over certain events of the year that g» soon to pass away tor ever? Her hat has fallen oil, anil lies on the ground at her feet, antl tho light wind plays with the yellow curls that fall in care less profusion over her neck and shoulders. She licet'sl it not as she indulges in a reverie of the past, and o'er her softened features steals an expression of tender regret. " gh e i 3 thinking of her mother, who is a patient invalid, confined to her sofa for 3ays and weeks, yet ever shedding a senile Christian inlluenee over the little household ; of her brother Gerald, the hand- Jomo) light-hearted youth, who is his fond mother's prideanddelight, but who could not subdue his restless longing for adventure, so has obtained her reluctant consent that he may he a sailor. Christmas without I lerald seems dull and lonoFome, though they have lately beard rood tidings from their " sailor boy," and know that ho is in good health, high slants, and safe keeping ; yet Wert rude longs for a sight of his bright face, and misses his merry Christmas greeting. His mother lies on her sofa, wistfully looking out of the open window across the broad blue waters of ihe bay, and breathes a silent prayer for her darling, looking back upon that far away time when Gerald was but a prattling babe; when for many a weary day she had watched and waited for the return of that other loved one, whose barque had been suddenly launched Into the ocean of eter nity, ficrtrude can just remember her father's last farewell, her mother's anxious waiting, a visit from bis ship's captain, her mother's sorrow, and her first black frock ; and to-night she is thinking of Gerald, fruitlessly wishing that he had chosen an other life than that of a sailor. But it in not even this that causes the shadow to gather on her brow. She is thinking of her cousin, Helen, who is spending the Christmas with them ; of her bright, brunette beauty, her high intellec tual capacities, and her probable rapid advancement in the sphere of labor she has chosen. And as she contrasts her own capabilities with those of her more talented younf relative, Gertrude feels that life is exceedingly commonplace after all, and longs for the possession of some special gift, by which she might accomplish somelife work worthy of the name and cause of Him to whom she has already given her heart and life. Gertrude may bo happy, but she is _0t content; her spirit chafes at the seem ing narrowness of bet- sphere of usefulness, and she wonders why the desa-e of her heartis not yet granted to her, that she does not see her appointed work in the vineyard. "Lord, give me a work to do for thee. Thou knowest that I love thee ; give me an earnest of thy love, even a gift to use in thy service !" cries the eager, longing soul of the young girl : and as the shadows fall, and as "the stars peep out one by one in the clear depth of the azure sky above her. there comes to her heart a message of sweet assurance--"Behold, I have loved thee ivith an everlasting love; I' will guide thee with Mine eye." CHAPTER 11. lIEI.K. .• " GERTRUDE, my love, has Helen finished those wreathes for the Church yet ?" in quired Mrs Arnott, as her daughter entered with the tea-tray. "-\ To, mama. She says 'twill be better to add the finishing touches early in the morning, as the delicate flowers fade so •quickly ; and Koss Elliott will call at seven lor us," replied Gertrude. Mrs Arnott looked anxiously across the room towards Gertrude's averted face, and answered slowly : " Koss seems extremely fond of Helen's company of late. Where are they now ?"

" Helen has gone to practise the anthem just once more, nnd Koss will bring her bom.. Here they are, mama dear I" added Gertrude, as cheery voices were heard in the hall, and presently cousin Helen, fol lowed by Ross Elliott, the young curate, entered the room.

" Good evening, Mrs Arnott," says Ross, respectfully, approaching the invalid's flOueh; "I do hope you may be able to attend tke morning service ; our floral decorations are really superb this season, and I know how you enjoy a choral service." "Yes, Ross," replied the lady, "the music is certainly an added charm, espe cially at this blessed season ; but I think I shall have to be content with ' heart music ' to-morrow. The Prince of Peace can pre pare a banquet of blessing for the lonely chamber, as well as a song of rejoicing for the sanctuary." "I am grieved that you are not better, dear friend," he replied. " I had hoped to welcome you on Christmas morn, but," he added, reverently, "the soul that enjoys such constant nearness to the source of joy can realise His presence everywhere." "Yes, if His peace is sued abroad in the heart, Ross," said- Mrs Arnott, softly ; "there is constant joy and sweet content— ' Whate'er His will, to trust Him still; His love shall guide, whate'er betide.' " " Ross," she continued, " what text have you chosen for to-morrow ? We are alone : and if I Iqnow it I shall think of it all the time while Uio girls are at church." Looking round he saw that Helen and Gertrude had left the room, so bending over Mrs Arnott's couch he replied, " I was troubled greatly about it, but at last I decided on this: "Arise, shine, for thy light has come;" but even now lam rather fearful about it, and cannot help wishing that Mr Evelyn had taken the »ervice."

