"He did."

"No, sir." Mr Ferris bowed, turned toward the op' poßing counsel} and said:

(To be Continued.)

"HAND AND RING,"

By Anna Kathewnk Grew. Author of "The Leavonworth Murdor," "Tho Sword ot Damodos," "Tho Defonoo oJ tho Prude," etc.

♦ —- CHAPTER XXVIII. THE CHIEF WITNESS YOB THE PROSECUTION. Oh, while you live toi. truth, and shame the devll- . -Henhy IV. Mr Bybd's countenance after the dopar turo of his companion was anything but ohoorinl. The fact is, he was secretly un easy. He dreaded the morrow. He dreaded the testimony of Miss Dare. He had not yet escaped so fully from under the dominion of her fascinations as to regard with equanimity this unhappy woman i jrcing hersolf to give testimony compromis ing to the man she loved. Yet when the morrow came ho was among the first to secure a seat in the court-room. Though tho sceno was likely to be harrowing to his feelings, he had no wish to loso it, and, indoed, chose such a position as would give him the best oppor tunity for observing tho prisoner and sur veying tho witnesses. He was not tho only one on tho look-out for the testimony of Miss Dare. The in creased number of the spectators and tho genoral air of expectation visible in more than one of the chief actors in this terrible drama gave suspicious proof of tho fact; a -en if the deadly paller of the lady horsolf 1 tad not revealed her own feelings in regard t j the subject. Tho entrance of the prisoner was more marked, too, than usual. His air and manner were emphasised, so to speak, and his face, when ho turned it toward tho jury, wore an iron look of resolution that would ]i ive made him conspicuous had he occupied n less prominent position than that of the dock.

Alias Dare, who had flashed her eyes to- Tird him at the moment of his first appear mice, dropped them again, contrary to her n*ial custom. Was it because she know the moment was at hand when their glances would be obliged to meet ? Mr Orcutt, whom no movement on the part of Miss Dare ever escaped, leaned ovor aid spoke to the prisoner. "Mr Mansell, said ho, "are you pre pared to submit with composure to the ordeal of confronting Miss Daro ?" " Yes," was the stern roply. "I would then advise you to look at her now,"proceeded his oounsol. "She is not turned this way, and you can observe her without encountering her glance. A quick look at thiß moment m»y_ save you from botraying any undue emotion when you see li)r upon the stand." The accused smiled with a bitterness Mr Orcutt thought perfectly natural, and ("lowly prepared to obey. As he raised his eyes and allowed them to traverse the room, v itil they settled upon tho countenance of the woman he loved, this other man who, out of o more absorbing passion for lino gone, was at that very moment doing all 1 liat lay in his power for the saving of this life openly acknowledged rival, watched him with the closest and most breathless atten tion. It was another instance of that peculiar fascination which a successful rival has for an unsuccessful one. It was as if this great lawyer's thoughts reverted to his lovo, and he asked himsolf : " What w there in this Mansell that she should p efer him to me ?" And Orcutfc himself, though happily un aware of the fact, was at that same instant under a scrutiny as narrow as that he be stowed upon his client. Mr Ferris, who knew hia secret, felt a' keen interest in watching how he would conduct himself <it this juncture. Not an expression of the lawyor'a keen and puzzling eye but wns seen by the District Attorney and noted, even if it was not understood.

Of the three, Mr Ferris was the first to •urn away, and his thoughts if thoy could h ire been put into words might have run something like this : " That man "—mean ing Orcutt —"is doing the noblest work 0 ia human being can perform for another, and yet there is something in his face I do nit comprehend. Can it be he hopes to win Miss Dare by hi? effort to save his rival ?" As for the thoughts of the person thus v iconsciously subjected to the criticism of his dearest friend, let our knowledge of the springs that govern his action serve to interpret both the depth and bitterness of his curiosity ; while the sentiments of Man -Bell But who can read what lurks behind the iron of that sternly composed countenance? Not Imogene, not Orcutt, not Ferris. Hi 3 secret, if he owns one, he keeps well, and his lids scarcely quiver as he drops them over the. eyes that but a moment before reflected the grand beauty of the unfortunate woman for whom he so litely protested the most fervent '•re. The nsxt moment the court was opened, and Miss Dare's name was called by the District Attorney. With a last look at the unresponsive prisoner, Imogene rose, took her place on fie witness stand and faced the jury. It was a memorable moment. It the curious and impressible crowd of spectators abeut her had been ignorant of her true re lations to the accused, the deadly stillness and immobility of her bearing would have cjnriiiced them that emotion of the deepest n ituro lay behind the etill, white mask she hid thought fit to assume. That sho was beautiful and confronted them from that emimon stand as from a throne, did not sn-va to lessen the impression she made. Tho officer held the Bible toward her. With a look that Mr Byrd was fain t« con gider ono of natural shrinking only, she laid hor white hand upon it; but at the intima tion from the officer, " The right hand, if you please, misa," she started and made the exchange he suggested, while at the same mement there rang upon her ear the voice of the clerk as he administered the awful adjuration that she should, as she believed; and hoped in Eternal mercy, tell the truth as between this man and the law and keep not one tittle back. The book was then lifted to her lips by the officer, and with "Take your seat, Miss Dare," said the District Attorney, And the examination bsßan. •^ Your name, if you please!" •' Imogene Dare." " Are you married or single ?" " 1 am single." " Where were you born ? Now this was a painful question to one of her history. Indeed, she showed it to bo so by the flush which rose to her cheek and by the decided trembling of her proud lip. But she did not seek to evade it. " Sir," she said, " I cannot answer you. 1 never heard any of the particulars of my birth. I was a foundling.' Tho mingled gentleness and dignity with which she made this acknowledgment won for her the instantaneous sympathy of a'l present. Mr Orcutt saw this, and the flash of indignation that had involuntarily passed between him and the prisoner sub sided as quickly as it arose. Mr Ferris wont on. •' Wherodoyoulive?" " In this town 1" " With whom do you live V " I am board ing at present with a woman of the name of Kennedy. I support myself by my needle," she hurriedly added, as though anxious to forestall his next ques- Seeiu" theprieoner'sstart at this, Imogeno lifted her head still higher. Evidently this former lover of hers knew little of her movements since they parted so many weeks PLtO, "" And-how long is it since you supported yourself in this way 1" asked the District Attorney. , _ , „ , " For a fow weeks only. Formerly," she said, making a slight inclination in the direction of the prisoner's counsel, "I lived |i the household of Mr Orcutt, where I oc- Cipißofthe poeition of assistant to tho lady who looks after his domestic affairs." And her eye met the lawyer's with a look of wide that made him inwardly cringe, tnough not even the jealous glance of the prisoner could detect that an eyelash quivered or a flicker disturbed the studied «3renity of his gaze. . The District Attorney opened his lips as If to pursue thU topic, but, meeting his opponent's eye, concluded to waive further preliminaries and proceed at onpe to the more serious part of the examination. 5?" Miss Dare," said he, " will you look at tfie prisoner and tell us if you have any ac quaintance with him ?" Slowly she prepared to reply ; slowly she turned her head and let her glance traverse that vast crowd till it settled upon her f >rmer lover. The look which passed like lightning across her face as she encountered his gaze fixed for the first time steadily upon her own, no one in that assemblage ever forgot. "Yes," she returned, quietly, but in. a tone that made Mansell quiver and look away, dospite his iron self-command. "I know him."

: "Will you be kind enough to say how long you have known him, and where it was you first made bis acquaintance V'

"I mot him first in Buffalo somo four months since," was the steady reply. ' He was calling at a friend's house where I was " Did you at that time Icdow of his rela tion to your townswoman, Mrs Clommens I "No, sir. It was not till I had seen him several tiuifls that I learned ho had any connections in Sibley." " Miss Dire, you will excuse me, but it is highly desirable for tho court to know if the prisoner evor paid hia addresses to you? The deep, almost agonizing blush that coloured her white cheek answered as truly as the slow " Yes " that struggled painfully to her lips. , "And—excuse mo again, Miss Daro—did he propose marriage' to you!" "Ho did." " DidVou accopt him ? "I did not." _ " Did you refuse him ? "I rofused to engage myself to him. "Miss Dare, will you tell us when you left Buffalo ?" . „ " On the nineteenth day of August last. "Did the prisoner accompany you ?" "He did not." " Upon what sort of terms did you part ? "Good terms, sir." "Do you mean friendly torms, or such as are hold by a man and a woman betweon whom an attachment exists which, under favourable circumstances, may culminato in marriage ?" "Tholattor, sir, I think." " Did you roceivo any letters from tho prisoner after your return to Sibloy ?" " Yes, sir." " And did you answor them ?

