VELLA VERNELL OR, AN AMAZING MARRIAGE.

By Mrs Sumner Haydks,

„,.. of -Little Goldlo." "Tho Muimg.. -*°* Marriage," "Gcvaldino," etc.. etc.

CHAPTER I.

BROTHEU ANl> SISTER. . . „ -he fled fast through sun and shade, As 9 . ,r,n. wiuds upon her played, _ H,*i_?tho ring let Iran, the braid ; so lovely ac she swayed _." n his worldly wealth for this, -*S2°_sto his whole heart in ono kias L -pr o°n her perfect U..S. _ TkshYßoN . ~/Wf you manage to come, Voylo?" It waa hard to resist that suddenly up- Bfted, cosing face. „ I ff ish it wore possible, dear. If Ico idd you wouldn't have to ask mo twice. Sore is nothing I should enjoy more this orning than a good old canter. But'it W 't bo did ." as Artomus would put it— mo re* the pity!" . . A charming picture thoy made this twin Jtttftnd sister, standing together on the 1 Af oho of Chicago's most palatial real fC in the pale _Tolrl sunshine of early dI",C f„. Scarcely morcthan children, their Pf. waa not tho mero refreshing lito and , bel> «fnMS Of youth iit was absolute purity -■y° .te perfection of colouring. Of the ol° n U,t«iium statue, both were rather Tier Wd Utho of form ns seventeen is ,l£_Tbß but beholding thorn one foresaw, _with timo should come development, i raburb would bo the womanhood of !?_!_. how admirable tho boy's manhood. *t?hei to public together, strangers glanc • _*«lo»s yatthem, involuntarily started & after them with a store and a 1 Their amazemont was thoroughly 1 The re«emblanco botwoon the two "Saimply striking. It was marvellous, W _ tul It was actually startling ! The ■ _„.__ beautiful, satin-smooth faces ; _ mnlow broad, snowy foreheads ; tho 'tXecuriing lashes and iinedark brows, »° , ne short, close clustering ringlets of „ 0 7and roundly curved chin ; the same _ at, dusky, luminous southern eyes : even £!..malkht, graceful carriage and proud JtoTtta h.ad, and sweet sudden, sun -^C a Voyle I" Vella would say some ,!_-__ her shrill voico dolorous, her faco Sing wh«« with knit brows he would uTvhe hill irritably through a crowd at U e mc«ortl.e opera; •*«*«<» >>«f beard yon will grow in tho fair future to «____t. our curious resemblance ! «i 1«. caro for myself, Volla, but I hate to have people stare at you in that rudo Son. They wouldn't if 1 woro not along. We must appear singular." And then ho would laugh half ruefully and mhhiaupperlipandchin, which were smooth ia Telia's own, with ono whito, patrician '"lidßO-ftt risk of repetition—a charming nirture they made this bright June morning, foth so full of health, and laughter, and sheer joy of livingi—ho clad in cool white imon, a bit of forget-me-not in his button-holo, ablu.-ri-boned straw hot thrust oarolossly back on hia ensp curls ; sho in her tight flttinff habit of hunter's groen, a coquettish littlejookey-cap shading the roso-sweot face, a glim, ailvor-hnndled whip held lightly in one tiny tan-gauntleted hand. "What does uncle want you tor this morning, Voyle?" i look not pleasant to sea olondod tho lad's gay faco, „ . , , "Goodness only knows!' with a short, tnm laugh. " Probably to send mo down totheoffloe, because he know 1 wanted to go out with you. I think sometimes ho j acta so — with such cursed, cold-blooded I cruelty, just to irritate mo—to see haw mr _BC_n drive mo." "Cruelty, dears" his si-tor interposed, Kftly. His cheek flushed. " What else ia it, Vella? Since ho took

ua from poor father's death-bod, ten years ago, haa he ever Bhown us kindness '.' II is conduct is not cruel, if ono measure cruelty onlybylasheaandatarvation. Uoisawoalthy man, and lives aa such, so wo do not want. Bi?t beyond ttat, Velio,— bpyond that?" I' )Vo ire'tfepoiK. Nt on him, though—we must ro-neinfior that," Vella again inter j ™tol. "fro would have beon homeless I andfriendless after poor papa's deathif ho i EidnoHaken us. Thatwas good of him." j Vovle took off his hat and passed his hand jrer his moody brow. "I don't know about that. I don. see how lye came to ba left quite destitute. Father always lived splendidly. Can't you member our liome? It was, it ,-mything, gnqdor than uncle's. It has always seemed tome that there is a screw looso somewhere." He narrowed his brown oyos in piuxled rejection. Vella stood meditatively tapping her pretty Spanish boot with her riding -trhlp. Suddenly Voyle flung on his hat with a contrite laugh. "I ought to be ashamed of myself to Itandhere grumbling and keeping you from yoar ride. law.' Come dear."

Thoy went down tho shallow-stone steps, led across the smoothly gravolled path to the curb-stolid.

"Good-morning, Sir Launcolot!" Vella cried, gayly. " Voyle, isn't he a boQuty ." And she put out hor kidded hand aud pitted the pony's brown neols lovingly. Voyle answered with another question : "You'resure you're not afraid to go alone, Vella I"

I Her laugh rang out "liko silver on the sir."

"I afraid? And with Sir L-unoolot? No,indeed! He wouldn't run away with me for all tho world—would you, Sir Launcelot? There!"—as the pony neighed tod champed his bit—" didn't I toll you ? Hewys, '(Jatch me aoting like a skitti.h little celt or a vicious old horso—just catch me, that's all I' Now confess it ivus good

of Uncle James to give me—" "I think ho did it in hopo that the pony would break your neck somo day ?" V oyle answered.

"Oh, you horrid old boy !"—in gentle reproof, " What an awful speech ? You know you don't mean a word of it." "Yesldo !"-sullonly emphatic. " Isn't he trying to drive you to a living death ? — marriage with o, hoary-heoded old imbecile forty years your senior. My dear littlo Bister," a soft, quick flash of love, and *rath, and boyish indignation lighting all tie face, "If Sir Launcolot wore to trample yourbrains out, it would bo divinost morey rafter that such a fate thoso rascally old Khemers plan!" Hie voice, though repressed, was passion ate. She paled a triflo at tho vehement TOds, Then she laughod lightly, to banish his gloom, ''Don't meet trouble half way, Voylo. That's a good proverb. I'm not married jet—in fact, 'I'm o'er young to marry yot.' Now mount mo, liko a good boy, and I'll he off."

He held out his palm. Sho put her foot '"to it, laid her hand on tho pommol, nnd •"W to tho saddle airily ns a bird. wLuocolot prancod and curveted, then 'padsouthward down Prairie Avenue,

CHAPTER 11.

■.SOME DATf. —SOME D,A.Y ! '''«*: care I" . Tagun hour later. At tho limits of ft* fttk, Volla was turning Sir Launce w«Wnd homeward. "Hardener,ndvancingfromn leafy clump, J 4' thrusting his barrow across the road "WHy before her. * drew it back. Too late! ..one had no t timo to gather iho relaxed ™s lying loosely on Sir Launceiot'a neck, j™jj, thoroughly terrified, he reared up «_nt a moment, then dashed off like the wind. , On and on ! He had got the bit between ?'* "Wo the Instant she had awakened from iMtsverle to danger. There was no mas wnghim, though the tension of the young "J8 was as that of steel. Booh a fuiiuM, sickening gallop! The ««s flew by, writhing and distorted ; the tommy rooked and whirled against tho __ i ky! a diamond dazzle, the lake -wW southward. tho h Wer° feW in tllo par1 *' so oarly WM m«A _.8_ c holcJ out m"-* longer? The fTOBdOf the wild, boatinghoofs was horrible. Voyle!" she panted, " Voyle !" k_f " tho oDly *ruo lovo her life had 'own; co instinctively as little children K7 W their mother sho called on him. A _2* M c,r, _-* over n 8r > a relaxation of the a IT:. **er will was poworless to repel. . *na the maddened brute was still bearing "VSTOf-lifee a whirlwind. Ilk. _. l~*° auddenly it was all over HuTl. *-as, h-t'ie,'o was a smothered cry, _____ . °,P ron*- dark °bi°et from the som_v!ldo_ he road- a hand *<- *c bridle, »trZ_ « rth and hQavon> tho fiercfl "WRgleoi man and beast.

