VELLA VERNELL OR, AN AMAZING MARRIAGE.

JlB3 BoMinn Haydbn, . "litUe QoWie," "Tho Midnight j^^" "Goraldiuo," etc., oto.

CHAPTER LXV-(Continuei.).

j YiKXEU, is about to mako applica -1 A*l the proPol^ out of whicl' ho n"d I** , ff( , ro defrauded. Your evidonco Jl»n important link, ] *' d ffbßt the douce aro you intorostmg I ''fL his affairs for?" queried Jonas, ' I**, „ Are you in lovo with tho girl ?" !?iappa«nt!y bocomin £ :m P re9S°d , tt with tho truth of thoir similar talc as S j ccep tion which had boon practised i '*' Hffl, for ho did not alludo to Volla as

'% *o neither impertinent question did i Ltherecamoarap. i v mß i n rho criod. I tiLToor opened to admit a littlo old man, fVced and shrewd-eyed. '■^raM forward and shook hands with

i r didn't know you woro in town till I i Jur note ft few minutes ago. I believe ■ ?■ ~mfe«sionally you wish to soo mo ?' Xllr Clallin here-Mr Claflin, Mr !. 1'" both men bowed—" wishes to ' bs statement as to his knowledge in a •i.to come up in tho Chicago courts. r tillpleaso take it down, and tho docu ■'I*, stall be-forwarded. Now, Mi I jTiud strong emphasis on tho namo. ■ - tlsfconly would ho continuo to bo known ■syid as requested. Docidodly in this • l»oradence meant submission. -; t threo-qaartors of an hour it was all iflf-signed, attested, soaled, and Mr ■mn had orders to forward tho legal Simony to Voyle's lawyers in Chicago. ■'i S>o the Ib^sl gentleman bowed and do- I Xl and" Owen remained to say a fow '■^ to-Jonas concerning tho day which I mil probably be set for tho hearing of tho linns'claim. 3 i[fyou turn up promptly you'll silonco iat for ever," he declared. "I am not ] jiiig to effect your ruin—only I will stand Iduyfriends. Well, good-night, Claflin !" be turned awny. I Ate having held himself in check so long liiit demon now took possossion of tho f anit would be hard to say ; but all in a Ift over his brain surged the recolloction f jtbjmanner in which he had boon gulled -'hi couple of children, been reduced to lisinte obedience now. The thoughts jsHened him. His whitish, flabby face Iteme darkly red and wrathful. His ■" t »ad eonght his hip-pocket. In an oxcees .'.^irresistible brutal fury, he whipped out ji revolver—fired. •fiOweii, just passing out at tho door, ijSKered, reeled. | He flung up his hands. J "You contemptible cur!" ho cried, as ho Ia toic-errfoten C'iflin rushed forward, ipedovc. i ■■ prostrate body lying half in iidwnber, Iraii in the hall, tore down tho ujisage, down the stairs with tho speed of MHi I A few moments later guests and sorvants, ifdnctedby the report, came hurrying to "Jiiwene of the tragedy. A Toung Costello lay faco downward, '■fiieding profusely from a wound in tho 3*4. a Instantly all was alarm, excitement, com- Jxlion. J A doctor was Bent for, a Aeentleman bent over tho injured man. 1 "Have you friendß in the city ? Where la they ? ' Shall we eend for thoTi I" I "Mr Gage," he -whispered. I "What Gage? John Gage, of Walnut- I «et ?" I For the wealthy old merchant w»3 well I A widely known. • Ha nodded. | Ameesenger was immediately despatched. fk» doctor came in post-haste. John Gage urn followed him. He had been going out with Evelyn when It summons came. Tteboy had delivered hi 3 errand but im pfectly, so he was not awaro of tho roal atire of the calamity till he stood above the ftickeu figure. "Csn he be moved?' ho asked tho ifacian. "Ithinkw. The wound is a very unplea a'cne tohandlo, but there isno immediate lager, H» will probably continue in a Oporfor some hours. You would have is taken to your house ?" "Certainly I" "Then I would adviae his removal. A sowded hotel is no place for a sick man," Up and down Gage's grand drawing-room nied Evelyn Gage. What could bo do tting her father ? He had promised to be act won. .