"I did." " Miss Daro, may I now ask what reasons you gave tho prisoner for declining his offer —that is, if my friend does not objoct to tho quOßtion?" added tho District Attorney, turning with courtesy toward Mr Orcutt. Tho latter, who had started to his foot, bowod composedly and prepared to vosumo his soat. "Idosiro to put nothing in tho \vay_ ot your eliciting tho whole truth concerning this matter," was his quiet, if somewhat constrained, response. Mr Ferris at once turned back to Miss Dare. " You will, then, answer," ho saul. Imogene liftod her head and complied. "I told him," Bho declared, with thrilling distinctness, " that he wa3 in no condition to marry. I am by nature an ambitious woman, and, not having suffered at that time, thought more of my position before the world than of what constitutes the worth and dignity of a man." Mo one who hoard those words could doubt they wore addressed to tho prisoner. Haughtily as sho hold horsclf, there was a deprecatory humility in her tono that neither judge nor jury could have olicitod from her. Naturally many oyes turned in tho diroction of the prisoner. They saw two white faces bofore them, that of the accused and that of his counsel, who sat near him. But the pallor of tho one was of scorn, and that of the other Well, np one who knew the relations of Mr Orcutt to tho wit ness cauld wondor that tho renownod law yer shrank from hearing tho woman he loved confess her partiality for another man. Mr Ferris, who understood tho situation as well fls anyone, but who had passed the point where sympathy could interfere with his action, showed a disposition to press his advantage. "Miss Dare," ho inquired, "in declining tho proposal* of tho prisoner, did you stato to him in so many words these objections you have here mentioned ?" "I did."

"And what answer did ho giro you ?" "Ho replied that he was also ambi tious, and hoped and intended to make a success in life."

" And did he tell you how ho hoped and intended to make a success!"

"Miss Dare, wero these letters written by you ?" She looked at tho packet he held toward her, started as sho sw tho broad black ribbon that encircled it, and bowed her head.

"I have no doubt flieso aro my lotters," she rejoined, a little tremulously for her. And unbinding tho packet, she examined its contents. " Yes, she answered, " they are. These, letters were all written by me."

Aiid she handed thorn back with such haste that tho ribbon which bound them re mained in her fingers, where consciously or unconsciously she held it clutched nil through the remaining time of her examina tion.

" Now," said the District Attornoy, " I propose to read two of these letters. Does my friend wish to look at them before I offer them in evidence ?" holding them 'out to Mr Orcutt.

Every eye in the court room was fixed upon the latter's face, as the letters ad dressed to his rival by the woman he wished to make his wife were tendered in this public manner to his inspection. Even th* iron face of Mansell relaxed into an expres sion of commiseration as he turned ana sur veyed tho man who, in despite of tho anomalous position they held toward each other, was thus engaged in battling for his life before the eyes of the whole world. At that instant there was not a spectator who did not feel that Tremont Orcutt was the hero of the moment.

He slowly turned to the prisoner. " Have you any objection to these letters being read ?" "No," returned the other in a low tone.

Mr Orcutt turned firmly -to the District Attorney. "Youmayread them if you think proper," said he.

Mr Ferris bowed; the letters were marked as exhibits.by the stenographic roportor who was taking the minutes uf tho testimony and handed back to Ferris, who proceeded to read the following in a clear voice to the jury: "Sibmy, N.Y., September 7, 18S2. " Dear Friend, —You show signs of im patience, and ask for a word to help you through this period of uncertainty and un rest. What can I say more than I have said? That I believe in you and in your invention, and proudly wait for the hour when you will come to claim me with the fruit of your labours in your hand. lam impatient myself, but I have more trust than you. Some one will see the valuo of your work before long, or else your aunt will interest herself in your success, and lend you that practical assistance which you need to start you in tho way of fortune and fame. I cannot think you are going ta fail. I will not allow myself to look forward to anything less than success for you and happiness for myself. For the one involves the other, as you must know by this time, or else believe me to be the most heart less of coquettes. "Wishing to see you, but of tho opinion that further meetings between us would be unwise till our future looks more Bottled, I remain, hopefully yours, "Imogene Dake." " The other letter I propose to read," continued Mr Ferris, "is dated September 23rd, three days before the widow's death." " Dear Craik,—Since you insist upon seeing me, and say that you have reasons of your own for not visiting me openly, I will consent to meet you at the trynting spot you mention, though all such under hand dealings are as foreign to my nature as I believe them to be to yours. " Trusting that fortuno will so favour us as to make it unnecessary for us to meet in this way more than once, I wait in anxiety for your coming. "Imogens Dare." These letters, unfolding relations that, up to this time, had been barely surmised by the persons congregated before her, created a great impression. To those especially who knew her and believed her to be en gaged to Mr Orcutt the surprise was well nigh thrilling. The witness seemed to feel this, and bestowed a short, quick glance up on the lawyer that may have partially re compensed him for tho unpleasantness of the general curiosity. The Prosecuting Attorney wont on with out pauao: " Miss Dare," said he, "did you meet the prisoner as you promised ?" " I did."

" Will you tell me when and whore ?" " On the afternoon of Monday, September 27th, in the glade back of Mrs Clemmens's house."

" Miss Dare, we fully realise the pain it mast cost you to refer to these matters, but I must request you to tell ua what passed between you at this interview ?" "If you will ask me questions, sir, I will answer them with the truth the subject de mands." The sorrowful dignity with which this was said called forth a bow from the Prosecuting Attorney. "Very well,"'he rejoined, "did the prisoner have anything to cay about hi 3 prospects?" "He did." " How did he speak of them ?" '.' Daspondingly." " And what reason did he give for this 1" "He said he had failed to interest any capitalist in his invention." '.'Any other reason?" "Yes." "What was that?" " That he had just come from his aunt, whom he had tried to persuade to advance

him a sum of money to carry out his wishes, but that she had refusod." "He told you that?" " Yes, sir. " Did'ho also toll you what path ho had takon to his aunt's house?" " No, sir." " Was there anything said by him to show he did not take tho secret path through the woods and across the bog to her back door?" " No, sir." " Or that he did not return in the same way ?" "No, sir." " Miss Dare, did tho prisoner express to you at this time irritation as well as regret at the result of his efforts to olicit money from his aunt ?" "Yes," was the evidently forced roply. "Can you romember any words that he used which would tend to show the condi tion of his mind ?" "I havo no memory for words," sho bogan, but flushed as she mot the eye of tho Judge, and perhaps romembored hor oath. " I do recollect, however, one expression he used. He said :' My life is worth nothing to mo without success. If only to win you, I must put this matter through ; and I will do it yet.'" Sho repeated this quietly, giving it no emphasis and scarcely any inflection, as if sho hoped by her mechanical way of utter ing it to rob it. of any special moaning. But she did not succoed, as was shown by tho compassionate tono in which Mr Ferris next addressed hor. " Miss Daro, did you express any anger yourself at tho refusal of Mrs Clemmons to assist tho prisoner by londing him such inouoys as ho roquirod ?" " Yos, sir; I fear I did. It seemed un reasonable to mo then, and I was very anxious ho should havo that opportunity to make fame and fortune which I thought hia genius moritod." "Miss Daro," inquired the District At torney, calling to his aid such words as ho had heard from old Sally in reference to this interview, "did you mnkeusoof any such expression as this : ' I wish I know Mrs Clommone' ?" "I beliovo I did." " And did this mean you had no acquaint ance with tho murdered woman at that timo?" pursued Mr Ferris, half-turning to the prisoner's counsel, as if he anticipated ' tho objection which that gentleman might very properly make to a nuestion concor» ing tho intention of a witness. And Mr Orcutt, yielding to professional instinct, did indeed make a slight movo ment as if to rise, but became instantly motionless. Nothing could bo more pain ful to him than to wrangle before tho crowded court-room over these dealings bo tweon the woman ho loved and the man lie was now defending. Mr Ferris turnod back to tho witness and waited her answer. It came without hesitation.

" It meant that, sir." " And what did tho prisoner say when you cjnvo utteranco to this wish I" " Ho asked mo why I desired to know

her." " And what did you reply ? "That if I knew her I might b« ablo to porsuads her to listen to kis roquwt." 11 And what answer had he for this V " Nono but a quick shake of his head," "Miss Daro ; up to the time of this inter view had you OTor rocoivod any gift from the prisonor—jewollory, for instance—say, a ring?" "No, sir. " Did he oftur you such a gift theu J'

"He did." " What was it ?"' " A gold ring »ot with a diamend." "Did you rocoivo it?" " No, sir, I felt that in taking n ring from him I would bo giving an irrovocabta promise, and I was not ready to do that." " Did you allow him to pat it on your finger ?" "I did."