Foam-spattered, quivering in each steam ing limb, Sir Launcelot stood still— conquered I And tho man below fell back a stop or two and looked up at Vella. Such a handsome faco as it was, to be sure—such a bravo, quiet, resolute, noble face! To the day of her death the girl would remember it as she beheld it then, with the excitement of a daring deed blanching it, and a blaze of light in tho dark bluo eyes. He was still breathing quickly as their glances mot.

Complete consciousness, full comprehen sion of all he had risked, done, surged through hor heart and brain in a mighty tido. Ho had stopped her steed's awful courso with his body. Ho had grappled with dentil for her.

" What shall I say to you ?"sho murmured, " Hon- shall I thank you V"

Even as sho spoko she noticed his clothes showed traces of wear and travel, and that his cull's woro a trillo frayed. Was he poor ? if sho only might oll'or him motioy !

"Don't than!' me !" he answered, with n bright smile. "'1 only did what any man would havo clone in my place. Your horse was frightened?"

" By ono of thognrdonors suddenly thrust ing a barrow before him, yes. I mint thank you I" with swift, intonso seriousness. "Tell mo your address that my brothor may do so for mo. You saved my lifo !"

Ho shook his head in smiling dissent, and stepped aside.

"I am repaid by tho honour of sorving you I" with grave politeness. His hat had fallen oil'as ho had sprung to Sir Launcolot's head. As ho bout to pick it up a short, sharp cry burst from his lipa. involuntarily ho laid his right hand on his loft shoulder. Ho had grown quite pallid with pain. "On !" Vella cried in dismay, " aro you hurt I" With n gront effort ho took up his hat. Tho face ho lifted betrayed him not at all. Ono who know him well would havo noticed how much moro firmly than usual tho squnro cut mouth was compressed, but ho gavo no other evidence of tho agony that still racked him.

" It is nothing, I nsmro you—a more sprain."

Co vld she oll'or him money? Daro sho? Would not lie bo offended '.' But ho did not look rich ! A sudden thought ciimo to her. She would givo him her ring. That could not. anger him as might money. If ho really woro poor, ho could sell it. If not, it would be o, souvenir of her gratitude.

It was a magnificent sapphire her uncle in some spasmodic poriod of affection had bought hor.

Again the reins foil slack on Sir Launce lot'.s neck. Quick ns light sho tore off her glove, which fell to tho ground. Sho drew the ring from her finger, and held it down to the stranger. " Will you take this in momoty of this morning—as a very poor acknowledgment of an endless debt ?" Sho had spoken with all a girl's shy, gentle einbarrassmont. A soft tint of colour atolo back to her cheek.

Tho man looked up at her a moment half mystified, then a light broke over his faco — an oddly quizzical expression of mingled tenderness, surprise, and laughter. But it was gono in an matant, and his countqnunso was again untranslatable. "I"cannot tako yonr ring," ho said, quietly; " but I shall consider my slight service _ oil repaid if I may koop— this." Again with an effort ho stooped, and picked up the littlo tan kid gauntlet glove. The dainty bloom in tho girl's chook deep ened to vivid rose, Ho mctuit no presumption. His words ami tQnp vera all that was courteous, and \i hs prised her glove—she (.lipped on her ring.

"If you caro to havo it—" sho murmured, with a sweet, doprocatory smile. Then sho gathered up the reins, touched Sir Launeolot with her whip, and with a bow to tho stranger, who lifted his hat in res ponse, was f*ono. IJo stood looking after her, a curious ex pression around his mouth, a curious dreaminess in his bluo oyos.

'• My lovo !" ho whisporod ; "my queen I Aro thore such things as presentiments, I wonder? I fool wo shall moot again. Our heart., havo spokon each to tho other, though our lips have said no word. What a fn,co I- I nover Siw such pure, tvuo womanlioss in a chiid's glad cyoa. It is th* face of an angel —I'shtiY, !" with ashakoandacontemptuous laugh, " angels don't rido around Chicago yiarku in dark-green habits and jockoy-caps. Phew ! how that shouldor hurts ! And her dear littlo hand ! how fair, and lino, and— Marc Tracy !" indignantly apostrophising himself; " wako up ! (<o and get your breakfast! Of nil the confounded idiots I ever mot you're tho worst—there '."

CHAPTER 111.

A BLOODLESS BATTLE, AN' hour later, at home in her own room, her habit exchanged for a soft, clinging nejli'ie, hor Spanish riding-boots for New port slippers, Vella lay on tho lounge, still palo from tho shock of tho morning's episado. Her maid entored ; in hor hand an enor mous bouquot of choico hot-houso flowors.

Vella took thorn from her, and detaching tho note tied to the stem, glanced at tho cliirography. A shade of disappointnaont swopt over her faco. His— always his ! How tirosomo ho *.vas—how persistent! Well—sho smiled faintly—it was nn ill-wind which h!aw nobody good. The florists honef.ted by his foolish infatuation.

Sho opened tho note. It ran : "My d-.-ar Miss Vella: —I take this means of telling you that which you will allow me no opportunity of otherwise saying. I lava you. I venture to hops that lam not quite distasteful to you. I am a triiio oldor than you, to be sure, but thirty-five is compara tively young for a man. lam wealthy, as you porhap. know, being worth about threo millions. I can promise you a royal home, a secured position, a devoted husband. Carry these flowers at Mrs Sylvio's ball to night, an 1 thoy shall bo my answer. Yours adoringly. " "Jonas Claclin." "May I come in, Vella?" She lifted her head, to sgo Voylo at the door of hor sitting-room. "Certainly. Come, dear." Ho crossed the room and flung himself down in tho rocker beside her.

"Anything tho matter, littlo woman? You look cut up !" A recolloction of the horror of her terrible ride camo to her. " Sir Launcelot did try to break my neck, Voylo ; but, you see," nodding gayly, "it i j safe. ' Naught was nover in danger,' says tho adago." * And sho told him all about it. Ho drow a long breath whon she had finished. " A closo call! I wish I could meet the man and thank him."

«■ Had you your purso with you ?" " Yes." She hesitated, laughed softly, and shook her head. "But I did not offer him money. I fancy only a very rash person . ovid havo done thai." "Oh, ho did not need it, then—he was a gentleman?" I do not know about tho former "—dubi ously. " His clothes do not look liko—liko yours," with anothor low, perplexed laugh, '' And now about tho letter % '

"He u-'.cs a j^entleman "—in aiiaple, prompt decision. 'Thore was a b,ief siienco. Sho would tell film. all-. Sho was not used to keeping secrete from Voyle. <■' 1 offered him my ring; he would not tako it. My glove had fallen to the ground; ho took that instead."