Bhß glanced at th» little clock on tho con- Ai It waa almost eleven. They would fetaefnlly late. Ji aMe crimson chair by the sparkling bftt Velio. She hod told Evelyn of her wfing with Claflin. She was still very <«W, and her large eyes were Bhining. "Yon look lovely, Evvie," ahe said. Myn tnrned her dark head over hor Wdar with a pleased smile. "Boli dear? 1 wonder what that boy «|H have wanted with papa?" Mi did look lovely. She was in full ball «nne. Oat of glistening satin of blugh- Wjrak:her arms and bosom shone like **»• .-:Far behind her trailed the rich ™jj draperies. Around her white throat [WUsee of diamonds ran like a river of "Hark!" y e lla cried, " there he is now." fraycould hear a carriage drawup before *W.;There was quite a long pause. What can be detaining him!" Evelyn «> standing still to listen. my feet asoonded the steps without, the Btepa of Beveral men. 3J fc|l rang. irK • rUßlied te the door > flun f?ifc wide iT™ c splendid hall came four men, ?™g between them a litter, on which lay * stalwart form, the handsome blondo ««OwenCoetello. j?j*n Arank back with a quick, 2j aw cry. As they laid down their 'Jwliehnrried forward, bent ovor it. , « be dead?" she whispered. S'u her father answered. g«s wavy lids lifted a moment. His grey "M with pain, brightened at gightof .«strove to speak. ™«Mnt her ear to his mouth. ,75»een!»hosaid. his eyes closed, the deadly Fttept over him. ™»Wse, Sh e • waß p a i er than even she r™, b«. The misty tullo about hor J/»ojomww stained with crimson. ,2™W> the group around the litter K a figure. Trembling, horrified, »elf stood there. Ujj™' _in a soft, shaking whisper. >i|? e°'. with sudden panting vehemence : *ftK??? J°naß Clatlin wiU havo been his fe f* back aghast. llutr H eaßGodlivos!"Bhosaid. ■ CHAPTER LXVI. 'AS YOU MCBDEEED HIM !" JSjJj 11*8 no rage like love to hatred , llafary Uk e a WO man scorned." WILUAM CONGBEVE. . ™I not give you another franc—l ""I" Bhe protested, stormily. jjWd. down the long, glittering room f'. Jl6l go^ll of bronze-gold Bilk ioisily after her, her sloe-black eyes Hj jr»ms Grimes, lying lazily back in a J/«nch chair, all gilded wood and CTPjnk satin, clasped his largo whito fcuni .? reddist head with a com- Tittle. dear Letitia," he urged, "don't n|£JlTOe. Vituperation is at all times 'wry 'ulgar, and you are contracting S! plorabw habit of tho same. Write CTi my love, and let me go." Si i 5 m> she continued her rapid,

Tho .s(i?oh, which they occupied was ono of extravagant ologance, if questionable tasto. The lofty gold-oornicod walls woro covorctl with pictures, cabinets, quaint bronzo plaques, and curious can-on brackots. On tho coiling plump littlo cupids playod at ludo-and-seok in inassos of milkwood. Tho floor-to descend abruptly —wna of gomo light polishod work, over which woro scattered numerous showy nice Tho high windows woro draped with lorsian silks. Tho present diversity ot tasto was illustrated by tho chairs, all umquo and dissimilar.

A very short timo had Mr and Mrs Dennis l.nmos boon rovolling in tho dolights of 1 arisen life, a very short timo, but brief as it was, already had it scorchod tho bright but unsubstantial fabric of thoir mature lovo.

On her arrival in .Paris whoro Donnia was to moot her, sho had discharged hor maid. Sho had paid hor munificently. " I am going to visit n friend in Belgium, Uilarin," sho had said. " I shall probably bo nbsont sovcrnl months. In tho moan whilo you will doubtless find it onsy to soouro omployment. Boforo sailing for America I shall moot you horo. You will return with mo."

With loworod oyoa and untranslatable faco, Guila had heard hor through. Then sho had submissivoly bowed and taken hor departure.

But not to sack other sorvico. Moro than ovor was hor suspicious naturo now on tho nleit. Sho was watching and biding hor timo. Sho had kopt horsolf informed as to tho movomonts of hor mistross. This vory night had sho followod hor to secure a shawl purposoly forgotten. Tho servant had shown hor into a littlo waiting-room oil' tho salon to await hor loisuro ; and horo sho now sat, a not un willing listener to tho conversation in tho adjoining apartment.

"Writoyoua choque?" reiterated a do cidedly ungontlo voice. " Only lnst night I did so-for a good sum, too. Whore is th.it gono to, I'd liko to know?"

And still up and doivn tho stiff silk crackled.

"Look lioro, Lot,you'romy wifonow, you know ;bo a good ono to a fellow," went on Grimes, in languid expostulation. His wifo ! Hilari;\ caught hor breath. Had it corao to that already ? Truly the fiinoval baked moats had not timo to bo cold ero they furnished forth thin wedding table Tho imlcccnt hasto was enough to nmko ono shu.idor. "I am," sho criod; "and Heaven pity mo!" He laughed airily. "No heroics, my love. You'voan un appreciativo audience. You wore but lately anxious enough to bo what you now sorrow for being." Sho stopped short boforo him, clenching hor hands till tho naila cut sharply into tho smooth palms. "I was a fool!" sho hissed. Ho raised himsolf up in his chair to bow deeply and assontingly. " I never contradict a lady." About to reply, sho suddenly compressed her lips—swept away from him. Ho resumed his former lounging atti tude " But for mo, my darling, -where would you bo now / My clovor will ruse saved you. And how delightfully I did draw tho wool over thooyos of tho littlo old maid !" Ho laughed amusedly at tho recollection. Letitia turned to him. In her suduonly awakonod curiosity, aho forgot hor recent