"And it remained thore?" suggested Mr Ferris, with a smile. " A minute, may bo." " Which of you. then, took It oil?" "I did." " And what did you say when you took it off?" " I do not remember my words." Again recalling old Sally's account of this interview, Mr Ferris asked : " Wero they thc*o :' I cannot. Wait till to-morrow t"

" Yes, I boliovo they wor«." " And when ho inquired: ' Why to morrow ?' did you rsply: ' A night has been known to change the whole current of one's affairs' ?" " I did."

" Miss Dare, what did you moan by ilioso words?"

"I object!" cried Mr Orcntt, rising. Unseen by any savo himself, tho prisoner had mado him an eloquent gesturo, slight but peremptory. " I think it is ono I have a right to aak," urged tho District Attornoy. But Mr Orcutt, who manifestly had tho best of tho argument, maintained his ob jootion, and the Court instantly ruled In hit favour.

Mr Ferris prepared to modify his question. But before lie could speak the rolca of Mies Daro was heard.

"Gentlemen," said she, " thero was no need of all this talk. I intended to seek an interview with Mrs Clemmens, and try whit the effect would bo of confiding to her my interest in her nephew."

The dignified simplicity with which »he spoke, and the air of quiet candour that for that one moment surrounded hor, gave to this voluntary explanation an unexpected force that carried it quite homo to the hearts of the jury. |<yen Mr Orcutt could not preserve the frown with which he hud confronted her at the first movement of her lips, but turned toward the prisoner with a look almost congratulatory in Its character. But Mr Byrd, who for reasons of his own kept his eyes upon that prisoner, observed that it met with no ether return than that shadow of a bitter smilo which now and then vhited his othorwiss unmoved counten ance.

Mr Ferris, who in his friendship fer the witness was secretly rejoiced in an explnna tion which separated her from the crime of her lover, bowed in acknowledgment of the answer she had boon pleased to give him is the face of the ruling »f the Court, and calmly proceeded: " And wkat reply did the prisoner make you when you uttored this remark in re ference to the change that a xingle day sometimes makes in one's affair's ?'.' " Something in the way of asteni." ■" Cannot you give us his words!" "No, sir." " Well, then, can you tell us whether or not he looked thoughtful when you said this!" "He may have done so, sir." "Did it strike you at the time that he reflected on what you said t" " I cannot cay how it struck me at the time." "Did he look at you a few.minutes before speaking, or in any way conduct himself as if he had been set thinking ?" '/He did not speak for a few minutes," " And looked at you ?" "Yes, sir." The District Attorney paused a moment as if to lot the results of his examination sink into tho minds of the jury; then he went on : "Miss Dare, yon say you returned tho ring to the prisoner ?" " Yes, sir." "You say positively tho ring passed from you to him; that you saw it in his hand after it had loft yours ?" "No, sir. The ring passed from me to him, but I did not sec it in bis hand, be cause I did not return it to him that way. I dropped it into his pocket."

At this acknowledgment, which 'mado both the prisoner and his counsel look ap, Mr Byrd felt himself nudged by Hickory. " Did you hear that ?" ho whispered. "Yes," returned tho other. "And do you believe it?" " Miss Dare ie on oath," was the reply, "Pooh!" was Hickory's whispered ox clamation.

The District Attorney alone showed no surprise.

"You dropped it into his pocket?" he resumed. '' How came you to do that t" " I was weary of the strife which had fol lowed my refusal to accept this token. Ho would not tako it; from mo himself, so I restored it to him in the way I have said." "Miss Dare, will you tell us what pocket this was ?"

"The outside pocket on tho left side of his coat," she returned, with a cold nnd careful exactness that caused the prisoner to drop his eyes from her face, with that faint but scornful twitch of the muscles about his mouth which gave to hie counten ance now and then the proud look of dis dain which both the detectives had noted. "Miss Dare," continued the Prosecuting Attorney, " did you see this ring again dur ing the interview ?" "No, sir." " Did you detect the prisoner making any move to take it out of hia pocket, or have you any reason to beliovs that it was taken out of the pocket on the left-hand side of hia coat while you were with him ?" "No, sir." "So that, as far as you know, it was still in his pocket when you parted ?" "Yes, sir." " Miss Dare, have you ever seen that ring aince ?"

"I havo." " When and whore?" " I saw it on the morning of the murder. It was lying on tho floor of Mrs Clemmens's dining-room. I had gone to the house, in !my surprise at hearing of tho murderous assault which had been made upon her, and whilo surveying the Bpot where she was struck, perceived this ring lying on the floor beforo mo." " What mado you think it was this ring which you had returned to tho prisoner the day before ?" " Because of its setting, and tho character of the gem, I suppose." "Could you sco all this whore it was lying on the floor ?" "It was brought nearer to my eyes, sir. A gentleman who was standing near, pinked it up and offered it to mo, supposing it was mine. As he hold it out in his open palm I saw it plainly. " Miss Dare, will you toll us what you did when you first saw this ring lying on the floor?" . " I covered it with my foot." " Was that beforo you recognised it I" "I cannot say. I placed my foot upon it instinctively " " How long did you keep it thoro ?" " Somo fow minutes." " What caused you to move at last I" "I was surprised." " What surprised you ?" " A man camo to tho door." "Whatman?" " I don't know. A stranger to mo. Somo ono who had boen sent on an errand con nected with this affair." " What did ho say or do to surpriso you 1" "Nothing. It was what you said your self after the man had gono." " And what did I say, Miss Daro J" Sho cast him a look of tho faintost.appoal, but answered quiotly: " Somothing about its not being tho tramp who had committed thia crime." " That surprised you ?" " That mado mo start." " Miss Dare, were you present in tho house when tho dying woman spoke the ono or two exclamations which havo bcon testified to in this trial ?" "Yes, sir." " What was the burden of the first spoech you hoard!" " Tho words Hand, sir, and King. Sho ropcatcd tho two half a doxeu times. "Miss Daro, what did you say to tho gentleman who showed you tho ring and asked if it wore yours ?" "I told him it was mine, and took it and placet! it on my finger." " But the ring wan not youra?" "My acceptance of it mado it mine. In all but that regard it had beon mino over since Mr Mansoil otlerod it to mo tha day boforo." Mr Ferris surveyed tho witness for a moment boforo saying: "Thon you censidorcd it damaging to your lovor to have this ring found in that apartment ?" Mr Orcutt instantly roso to object.

"I wou't press tho question," said the District Attorney, with a wavo of his hand and a slight look at tho jury.

" You ought uevor to havo usked it?" ex claimed Mr Orcutt, with tho first appear anco of hoat ho had shswn.

"You are right," Mr Ferris coolly responded. "The jury could sco tho peint without any assistance from you or me." , " And tho jury," roturned Mr Orcuttj with equal coolnoss, "isscarcely obliged to you for tho suggestion." "Well, wo won't quarrel about it," de clared Mr Ferris.

" We won't quarrol about anything," ro torted Mr Orcutt. "Wo will try tlio coao in a legal manner," "Havo you got through?' inquired Mr Ferris, nettled.

Mr Orcutt took hl.s scat with the simple reply: " Go on with tho coat.

Tlio District Attorney, after a momentary pause to regain the thread of hid examina tion and rocoror his equanimity, turned to tho witness.

"Mus Daro," ho asked, "how long did you keep that ring ou yourflugur after ycu left the houeo?"

" A little while—live or ten minutes per' hap«."

" Whore woro you when you took ii offf Her voice sank just a trifle :

"On the bridge at Warron-stroet."

" What did you do with it thon ?" Her ayes, which had boon upon tho At torney's face, fell slowly. " I dropped it into the water," she said. And the character of hor thoughts and suspicions at that timo stood revealed.

Tho Prosecuting Attorney allowed him self a few more questions. " Whon you parted with tho prisoner in the woods, was it with any arrangement for mooting again beforo ho returned to Buffalo ?"

"No, sir."

"Give us tho final words of your con versation, if you please." " Wo woro just parting, and I had turned to ge, when ho said : ' Is it good-by, thon, Imogone!' and I answered, ' That to morrow must docido.' ' Shall I stay, then V he inquirod ; to which I replied, 'Yes.' "

'Twos a short, seemingly literal, repetition of possibly innocent words, bat the whisper into which her voice sank at tho final " Ym " endowed it with a thrilling effect for which even sho was not prepared. Fer she shuddered as she realised the deathly quiet that followed ita utteranco, and coot a quick look at Mr Orcutt that was full of question, if not doubt.

" I was calculating upon the interview I intended to have with Mrs Clommons," gho explained, turning toward the Judgo with indescribable dignity. "We understand that," remarked tho Prosecuting Attorney, kindly, and thon in quired : " Was this the last you saw of the prisoner until to-day 1"

"No, sir."