" Ah !" Her brother's faco darkened. In a mo ment it cleared, and he rose with a smile. " Somo poor devil of a poot, I presume, with moro sontimentthan currency. Come!" Bli-o popped in her black head. "Plaiso, Mees Vella, the colonel nsk for you in the librario, and to come now." " Very well, Elieo. Say I shall be down in a moment." ~_,,__, The note in her lap slipped to the floor as sho rose. She took it up and thrust it in her pocket. The library was a long, lofty room, run ning tho full length of the house. Above the dado of stamped leather the walls were of dull Venetian red, and on them hung, framed in copper bronze, some exquisite en-ravings. Around the room stood many dwarf bookcases of mahogany, laden with tho wisdom of the agos. Facing the door was a high, carved mantel, of the same rich wood as the bookcases, chairs, and tables. Against such a background tho Mlnton tiles of the fire-place showed daintily distinct. Here and thero stood curious Chinese cabi nets, inlaid escritoires, tempting Turkish lounges; The floor was carpeted m the same shade as that which the walls were painted. Nowhere was the darkly glow ing tone of the apartment blurred or marred. Colonel Vernell, standing by the heavily draped window, turned as the door swung °PHe was a tollman, of what ia generally described as a commanding presence, ana thin to spareness. Iron-grey hair was brushed off a high, narrow forehead ; his mouth, seen through a grizzling beard, was iustanar.o.v, colourless line; his nose was '■ther hooked, the eyes, too closely set for

honesty, were pale, cold, furtive; tha over hanging brows were black and bristling; tho whole countenance expressed greed, tenacity, cunning—more than all, cunning, dcop, silent, far-reaching.

Ho was dressed in a morning suit of chocolate diagonal- There was a diamond in his shirt front, anothor sparkled on his white hand. " Ah, it is you, Vella. Sit down !" He placed a chair for her as she crossed the room. She sank into it. Ho walked over to the mantel and rested his elbow on it. " You received _ bouquet today from Mr Clallin 1" " Yos, uncle I" " And a letter?" She bowed. " Tho luttor contained apropoaal of marri **£-*■. „ " tea. " Will you let mo see the noto ." In silence alio handed it to him. In silence he perused it. He laid it down. "You will carry tho flowers." Tho tone was hot one of interrogation, rather of assertion. "/."

Just a word—a word of one lotter at that, but tho proud indignation of tho young voici thrilled him in Bpito of himaelf. She had risou and was regarding him with lovely, scornful eyes. " Tho woman Jonas Clallin askß to be his wifn is honoured !" Colonol Vernoll wont on, his eyes falling uneasily under tho girl's bright gaze. "Ho is an—an honourable moii |" tho word soemed to stick in his throat, but he brought it out valiantly enough ; " ho ia a wealthy man I" This avowal was not bo diilicult to make.

How fair sho lcokod standing there in her wrapper of simple, snowy muslin, all dotted with satiny azure bows, a bold littlo broozo from tho window rutlltug the short, goldon ringleta, tho Hush of impetuous, resentful youth boginning to bum hotly in the dimpled cheoks. | "Ho may be all you any," she said, quietly, " but I cannot marry him." To hor uncle recurred Jonas Clatlin'B words of tho previous evening. "Remember, Vernoll, I must have the girl: my hoart is sot on her. Sho would brighten all my daya. With hor I know I should grow young again. Bho dislikos me, I know, but with those children your will is law. Arguo. If that fails, Insist. If you cannot make hor consent "—even now ho shook, remembering tho gleam in the aged suitor's eyes-" I will hold you to account. I don't threaten, oh, no, I don't threaten, but just boar in mind that you're under Jonas Claflin's thumb—under Jonas Clailin'a thumb I" ho has repoated gleefully, "and when ho presses it down—ao—he crushoa you. Bear it in mind ?" And ho did.

CHAPTER IV.

THE ANSWIiH, " I'vo heard thoro's iron iuthahload, and boUe*^, it! Whence drow you that Btoel tomp(_. j» So it was no wonder that - now the dark red blood surged wrath * d _i y into his cheek at sound of the^ou^g, resolute voice. "You jiiw-.jc marry him J And why, pray ft Such a moro child still was sho ; sho bad not the courage of maturity. Tho long association of hor undo with all that was stern, cold, unloviug, had increased her timidity. But horo all her lifo was at stake ; so she nerved her heart for the ordeal.

For many reasons. Ho is old ; his hair unlerhia raven wig is white as s-iow, I am young ; I have not ciuito closed my Ire Oii-books. Ho is—ah,why should I enu merate?" flinging out hor hands with a pretty weary gesture of distaste. "I do not liko him—that says all! I shall marry only one whom I can love."

Ho toll back a Btep, and stood glaring at her with palo, angry oyes. How liko hor mother sho looked I liko her tho day sho had told him with such gentlo firmness that all ho had sought, and planned, and schemed for yoars had, after one short week's acquaintance, boen lavished on his brothor. So liko her—so, horribly liko I

"Take care . ho cried, hoarsoly. " Boggars can't be choosers." Sho started back as if ho had struck her. Dead silence. Yolla was palo as death. Truly hor uncle had borne Clatlin's injunction in nnd. Thore was tho sound of a stop on the stairs without, a snatch of a merry song : "Let us 11. o, UnoloDan, Lot tin live and lovo Biddy, What's tho world to fc.man When his wifo is a wlddy ("

" Aro theso your flowers, Vella! Of course thoy nro. Where did you get thorn ?" And Voyle sauntered in with a huge bonquot in his hand, He stopped short at sight of his uncle and sister. Both plainly were agitated and excited. "Hello!" with a boy's brusquerio; " what's up ?" Vella picked up tho lettor which lay on the table and handed it to him with a gesture, unconsciously tragic. Ho took it from hor, and putting down the bouquot, read it. Vella dreaded a tornado of indignation. He flushed crimson, but held himsolf well in check. Ho turned to his sister.

" You have answered it ?" "Na." James Vernell strode forward. 1 "She shall answer it to-night. Don't encourage her in foolish notions, Voylo. This is a groat chance for hor." He was for once in his lifo condescending to be apologetic to his nepbow, but tho boy flung up his head with an air which silenced the unworthy words. "Areyou mad?" ho questioned, quiotly, but in his voice was tho tromor of passion, "or blind ? or dreaming ? or only inhuman ?"

"None of those." On either sallow cheok appeared a patch of purplo. "I, however, will rule in my own house. I will be obeyed. No slip of a boy Bhall dictate to me. You hear, sir? I say oho shall carry those flowers to-night, and site shall!" His dread of Claflin's anger at the result, his greater dread of tho consequences of that anger, wore driving him too far. Fear was urging him to much he would later regret. Voylo's eyes flashed ominously. "And / soy," in a voico that rang liko tho clash of steel on steel, " she shall -not!" One would havo thought the lightning of the meeting oyes would scorch the roses dead. Not the faintost sound broke the silence as the two mon faced each other across tho tablo whorcon, pure and fragrant, the blooms of discord lav. Nevor before in all his dominoering, purso-proud, tyrannical life had Colonel Vernell boen sot at naught, denied, defied. " How dare you '"-chokingly — " you pauper ?" The lad's hands clenched. " Beware ! If I am, . have my doubt* as to hoax I came to be one ! Put that In your pipe and smoke it!" A fit as of ague shook the colonel from head to feet. Good heavens ! could it be possible that tho boy could suspact-ino-o ? "Come, Volla," turning to t_e girL who stood, white, rigid, terrified, beside him; . shall send, you rosos for to-night." Now was tike timo to assert himself—he yUUit. "She shall carry Jonas Claflin's!' he hissed. '•'Shall she? Voyle weeeled round, his brown oyes blazing. "We shall see !" Liko n flash he snatched the bouquet from tho table, flung it on the floor, set his foot on it, and ground the sweet, velvety things out of all grace, and shape, and beauty. Vella worshipped flowers, but she set her teeth hard to keep back a sob of regret. " There!" Trembling like a leaf in a storm, in the resistless whirlwind ot his race the boy pointed downward. " There ! Tako thai to your friend, and tell him it is my sister's answer to him, as it is mine to you I" And then Colonel Vernoll stood alone, looking stupidly down on the trampled I flowers.

CHAPTER V.