anger. " I often wanted to ask you about that. How did you manngo it ?" " Why, of course, you know all my stato monts to that ancient maidon as to tho colonel's anxiety to uiako a will woro sheer rubbish. Wo wcro talking that day on quite a different matter — some Btocks which ho wished to sign away. I told him I had drawn up tho document, and that it was ready for his signature. He signed it, aa did also tho sonant s I spoko of. I took the paper back with mo, and lockod myself into tho office. Thero I workod all night. By dawn tho job was dono to my complete satisfaction. If there is anything I am, it is a capital copyist. I drew up tho will to suit mysolf—and you. The signatures, copied from tho other document, I defy tho writers themselves to deny. That other I destroyed, as did I also all criminating evidence." " And tho money to Dorothy ?" Mr Grimes Bhook his head sadly. "It went deucedly against tho grain to givo away a cent of it, but that bequest was necessary to divert suspicion. It was a very neat bit of business all through." " Very I" dryly. He rose, with a yawn. "Make haste, Letitia,"he urged; "it's no use drawing the purse-strings so devilish tight." The fury, for a few minutes lulled, flamed up again in her black eyes. " I tell you I shall not!" she declared wrathfully. "We have not boon in Paris a lortnight, and already you'vo spent a small fortune I followed you last night. I know whero it goes." He started. Then tho peculiarly frank, innocent smile which she bad learned to dread crept again over hin florid face. " Oh, you do, oh ? Well l'vo no objec tion to your knowing. I'll break the bank thero one of these nights. A follow must hove his fling, you know. Hero hurry up like a good girl. I haven't a sou to bless myself vith." With tho possession of wealth had come to hor a keen love for it, delight in its pos session, desire to guard it.

Sho tv mcd on him spitefully. " You havo my • answer. If you want money oarn it 1" His usual cool impudence asserts itself. "I'll givo you a kiss for ovory hundred francs," ho said. Ho was startled by tho change which camo over her—a change not occasioned by his words, for sho had not hoard them, did not now seem conscious of his presonco.

Sho had grown whito as death. Her eyes woro dilated. Her parted lips were stiff and pale. Her whole faco was full of fear. " What is it ?" ho cried.

She stro\o to lift her arm, to point, to speak. But no sound camo from her mouth. Hor hand fell to her sido.

" What is the matter?" he cried again. . But still she only starod blankly and in horror before her.

Ho went up to hor, caught her by tho shoulder, forced hor to look at him. " Lotitia ! What tho deuce is tho matter, woman ? You look as though you saw a ghost." Her eyes met his. " I did !" she gasped. And then she broke out in wild, shrill, hysterical sobbing. All her resentment forgotten, sho flung her arms around his neck, clung to him.

He soothed hor, petted her, his arms about hor. And as ho did so, undetected by her, his soft fingors unclasped the ruby neck lace which encircled hor throat. Likea shin ing red snako it slipped up his sleeve. And now ho was anxious to get out of sight before tho subsidence of her agitation would mako the discovery of hor loss probable. " Well, I'll just run out and got a cigar, mv doar. I'll be right back," ho said. "" Do !' sho entreated. She shrank back in the chair and covered her face with hor hands. Hearing his words and approaching foot steps, and foarful of detection, Hilaria whisked toward a tall cardinal's chair and sank down behind it aa Grimes pushed aside the dividing portioro. Ho passed through tho anteroom and out. When assured that he had left the house 'Hilaria rose and went forward into tho grand salon. As she drew near her mistress the latter looked up. , A flush of displeasure and amazement blotted redly out the traces of the recent Bhock.

"Hilaria I" she exclaimed. How much did she know? Anything of her marriage with Grimes? The less the better. Probably nothing. "I came back, madam, after a shawl I had forgotten. I .was afraid perhaps you had left for Belgium. •'No. We—l go to-morrow. Why, what—where—" She had caught a glimpse of herself in a mirror opposite, and sprang up in excited "My necklace !" She put her hand to her throat. "It is gone ! I have lost it! Help me to look for it, Hilaria!" For several minutes they searched fruit eS"l''had it en when I left my room thie evening and—" . . Suddenly she eUaightenod up—actually i stiffened.

/« W 6 bcJ}™Mm°r trUth Cam° hOm° t0 her "Stop, Hilaria !" to tho maid, who, still on her kneos, was peering under tables and fimUt » m' "Ifc ""° "30> you wiU nofc Sho stood for a tow moments in medita tion. All that was worst in hor, most vicious rovongoful, demoniac, waa now fully He had novor loved hor, sho told hersolf. U hat an idiot sho had boon to have over imnginod ho had. Ho was so much younger than sho. It was not in naturo that ho should. But ho had boon a primo actor. That ho had honostly imagined ho onco passionately adored hor, sho did not now dream.

lormonoy ho had instigated hor fearful enrno. For monoy ho had married her. Now for money ho neglected, robbod hor. Of lato such atrango fancios, ideas, had taken possession of hor, sho had grown positivoly afraid of herself. And now to night again—lesa than an hour ago—sho hadsoen— What if that which she was beginning vaguoly to droad woro roally coming? Oh, sho must go aomowhoro, do aomotlnng, to get away from hcrsolf, out of hersolf. But where—what ? Quito unhooding Hilaria, sho took from a fancy suspended collaret on tho wall a flask of Grimes's uncorked it, swallowed half tho scorching brandy it contained. Now sho could think hotter. Ah, yea, sho know what sho would do! Amuso horsolf as ho did—gamblo ! " Quick, Hilaria I" sho cried, in hor old loud, imporious way, quite forgetting that sho had discharged from hor sorvico tho woman sho addressed. " Bring mo a wrap, that long ottor ono—yes, and a bonnet. And that iron box in my bedroom — quick I" And when all had boon brought, shoflung around her tho long rich cloak, fastonod tho golden clasps with nerved and rapid iingors, put on tho littlo bonnot, took a koy from hor bosom and with it unlockod the iron box tho maid had brought her. From tho latter sho took a hugo roll of bills and a purso bursting its seams with coin.