Mrs Arnott caught his hand and held it close for a moment as sho replied, " Light, yes, truly He ia our light, Ross, even in dark places ; oven down into the valley of the shadow. He is our light." Then Helen returned with a mysterious parcel in her hand, which she gave to Ross, saying archly, "This is Gcrty's contribution; sho was too shy to give it you herself, but pleaso sec that it is placed in a favourable light, Mr Elliott, for it is a truly beautiful design. I think you may show it to auntie, though Gerty does not wish anyone to know that it is her work."

"Tho wish shall bo sacred," replied Ross, " but you will convey my thanks to her, will you not, Miss Helen 1 Oh 1 how beautiful I" he cried, as he unfolded a largo scroll and laid it before Mrs Arnott's ad miring gaze.

On a groundwork of crimson silk ap peared a floral scroll of lilies of the valley and forget-me-nots, wrought in the most delicate crewel-work, among which were beautifully traced the words, "Behold, I have loved thee with an everlasting love." "Just like dear Gertrude!" exclaimed Mrs Arnott. "She dclighte in silent, un obtrusive ministry. Her perfect unselfish ness antl loving service need no outward demonstrativeness ; they are felt, rather than seen ; expressed, rathor than heard. I thank God daily for tbis precious gift— my noble, generous Gertrude."

Ross Elliott said not another word, but two bright drops gathered in his clear, grey eyes, as he thought of this timid, sensitive nature with such a dopth of love antl con fidence in its inmost soul. Then be rolled up the scroll with scrupulous care, and bid ding the ladies a kindly "good night," lie wont away. CHARTER 111. " KOSS," Ross Elliott had been almost a brother to " little Gerty" as she was generally called, having been adopted into the Arnott family when only seven years old, and treated with ecptal tenderness and care as "baby Gerald " himself. Mrs Elliott had been Mrs Arnott's friend and constant companion during several years of her early life. They had married mutual friends and still remained in close intercoursce until the time of little Lilian's birth, when Ross had been suddenly left an t-pban, and Mrs Arnott had taken him to her home. His father had " gone away," that was all that was known about him, though Mrs Arnott sometimes spoke of her dear friend's having been a broken hearted woman, and never would mention the name wf " Percy Elliott. The baby, Lilian, soon followed itri mother to a better home, and Ross knew no parents, no relatives, no homo but Iho Arnott's, and grew up a noble, loving youth. Thero had been a little property left when .Mrs Elliott died, so the proceeds of it were devoted to Ross's college expenses, and according to his earnest desire, be had entered the ministry. Only a few months previous to the opening of our story, Ross Elliott had been ap pointed to the curacy of their own parish church, and it had been a bright, happy day for Mrs Arnott, when she saw her

adopted son stand forth as a " herald oE the glad tidings," proclaiming the Divine message of "Peace on earth, goodwill to men." The good lady had cherished a secret hope that she might ere long be able to claim Ross as her son by a closer tie than that of adoption. She had long noted the growing attachment between him and Gertrude, and the silent, prayerful tlesire of her heart was that these two might be united by earth's tenderest, sweetest tie. Tims matters stood when " Cousin Helen," the orphan daughter of Mrs Arnott's only sister, hrwl written a plaintive little letter to Gertrude, telling her of her weari ness of the constant round of concerts and soirees, &c, in the city, and of her longing for a rest from duty, and a country holiday.