STRATEGY. " Gayly and gayly rang the gay music. The blithe merry music of harp and ot horn— Tho mad, merry rausio that set us a-danoing, Till overthemldnlghtcamoßteallngthemoro —Nora Pbrry, " Ah, oolonel, you havo come I Delighted to see you 1 And the young folks—where are they ? Oh, In the cloak-room ?" And Mr. Sylvio, plump, rosy, voluble, and volatile, held out to Colonel Vernell, in hospitable cordiality, a fat, white, gem sparkling hand. " By the way, there is an old friend of yours here to-_lg_t ["—rattling gayly on. Don't you recollect your old flame, Lettie Gravson ? She married Amos Charu—yes ? Well, she is a bewitching widow now. So again fate throws a challenge at your feet. No, no I"—laughingly ; "find her yourself. So you really have arrived at last, Mr Claflin —so pleased to aeo you !" The colonel wheeled round. Ah !he was here ! Now for strategy ! A few momenta later he had taken the latest comer aside, with a mysterious air. "Not a word," he whispered—" not a word, my friend, to Vella. I heve not had an opportunity to speak to her yet. Voyle had sent her some roses which she promised

to wear boforo your flowers oamc ; so she did not carry yours tonight. Don't despair, though. I'm not through with hor yot, and girla aro shy, and capricious, and all that sort of thing—you understand, my friend I' —with a facetious dig in tho ribs. Jonas nodded gloomily. "I understand."

He woe old, this suitor of Volla's, though ho affected all the airs and graces of a young man.

He was small, corpulent, unploosantly awkward. A faco round and red as a harvest moon had Mr Jonas Clallin ; a mouth of tho typo disrespectfully known as lobster"; a brief, rosy, aspiring nose ; twinkling oyes of no particular hue; an absolute ab-onco of all moroiful hirsute adornment; a receding forehead, ovor which drooped hair of suspicious gloom and clossi n_- -, a genoral expression of solf-satit. faction which was cheerfully idiotic j broad feet and blushing hands, all of which were evidently vory much in their possossor's way. " Here abo is now ! I'll go and speak to her I" oxolaimod Mr Clallin.

Down the drawing-room Velln was enter ing on hor brothor_ arm. The colonel following his Into companion with norvous gaze knit his bristling brows as he saw how coolly tho girl rocloved him, nnd aa instant later, with a slight dignified bow, moved on.

*' Daro I hopo Colonel Vernoll has not quite forgotten Lotitia!" Ho started at sound of the voico in his ear, at sight of an extended primrose gloved hand, the voico, the hand of Mrs Charu.

A woman nearly half aoonturyold, was she, bat looking not a day over thirty. A tall, generously doveloped form, clad all in yellow, amber brocade aud topazes: a nandsomo, regular-featured faco, olivo skinned, and dark-bair ; cheeks to which "Le lloso de Beaute " had lent a youthful glow; flashing black eyes; thick red lips, over breaking into 6iniles over stnmingly snowy teeth. " Whata question !" said Colonel Vernoll, with ancient gallantry. "Asif I oould for got !" Sho had impressed him. She usually did impress people. Sho had what is somo times erroneously called a "good" manner; why, Heaven only knows ! It was bold, doshlnor, airy, curiously lacking reposo, on occasion clevorly coy. "Now, colonol!" with a playfully re proachful blow of hor fan, " do be sonsiblo I You havo poor Will's ohlldron llviug with you, I have hoard—twins, are thoy not? Every ono mentions their strnngo re semblance. Door, doar ! how long it Is since wo have met!"

" It might be yesterday to look at you t" ho retorted, rising nobly to tho opportunity, " Evon old Time is tardy in blighting beauty I" " Flatterer I" laughed the widow, as she took his arm, and entered the ball-room.

Tho ball was a success. Mrs Sylvio's " affairs" were always suoh. Her splendid home oa Dearborn Avonuo was a resort for the youth, wealth, fashion, distinction of Chicago society. And just now the long waxed ball-room, brilliant with gas-light, sweot with banks of roses, and ferns, and heliotropes, and lilios, dazzling with the silken drapories.and jowels.and shiniDg eye.i of fair women, vibrant with music, burdened with fragrance, gay with laughter and tho tread of dancing feet, was an elysium, a paradise, a spot of magical charm and ex hilaration. Though ordinarily Intensely alert to glow, and lifo, and beauty, it all failed to touch or interest Vella Vernoll to-night. The scene with hor undo in tho library had awaUenod in her a new restless sense of misery, a foreboding of evil to be. She had paused in the dance, pleading fatigue, and sitting down in tho shadow of the ruby curtain, had sent her partner for an ice.

Truly no fairer picture conld mortal oyo crave than now sho made, her gown of glistening silk—tenderest. most delicate green—sweeping around her, no jewel nor ribbon, or evon a flower blurring tho paro velvety beauty of half-bared bosom and stately throat, nor fetters of gold binding the exquisite arms, but in her slendor, list loss hands a great cluster of hyacinths, long-stemmed and snowy-belled. Around her waist hung a girdle which had been her mother's, a quaint, medallioned thing of beaten silver all crusted with gems.

Tho dancers whirled by. Between them now and then she caught a glimpse of Voyle ecroes the hall. He was standing by his hostess's chair. Some one had come up. Mrs Sylvio was introducing the new-comer. She could see both men bow. Then tho crowds swayed densely together again, and the group was shut out, Voyle was a prime favourite of Mrs Sylvio's, but a minute before she had turned from him v-lth a ghd ejaculation to greet an approaohing guest. "It is you, Marc! I waa afraid you would fail me I Does your shoulder hurt badly V " 'The wound is not as deep as a well nor as wide as _ churoh door, but it is enough I' " he quoted, with a, laughing grimace. "My poor boy !" with protecting sisterly pity. " I suppose it ia all bandaged and blistered at this very moment. I beg your pardon, Voyle!" turning suddenly to the fad beside lier, " but Marc only arrived last evening, and I have hardly got over the surprise of seeing him yet. He was so unfortunate as to meet with an accident this morning—good gracious, if I'm not neglecting a formal introduction I Mr Marc Tracy!" with a merry emphasis, " let me make you known to Mr Voyle Vernell!" For the first time Marc Tracy removed his gaze from his sister's face to fasten it on that of the individual beyond, and bow fravely. But even as he did so a cry urst from his lips and he staggered back. "You! Good heavens I What masquer ade is this ?"

Tho proud poso of tho hoatl, tho swift, sunshiny smile, tho brown, luminous, starry oyes, Uie tawny golden hair, tha sonsitivo roso-red mouth I Tho samo—all the same he had seen in the South Park that very morning I And now — here— in msle attiro ! What did it all mean ?

CHAPTER VI.

Till. FOKM-L -NTRODC-TKW*

" Nothing to frighten a man away, Only a cheek liko a strawberry bed, Only a ringlet's gold astray. And a mouth like a baby's dewy red." K. P. Osgood. " Marc !" expostulated Mrs Sylvlo. But he only stood and stared liko ono Muldonly beroffe of roason. A few turnod to glance at him inquiringly. He passed his band dazedly across his eyes. " Perhaps he has met Volla, and is por plexod by tho twomblanco!" hazarded Voylo, to whom such an occurrence was not wholly unfamiliar. " I havo it!" Mrs Sylvio sprang to hor feet with tho air of a Rachaol. " Voylo,' impro.slToly, "did Vella ride in South i Park this morninc?"