"You had hotter remain, I may noed you," sho said.

Then sho wont down and out. The Boulevards woio all alight, astir. In the gleaming winter wcathor I'nris was at its guyest, most brilliant. Few noticed tho tall, gliding figure, nono dreamed of tho mad recklessness in tho hoart undor the costly clonk of ottor,

Breathless, sho rcachod at last tho great, glittering salons of tho Monto Carlo of Paris. It was crowded. Thoro wcro mon of all grades, types, nationalities. Women too. Somo haggard, somo fenrfullyfliishcd. Sorao in bright attire, somo in sombro raiment. All terribly alort, oppressively silent at times, tonsoly nttontivo, but ovory minute and socond thrilling with norvous ness, crushing back despair, burning with wild hopes. Tho placo was known only to old and invoterato gamblors. Occasionally it was raided. Again for weeks it would run without intorforonco on tho part of officials.

She sat down and bogan to play. Sho won. Played on and won. Stakod again, and still won.

Sho bogan to bo obsorved. Sovoral left ;heir tablos and drew nearor.

Again sho ventured. Again eho drew to ward her a glittering heap of gold. Ono man, also absorbed in play, aroused by the murmurs around him, glanced up. He started to his foat as his gazo fell upon hor.

Sho horo ! and playing ! winning too. A sudden impulse conquered him. Ho hastily left the room.

And still the woman played on, on, with constact and unvarrying success. Highor grew tho pilo of bank-notes and gold bo sido hor.

An hour passed

Still sho was winning. The proprietors glanced at each other in dismay. If luck continuod to run long in this channel aho would broak tho bank.

Tho angry flush which had burned in hor check on nor entrance deoponed. Her oyos glowed and scintillated with a certain Cory brightness.

All had now ceased playing and clustered round her. Whispors of astonishment, onvy, passod from lip to lip. Excitement was at its highost pitch and tho crowd about hor dense and silent, when an individual, cloaked and capped, pushed his way to tho table whero sat tho woman whoso wonderful luck was arousing such interest. "I challongc you I" ho said, in a doep voice. She looked wearily up. So mulllod was ho she could not discern his features. A liandkorchiof was tied across tho lowe" part of his face. She bowed asaont. Ho sat down oppoaito hor, and began to play. In a few minutes hor jowollod hand was laid ovor his money. Ho staked once more—lost! "Ihavcnomoro monoy," ho said, in a low, hoarso voico, " but I havo one poor triflo loft—a pledge of lovo at that. Will you play for it ?" " What is it ?" sho domnndod. Ho drow his hat to one sido and touched a long, slim, chining nail which protrudod from his car. Shaking, ghastly in a second, sho sprang oroct. Then with a shriek, tho liko of which thoso about hor had novor hoard, would never forgot, eho flung up hor arms and crashod forward, scattering hor ill-won gold as she foil. In tho gonoral movomont and consterna tion which followed tho man vanished. Whon sufficiently rovived, Mrs Charu Vernol'Grimoa gavo hor addross, and was driven home. Thero, as white and still trombling, sho entorod tho salon, Bho bohold a picturo of domestic content. In his own favourite chair, his meor schaum botween his tooth, slippers on feet, and feot on hassock, in smoking cap and jacket, sat Mr Donnia Grimes, reading a novel of Dandot'B. She camo swiftly up and stood boforo him. "So you'vo como at last 2" bo took tho pipe from his lips to lazily ejaculate. " I camo straight back according to my proraiso, and havo boon waiting for you hero a good three hours. But her only response was to clasp her hands desporately, and look at him. " Dennis," sho cried, "do you think I am going mad ?" He replaced his pipo boforo ho replied, coolly: " It looks that way !" "Don't bo heartless 1" she burst out pas sionately. lam not joking!" He ro-opened Dandot. "Neither ami." " Lately," sho wont on, unheeding him, " I have had such strange fancies. I havo boon seeing—seeing " And hero sho broko OIF and covered hor face with her hands. If this awful evil sho was dreading should come to her 1 If ho was going to haunt— oh, sho could not bear it—she could not! Sho would at least make restitution. Half wild with terror she flung herself on hor knees before Grimes. "I must go back 1" sho moaned, " I mußt go back, Dennis I" He did not lift his eyes from tho fascinat ing page before him, nor remove his pipo. " Go !" he said. Tho recent shock at the gaming-tablo had quite unnerved her. " I must give tho monoy to those children —to his sister," she went on excitedly, " Perhaps if I do he will leavo mo in peace. It is blood money!" Now Grimes was no longer passive. He leaped to his feet with a rattling oath. Was this the result of his pleasant little bit of masquerading ? "Go back and give up—are you mad already, woman ?" he thundered. A stubborn defiance came into her face. " I hav6 said I would, and I will I" " If you attempt it," his florid face flush ing, " I'll put you whero you should be, in a tnad-hotise I" She shrank back. He looked quite cap able of it. ,'.,,, " I believe you would 1" she said, slowly. The bare thought of losing tho enormous Vernell fortune infuriated Sim, otherwise he would never have made the speech he did. . .