Helen Tracey, endowed with Nature's most delightful gift, a beautiful voice, had long been a pupil of tho talented Herr Carl Schmidt, and by tho exercise of her talent bad been enabled to provide for the two younger sisters, who were left depen dent upon her for support. Beautiful and accomplished, she was much sought after and admired, and no social gathering or evening concert was considered complete

without the lovely young singer. Her health, indeed, demanded a respite from all exertion, and at Gertrude's earnest request a levin-.' invitation was sent to her cousin

for tbe Christmas holidays. She came, with her two little sisters, and almost directly it became evident that Ross Elliott \ta- infatuated by her beauty and talent. Through the illness of the organist, there was a vacancy in the little church of which Ross was curate, and what more natural than that Helen should offer her services during her stay at "The Willows". People wondered who that "(splendid young creature" could be, who.*, rich, highly-cultivated voice filled the little church with its sweet, swelling melody, and whose skilful touch wakened the silent chords of the old organ, us though "some un.-tjen minstrel ~ struck its magic notes," and often after service Helen would linger at tho instrument, unmind ful of all else save the powerful chai-'iH of the art she so passionately loved. Ross and Gertrude would wait and listen, till, presently, all unconscious of her own power, the clear, sweet voice would burst forth into glorious song, and the skilful ringers linger lovingly over the sacred symphonies—sometimes till the twilight fell. It was Helen who had suggested a choral service—a ftite never beforo achieved by the modest choir of St. Agnes's Church. It was Helen who had inspired all the young folks of the neighbourhood with a desire to excel in the rendering of tho Christmas carols that were to be sung at midnight from house to house. And indeed, it was Helen whom the schoolchildren adored,the ladies' committee applauded, and the family at the Willows fairly idolised. And presently Mrs Arnott awoke to the fact that Gertrude had slipped into the back ground entirely now, and with an almost unconscious pang of regret she noticed that Ross appeared quite absorbed in the com panionship of their gifted young relative, and that the two were almost constant companions. CHARTER IV. THE STRANGER. Christmas morning dawned clear and bright. Over the distant hills rose the golden beams of the morning that should usher in the full, glorious brightness of tho day. The day of rejoicing, the dawn of peace, the harbinger of eternal joy—when God the Father bent His tender, pitying gat'.e upon His children, and stretched out His hand to bless them with His eternal peace. "Peace, peace, peace," was the sweet outburst of song that greeted the ears of the family at the Willows, as Helen's clear, powerful voice rang out upon the early morning air. " Peace, peace, peace," was the message gentle Mrs Arnott read when thoy knelt at family prayer that morning ; and, indeed, a sweet peace seemed to rest upon the littlo group that gathered in that happy home.

The'bells' have rung out their Christmas welcome, and tho worshippers of the Christ

child arc gathered together to listen to the 1 sweet message of {leace that He purchased with His blood, when the half-closed doors of St. Agues'. Church are gently pushed open, and the figure of a wan, weary-looking man appearson the threshold. His clothes are dusty, as with long travel; his hair and beard are unkempt ; his boots are torn and dirty, and the old hat ho carries in his hand is almost minus a brim. Silent and unnoticed, he stands there, and listens—a strange, wistful expression upon his careworn countenance. Tho glorkms message of love is being sung, and his dark oyes moisten with unwonted tenderness as ho hears the sweet angelic song "Behold, I bring you glad tidings of great joy," _o. He listens eagerly, and as tho subtle charm of tho music sweeps over his troubled soul, horcpeats this one wordof the anthem of lovo softly over and over to himself, the little word that forms the golden link between earth and Heaven, between God antl man,

" peace, peace, peace." It is ended, tbe people sit down again, and the stranger sinks upon the low scat behind tho door, and lifts his eyes toward the chancel, when, a voice pro ceeds that thrills his very being. What smith that voice, whoso accents are so strangely familiar to this poor wandering stranger? "Arise, shine, for thy light ha« come." Grovel no longer in the darkness of doubt and unbelief or careless indifference, but arise, pour, care-worn child of earth; the Father lovcth thee. He is thy light, He is thy joy, He is thy peace. Come, join thy song with that of angels and ransomed spirits of the just, mado perfect. Arise, east off thy bunions, whatever they may bo, how ever heavily they oppress thee ; cast them upon Him win caroth for theo ; Him "who hath loved thee with an everlasting love." Shine, rejoice, lift up thy weary soul to Him whocan give thee light.and in His li- lit shall thou see light, and the light shall make you free. There is peace with Cod through Christ, freedom, life, joy, and peace in Him, by Him, through Him, who is the Light of the World."

.Much moresaitl the young preacher con cerning that. Light, but tbe oltl man beard him not; his spirit had drunk in the blessed truth that there was " peace " even for his storm-tossed soul -, and even as he doubted and questioned, his eyes rested upon ii crimson scroll above the*altar, and like a message of peace came the sweet assurance, " Behold. I have loved thee with

an everlasting love."