The boy flung himself into a tragic pose. "Friend of my youth!" mlschiovously imitating hor myeterious tone, "she did!" " I know it!" sho cried, dollghtedly. . ' »_ou would know oggs," asserted Voyle, in a voico suspiciously rospoetful, "if you wero to see the shells—wouldn't you ?" "You scamp*!" laughing in spite of her solf. " And poor Marc in tho dark all this time I"

And straightway his charitable and com passionate Bister explained. Ho listened liko a man magnetised, who hoars through his Bemi-stupour tho words of the messouger. And so they wero to meet again—this very night! But he had known it. His heari had told him so a thousand times to day. Tho heart wn. a true prophet. Thore wore sudi things as presentiments. To night—ho would see hor to-night I When his sister had finished, ho laughed aloud through sheer joy of heart. An instant later, the danco dono, they made their way across the ball-room. Vella had riso» and was taking hor partnei's arm for the next danoe. She turuod at the sound of Mrs Sylvio's voice.

" Vella, lot mo introduco, dear, my brothor Marc. You have heard mo speak of him ; to be ceremonious, Captain Marc Tracy." Brown eyos met bluo. The girl did not start, but over her face cropt a glow liko tho flush of a summer dawn, tho soft pink wnvo suffusing cheek and brow and milk whito throat.

Again, to-day! And he was Ludo's brother 1 Thoy woro one and tho same, tho man ill-clad, who had leaped at her horse's head; who hod conquered him with the muscles of a gladiator, and waived thanks for his bravery with the calm courtesy of a gontleman ; ho and this graceful, polished, well-bred, faultlessly-costumed man, who bowod his handsome head before hor in ono of Chicago's most exclusive homes.

"I havo boon promising Mr Lo Brotton for age. to show him my camellias, and I shallde ao now," declared Mrs Sylvio.

And Mr Lo Bretten, veiling his unwilling noßs nndor a conventional smile, was led' rolontlessly away. "How strange that we should meet so soon again !" Vella said, softly. Tho Dand was playing an Inspiriting ryth mic promenade. Past them a bright, bewildering procession Bwept unceasingly. For tho first timo ho spoko, and thon with a slightly nervous laugh. His groat sur prise and joy had made him almost cowardly. He was not tho first man who had faced unflinchingly grape, and Bholl, and canister, to be dismayod and oonfused by a pair of starry eyes. But in a moment ho was his easy, confident self again. " "XhOBO whom the gods would destroy they first mako mad !'" nequoted,smilingly. "Just now for a second I feared the fates wero contemplating my doom, so impossible seemed the fair fortuno in store for me." But tho while his lips spoke tho airy words ho was telling himself over and over, with all an artist's ecstaoy and a lover's passion, how fair she was—how sweet, and fair, and lovable ! The shy, serious, girlish face breaking now and thon into its own rare, lightsome, sparkling smilo, tho shapely head " running over with curls," the bosom showing white as a snow-drift through the square corsage. Even the soft, trailing, soundless, shining, greenißh draperies, the curious girdle of beaten silver, the absence of other orna ment, the bunch of pale, fragrant hyacinths, all charmed his keen perception, fascinated him. "Lucie has so often spoiten of her brother, but I little dreamed this morning you were he." He laughed gayly. " I was not very presentable this morn ing, waß I ? I have been roughing it for the past month or so—camping out with a few friends. Where? On, everywhere. We were a restless lot. Wear and tear told strongly on ourselvos and our raiment, being .sadly antagonistic to the latter. Lucie had doubts as to inviting me for this evening. Ah, here is your partner." "Our dance, Miss Vernell!" reminded that youth, excitedly, while still two yards away. The band had struck up a merry galop. Vella gathered up her silken skirts, slipping tbem over her wrist by a loop of ribbon, bowed brightly to Marc, laid her hand on her partner's arm, and sped nway, lissom, sure, light as a bird, down the long room. , " Enthralled, Marc V queried his Bister s quizzical voice. He started guiltily, and turned. " You torment! You haven't changed a particle, Lucie !" talking rapidly to avert

comment. " You're juafc as dovoid of con science now as when, a littlo lassie, you used to creep up behind me and drop a lump of ice dowu my back—you dear oid teaso, you."

" Was my question of o momont ago a lump of Ico, Marc?" her eyes brimming ovor with merriment.

Ho coloured and laughed. " Dan't do it, dear I' growing suddenly serious. "Don't go and fall In lovo with Vella Vornell—that is, unless you aro able to cope with the mightiest of rivals—Midas. Sho is as good as engaged, I believe, to Jonas Clallin."

. "What?" Ho foil back a step or two, the dark glow dying from hia bronzed cheek. "So they say. Why, Marc I you surely can't caro so much already!" Could ho? Did ho? ho askod himself, savagoly. "Anyone would caro I" abruptly. "She is a more child. He is sixty if he's a day. It's an outrage. I don't believe it I" '• I don't wun't to. I shall ask Vella her self. Yes, I'm coming !" in response to a summons. But as she moved away she looked back over hor shoulder at her brothor, humming warningly: " Sho has two oyes so soft and brown, Tako oare 1 Beware!"

An hour later, Captain Tracy, wrapping Vella's swansdown cloak about h»r in the hall without, recklessly disregarded hU sister's advice. As ho clasped her hand an Instant in farowell, ho bent his handsome head, a blazo of eagerness lighting all his grave, dark face. "Will you lot me como and see you?" with tho quiotnof-3 bom of the intensity of desire. Sho had been rather palo with fatigue, but as sho looked up at him the wild rose bloom he had already loarned to know and look for surged warmly into the pearl-fair cheeks. Tho sweet sensitive lips were smiling, the brown eyes wero dreamily brilliant. " Como 1" she said, simply.

CHAPTER VII.

" I LOVB VOIT NOW."

" Lay thy swoct hands In mino, and trust to "io 1" „

TH.__.VBON. " Thoro'- nothing half so sweot In lifo aa Lovo's young dream !"

sang Tom Mooro. And—is thoro?

Marc Tracy and Voylo had bocomo closo friends and comradoß. And what on earth was moro natural than that tho affection of tho former should lead him to seek con tinually the socioty of the latter ? Whon in the early morning he rodo with Vella down tho Boulovard, sooner or later came the clatter of hoofß behind ihom, and up Bountered Captain Trncy's sorrel steed, bearing Captain Tracy's debonair self. Whon vella drovo Voyle Into town behind her two brisk ponies, each as self-willed and froakish as Kit Nugent, famous " Whisker," was thoro anything strange in tho fact that Marc should, at the vory moment of their arrival, bo mounting the high stono steps on purpose to see Voyle 1 And what could ho do but insist on driving hor back ? Or whon Voylo and Vella planned a boating excursion why sliouldrit ho vaunt his skill as an oarsman and so secure an invitation ? It was curious, though, that whon tho Vernolls loft with their uncle on the Peorless for a trip round tho lakes, tho vory first soul thoy should como faco to face with on the deck was Captain Marc Tracy. Were they really going? So was ho ! Such a coincidence, and what a delightful surprise I Ho had stolen a few weeks pleasure to blow the cobwebs out of his brain. And just to think they wore going, too. Well, well ! And why hadn't thoy told him ? Tho first thoy had known of it was late last night, when thoir undo hod announced the news. Who would have dreamed that this very morning littlo Aunt Dorothy, fussily shopping on State-street, should bounce out of Field's, right into tho arms of Voyle's friend, and recognising him in the middlo of an apology, explain tho reason of hor haste !

If now Voylo was boyishly elated, and Vella brightened and blushed deliciously at the surprise of tho'meeting, and Marc was handsome and gayer than ever at tho pros pect of the weeks to be, and the wholo little trio wero aglow with youth and pleasure and enthusiasm, in none of these omotions did Colonel Vernell share.