"It might prove a wise precaution in any case,' between his tight-shut teeth. " Who knows when you would take it into you head to murder me, as your murdered him J"

I CHAPTER LXVII. FIGHTING FATE, "At last tho olook chimes at tho hour That brings my lovo to me I" Anon, Ik the next room Hilaria heard the worda. Her hoart secmod to actually ceaao boating. So it had como at last! Now sho know f After all hor patience, watching, she know. It had beon ns bad as that, then. It had boon murdor ! It waa for thia ho had said ] ho was content to wait.

Sho claspod hor hands tightly over her bosom as sho stood erect, atraining hor oars to catch more.

But thero came not another word, savo Grimoa's muttered curse as he left tho room. Sho rushed into the salon.

On tho floor, prono and panting, lay hor mistress.

Sho flung up the window, lotting in a cool, fresh breezo; then hurriod back to tho prostrate figure, lifted it up, leant the dark head on her knee, When consciousness re turnodto horsho sprang orect witha shrill cry.

"I must go back—homo, to Chicago. I must go nt onco. Holp mo to pack. Don't say anything about it ta Mr Grimes, if he should come in. He might not liko it. But holp mo. I can't do much myself. Sco how lam shaking yot I Holp mo! Do, do I"

In her fovoriah oagornoss sho quito forgot that sho had wished to keop Hilaria in ignorance of hor rotation to Grimes. Sho bocamo oblivious of ovorything savo that a great blow was throatoning her, and that shomuatoscapoit—aho must! By roturn ing, and in somo indirect making res titution, perhaps peaco would como to her, perhaps ho would lio quiot in his grave If not sho would go mad. But Mr Grimoß did not return. That sho would roally loavo him ho had not tho faintest foav. Sho was too in fatuated with him for that, Aftor all sho hail deno, after going so far, sho would not turn baok.

Such a night ns theso two women spent in preparing for flight—bupy, energetic, un rosting. By dawn thoy woro on thoir wny to America, bag nnd bnggago.

How tho days cropt by at Gago'a—tho Blow, weary, hopeful, hopeless days ' Over the grand houso lay thoehadow of death. On receiving tho sad nows, m gontly written as tondor heart could suggest, Cap tain Costollo and Kitty had como on. Of courso thoro could bo no planning now as to whon Volla would return. In this hour of gloom hor placo was with hor friend. Ono day tho doctor!! said, "Ho will live," and again, "Thoro is littlo hopoa." Miss Dorothy had gono to stay for tho prosont at Costollo's, they told Vella. Christmas camo and wont, sunless, almost unnoticed. Of Claflin camo no tidings, Do tcctives mado for him a vigorous and fruitloss search.

All that was most kind, courtoous, hospit ablo, woro John Gago and his daughter to tho Costollos. If Owen had been tho son of tho host, ho could not havo bdon nursed with moro aesiduous attention, moro con stant caro.

And Volla? Who shall say all that, in thoso dragging hours nnd days, tho young hoart had to bear ? Tho torriblo knowlodgo which had boon forcod upon her. Marc and Evolyn—Marc and Evolyn ! Ovor and over, and always united, tho names rang througrfhor soul in novorccasing ropotition, Hid as a knoll of death.

So vory thin sho grow, so fragile, palo, largo oyod, Evolyn becamo alarmed.

" What i.v the matter, darling 2" eho would ask. " You aro turning into a verit ablo littlo spirit. I shall bo afraid that somo day you will vanish into air."

But horo tho girl would laugh, and shako hor head and vow that sho would live to bo as old as Mothusolah'a cat.

But all tho timo tho heart in hor bosom was liko load. What could sho do in honour, sho asked horsolf a thousand Umax a day. And ovor camo back tho samo sad roply :

" Bo silent." And silent sho was,

Now nnd thon camo lottera for Evolyn, brief, alTectionato—nothing inoro. Not as ho would havo written to hor, Velln know. Evolyn spoko of him froquontjy, now that tho ico was broken, and occasionally gave Vella liis lotters to road. Tho eight of tho bold, clear writing, tho dear namo at tho end, woro liko death to hor.

Liko death ? Ah, no ! Tho thought of death held for hor no terror, only a pleasant droam of rest. Rather like life, as bitter and unbearable.

And now Now Year's was ovor, and tho first month of tho year was in its prime. A cold, oerio, loadon-skyod day was this. In Evolyn's own pretty room Bat Evolyn herself, and with hor Kitty Costollo. Hero, in tho cozinoss, and warmth, and iirolight, ono would nover dream how dull and groy woro tho hoavon aud earth without.

Light hoarts had both girls, for to them had como diflbrout but joyoua tidings. Owen was out of dangor, and Marc was coming back. '■I wish wo knew tho particulars about tho shootinc," Kitty said.

And she lifted hor littlo wliito hands obovo hor nut-brown head.