And then ho knew it was the Father's voice calling His wanderer home, and the soul of the careworn man became even as a little child, and there was peace, sweet holy peace, in another humble heart.

As tho congregation ro.-c In disperse, the stranger hurriedly passed out of the porch and stood aside beneath a largo spreading tree, as if waiting or watching for some .inc. And presently the young curate, ac companied hy Gertrude and Helen, passed close beside' him. He almost belli his breath, so eiurer was the scrutiny of the searching give with which be scanned the young man's features. And Koss, as be passed, was instinctively attracted towards the desolate-looking stranger: and, noticing his wistful looks, beheld out his hand, say ing gently, "A ble-s.-ed Christmas to you, ' peace ' be with you."

Then the old man drew his coat sleeve across bis eves, antl murmured softly to himself—"'tis be ! He has her eyes, her hair, her smile ; antl the voice, too, is like licrs, Oh !my boy, my boy that 1 dare not claim, and he said " Peace, peace. Would he forgive !" CHAPTER V. K.vrimu am. soy. Ross Elliott was strongly contemplative during dinner, though Helen strove to rally him by her genial humour, antl Certrude's tender eye looked at him questioningly across tho table. .Irs Arnott respected his silence, and even [after the girls had left the room to prepare for a country walk, Ross stooil by the window looking out over the sea, seemingly lost in deep, earnest thought. Presently he drew a chair up to Mrs Arnott's couch, antl sat down beside her. '■ What is it." inquired the lady, "does anything trouble you '!" lb-took ncr hand, and replied in a husky troubled voi.-e, "Aunt, 1 was thinking of my father. 1 wonder if he is still alive .''

Mi's Al'liot started, and an anxious, troubled look came over her usually calm, gentle lace.

"Your lather, Koss I" she exclaimed, in trembling accent-. " What made you think of him. I fear Hint he will never re turn tv you. I suppose ho is either dead, or -. ' Cut. lU.ss, my .-on, tio you wish to meet him ."

"1 know he broke my pour mother's heart by bis cruel neglect. 1 know that but for your tender love I should have been cast upon the world a homeless waif, un cared for' by any earthly friend : and yet to day, my very soul seems to yeavn after tbis absent, unknown parent, and I long to see him, to hear his voice, to be reconciled. Oh! auntie," continued Koss, "that he ml_dit return, and find pardon and peace, rind lead it new and better life, Would that not be a precious token of His love at this blessed season ."

"It would, indeed, Ross," replied Mrs Arnott through her tears ;"bul do not think for a moment that / cherish any resent ful feelingstownrdsyoiirunhappyfather. lie cruelly deserted and blighted the fair young lifo of my dearest friend, ho wronged and de frauded my dear husband, and by a clever forgery obtained the full control ot the little fortune that remained to us after your Uncle Gerald's death. But I have not been left dostitute_ n, _io widows Cod has cared for me and my fatherless children ; they are both good and happy, and in you I have another proof of His love ;so I have fully, freely forgiven all the past, and if, after I am gone, Ross, your father should ever return, you may assure him oHhis, and remember, too, that your sainted mother left him her dying lovo and bless ing." "But tell me, Ro.s," sho continued, " what has made you think of him to-day ?" Then he told her of the stranger who had entered the church porch, and whose pecu liar manner had arrested his attention after service, "And the thought struck me, aunt,' he added, " that perhaps my poor father might be even such an one as he." " Strange," replied the lady. " You say ho seemed to be in poverty. May I ask if you relieved him from present pressure? were you able to •' "Just like yon, auntie," interrupted Ross. " Yes, I left half a sovereign in his hand, so that he need not want for a Christ mas dinner or comfortable lodging, 'Was I not right in so doing?" " Yes, my boy, you did well. I do not like to think of any of Cod's children being in need at this blessed season, though, alas 1 there are thousands who still lack Christmas blessing; would that it were otherwise; would that the glorious light of social reform would arise "and shine into the hearts of tho people, that the Divine mandate might be univer sally obeyed, and the blessed law of love become the motive power in ovory govern ment or constitution ; then, indeed, the whole world would rejoice before Him who hath proclaimed ' Peace on earth, goodwill to men.'" Even as she ceased speaking, a low knock was heard at the door, and Ross, hastening

to answer it, presently returned to the dining-room, accompanied by a stranger, who was, indeed, no other than his ac quaintance of the morning. He had improved his appearance con siderably, however, having shaved and changed his linon, dressed his hair, and procured a respectable hat. His boots, too, had been carefully polished. He appeared much agitated as Ross introduced him to Mrs Arnott, with whom he had re quested an interview.