Tracy's visits of late had boen too fr§ qu int. He feared the result. They would leave town hurriedly. Jonas Clallin would accompany them. Sentiment must be knocked out _t the girl 8 head; sense knocked in. But, alas ! for " the best laid plans o' mica and men." The last sight he had seen, as the steamer swung off was the cor « ent Mr Claflin, attired in a jaunty blue -iiit, a travelling-bag in one hand, an umbrella in the other, duoking and diving madly down through the crowd on the b Idgo, perspiring, ra .ting, despairing, o.imson-vlsaged. And then to turn round ond look full into the blue, quizzical eyes of the very man he had left Chicago to avoid. The words the cilmel ground between his teeth would hove shocked the righteous crew of the "Pinafore." Such weeks as were those that folio.cd —such weeks ! Such pleasant chats in the shady nook, back of the wheel-house-such wonderful similarity of tasten as were dis covered—such sweet songs in the cabin, such delightful promenades on deck ; and all around the tossing blue waves, and overhead the rifting blue sky. And, one night, as Marc and Vella stood by the rail, where they had paused in their slow walk, he told her ol his life. The story was that of an existence rich in ad venture, in incident, in good fortune, but pathetically lonely and loveless. It touched the girl strangely. Marvellously

pretty Bhe looked just now, in her simple, tasteful sailor costume—alim.i erect, youth , ful, the moonlight falls on her fair un covered head and lovely childish face. They stood alone. Down the dock the rest ol tho passengers were grouped. One of tliem was singing. What was it ? "Some Day." The two by the wheel house lifted their heads and stood silent, listening. Dear, I know not when or how, Only this—only this— I love yon now, I love you now— 1 love you now 1"

The song was done. Up to thorn floated asoftened hurricane of appreciative applause and comment. But Maro Tracy did not hear. His eyos wero fixed on the girl be side him, in them a quick glow and light. "'Only this—only this,'" he repeated, In his voice fierce, repressed passion. "'I love you now.' I know I'm a poor devil, ' not half worthy the likes of you,' but I love you now, Vella—l will lovo you for evor I My queen, my darling ! have you never a word to say ? Shy, hot blushes— a little hand creeping into his—a whisper : -' More !"

CHAPTER VII.

THE DHIDAL TOILET.

'•Howl Will sho none? Doth sho not give us thanks 1 Is she not proud. Doth she not count her blest 1" Romeo an-d Juliet. When tho Vernells returned to the city. Captain Tracy went to the colonel ond formally demanded Vella's hand In marriage. The reply was a peremptory and emphatic refusal.

A week passed. Quite unexpectedly, ono night, Marc was summoned by telegram to Now York. The call was imperative. Sending a note of explanation to Vella, he had gone. Tho following afternoon Voyle did not return from the office, nor in the ovening, nor yet at night. The next morning Vella, coming down stairs, knocked at His door, and receiving no reply, oponed it, to find the room had not been occupiod. Full of fear, sho went directly to tho breakfast-room, dismissing the servant as she entered.

Whon tho door had closed, sho wheeled round to her undo.

" Whero is Voyle?" sho criod. Colonel Vornell, in dressing-gown and slippers, looked up from his coffee and morning paper. " If you will promise to indulge in no feminine follies, such as faintingor hysterias, I shall toll you. Ho is in gaol." She indulged in no "feminine follies," but ovory drop of blood in her body surged back to hor throbbing heart, leaving her white as the snow of De_omber. She knew it was true. He never joked. She spoke no word. Her eyos quostioned for her. " You recollect Grimes bringing me the Adams-street rents last week? \ou and Voylo wero in tho room at tho time. I put thorn into tho private safe. Besides mysolf, Voyle only knows the combination. Yes terday morning 1 missed tho money—throo thousand and odd dollars. I telographed to dotectivo headquarters. Last night Voyle was arrested. Ho was entering, at the moment of his arrost, a gambling hell on Clark-streak The money was founasecvetod on his person." Her oyos blazed. " And you have not had him released, when you know it is all a shameful blunder, a—"

He lifted hie hand in dissenting interrup tion.

" Thero is no blunder. It is a peniten tiary offence. He is guilty. No jury in the land would acquit him. Tho evidence is conclusive. Husn!"'as she would have spoken. "I will refuse to prosecute, an nounce the affair a mistake, nave him dis charged, on one condition—one only." " That ?" breathlessly. " Your marriage to-night with Jonas Clajlin." Now she was not pale. The bright glow of insulted womanhood carmined her cheek.

"How dare you?" in an intense, quiet voice, the acorn of an empress in her spark ling eyos. "You know already lam a betrothed wife." He laughed sneeringly. " Oh, yes, I know all about that. Well," rising, "that settles it. To-morrow the papers will ring with the case, and the name of Voyle Vernell will be a word of dis grace and infamy." Into the girl's brain a thought, plot, pur pose leaped, lightning-like. She almost reeled under its shook—suddenness.

" If I were to consent, he would be re leased—when ?" "Ab soon as you were safely married," "No sooner?" " Not an hour. He would make trouble. But I would have the affair suppressed." ■' And the—the marriage?" "Would take placo privately—here—at nine. That would give you time to catch the eleven o'clock train for New York, Your friends would simply consider the affair a girl's romantic eccentricity. You consent ?

If she only would !He would then be secure with Jonas His tone had become eager and wheedling, "HI may see Voylo this afternoon." " You may, but I mu9t drive you to the gaol and back again. No runaway business, you understand. Ah I" as the bell rang, "there is Mrs Charu ! I sent her a note this morning to call, hoping you might need her. She understands tho affair. She will help you purchase a ready-made trouseau. I am going to see that the theft is kept dark. I shall meet you at my offlco at five, and we shall drive to the gaol. lam sure 1 congratulate you on your good sense. With wealth and beauty such as yours, you can rule Chicago society. You are a luck/- girl,"

How the day passed sho never afterwards I knew; she doos not know to this hour. Drosses, ribbons, lace, shoos, gloves, bon nets, hats, jewel.., becumu hers in irritatincr and confused succession, in preposterous plurality. Promptly at five tho colonol met thorn. ite noticed that Vella was heavily veiled, to hide tracos of tears she know. Mrs Charu went back to Prairie Avenue, to superintend tho arrangements for the even ing, and Volla was driven to the gaol. She entered Voylo's coll—a private ono. Her undo stood talking to the official at tho desk till she re-nppcared. When she reached home she went directly to her room. Her maid, assisted by ono of the other ser vants, was busily employed in finishing packing the ccstly supplies which had been sent up. The beautiful travelling-dress, in which she was to bo married, lay on the bed.

She dismissed them hurriedly. Mrs. Charu came gushingly to tho door to proffer her services.

" Thank you, no. I want no ono to-night but Aunt Dorothy. Please send her to me ; no, not even Elsie." But when Aunt Dorothy, at half-past nine (for the toilet took a long timo), followed the bride from hor chamber, her ruddy cheeks woro ashen, and sho trembled like ono palsied.

(To be Continued,)

CLIPTOMANIA

(SPECIALLY SELECTED BY ODIt LONDON

CORRESPONDENT.)

A new word has been coined to take the place of the odious appellation of old maid. It is " bachelette." Why not " bacheless," following actor, actress .