" What wo do not know we can easily guo.ss," answered Evolyn. Tho documont which had been forwarded to Chicago, tho luwyorwhob.audrawn it up, both had tcntifiod as to the discussion which had led to tho attompt at assassination. Though what powor Owon had hold ovor Clallin toinduco tho lattorto dictato a utato mont of any sort, they could not ovor so faintly surmise 11 Yos," assontod Kitty. "And ho is bottor; ho isout of clangor, Isn't that good?" "Very, vory good!" Evelyn afcsontod softly, moro sympathetic than ovor bocauso of hor own glad-hoartednoss. In tho Bick-room across tho corridor Volla kopt watch. How sho wished that tho nurso would soon reliovo hor, that sho might como ovor. Sho did not want to toll hor that her letter of this afternoon had told hor Marc was coming—might, porhaps, bo heroto-night. " What aro you looking bo gravo about now ?" aftor a silenco Miss Gago quoricd gayly. Hastily Kitty dropped her pretty groy eyes, which had boon fastened wistfully on Evolyn's pure, fair face. " I daro not toll you," sho laughed. "In silenco is safety.1' Evolyn said no moro. Perhaps upon hor dawned a faint idea of the truth. And just then the door opened softly, and Vella came in. " Has the nursb returned?" asked Evolyn. " Yes." Sho flung hereolf down on a low, broad lounge drawn up near tho firo, and sank back among its heaped cushions with a vory little sigh. " Tired, dear?" questioned her friend. She brightened up. "Oh, no!" And if her smile was less swift and sun shiny than of old, it had gained new depths of tender sweetness. "Ib Owenawako?"queriedKitty. "May' I see him 1" " Yes, be is awake, and looking like him self. I think it would only do him good to see you." With a happy heart Kitty sprang up and hurried from the room. And then Evelyn roso and walked over to the hearth. She would tell "Vella now. For hor sake how glad she would be ! Not that sho had ever seemed to care to talk much about Mare —but then she was such a mere child, one could not expect that she would understand, But the words died on her lips as she looked down on her. Was she ill ? What had changed her so of late ? She was woe fully altered, and yet how lovely she was, how spirituellel, and luminous-eyed, and winsome. In the lamp-light her bronze-gold hair was yellow as ripened corn. Above the blue-black dress she wore her face looked startlingly colourless. It held never a tinge of its old wild-rose bloom. Almost black just now looked her great shining eyes. " Vella," Evelyn said in a quiet voice, " I want to telljyou Borne good news, dear." Some good news! Ah, she knew what that meant, she knew! Only something about Marc would she call good news. She clasped her hands tightly to keep herself from crying out at any chanco word or statement. "Yes?" Evelyn knelt down beside her. " I know you will be bo glad for my sake.

I You aro my only confidante, you know. It lis this," pushing back the gleaming curls from Vella's white forehead, and looking i down with ineflable delight into the brown J eyes liftod to hers, " Marc is coming home!" Oh, what was that to her ?To her ! But not to the most friendly gazo do wo baro our bruised hearts, still leaa to the \ jealous ono of a rival, "la ho?" ' And not another (syllable could tho bravo ■ lips utter, "Yes, my letter camo by tho afternoon poat, so I had not before a chanco to tell: ' you. It was delayed so he may bo hore any i hour—probably to-night. To-night! A quick, low cry of astonishment broko < from Volla's lips. Out of her full heart her , hostess laughed merrily. "yes, I know you would bo surprised. ( I roally oxpoct him to-night. Darling, am ; j I not a happy girl to havo such a lover, and < to lovo him so ?" '

"Indoed you aro !" camo the tremulous, earnest answer.

But often as Evolyn Bpoko of her great lovo for Marc, she did not mention his for hor. Intensely truthful by naturo, sho could not assort tho samo, for deep in her soul, I think, sho know that between them stood, would over stand, tho image of that firat love of hie, spectral, fair, oven in falsity imperishably dear.

Truly, as with Marian Erie,

' Tho cataracts of hor soul had pourod them selves And risen aoK-orowned in rainbow. Need sho ask Who crowned hor?"

She talked on some for timo longer, aweet, bright, girliah confidences. But not ono word moro did Volla hear—not ono! Marc was coming back to-night—to-night! Ho must not soo her, oh, no ! Ho must havo learned to caro for Evelyn by this. If ho had Btill loved her ho would nevor haveasked Evolyn to marry him. Sho muat not como botwecn them now just whon life looked bo bright and smooth before thorn. Sho muat not—sho would not I But oh, it was hard hard I that she muat not look upon his faco, hoar his grave tendor voico — daro not! Distinctly camo back to her that night on Lake Michigan. Abovo the bluo eky and bolow the bluor water. And tho song which floated up to them. And how ho had caught up ono lino and repeated it, his pootic faco, lull of light, bont down to

" I love you now, I lovo you now I"

A aob, stiflod at birth, broko from her

Alarmed by her long silonco, Evolyn loanod ovor hor, stopping short in herblitho chattor.

"Volla, you aro ill!" decisively, "I know it. You'ro not a bit like yourself latoly. At first I attributed it to the shock about Mr Coatello, but now that he ia out of danger, you go on looking moro like a snow-aprito than ovor. I'm going to Bond for Doctor Hunt."