" When did you see him again?" " On the following Wednesday." "Where?" " In tho deput at Syracuse." " How came you to bo in Syracuse the day after tho murder ?" "I had started to go to Buffalo." "What purpose had you in going to Buffalo?" " I wished to see.Mr Mansell." " Did he know you wero coming ?" " No, sir."

"Had no communication passed between you from tho time you parted in ths woods till you came upon each other in tha depot you have just mentioned ?" "No, sir."

"Had he no reason to expect to meet you there ?" "No, sir."

" With what words did you accosts each othor!"

"I don't know. I hare no remembrance of saying anything. I wa* utterly dumb founded at soeing him in this place, and can not say into what exclamation I may hare been betrayed."

" And ho! Don't you remember what he said?"

"No, sir. I only know ho started back with a look of great surprise. Afterward he naked if I were o« my way to see him." " And what did you answer?" "I don't think I made any answer. I was wondering if he was on his way to see me." " Did you put the question to him ?" " Perhaps. I cannot tell. It is all like a dream to me." If she had said horrible dream, every one thero would have believed her, "You can toll us, howover, if you held any conversation ?" "Wo did not." "And you can toll us how the interview terminated ?" . " Yes, sir. I turned away and took the train back homo which I saw standing on tho track without." "And ho?" "Turnod away also. Where he wont I cannot say." "Miss Dare" — tho District Attorney's voice was very earnest—" can you tell us which of you made tho first movement to go?" '' What does ho moan by that ?" whispered Hickory to Byrd. "I think " sho commenced and paused. Her eyes, in wandering over tho throng of spectators before her, had settled on thess two detectives, and noting tho breathless way in which they looked at her, she seemed to realise that more might lie in this question than at first appeared. "I do not know," she answered at last. "It was a simultaneous movement, I think." "Aro you sure?" persisted Mr Ferris. " You are on oath, Miss Dare. Is there no way in which you can make certain whether hf> or you took ths initiatory step in this sudden parting after an event that so materially changed your mutual prospects V " No, sir. I can only say that in recall ing the sensations of that hour, I am cer tain my own movement was not the result of any I saw him taka. The instinct to leave the place had its birth in my own breast."

"I told you so," oommonted Hickory, in the ear of Byrd. " She is not going to give herself away, whatever happens." " But can you positively say he did not make tho first motion to leave ?"

"The witness is yours." Mr Ferris sat down perfectly satisfied. He had dexterously brought out Imogone's suspicions of tho prisoner's guilt, and know that the jury must bo influenced in thoir convictions by thoso of the woman who, of all the world, ought to have believed, if sho could, in the innocence of her lovor. He did not even fear tho cross-examination which ho expected to follow. No amount of skill on tho part of Orcutt could oxtract othor than tho truth, and the truth was that Imogeno believed tho prisoner to be the murderer of his aunt. Ho, therefore, sur veyed tho court-room with a smile, and awaited tho somowhat slow proceedings of his opponent with-equanimity. Rut, to tlio surprise of ovory one, Mr Orcutt, after a short consultation with tho prisoner, roso and said ho had no questions to put to tho witness. And Miss Daro was allowed to withdraw from tho stand, to tho great satisfaction of Mr Ferris, who found himsolf by this move in a still better position than ho had antici pated. "Byrd," whispored Hickory, as Miss Daro returned somowhat tremulously to hor former scat among tho witnesses —"Byrd, you could knock mo ovor with a feather. I thought the dofonco would havo no dilli culty in riddling this woman's testimony, and thoy havo not ovon mado tho ofl'ort. Can it bo that Orcutt has such an attach ment for hor that ho is going to let hia rival hang !" "No. Orcutt isn't tho mail to deliber ately lose a caso for any woman. 1 le looks at Miss Dare's testimony from a dillbront standpoint than you co. Ho bolioves what eho says to bo tnio, and you do not." " Thon, all I'vo got to say, ' So much tho worso for Mansell I'" was tho whisperod rospouso. "Ho was a foil to trust his caso to that man."

The judgo, tlio jury, and all tho by standers in court, it, must bo confessed, shared tho opinion of Hickory—Mr Orcutt was standing on slippery ground.

Honey-Producing Trees.

At the first annual meeting of tho Auckland Provincial Beekeeper*' Association, hold at Pukokohc on the 'JtJth April last, tho fol lowing paper by Mr. J. Mayo, of Drury, was read by tho Secretary;—Mr. Chairman and Gcutlemon, —It ban occurred to my mind several times lately that Government might, at very little (if any) cost, do a great deal for Now Zealand bee-keepers, were they in their official capacity to obtain from tho other Australasian Colonies information re garding their most useful and hardy honey producing shrubs and trees. 1 say troos because 1 coiuidor that iv many respects thoy are valuablo in our country for boo pasturage Once established thoy require no furthor trouble from the cultivator, and, if of evergreen tribes, would nerve a treble purpose, >.?., produce honey, give shelter, and be ornamental. I would direct your attention to tlio easy manner in which tho Government can obtain needs—generally from the botanical departments of other governments for the asking. 0.P..5.0. is tho "open sesame" re carriage, Ac, and were tho secretory to any beo-koopetvi' as sociation in Now Zealand supplied with the seeds of such trees as I have, mentioned, I know of no bettor plan for their dissemina tion, in order to insure proper wire and treatment for their acclimatisation, than giving them to a bee-keeper. Tlio best sign of it thriving, industrious, careful person is, in my opinion, a row of lice-hives iv his gin-den. Iv my travels through life —and 1 havo travelled protty extensively— 1 havo always notii-ou that a well-kept apiary has ever denoted comfort and in dustry in that homo. It is impossible to keep and care for been iv a favourite place ami not copy their diligence and patience iv gathering up stores for " tlio rainy days to como." The next utoji for Government iv the right direction would lie to appoint ii person or persons to travel the country annually at the proper times to .sow clover and mien like seeds on Governmunt lands, wherever lire* had run through them, In March or April, any settler's written In formation being tmtliciunt notice that such tire had occurred. This system would not only give ill bee-food, but would also so enhance the value of the land Iliat Govern ment would reap cent, per cent, or more on the outlay incurred; it would also tend to tho destruction of those abominations to bees and bco-koopow, viz., non-flowering plants—particularly ferns—more than any thing el.so I know of, by attracting cattlo to cat and tread them down. When I think of the liberality of our Government in fostering other industries by giving bonuses to thism —for example, thu iron, choeso, tobacco, twh-curinj; industries, ami many others—l do think that if wo were to ask them to carry out mioli a programme at the above, wo would not be asking for more than has already beon granted to others. Gentlemen, the choicest exotics which grow in your neighbour's garden yield up their sweets to tins bee n* readily as tho wild flowers, and it is no robbery to send your bee.-i oror tlio fence to gnlher honey from every opening flower. Keep been wlmro thero are plenty of peoplo to keep flowers, and persuade everybody to grow flowers.

A Sailor's Wedding.

A fkw yoaiwago « ship camo into harbour lit Chatham to bo paid off. Ono of tho pallors being ashore, noon prevailed on a young woman of Rochontor to accopt him as a husband, and previous to returning to bin nhip loft monoy with a friend to pay for publishing tho banns and all othor incidental matrimonial oxponsos, It was proposed that tho marriage should take place on tho fourth Sunday following, and on tho pre ceding Saturday tho honest tar asked leave of his captain to go on nhore, which wns peremptorily refused. Jack romonstratod. "Captain,"exclaimed ho, "I am going to bo married tomorrow." Tho captain told Jack that the business of tho ship in his department was most urgont, and positively forbade him going on shore. Unwilling to disappoint tho girl and loso his money, Jaok wisely determined to marry hor by proxy, and proposed to Will Tread way, his messmate, to undertake that kind offico. "And you, Will," said ho, "stay with hor on shore, and when tho gangway is cleared from atom to stern I will came to you." Will wont on shoro, and, informing the girl of his friend's situation and proposal, sho instantly consented, and was actually marriod to Will as the proxy of Jack ; nor did the minister discover the mistake till Will wroto his namo in the book—Treadway instead of Salmon.

The clerk cried out, " You aro not the man asked in church with this woman;" to which the honest tar replied:

"I camo hore to provont my messmate being cheated, and I only marry the girl for Jack Salmon, my messmate, till he comes on shore."

Three days afterwards Jack camo on shore, when ho received his spouse from tho hands of his proxy, and lived in as much peaoe and tranquility as if he had originally tied the matrimonial knot in propria persona, —" Scraps."

Tile Drainage.