The story comes from Australia that a marauding band of grasshoppers were turned aside from a certain village by the tact that a new brass band was practising as thoy approached it. " Why do you smoke cigarettes ?" said Flossie to Lou. " Well, in the first place, I believe in 'women's lights,' and in tl.o second it always makes mo think of him." "And don't it make jou sick, dear?' Perhaps the French Archaeological School at Athens has not actually discovered the altar of Apollo at Delos by which the young palm-shoot stood which furnished Odysseus with his compliment, but it has neverthe less como upon somo interesting remains in its work on tho island this summer. The excavators have among other things been rewarded by somo broken statuary, but thoy encountered considerable difficulty. Delos, as an English painter who was weather-bound two years ago found to his cost* is uninhabited now, save by a few wild pigs. According to "Truth" Dr. Moorhouse, Bishop of Melbourne, has refused to order prayers for rain in his diocese. His lord ship gives as his reason that, beforo com plaining, people should do something themselves towards storing up the super fluity in the wet season against drought. "Aide-toi, et Dieu t'aidora." A remark able request has also been preferred to tho Bishop for prayers that the rabbits may cease to bring forth young, all other en deavours to exterminate them having proved futile. The small fishing village of Moelfre, on the Welsh ooast, will ovor be remembered as tho spot where the ill-fated Royal Charter was lost in the awful gale of 1859. A new lifeboat, to replace ono which had become unfit for further service, has just been pre sented to Moelfre by a Cheltenham lady. A good story comes from Liverpool. An American went to the theatre to see the " Forty Thieves." Nover having paid more than twenty-five cents, (a shilling) for a seat in his own country, he was surprised at being charged two shillings. Passing the ticket back to the seller, he quietly re marked : " I gueßS you can keep it, mister ; I don't want to see the other thirty-nine." And out he walked with true Yankee dignity. The fact that tho Derby on the last two or three years has been taken by outsiders has induced some professionals to open books on next year's race. But it is a very ticklish ovent to deal with so long boforo the day, and oven bookmakers had best leave it alone. Mr "Leviathan" Davies, who left his fortune to tho Brighton Town Council, once admitted that if ho had never mado a book on the Derby he would have been worth a million. It was a Derby book that ruined Morris, who at one timo owned many, good horses. Captain Bachelor at the present timo has a yearling book, but he doos not, it is said, bot up to more thun £10,000; and it is certain we shall not again witness the transactions of former days, when Davies bet up to £100,000, and Stephenson had a £30,000 book, and Jack son would bet up to £20,000, while Harry Hill always had his £10,000 book. Canon Girdlestono's desiro to be buried in tho surplice and hood in which he preached his last sermon beforo tho Prince of Wales is one of those peculiar evidences of a goad mind gone wrong in the direction of Royal toadyism that almost provoke a smile at a time when we ought to shed a tear. The worst of these dying wishes ia that they so often provoke imita tion ; and, that being so, I tremble to think of the possibility of Billy Brassface, the big bookmaker, wanting to bo buried with the botting-book in whioh he entered the little "pot" that His Royal Highness is said to have put on Thingummy for the Dorby. A precious carpet has just beon destroyed in San Francisco. It had covered the floor of one of tho rooms in the Mint, and had boen used for five years. Tho dust of tho precious metals usod in the coinage had. during that period, daily fallen upon it, and when it was takon up, the authorities had it cut up in small piece* and burned in pans. The ashes wero subjected to tho process em ployed with mining dust, and they realisod 2,500d015. Thus tho carpet, after years «f wear, was more precious than when it was now.

Apropos of the restoration to health of Sir Moses Montefioro, it is interesting to note thSt one of the venerable baronet's parents lived to the age of 79, tho other to 83; his grandfather reached the age of 87, his grandmother that of 93; a brother lived to be 75, anothor brother 69, a sister 84, another sister 79, and a third 82. The) average duration of life in these cases is 81 years. Of the first four lives tho average is 85, If it bo true that disease and death run in the blood, the oonverse is apparently true—that health and longevity are also inherited.

If Prince Bismarck's reputation fcr hit ting off characters in a few sharp toudies requires other confirmation than Dr. Busch's Memoirs, it is likely to find it in the now volumo of "Prussia in the Federal Council from 1851 to 1858," compiled from official rtcords. Herr yon Bismarok, as he was then, was instructed to remit not only formal intelligence but personal character istics of his colleagues to his chief at Berlin. The two senior Austrian Envoys did not impress him greatly. Count Thun was a mixture of a " Bursch " and a Vienna roue\ "He sought to atone for the peccadilloes committed in this last character in the Church's -o: in his Countess's—eyes by a strict observance of the Catholic cere monies." Baron yon Nellonburg was "senti mental, wept easily at tho play, and drank more than he could carry." Of Lord Cowley he speaks with rcspoct; but the Federal Council devoted an, enormous part of its timo to cards and dancing.

One of tho exhibitors at the Cattle Show was aMr John Jones, of Llandudno. An animal ho sent to Smithfiold bore the euphonious namo of LlanfairpwllgwyngyU gogerchwyrwydrobwllandisiliogogogoch. it is scarcely surprising that this ox did not carry off a prize, for discussion of its merits might have resulted in lockjaw.

Thoy were shoe-chop attendants, and met in the morning. "Well, George, did you pop the question last night?" " No, I made amcßSofit." "How's that?" "I thought I had my courage all screwed up, but seme how when we sat down on the sofa together I lost my head and habit did the rest." "Whatdo you mean?" " Why, I picked up her foot, put it on my lap, and, rubbing her Bhoe, told her of course it was a little close, but it would stretch and be comfort able in a week or two." It has been stated by several journals that Prince Edward " will take the title of Duke of Cornwall when he is elevated to the peerago next year," This is not only quite untrue, but it is most absurd, aa the Duke dom of Cornwall cannot be held by any other person than the eldest son of the Sovereign, or by his eldest son in the event of his death before succeeding to the Throne. As a matter of faot, It is no. intended to give Prince Edward a peerage next year. There is no sort of reason why he should be admit ted to the House of Lords directly he comes of age, and no such step is in contemplation. A well-dressed young man had been fol lowing a lady for several streets. Finally she could stand it no longer, and with fire flashing from hor oyos, she turned on him, and with an indignant voice said : " Sir, you have been walking along by my side for the last ten minutes. Your conduct ia outrageous. You have not onco had the decency to offor mo your arm, or ask mo where lam going. You aro no gentleman,"

SELECTED POETRY.

MY SWEETEST ONE AND BEST.

By W. R. Wills.

Go, 3wcet aid gentle (lowers, To her I love the best, And tell my lovo to wear yo Upon her trustful breast; And carry ye a messago Of lovo so fond and true. Sweet with your summer fragrance. And laden with the dew. Tell her to wear ye upon her gentle breast. Toll her I lovo her—my sweetest one and best. I gathered little rosebuds To twino among her hair. And a bunch of wild panaies, Because my lovo was fair; A bud or two of dai-ies. That they might always prove My heart was true for ever To her I only love. Tell her to wear ye upon her gentle breast. Ted her I love her—my sweetest one and best. I only know I sent them To her I love tho bett, I only know they're lying Upon hor gentle breast. The rosebuds twino in beauty Aniid her raven hair. And the bunch of wild nan9ies Upon her heart is fair. Ah! yes, she wears them upon her gentle breast. Ah! yes, she woars thorn, my sweetest one and best. I know sho kiss'd tho rosebud.". And loved thoir gentle breatu; I know alia press'd tho pansics To her heait, now Btill in death; I know tho loving daisies So meek and puro and sweet, Aro liko my heart, now wither'd, And lying at her feet Ah 1 yes, sho wears them upon her g. Title breast, Ah! yes, she wears them, my sweetest one and best. [ From the forthcoming volume—" A Bunch of \\ ild Pansies."]