" Oh, pleaso no, Evolyn ! I am not ill, Perhaps though," a sudden thought striking hor, " I am a littlo bit hungry to coo Voyle and Aunt Dolly." " That's it! you'ro homesick !Of course you aro. Why didn't I think of that bo foro ? I suppose because I didn't want to, knowing what would bo tho result," And now Vella was fovorishly anxious to follow up hor advantago. " Yob, you have all been good, far too good to mo, but I think I must go back. You know Auct Dolly has been my mother. I would so love to sco her—and Voylo ! I think, if you don't mind, Evolyn—l will go to-night—now!" " To-night! Petite, you'ro crazy 1" "No, no !" laughing out and speaking quito broathlossly. "But if I am home- Kick it Mill do mo good to see those at homo—and tho eoonor the remedy ia taken, tho moro rapid tho euro !"

" But papa will never hear of such a thing ! Tonight—tho idea ! Why, tho Chicago train loaves in two hours. Tho Costellos will bo going in a weok or two. If you are bound to go, wait and travol with thorn. Your aunt is at their house, to which you, too, would go."

Such a queer mood ns Bho was in ! Evelyn hnd novor romembored seoing her so gay before, at least not sinco thoir school days, !

Sho flew round making preparations lightly as ono winged. Hor laughter rnnc out loud and swoot. Tho rose in hor cheokß dooponed to carnation, Her oyos wcro full of stroaminglight. "Oh !" Evelyn cried suddenly, " I knew thoro was Bomo vory particular roaaon I had for wishing you to stay. Marc is coming— you must wait and bco him." Brighter grow tho girl's oyoi", moro glow ing hor cheoks, as sho ropliod that ovon for that sho could not stay. Sho liked tho fun of going off in a hurry liko this. It was a sensation on a small scale.

But tho girl only laughed out again, a little too loudly for tho mirth to bo purely spontaneous, and vowed that sho was not ono of thoso womon botweon whoso "yos" and "no" Corvantos had declarod ho would not undcrtako to thrust tho point of a pin, that when sho had said sho would go* sho was going, and now to pack hor trunk ! And all this in tho cheeriest mannor imaginable. In vain Evolyn argued, insisted, and ontrcated. No, now that sho had got tho idea into hor hoad sho was going, it was no use thinking about it. Tho oxcitomont of going off with so littlo premeditation would knack tho blues out of hor brain. Sho htil boon troublod a triflo with thorn lately. " But papa will bo wild with mo if ho. roturns and finds you gono," implored Evelyn. John Gage was out at a political ban quot. "Thank him a thousand times for all his kindness, and say good-byo for mo."

And in anothor iivo minutes sho was in hor own room and half through packing hor eatchol.

Sho insisted that tho Costollos bo not in formed of hor intondctl departure. "MrCostollo would only want to como and take caro of mo," sho said, " and 1 would not tako him away from Owon jußt now for tho world."

Half an hour later she said good-bye to her friend. Tho thought of Marc s coming alono kopt back Evelyn s tears.

" I did so want you to coo him I" sho said as eho kissed her friond for tho dozenth timo. "I am sure you would Hko each other so much, I shall toll him all about you." "Don't I" Vella cried, sharply. "You must not—indeed you must not, my dear Evvio. Don't mention mo to him—don't let any one do it. I can't explain, but thero are strong reasons why you should not. Oh, believe mo ! if you let him know of—of me, tho knowledge might ruin his wholo life."

Evelyn stared at her in blnnkost amaze ment.

" What are you driving at ?" she asked, slowly, at last.

Vella triod to laugh airily, but it was a miserablo attempt. " Nover lniDtl. Just do as I say. Don't speak of mo to him—don't let anyone else. I'm not joking, dearest Trust mo enough to oboy blindly. I know all this Bounds mysterious, but you will do as I ask, I know —won't you ? Promise IV Evolyn was almost frightened by hor ex cited vehemence. What had changed Vella so ? Was thero insanity in the Vernell family? That seemed the only possible explanation, " Promise !" Vella repeated. "I promise," mechanically. "There is tho carriage. Good-bye, dear !" " Good-bye I" But so bewildered was Miss Gago that her friend had kißsed her, opened the hall doors, and was down the steps before she could fairly realise that she was gone. Just as Vella entered the carriage, an other drew up at the curb-stone. From it I a gentleman descended. The light from a street-lamp fell across his face—a dark, grave, handsome face, shadowed by a great sadness. " Marc I" But the word was a whisper. He I and she must not go to him .' He had loved hor first, best; but he had asked Evelyn to marry him. Pride beat back her passionate, rebellious, loving heart. " Make haste I Bho cried to the coach man. She could riot wait to see Evelyn open the door for him—behold the meeting. The carriage rolled away. And within a white-faced woman crouched down in the darkness, in her tearless anguish praying Heaven madly for death—for death ! {To be Continued.)

"FAILED TO PASS."