Drainage not only dcopons the soil, but improves it in toxturo and quality. Tho roots of crops will ponetrato only to the depth tliQ land is drained. Tho land can bo worked sooner after rains, and will rotain moisture longor during a drought. Tho ground bocomes warm and in good condition to bo worked early in tho spring, which is an important item in tho cultivation of near ly all crops ; tho soil being free from water, tho air penetrates it to a considerable depth, and imparts warmth and fertilizing qualities. Crops grown on drained land contain a much larger poroent. of nutriment', and conse quently are more valuable than those grown on land which is water-soaked a largo por tion of tho growing season. Tho danger of, winter-killing is much less whoro tho land is drained, and surface washing is prevented. Aside from theso and many other advan tages to crops, drainago moves all standing water before it becomes stagnant, and banishes chills and fever and other malarial diseases. Tile-drainage is tho cheapest and most effectual way of drying up swamps and ponds, muddy roads and the'disagreable mud around farm buildings ; it will change tho pale and sickly hue of your children's complexion to the ruddy bloom of health. As more of the mysteries of vegetable growth are solved, the more will successful farmers learn of the great benefits of tile drainage.— Home, Farm, and Factory.

A LADY'S LETTER FROM LONDON.

Femlnfcw Facts, Fonoies, Foiblos, and

Frivolities.

BY ELISE,

The London Season—Nkw Zealand Folk in Town—The Auadehy Private View—Miss fortesque—plctohks ov note—mohoana no Marhiaok of thb Giiand Duke ov Hksse—An Bbclandhe—Poou Beatrice— Oiiikitonh—Shopping in Heoent-stbebt and OxFOHD-STKEBT- PaBAHOLB—TIIE lIKALTH Exhibition—Makino Lollies, Soap, and SCKMT, MODISL IUICKUIKS, KTtt—NEW JiOOICB —Two SONOB—Till! COAOHINa CLUB MKIST FOSTfICIHI'T.

London, May 23. Dear Mv Editor,—Of all placos in tho wido world I think London in at tho pro sont time tho most dolightful. Some peoplo protond to prefor living down in tho coun try at this timo of tho year, but that is .simply bocauso thoy don't know what's good. Lator on in tho season, tlio woathcr gets too hot and town becomes opprossivo, but dining tho early part of May,when tho sun shinos brightly, tho Parks aro a shower of groon, our toilotCH aro fresh and now.and our ploasurew as ondlcss as thoy arc multifari ous, ono docs enjoy life Tho other day Tom brought homo an old Christchurch f riond of ours, who has como to Europe to show his eldest hopo (a nico lad of 17) somo of tho sights of tho Old World. Tho boy was on joying himself intonsely. " I should nover liavo thought London was bo beautiful," ho said to mo enthusiastically. " Ouo sees nothing of tho misory and poverty I havo read about, only boundless wealth and luxury, and itn unending pano rama of boautiful sight". Till wo ourao Homo wo scorn only to havo existed, now I live tkurouyhly overy hour of the day." His father shook his hoad over this youthful oxhuberance, remarking to mo presently that he foared ho had made a mistako in bringing tho boy, as it would probably lead to his being discontented with tho colonios. Moth Tom and myself atrenuously combated this idoa. We aro both groat advocates for lads who havo careers boforo thorn in tho colonies spending a few ycara of their youth in Europe. So far from rendering them discontented, it broadens their minds, enables them to draw fair comparisons botwoon tho Old World and tho Now, and to boo clearly tho special advantages and drawbacks of colonial life, Men who live thirty-fivo or forty years at tho antiixxlos, and thon eomo to Europe, seldom if ever enjoy thoinwlves or crcato a good impression. Some day I will toll you about a uiriking example of this theory, but not now. Already too much timo and spaco hftvo boon wasted ovor "gush." It in rather late in tho day to tell you about tho privatoviowattheAcademy,so I'll simply content myself with remarking that I nover beforo saw such a throng of peers, statesmen, actor*, artists, soldiorn, bishops, poots, judges, and wvunti under ono roof boforo. Miss Fortcscuo, in a black lace gown, with a small white lace bonnot and mud', wiw ono of tho most observed of observers, and divided attention with a romarkublo Amorican boauty in a whito ottoman silk skirt with n short plush jackob iv a lovely shado of green. Tlie hut worn with it was of immense sizo, and made of tho same plush as tho jackot. Altogether, a most eccentric get up. Next to Mr Vicat Colos's lovely landacapo of " Maplcdurlmm Lock," tho oil painting in thin yoar'i Academy I should liko to havo beat in " Tho King and Ills Hatollites," by Mr Briton Rivioro, It is a picture showing a lion— [minted in a very strong and forciblo mar nor —standing in tho desert watching the dawn slowly breaking, with a crowd of cunning, cruel jackals prowling in all attitudes bo liind him. The noble dignity of tho king of boasts, as well as his evident loneliness, lltU! been admirably portrayod, and contrasts powerfully with tlio moan, cringing orowd of jackals. Mr Riviere painted this as a companion picture to tho three liona prowl ing at nightfall nmoii[' tho Tombs, which created such a favourable impression threo years ago. Tho Royal wedding festivities at Darm stadt wound up, an you have probably heard, with something extremely liko an cwlaiidrt, Tho Grand Duko himself has for somo yoaru been secretly attached to a very rich and very beaut if ul divorcee, Madame do kalemino, and on tho evening of tUo Princes* Victoria's innrriago with I'rince Louis of Battonburg, ho absolutely con kractod a morganatic union with hor. This happened, ploaso remember, under our rig orously respectable Qnoon's very nose, and at a time wnen tho dooeaso of hi* first wifo w«s (consequently on tho publication of horlotters) fresh in ovoryone'sminds. Only a fow day* previously tho disconsolate widower snd tho rocontly-borcavod mothor had mingled their tear* together ovor tondor momorios of Loopold and Alico. Tho Queen wont to Darmstadt specially to do honour to tho Grand Duko. On tho day of tho royal wedding sho blessed him graciously, but tho noxt morning, when news roachod her of his morganatic union (porforniod at nightfall, and not even solemnised by tho Church) with a lndy of by no means stainless rcputo, hor wrath was exceeding great. The Crown Princess of Prussia loft Darmstadt at onco, but tho Queon rosolvod on tho wisor course of ignoring tho wholo affuir, moroly visiting her anger on tho Grand Duke personally. Morganatic marriages aro very common in Gormany. To go no furthor than tho Grand Duko's own family, liia brothor Henry is married to tho daughter of v. Hessian Colonol, PrincoCharlesofElec toral Hesso to the daughtor of Count Grote, and, to como still nearer homo, Princo Louis of Battonborg is tho eon of a Hossian Princo, and tho ConnteßS of Hancko, whoso children by a spcoial law aro known as Princes and Princesses of Battouborg ; while the Tocks aro tho children of a Wartomburg Royal Duko and of a Countess of Hohenctein, who never took hor husband's rank.

The other day I visited sovoral shops in Regent, Oxford, Bond, and Sloano-atreets rospectlrnly, that I might toko notes for tho bonefit of my colonial readers ; straining memory to retain details no loss than to possess myself of thoso general impressions which often have to aerve in place of details too lengthy to bo given here. I observed at a largo and fashionablo draper's a number of sunshades apparently made of some thin flaxen material spotted with coloured bird s eye spote. Thero was no lining to them, the ribs showing plainly through. Those were intended for wear With tho now cambrics nndombroidorod nuns' veil drosses, which are also eprinklod with coloured spots and other fancy figures. These small pat terns aro very gonoral. Fashion is in ex tromos just now. Eithor tho designs aro immense— embracing tulips, peonies, rosos, and other largo flowers; or otherwise, fashionablo materials are powdered with minute dots, tiny squares, half-moons, and similar designs. Palo bluo cambrics and nuns' veil, with red, dark blue, bluo and white, and red and white patterns, aro visible in all tho shop windows. Bluo cambric handkerchiefs, with coloured boardori, and hoso to match, can always bo purchased en suite. In colours, palo, pink, and blue aro rivals, but tho lattor is certainly first favourite Tho rago for accordian plaiting oxtonds oven to parasol covers. At ono vory fashionable shop I noticod both whito and cream-coloured sunshades over laid with lace, accordinn fashion ; othor shades wero massed with cream or white patterned note, tho folds being so volumin ous as to provont their closing in any com pact form. Simpler parasols hare a shell pattern in laco on each section, with a wide flounco of laco below. This flounco is attached by means of beads of pearl or jot according to tho colour of tho shade to be decorated. Tho beads are sewn on about two inches or less apart. Pear shapod pearls are often used instead of the more common round ones. At the top tho lace is often turned up to form a cup. A train of velvet wallflowers has a very pleasing effect when placed in a slanting direction extending downwards from tho apox. Rod parasols in satin and Turkoy twill aro vory general, but they only look well with aii all-black toilet, or with on« in which thero is some harmony of colour. I saw tho other day a red sunshade carried by the wearer of a pale blue dress dashed with crimson, and thought it effective, but I should hardly care to repeat those effects too often. For women who have not large allowances for dress it is better, in my opinion, to buy two or perhaps three in expensive parasols to match the various dresses they possess, rather than a single costly sunshade, which beautiful though it be in itself, will never appear to advantage if ill-contrasted with any dress to which it ia tho prominent adjunct. A plain black parasol, covered with beaded not or otherwise trimmed with lace, is an excellent " stand by." A cream coloured parasol will harmonise with many fflte dresacs, and there aro also some inex pensive sunshades in solf-colouvod materials fined with chintz, which aro vory proity; or the buyer may selSct ono all-red shado, making a complement of throe or four modwate-priced eim-protectors, which will