" I havo not given you any name, madame," he said, hesitatingly, "because I feared you would refuse to see me ; but I stand before you now, a humbled, repent ant man, and ask you to givo mc your hand for his sake (pointing to Ross) to whom you have supplied a mother's place. I ask you to pardon, to receive restitution for tho past. 1 am Rercy Elliott, his father, and poor Elsie's husband. Catherino Arnott, can you forgive ?"

Mrs Arnott looked from one to the other, and taking a hand of each, sho said, with solemn oariiodness, " I do most fully, most freely, in His prosecco, and it may be that slie, too, looks down upon us now, and rejoices that her dying prayer is heard, and you are brought to the fold. Ross, your earnest wish is gratified, it is your father." "Ross, my son," exclaimed the old man, " I did not intend to make myself known, only to look upon your face once more, and for that purpose I stole into the church this morning ; but I was brought face to face with another One, and His words havo fol lowed mv and held me fast. Ross, is it for me, that peace you spoke of . May / take those blessed words 1 saw in tbo I chancel, and rest upon them, "Behold, I have loved tliee with an everlasting love." For all answer, Koss grasped that outstretched hand, and replied in low earnest tones, whoso depth of feeling Mrs Arnott long remembered, "Yes, my father, it is for you, the Peace that passeth understanding, the Ilopo that mnkoth not ashamed, the Love that pardoneth anil res toreth all things." Then tbe old man bowed his head, and tbe great tears rolled down bis cheeks as be embraced bis son, antl murmured softly, " Ross, let us pray." We will draw a veil over that .scene, as those three souls bow down before tbe great Heart of Love, and receive the promise of His eternal peace. CHARTER VI. Tin; ciinisTMAs our. I'kkcv Elliott had returned to make full restitution of all that earthly good of which ho had defrauded the widow ami the father jess, anil a largel sum of money M.is placed in the Rank to their orodit. This should be equally divided between Gerald and Gertrude, .mil Mrs Arnott's heart beat high with tbe fond hope tied her sen would re turn and settle quietly at home.

So Percy bUliott became the guts, of the family at the Willows, and again and again he listened to Ihe voice of bis son, telling the old, old story of Peace and Love.

Hy-and-byo Helen returned to her duties in the city, and they missed tho lovely pre sence of the "sweet singer" from the choir of the little church.

Old Mr Elliott became much attached to the fair Gertrude, and onco ho told her how the >wenl words she had chosen had brought him such comfort. Her eyes tilled with tears as ho caressed her with almost paren tal fondness, and presently Ross came and stood beside them. Their eyes met, and the rosy Hush of maidenly confusion spread from cheok to brow as she strove to hide hot' face from hi. tender gaze.

The old man smiled, and turning to his son, said softly, "Isit so ? Ross, my boy, she is as good as sho is beautiful. I can read it in her eyes and on her brow. Cod bless you both."

Then tho heart of tbo young man came back to its true allegiance as he received from the hand of his gentle foster-mother his most precious Christmas gilt. So Mrs Arnott's wish was granted, antl before another Christmas dawned Ross and Gertrude wese married.

Three years passed happily away, anil again Helen Tracy was spending her brief holiday at the Willows. And one bright summer's morning a familiar form came bounding up the garden path, a well-known voice cried out, "Where's motherV" and Mrs Arnott held her sailor-boy close to be longing hear!.

"I shall not go to sea again, mother, said Herald, a few weeks later. " Surely a nautical chap like mc can find a billet here, Perhaps our Harbour Hoard may need a band, eh I mother? And then a fellow can settle down ami play 'Jack Ashore.' Shall I, Helen I" whispered (he handsome young sailor, as he drew Helen to tho window.