A TRUE STORY

" Where is the baby, grandmamma • The sweet young mother calls From hor work in -lie cosy kitchen, with its dainty whitewashed walls. And grandma loaves her knitting, And looks for her all around; llut not a trace of baby dear Can anywhere be found. No sound of its merry prattle, No gleam of its sunny hair, No patter of tiny footsteps, No sign of it anywhere. All through house and garden, I'ar out into tho field. They search each nook and corner, But nothing is rovealed. And tho mother's face grow pallid; Grandmama's eyes grow dim; The father's gone to the village; No übo to lurk for him. And tho baby lost! " Where's Rover T* The mother chanced to think Of tho old well in the orchard Where the cattle used to drink. ' • Where's Rover 1 1 know he'd find her. Rover 1" in vain they call. Then hurry away to the orchard, And there by the mossgrown wall. Close to the woll, lies Hover, Holding to baby's dress; She was loaning ovor tho well's edge In perfect fearlessness! She stretched her littlo arms down, But Rover hold her fast And nover seemed to mind the kicks The tiny baro feet cast So spitefully upon him, But wagged his tail Instead, To groet the frigntenod searchers, While naughty baby said: " Dore'a a 'ittle dlrl in the 'ater; She's dust as big as me. Mamma: I want to help her out, And tako her home to tea. But Rover, ho won't let m., And I don't love him. Go Away, you naughty Rover 1 Oh! why aro you crying so ?" The mother kissed her, saying; " My darling, understand. Good Rover saved your Hie, my dear- Arid see, ho lioks your hand 1 Kiss Rover." Baby struck him. But grandma understood : She said: "It's hard to thank the friend Who thwarts us lor our good." Abbe ____;_.

THE THIEF'S APOLOGY.

In these good days man's only end Is a life of plpos and tabors. So instead of paddling his own canoo he tries to scuttle his neighbour's. As he pushes along he don't much caro whose back ho lays the lash on, No more do we—ao more do we—wo wouldn't bo out of tho fashion! Wo don't much caro How others faro. But wo mustn't bo out of fashion 1 Your patriot for his country's weal would sell his own grandmother. But on two wheels all countries run, and For tune's wheel is the other. Upon the latter ho keeps his eye In his patriotic passion, Ana so do we—and so do we—we wouldn't be out of the fashiou! With Fortune's wheel Alone we deal— We wouldn't be out of the fashion! Your soldier draws his sword to kHI whenever the word ia spoken, And when unusual quantities of enemies' heads are broken I'm uot aware ho stops to shed the teardrops ot compassion, No moro do we—no moro do we—we wouldn't bo out of the fashion! *. Wo shed no tears On dead men's biors— We wouldn't bo out of the fashion 1 Your author steals his plots and plays, so with him you may class us; On somebody else's Pegasus he c|alms a cheap Parnassus. Ho don't much caro whoso brains he steals to fatton his native trash on. No more do wo—no more do we—wo wouldn't bo out of the fashion! Indeed we feel That we must steal If wo wouldn't bo out of tho fashion 1 Your counsel sings your praises; then, at hostile instigation. He'll do his best to hang you for a small re muneration. Ho don't much care as long as ho makes enough to cut a dash on, No moro do wo—no moro do we—wo wouldn't bo out ot the fashion I We'll put you away For, half his pay. For wo wouldn't be out of the fashion t Where lawyer, patriot, soldier, author finds his game ho strikes it, For, oh, wo live in a wioked world, where dog! eats dog, and likes it, May all those worthy gentlemen have appetite for thoir ration. And so may we—and so may we—we^wouldu't be out of the fashion 1 For dog's the meat That do_ must eat If wo wouldn't be out of tho fashion I

THE BALLAD OF RAGBAG.

'Twas old Ragbag, of Teheran, His camol lost a shoe As ho traveiled the Sahara One cold winter morning: through, " "i'wero bootless," said ho, "looking For either vot. or smith. So I'll hind it with Egyptian bonds And tie it with a withe." So with Egyptian bonds ho bound The camel's shooles* foot, And with an up and Bedouin song Ghoored on the weary brute. But he hadn't travelled far until He saw a moving sight— 'Twas a troop of Arab horsemen Fast udvancing on his right. He had met with City Arahe. But he didn't liko thoir hue. Their language and tliulr habits Showed no Sabbath-school they knew. Their limbs had rauoh of freedom If they hadn't muoh of dross; For where -hero's most of one thing Of somo other thing there's less. * But tho Arab with his coursor Was a coarser type to meat. Ra*. didn't liko hia taking ways— They weren't vory sweot. "Oh," says he, " yo vile marauders If tho law iv right, assorts, If v on don't dosort the do»ert You will cadi have your deserts." 'Twas the Arab Taik-a.-U-Khan Seised upon his bridlo first, And then asked him quito pollteli- For tho gold with care ho ifcirst. " For," said ha "I am a prophet, And thy wealth, as I m-esage, Thou wilt give us aud then journey On to Mecca pilgrimage. •• No prophet art thou, buta loss— A hoa"y loss to mo: Wert thou alone, wo'd try a toss Kro wild I gavo to thee. But take m? wealth." said Hnebai. " Since 'tis Allah's fixed docrco Prophet, knowest thou whore to'flnd It 1 Ha! art thou mad, eh.' said he. Searched the Arab Taik-al-U-Khan Searched rho Arabsall in vain ' Nor gold, nor cups, nor jewels Wore in Ragbag's humble train; Nor spices, shawls, nor carpets, Arms, nor costly work, nor wares Found tho disappointed Arabs Whilst deep downwards sank _____ prayers. " 1 Blnners I" cried thoandent Rggbs.. As at longth thoy selr-ed his pfinef And they smashed tho casket open There before his anxious eyes. " Ye aro summing Up tho moasura Ot your folly In these acts; But behold at last my treasure"—"' And ho handed them some rraeftt. Then old Ragbag preachod a sermon Muoh upon the Christian plan. But tho Arabs fled like vermin, Littlo caring where they ran • For his sermon.paralysed them Like frail skifti on ocean's foam And his tracts had so surprised them That they all made tracks for home. Then old Ragbag of Teheran Did smiloa holysmilo; And lifting out more papers. Gazed upon a goodly pile In gold, and notes and sihrer- In bond-and jewels rare. " -.''I s****1 ***••"' _?? r °Bueß helferednot My treasures all luy there." ~PkUotn

THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1885.

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SALE OF DRAPERY T. & J. MONASTER'S. __*•____-*•__. ■ This being the first CLEARING SALE of T. & J. MeM. they are determined to make SUBSTANTIAL REDUCTIONS. > .i> < THE OBJECT OF THIS SALE IS- Ist. To Clear Out a Lot of Surplus Stock—some of which is tossed and out of Season—which will be Almost Given Away. 2nd. To Lessen their Regular Stock—upon which Liberal Reductions will be Made—in order to Make Room for a Large Lot of New Goods now on the way from London. TO GIVE THE PUBLIC SOME IDEA OF THE PRICES AT WHICH GOODS MAY BE HAD A FEW QUOTATIONS WILL BE GIVEN. Ladies' and Girls' Straw Hats, from Id. each. Coloured Dress Muslins, reduced from Is. to 2d, per yard. Girls' Sun Hats, from 6d. Grenadines, reduced to 2d. Children's Satin Hats and Hoods, from Is. Lustres, Half-price. Ladies' Stays, from Is. A lot of Boys' and Men's Felt Hats at Is. each. A lot of Children's Bobes, Pelisses, and Ladies' Under- Men's Tweed Trousers, 4s. lid. clothing, slightly soiled, at Half Price. Men's White and Coloured Moles, 4s. 6d. A lot of Ladies' Silk and Grenadine Jackets and Capes, Men's Tweed Suits, irom 225. 6d. to be cleared out at Is. each. Boys' Tweed Knicker Suits, ss. 6d. Ladies' and Girls' Cloth Jackets, from 4s. 6d. Boys' Washing Knickers, 2s. lid. Tarlatan Frillings, Id. per yard. Men's Working Shirts, from Is. Prints and Ginghams, from 2|cl. Men's White Shirts, from 2s. 6d. FURTHER QUOTATIONS ARE UNNECESSARY, BUT THE PUBLIC ARE REQUESTED TO INSPECT THE STOCK AND SEE THE PRICES. SALE TO COMMENCE ON MONDAY, THE 16* INSTANT, FOR A SHORT TIME ONLY. T. & J. McMASTER, 252, Queen Street, AND AT STJBBHY HILLS.,