ensure harmony in this important detail of * the out-door summer toilet. The most useful en tout cas which serve to protect from sun and shower alike are principally made in shot silks, with great porcelain knobs as terminations to the handle. Wo went to sco tho revival of " Tho Rivals " at the Haymarket the other even ing, and were much pleased with tho mounting, which, despite all the critics say, is simply perfect. Mrs Bornard Beere played the usually second - rate part of "Julia," with extraordinary effect, looking a perfect picture in a riding dress of dark claret velvet with a largo hat and long drooping feather. The newly-oponed Hoalth Exhibition lies within a fow minutes' walk of this house. Wo havo been thero onco or twice and taken a hurried scamper through the principal galleries, but to investigate them all thoroughly would occupy weeks. Being of a housowifely disposition, the portion that interested me as much as any was tho western gallery, where tho processes of sweetmeat - making, jam, mustard, and chocolate manufacture aro carried on daily. With children there is no stand in tho wholo exhibition so popular as that of tho Messrs Allen and Sons, who keep 25 people omployed there in tho making, packing, andjsalo of sweets. Tho other afternoon tho cooks wore busy ovor aoid, poar, and pino applo drops, and very delicious thoy proved. I boliovo Volckmann supplios tho colonial market with boiled sugar goods, but I can honestly Bay I never cither saw or tasted any at all o-iual to thoso of Allen and Sons', of Bishopgato-Htreet. Thero are endless othor stalls of sweets at tho Exhibition, most of them much moro expensive, but Allen's wore tho best. In tho saint way, after watching the process of soap-making, wo awarded tho palm to Pear's rather than Cleaver's. Cos neH's "Blush Rose" bouquet wasonall hands pronounced the moit delightful scent, and Beach's jams the finest preserves. In my next lotter I shall try and describe some of tlio features of tho dress depart ments, which contain many interesting and useful novelties. Tho model bakeries, dairies, and gymnasiums must also bo noticed, as well u« tho street of furnished rooms, which aro marvels of luxurious comfort.-

Passing out of tho Exhibition on Tues day, wo camo upon a grill for Australasian mutton, and noar it tho Vegetarian Society supply a filling meal of all sorts of oddities for ninepence. The popular meals with the multitude, however, t-eem to be the six penny and shilling dinners provided by the School of Cookery, who hold lectures, prac tically illustrated, twice a day. Tom gave mo such a strange, clever book to read the other day. - It is called "The lliddon Picture," and was written by a young girl—a Miss Carrick Brodip—who has made the hit of tho season (so far) with it. Tho scene is laid in Italy, at the timo whon tho French, ruled by the first Napo loon, were supremo there, and the story deals with the thrilling advontures and hair-breadth escapes of Nina dc Castcllas, daughter of a rebel duko, I'ho supreme interest of tho tale, however, centres in a terriblo walk underground, which the hero and heroine aro driven to undortako to save thoir livee. The passage traverses the family vaults and burying places of many Florence nobles, and some of them aro full of ghastly sights and of corruption. Miwsßrodit describes her heroine'ssensations with wonderful power; in fact, tho half dozen chapters that deal with this episode would aloive suilice to stamp her as.a very clever woinun.

All who liko thoatrioul gossip should road Irving'n " linpreßsioiiH of America." It in naturally a very ephemeral work, written to meet the taste of tlio hour, but you can tako v volume of it at any time and read a bit anywhere. Mr Joseph Hatton makes the utmost of Ilia material, and Home of the great tragedian's jcitx d'csi>rit are well worth chronicling. Cheap editions of .Mr Edward Kennard's snorting story. "The Hight Sort," and of Hamilton AiduV " Introduced to Society," tiro announced, and out of compliment to the Diiko of Albany (who was much in terested in it when ho died), Mr Bentley moaiiH togivo uh a six shilling edition of .F.S. 1,0 Fann'a ghastly ghost Htorie?, "In ;i GUvr Darkly." I have not heard any new song* myself lately, but Mr Louis Engel speaks very highly of two by Mies Louisa Gray, " Kvoning Star "and " She and I." \\a attended the meet of tho Coaching Club on Saturday, nnd a tino turnout it was. Twenty-eightdrogs und all superbly horsed. I liked a team of blue roans bent, but with tho majority of onlookers, Lord Charles Bcresford'* splendid bays seemed most popular. |».S.—lt is now stated that the Duko of Hcase's morganatic marriage with Mdme do Kalomoino will not bo consum mated. Tho nowly-woddod couple eepnr nted directly after tho civil ceremony, nnd I hear tho Queen has persuaded her son in-law to go no further in tho matter. Somo of tho paper* pretend Her Majesty knew of the affair beforehand, but of couree that is nonsoiso. Sho would either have interdicted tho ceremony or left Darmstadt at once as the Princess Koynl did.

Longevity of Budded Trees

[FkoM""North Nkw Zealand Sbttms."]

Ik answer to our correspondent "Radix," whoso letter appeared in our last month's issue, " Komata " writes :—

"Radix" is perfectly right when he ntftUt.l that it is an advantage to all readers of horticultural journals to discuss such ■natters as tho abovo, and it is with much pleasure that I roply to his quostions so ably put. In tho first place, then, I would arguo that tho special case of tho well known Ribston pippin is not sufficient to upset the theory I have advanced, that it is by no moans proved that tho seedling grown nt Ribston Hall died from " puro old ago." Tho theory is a very simple and natural ono, and is porfoctly in accordance with the organic laws of nature. To overy species of animal is allotted a certain period of oxistenco in which to perform tho thrco grout functions of lifo, viz., to grow, to pro croato, and to die; and as it is with ani mals so is it with trees and other vogotables. To each specios is alloted a certain period of oxistonco, and when that period is passed all must succumb to the great tyrant. Tho oxistenco of a treo datos from its growth from a seed ; it grows, bears fruit, attains its full growth, ceases to bo productive, and ultimately dies. Now, the buds and branches aro but a part and portion of its growth, and although by supplying now roots you may infuse new vigour in the samo way that you may introduce now blood into an old man's veins, you cannot prolong ita life beyond the allotted time. It is not necessary to suppose any sympathy betweon budded trees and their parent; their decay and death does not ariso from any such cause, nor aro they affocted by tho mcro fact of the parent dying. A tree often decays and dies from many causes whicli havo no bearing on tho theory, even whero that decay is gradual and to all appear ances caused by old age. It is only when tho allotted period of oxistenco for that particular species has run out that tho theory will be found to hold good. Now, in tho instance mentioned of tho Ribston pippin, I may say that oven 170 years, although a vory long time, is by no means what we may tako to bo tho period of an apple tree's existence. Thoro are very many well authenticated instances of apple trees liTing and bearing for far longer periods, and thoro aro somo kinds of fruit trees that have been known to bear for oven 800 years. Otherwise this theory is, as I havo before mentioned, not my o\vn f but an old recognised principle in botany, long known to tho physiological student; and without going any further back I do not know that I could do bettor than quote tho words of tho great botanist, Daniel Ellis, who wrote in or about the year 1840 : —" To the embryo of tho seed, as to every organised body, is assigned certain periods of infancy, maturity, and decay, which may be varied in duration from accidental causes, but can never, beyond certain limits, be changed. What is true of tho primary embryo of the seed is true also of all the buds propagated from it, whether tlioy remain on the parent stock or aro trans ferred to another. Honco, when tho period arrives in whicli the functions of repro duction naturallj cease in tho buds of tho parent tree, all the buds growing on foreign stocks indicate the samo character of age, and cease to bear fruit; and for tho perma nent continuance of the species recourse must then be had to a seminal progeny. Mr. Knight has very ingeniously applied these principles to account for that failure in bearing fruit which tho oldest and best varieties of trees in the cider districts ex hibit. Although grafts of these trees still grow on foreign stocks, yet they do not now yield fruit as formerly, because the trees from which they have been taken have outlived the fruit-bearing period." I hope the fine old Ribston pippin's fixed period is not yot como, although I hardly think tho fruit of the present day is anything like so good as it wan on tho before-mentioned old trees, which I recollect seeing fifty years ago when I was a boy. I shall always bo happy to correspond with no well informed a querist aa " Radix."