And the beautiful eyes drooped bpforo his earnest gaze, as the <veM\ sort voice murmured one little word of reply thai evidently satisfied the ardent young lover, as he turned to his mother to ask her approval of his choice; but the old lady bad discreetly left the room. So Helen did not return to Auckland to resume her occupation, but having placed her sisters under the tuition of that excellent lady, Mrs Leyman, whose house afforded them a pleasant homo, she prepared lo link her fate with the "Ribbon of Blue." So by and-by there was another wedding at St. Agnes' Church, and the school children, tl_- Rallies' Committee, and tbe Harbour Hoard were highly gratified to tint! Captain Arnott and bis accomplished wife were to remain amo_g them.

Ross is vicar now, and Ml. Arnott lives at the pleasant vicarage, whore she is loved and honoured as a true " Mother in Israel."

And a tall, white-haired man lives at tho Willows with Gerald and Helen, to whoso children ho is wont to relate tho most wonderful stories of his adventures in Africa during Hie Abysinian War, and to tell the sweet tendor story of that Christmas morn ing, when weary of life's heavy burden, he entered tho porch ot St. Agnes's Church and listened to the sweet words of pence that brought him Christmas joy.

It is Christmas morning at tho Vicarage, and Gertrude, a little palo from recent weakness, stands by her husband's side with a new sense of happiness flooding her loving heart. For there, on Mrs Arnott's knee, lies a tiny treasure that has been c:ven to her in answer to earnest prayer. For all these years Gertrude has been longing for this most precious gift, a little child ; a beautiful, tender blossom, on which to lavish the wealth of affection that God has implanted in every true woman's soul. And now, as she stands in glorious sun light of another Christmas morning, her heart is too full for words, and she lays hor head upon her husband's breast and weeps for vory joy. "What shall wc call our wee blossom, Gerty?" says Ross, fondly caressing the fair head that nestles to his heart of love.

Gertrude looks up from her resting place and meets bis tender gaze, as she answers earnestly: Ross, my husband, she is our Christmas gift, let us call her

" Peace."

A LA ill'S LJ_'i"J.'l_J4 iKOitf LONDON.

Feminine Facts, Fancies, and

Frivolities.

(By Elisk.)

London", Octobor 22. Giuls' BOOKS deserving of perusal grow rarer year by year. Tho "Girls' ©wn Annual" is almost too childish for our modern young ladies of 14 or 15 ; indeed, I believo it wholcsomer to give them a good novel, such as " Hypatia," by Kingsley, and "Tho Mill on tho Floss," by George Eliot, at this age. Mothers who want simple tales to road aloud to thoir little girls should try some of Mr Ewing's delightful stories, "A Flat Iron for a Farthing," is ono of the best.

Thcro is not much to say concerning novelties in dress. Few people are making purchases just now; but I am anxious to mention a fabric for present wear that seems eminently calculated for tho seaside, or for the country. This material resembles bath towelling with a brocaded surface of leaves anil flowers, all being of uniform colour, that is, twino or ecru. Tho substance is flax, and moderately heavy ; it would with stand wear admirably; would last a con siderable time without washing ; an acci dental mark could bo washed out without damaging the appearance of tho dress. There is besides .something vory artistic in the soft clinging folds of a dress of this material. With the addition of a few black velvet bows, and velvet toque to match, the lout ensemble is most pleasing. The numerous lawn costumes made for the country testify to tho great popularity of washing drosses. They are made in wonderfully pretty styles, a favourite method being a flounced skirt with seven pleating*, ami a square tablier a lapay tsamn; open in front and joined with long ribbon bows, or straps of velvet. Small panieis are draped on the hips, and a lawn chemisette is gauged at tho throat, pleated at the waist, and finished off with a velvet collar.

A Philadelphia lady has recently been figuring as the "Diamond Queen " at the Grand Union Hotel, Saratoga. At a recent garden party at the hotel she wore diamonds fo the value of 105,W)0d015., and lace !., Ihe value o! H0.000d01.. moic. Two detectives ill evening dress waited closely upon her us a precaution, so the company must have been rather mixed.—"Echo." '

1 wonder, says a writer in " Life," if this rage fur ortianieiits in (he shape of crawling (hin».s will s,mi. die i.ut. 1 saw a girl on Thursday whom 1 have known to scream v.iih horror ut a real blackbeclle, with the cape of her while dr< -s fastened in nbotil 1..-ii different places near her throat with ten hidcoii ly real-looking blackbcetles. She woro a perfect horde of them in her hat. I don't call thai consistency ; do you ';

The Queen of ftalyisvery fond of children, and seldom lakes a walk without stopping to chat with one or I wo of her youthful sub jects, especially lit! le girls. In former (lavs she would often a-k a protege: "And what is your lather, my dour." But since the haughty reply of a mite of seven—" My lather is a Republican"—Her Majesty studiously avoids this question.