DECLINE OF MAN.--S.tww w«ikum Dy»iwwla. ImjjpUiiicA Boxual DoblUty, cured by " Wutlsi, UciHL Keuewei? r Kwptlwrao, t'tosß« ft Co,, Agents Auckland, .

NOTES FOR THE LADIES.

[SULECTED BY OUR LONDON CoRRESrON

DENT.]

Polosaises are fashionable with blouse-like fronts gathered at neck and waist, some times finished with a- bow of volvet or ribbon, coming from the side seam, or be neath the pleats at back and tied in front.

Brocade is used for evening toilettes equally with velvet, but they are less use ful where economy must bo studied, as the skirt and waistcoat, to have a good effect, must match either tho ground or tho flowers of the brochd ; therefore there ie moro limit than in the case of tho dark plain or em bossed velvet.

The black mantles aro very pretty this season, trimmed with a profusion of black lace, jet, and bead passementerie. Bro caded and plain velvet, and also broad stripes of velvet and gronadino, are to bo most fashionable. One novelty in the lat tor style has epaulettes and brandebourgs of oxidised silver braid, laid on black lace. It is caught up high at the back with clusters of black velvet loops, and Bilver braid ornamonts.

Tho " surplis," or accordion skirt, as it is called in English, is certainly ono of the prettiest fu<jons over introduced ; when proporly arranged it will boar any amount of wear without losing its shape. To insure thin, tho method adopted by tho leading dressmakers—and apparently unknown to others—is to tack the pleats at tho back to fine elastics, not tapes ; this causes tho in numerable folds to spring back at once after any disarrangement to their proper places. With these skirts two skort pleated paiiiors aro worn, hardly reaching below the hips and joining tho short pouf, pluccd rather high at the back.

Tho rage for fancy bordered hsndkcr ehiofs is as great an over, and at present thoao with plain bands of colour aro con sidered in better taste than the vandyked oner. For half mourning, bordorg of delicate gioy, with, sometimes, dots of black upon them, and the monogram in black, are more used than black.

The principal spring shades in materials of all kinds will bo reseda—verdigris, pea cock-green, China red, groys of bluo or pink tendencies, ash grey, dove grey, wall flower, Turkish maize, mastic tint, and light grdnat. The shades known an €'mastic are thoso of tho crayons used in chalk draw ings ; mastic green, especially, is a lovely tint; pistache green, that of tho bean of that name, is also a great favourite in velvet, catin, or rich silks, and is found to blend with several othora most harmoniously.

A few new-shaped hats aro beginning to appear. Some have the brims straight and projecting in front with a half wreath of liowcrH resting on a plain layer of coloured velvet. Tho back is turnod sharply up against the crown, apparently pinned back with a fancy-headed pin and a small tuft of th<s llowera to one side. Others have a large wido bow of velvet in front, and a few foather tips fixed far back at one sido, curl ing over the flattened edge.

Tho Paris milliners aro making use of " the harmless, necessary cat" as an article of fidornment for bonnete and headdresics Broad-brimmed hats bear ono or more littlo stuffed kittens, artistically arranged round tho edge, according to the wealth of the wearer*.

Not content with imitating every known flower and fruit for adorning their dresses, ladies have commenced a raid upon the vegetable kingdom. A few month* back the tomato, according to a milliner* journal, was very much ia Toguo as a bonnet trimming. Tho pomme iPamour baa, how ever, lately been eclipsed by tho muflhroom. Tho following is a description of a fashion able ehapeau : "A coquettish littlo bonnet of gold tissue displays on one side a bed of mushrooms half concealed by nrnss, the trimming and strings being of dark green velvet." The next novelty in nil probability will bea "duck" of a bonnet garnished with green peas.

The patterns of washing materials leave nothing to be desired, and an immense choice of styles is offered.

The smartest mantles are short and full at tho back, with plenty of lace and beads about them. A great many have long ends in front. Some of tho beaded balls that trim them are as large as small oranges, but being of cork, are quiet light. The short basqued close-fitting jackets will be, and arc, mnch more general than mantelets. Several are boned, to render them more close-fitting to the curves of the figure, and some are padded under the basque to make them fit without a crease. The brocaded velvet, with full chenille fringe, the plain velvet with frills of black laco, and the stockingnotte, with frayed silk ruche, vie with each other in popularity; while the most dressy are those entirely of jetted lace, fitting like a cuirass, with fall of plain lace, sprinkled over with tassels of jet beads.

Somo handsome new woollens, embroid ered in satin stitch or brocaded with silk in two or three shades, are very elegant, and, made up with vsile Indian crepon, or Bcngaline, are very fashionable. Cache mires and soft woollens, embroidered or epottod, with chenilla, are very effective; the ckenille may be of the same shade or colour, or of somo contrasting hue, such as red or blue, or moss green, pale blue on dark bluo or green, &c.

Shot brilliantinoß and shot voiles imitate eilk effects wonderfully, ani are far more serviceable than silks of a low quality.

Ono lady's dress at Sandown was strewn over with a design of horse shoes—not quite life-slzo, but about donkey-size. A perfectly delicious coat was of darkest ruby Elush, trimmed with beaver. Hardly any ats were to be seen. It is now chic or chicn, whichever word you like the better, to wear a bonnet, except when travelling in the country.

The now colour is gipsy red, a peculiarly vivid yet soft shade. It will gladden the hoartfl of pretty brunettes, and indeed I never have Been a lovelier picture than was mado by a girl the other day, who carried one of the new parasols. Her dark hair, dark eyes and clear skin, with its warm flesh-tint, were touched with a glow of colour from the sunshade, which was made of gipsy-red batiste, edged all round with a pleated frill of the same material, and dotted all over with knots of narrow red velvet. You can't imagine how wonderfully it brightened up hor beauty.

Hair stripos of eilk or fine wool are much worn ; they nro shot, and the two fine lines mingling at a little distance produce very brilliant offects.

Very small checks in hair-lines and tiny squares are useful and ladylike as travelling and morning dresses; they aro combined with plain material of ono of the shades, or if used for the entire toilette, are trimmed with ribbon velvet.

The pedigreo of tho corset, says a writer in tho May numbor of " Good Words," stretches far back into antiquity, and may be briefly summarised. "Wo recfigniso its fundamental features : First in the antique fascia of the Greeks and Romans ; second, we lose sight of bandages throughout a large portion of the Middle Ages, and- then discover tho existence of an embryonic corsage; third, the end of the Middle Ages and the commencement of the Renaissance)' are marked by the general adoption of tight-fitting lace bodices; and fourth, from the middle of tho sixteenth till the end of tho eighteenth century the stiffest of whale bone bodices were worn, disappearing under the Revolution, but only to be trans formed later on into the modern corset."

I suppose some of my readers will liko the new mantillas, which are short, and much bunched behind, with long ends before. The pattern on these may, if desired, be out lined as in the caae of the short jackets re ferred to. Bonnets beaded to match should be worn. Scarlet bows of velvet or ribbon aro used to decorate black bonnets. Black straws, with crowns decidedly square, are distingue trimmed with scarlet. Trans parent bonnets, too, are worn. Here is a model:—Wire frame string with jet beads toform pattern, then covered with spotted net drawn over in voluminous folds, but not so full as to render the framework invisible. The small projecting brim is edged with black lace rucho. A bunch of ox-eyo daisies and field grasses is fixed at the side. An exquisite bcnnet was mado of almond-coloured surah, with bind and strings of black velvet, a handsomely cut large jet butterfly being the solo orna ment. A hat with a largo rim, slightly turned up on one side, was lined with vel vet. In tho front wore three bowa made of two-inch wide velvet, arranged one above the other, blue, orange, and green, being the colours selected. "Eccentric, but not lovely," was my passing commenti

Brides now carry bouquetsof Jacqueminot or Bonsilene roses in preference to those that aro pure white in colour. The white roses, lilacs, and lillies-of-the-valley are, however, much more suitable and becom ing.

The " betrothal" bangle is a novelty. It is mado of a circlet of pure gold engraved with a motto or couplet of touching senti mentality, and it is so fashioned that it is not possible to remove it safo by filing when once it encircles the arm of its owner.

Peeps Into Paradise.

If a long engagement is apt to end badly

for the betrothed, it i.s, while it lasts, an

unmitigated nuisance to tlioiv relatives

and friends. Of course, a moil us vicendi is arranged when the young couple are not to bo married for years. Life could not bo carnied on were everybody to be made as uncomfortablo as they are when the course of true lovo runs smoothly and the wadding day is fixed for an early date. Then, indeed, the patience of thoso dwelling in the house with the bride-elect is severely taxed. There is nota sitting-room available, and one can never be suro of not interrupting the billing and cooing of tho afiianced pair. While they occupy tho library, there is a lawyor with the settlements in the dining room, and the drawing-room is held in readiness for an anticipated visit from the future bridegroom's rich aunt. When to this is added the incessant and nerve-

destroying oncounters with Messrs Mateh wbll and Swellgrove's young man in the hall, and the frequent meetings upon the stairs • with an obsequious French lady in black silk, presumably the dressmaker, it is not to bo wondered at if we draw a sigh of relief when such a state of things is over. No doubt it is pleasant for thoso who have had their own day to renew their youth in contemplating the happiness of tho lovers, but to others whose time is yet to come—or at all ovents has not come—the spectacle of so much rapture, while they are left out in tho cold, is somowhat trying to the temper. Even when it is only a friend and not a relation who is engaged to bo married, it is difficult to shako off tho depression arising from the consciousness that a wed ding present is expected of us. But if tho interval preceding the marriage is a period of trial to outsiders, it i.s not one of unmixed felicity to tho principal parties concerned. They are now bronght face to face with an infinity of harassing cares, to say nothing of the hard work of answering innu merable letters, receiving congratulation, and making acquaintance with a strange and perhaps hostile family. There are few engagements in the course of which some body, on one sido or the other, does not make himself or herself unpleasant, or does not, at all events, require exceedingly careful management. It must be admitted that under these circumstances, as with most affairs in this world, the man has the best of it. Ho can keep out of the way, and let tho relations fight it out together; he has no irotittean to get, and not many presents to receive. He is not kissed on both cheeks by cousins unto the fourth and fifth generation, and tho martyrdom of " trying on, " and becoming a living block for milliners to experiment upon, isunknown to him. All these advantage?, however, are atoned for by the treatment which he receives upon tho wedding-day. It is not suflicient that he is obliged to get up at an unearthly hour in the morning, that he feels it his duty to put on abnormally tight boots, and that he has had his hair cut for the ccciision. He is absolutely of no conse quence whatever ; nobody ciie3 about him, his careful toilet is unnoticed, and the best man, far from supporting him at this juncture, is thinking over the speech which he is about to make at the breakfast, when ho returns thanks for tho bridesmaids.

There arc no sympathetic murmers from tlw crowd wlien he appears, but, on the contrary, any Blight personal defect is freely com mented upon, '"c's too short for'or," and " My, aint 'is collar tight I" these are the words which greet him as, pule but out wardly composed, he enters the churcn.

It it surprising, considering all things, that tlie young man contemplating matrimony should keep up tueh a light heart as be does. He sometimes evinces a yearning for sym pathy which is touching. For instance, his friends receive little notes artlessly an nouncing that he ia "so happy." If they do not respond with sufticent warmth to hia efforts to make them share his bliss, ho proceeds to inform them that " the cause of his happiness is Miss Mary Smith." This, he considers, should be enough to open their hearts at once. It is to be feared that a great deal of unfeeling chaff is hurled at the heads of those whom Eros has deprived of their armour. How differently do Angelina's companions receive her con fidences. Whatever feminine spito her rivalry may have called forth in former days is now buried in oblivion. It seems to be agreed that an engaged girl is to be looked upon with tenderness and even respect. Angelina herself is very much softened by the influence of " love's young dream." Any little asperities of character have disappeared, or remain in abeyance. She holds out promises of future plans of amusement, in which her friends are to join. "lie will do anything I like, of course,"' she remarks with serene contentment. " If I say that you are coming to stay for Bii weeks, that you want to go to all the ... theatres and balk, and to bo on the river every Sunday, he will not dream of making any objection." To those blighted beings who have had a disappointment she is gentle and consolatory ; while to maidens still unsought her manner combines affa- I billty and condescension. The conversation is desultory, but eminently satisfactory ; to the speakers. " His eyes are blue, but the photograph doesn't give a good idea of 1 hv, nose, murmurs Angelina pensively, (razing upon Edwin's portrait. "Verynico, I'm sure," answers her confidant absently; then, with animation, " You will let the M bridesmaids' drosses be pink, dearest, won't ■ you ? Blue is so unbecoming to me, and B hit sisters will look positively frightful in it." "So they will," returns Angelina ~| thoughtfully ; " and ho likes pink,"&o. There is another kind of engaged girl— jjl ghe who is " fickle, coy, and hard to please " I —and who bewilders her friends by being, always about to be married to different H men. It is difficult to keep pace with her I erratic matrimonial intentions. One week I she Informs us that she has bestowed her H hand and heart upon a Colonial Bishop, and I is full of ecl.er.ies of usefulness among the , r benighted natives. The next, she writes to say that she had misunderstood the esteem , 1 in which she held the worthy divine for a M warmer feeling, and that she is now the I promised wifoof her cousin Charles—a fox- I hunting' squire in the north of England. Soon we hear that another admirer has 4'l come upon the scono, of whom Charles is fl furiously jealous. No:- will-out reason, as- 9 Miss Fanny presently announces that B Captain Jdfabcru'crk w the o:ily man whom \ v -i she could ever really love. Unfortunately, :'| this warrior's affections are as unstable as I her own. Ere a month has passed, he has :j| loved and ridden away, leaving poor Fanny vf t« lament the rupture of her third and last : ■ betrothal. For never again, although she trio 6 hard, doos she succeed in "hooking" §9 an eligible young man. In the days of Sg spinsterhood to come, she will often dilato SB upon her past triumphs, and it will give I horacertain position among the ancient tab- ,-S bies of some quiet watering-place, whensho j j acknowledges that, although she was never I married,shehas been three times "engaged." • -M Among the working-classes tho affianced JS couple ' 'keep company " for years; probably 'j'Q this unsettled state of affairs imparts a ■■« flavour to life which it would otherwise lack. HJ As an omnibus conductor observed with reference to a bottle of cold tea, "It makes summit to look forward to." During the term of probation which precedes mar- ! J rage Chloe assumes a haughty and over- ;jS bearing demeanour, while Sterphon is j -ip hardly allowed to call his soul his own IB When the lovers take their walks abroad, he is silent and pensive; Chloe, on tho other hand, is extremely demonstrative. Her arm-encircles his waist, and even at 1 times hia neck, Should Strephon, however, ■, be more than usually phlegmatic, she ,*■* strives to rouse him to a sense of his duty . by a series of coquettish displays of temper. "You might ask mo to take a glass of port wine, or something; I made a very poor. i}'\ breakfast," reproachfully exclamed a .\ gentle maiden, as sfie guided the footsteps 4 of her wavering swain in the direction of , 4£ Jack Straw's Castle one fine Bank Holiday, M when Hampstead Heath was crowded with ■ pleasure-seekers. And there was a loot <i: in her eye which boded ill for that youngman '£■ had he proved recalcitrant. Further on aj!j:l| i bashful and timid youtlP was making him self agreeable after his manner t) two girl?, the elder of whom evidently corsidored him j : as her property. After some brilliant...* ■ witticism on his part, the younger^ sister ' i playfully remarked, "You keep him in ,1 order, Maria, for I can't." With this sao''i| '■■ instance of the subjection of man, tho veil j which has deen raised for a few minute 3 drops again, and we stand, like tho far- ~ famed Peri, without the gates of Parodies. :} —"Standard."

"ROUGH ON RATS."-ciß.n tntnla.adcjMM ttwanU, tad-bugs, ixc-tlc... inserts fk,:i;ks. jackiabbitJ, miim- Hl™ gl^l Kempth9re«,fios«t4Co.,A««»ti l^dil»i|

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, SATURDAY, JULY 12, 1884,

3



OFFICIAL REPORT OF THE AS TRONOMER-ROYAL. "Sydney Observatory, February 26th, 1880. Several of the rate curves respond to the change In the barometer in a way that shows the isochronal properties of their balance springs are not quite perfect. Looking down the curves, It becomes at once evident that Watch No. S, which is No. 670,068, second grade, ol the American Waltham Watch Company, is re markably froo from these defects, and presents the best rate of all tho watches tested. Amongst the cheaper watches tested, No. 6, which is No. 1,221,336 of tho American Waltham Watch Company, is worthy of notice; it is a watch of tho sixth grade, yot its performance has boon bettor than that of many very oxpensivo and othorwiso first-class watches tosted. Such a watch speaks volumes in favour of the system under which it was made, and Is the best com ment upon tho accuracy of llio machines that produced it. H. C. Russell, 8.A.. K.R.A.S., Astronomer ■ Royal, Sydney Observatory.V lAJJYT.J. <f. «.sv., . Ah* '"O. ?