"Madgo" describes in "Truth" the costumes of two children she knows. The boy's new suit, sho says, is ruby velvet trimmed with ruby plush, and slashed with cardinal silk, A Henry VIII. hat of similar materials makes his lovely gold-brown curls look more golden than ever. He is a picturesque little being thus clad, but a sailor suit would be'moro sensible for every reason. The tiny girl—a year younger—is also a victim to millinery, but, small as she is, she takes to it moro kindly than the boy. ller boots cost a small fortune, being made expressly for her, and provided with any number of buttons. Her short skirts have a sort of jaunty air that means self consciousness ; bid she is a dear little thing. and very pretty. Her very newest frock is of peacock green plush, on whicli a rich design is worked in thick silk cord. The buttons arc enamelled and very costly. ■Some yards ol real Mechlin make a bitla-

,/. use, an appendage rather out of place on a garment so short, but still dainty enough to make one forget its inapplicability. She eaughl some of the meshes of this lace on the corner of a chair the other day, and Lire it a tittle. Her civ, "Oh. mother dear, my Mechlin !" sounded less like tho age of si.\ than that of six-nnd-twenty.

Those ladies who like to have a fashion of their own that cannot be copied by any one will be glad to hear of a new style that is full of beauty and attraction.' and a curiosity withal, namely, Bulgarian hand embroiderod robes. These drosses are most exquisite, and are in cream white and a black material, embroidered in gold, silver, antl soft silks of lovely colours. The pal terns avc most graceful and elegant, consisting of scrolls, arabesque patterns and garlands or sprays ol flowers. Some of the rollings are finished oil' with a bell fringe knotted into the stuff itself, so that they cannot como away as even the most cosily fringes do .sometimes, These dresses seem suitable for almost any hour of tbe day, from the simple morning dress to the brilliant evening toilette, and they have the advantage of being moderate in price.

At a recent aquatic fete in Scotland, many of Ihe ladies were very exquisite cos tumes. Among the prettiest, saysn Society journal, we noticed a cream flannel with a waterfall back, antl the novelty of the lower part was lined with ruby turned upwards and fastened with gold anchors instead of buttons. The front had two flounces, each edged wilb several rows of ruby and gold braid, nnd ihe waistcoat matched, tho buttons being small anchors : a cream straw hat, with a ruche of frayed out- 1 .by silk and a gold anchor in front. A broad " fishwife " striped blue and while skirt was worn with a dark blue sorgo tunic and bodice, with waistcoat of tho stripes, and a red kerchief tying up the tunic to one side of tho bodice, and another coming out from the waistcoat and looped back to the other hip. A very pretty costumo con sisted of Turkish embroidery on pale blue nun's cloth, with loops of ribbon of the colour of the embroidery : over it for warmth, was worn a dolmnn cloak of brown brocade, lined with blue satin and edged with similar embroidery; tho hatwasentirely of the embroidery, with a bluo aigrette. At the ball most of the loveliest dresses were white ; one consisted of lace and satin, looped up gracefully with artificial purple and white heather, and a few silver thistles. An uncommon dress consisted of a bodice and tunic of cream lace, looped over a plain tartan satin skirt, short and full, the tunic being caught up on one side with a twisted scarf of the samo tartan, and allowed to drop very low on tho other: the petticoat was draped at distances, shewing cascades of lace.

Barege drosses over silk of another colour arc also mode, navy blue bari-ge over gronat silk being nil ullective combination. The pleated slcirt is edged with lace, and the silk corsage has an ovor-casaquin of barege gauged at tho neck and waist, and terminating in large Camargo pnniei.. A bell of gronat velvet encircles the waist. The Lesdiijnieres hat is of blue straw, inter plaited with gronat chenille, and trimmed with blue and red feathers, fastened by a golden arrow.

STAR SATURDAY SUPPLEMENT, DECEMBER 22, 1883

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