Acimirablo Sea Sketches by a Young

Auoklander,

A little novelette, made up of a number of sketches of life aboard a man-of-war of to day has lately been issued by Simpkin, Marshall, and Co., of London. It has had a very good run, and is pronounced by nauti cal men to give the best sketch of a "middy's "life in Her Majesty's navy of to day that has yet appeared. The book is published anonymously, but it is no breach of confidence to say now that tho author is a young Aucklander—in fact, a son of Dr. Shortland, whoso name has been so long and so conspicuously connected with the history of Now Zealand. We cull two very touching incidents which display the author's power of graphic writing:—

THE DEATH OF POOR CHICK.

The Fleet is under steam shelling the Alexandrian forts—formidable forts they are, armed with heavy metal. The " Owl >' I has taken her station as notified to Captain Easy by the Admiral, when holding a council of war the previous day, on board the Flagship. The "Owl" has a sorious piece of work cut out for her ; and if she manages to silence Fort before evening closes the Admiral will thank Captain Easy for ridding the fleet of a formidable oppon ent. Tho "Owl" is thickly cased with iron. Hor main dock can Bhow twenty-eight mimloß in her broadside ports, and her tops are armod with gatlings. Tho fsronoon is well on the wane, but still tho firing con tinues without intermission. Tho " Owl" has steamed again and again towards the fort to allow tho gatlings to come within range of tho Egyptian gunnors; but as ofton as she engages tho fort at close quarters, tho fort's heavier metal warns tho Captain that his water lino is in danger, The bluo-jackots,Btripped to their flannols, run in tho guns as oach (lame of fire and cloud of smoko tolls of tho iron missile's departuro from tho main deck ports of the frigate, while tho mon aloft cheor as each broadside shows tho damage it has dono— stono splinters flying from oil' the broast works of tho fort.

I All along the lowor docks tho smoke rolls and curls, as the breozo from above blows it in board, and down through tho several hatchways. Tho wardroom is turned into a hospital, and tho woundod aro lowered through the unshipped skylight on to tho table below. Tho choora of their comrades abovo como down tho hatchways and through tho moss room doors, bearing sounds of encourago mont to the sufierors. Tho idlors still lowor dorn in the cock-pits bolow the water lino trico up tho powder and shot faster when they hoar tho sounds of their comrades' choors, though coming to them mcro faintly from afar. Chick hoars them, and his hoart beats quicker—thoy are so different from tho shouts of " Inside," to which he has boon accustomod. Tho gunner in his canvas shoes, lowest down of all among tho powder in tho magazine, is told of those sounds by tho man at the littlo round hatch ; ans as he looks at his empty racks, asks his matoi " How many more rounds will those black beggars want before they are silenced ?" In tho gunroom of tho "Owl" everything looks dulland gloomy. Tho dirks have left their usual resting places. Tho pictures and tho curtains which hid tho duns fiom view havo boon takon down. Tho placo is rodolont olgunpowder. A hanging lamp sheds but a glimmer through tiio yellow atmosphcro, and tho mirrors reflect a dim light on surrounding objects. Outside in tho stoorago tho pump-handles divido honours with tho midshipmen's chests, while tho firo hoses Ho on tho deck bosido them coiled up ready to bo scrowed on to tho pumps if necossary. Theso few passing notices of what might havo boon obsorvod on board H.NI.S. " Owl " will suffice ; for tho spirited and graphic descriptions of tho affair from tho pens of "our own correspondents " will be frosh in tho momorios of our roadors.

The lloet is anchored in the bay. Night has closed upon tho evening. Tho forts have all boon silenced by tho fire of tho ironclads, and tho blue jackets, tired with their day's work, fill the lowor deck, and talk ovor the day's adventures.

The inmates of tho gunroom of H.M.S. " Owl" aro tired. They aro to bo seen loll ing on tho cushions as Mr Wortlo cornea in, and shouts for a " brandy and soda." No ono answers.

Mr Wortlo shouts again, "Chick, you lazy beggar, whoro tho d are you ?" The stoward opens tho littlo window, and tolls Mr Wortlo that Chick has boon wounded by a sholl which burst in the lower stoorago.

"Poor d—11" said Wortlo on receiving the information.

Six bolls aro struck on tho main dock. Tho sentry on the forecastle calls "All's woll!"

A midshipman goos in through tho door of tho sick-bay borth, whero Chick h lying mortally woundod.

Tho midshipman takes Chick's hand in his, and kneoling down beside tho bed in quires how he fools.

"Going, sir," whispers tho suflorcr. "Has tho doctor soon you this ovon mc ?"

" Just gono, sir " (uttered vory faintly). " Whoro did it strike you ?" inquires tho midshipman. Cluck points to whoro tho pieces of tho sholl struck him.

11 Much pain, Chick ?"

Chick moans.

Tho midshipman lifts him gently, and places his head in a moro easy position. Chick looks at him through his filmy eyes. " Never mind, Chick, you aro going to a bottor placo than a gunroom." "Lift up higher," whispors Chick, tho words coming more faintly at each uttor anco.

"Is that you, Mr Hargraveß?" said tho sick-bay man coming in. "Tho doctor will jump down my throat if ho sees you hero,"

"It will be all right," returned tha mid shipman. "I can't do any harm." " You're right there anyhow. The harm is done already." " Dry I" murmured Chick. The midshipman held a glass of water to his lips.

"How do you feel now? You will sco your mother when you get there. The place isn't like a gunroom pantry." "No mother!" gasped Chick. Then wandering he muttors "Inside."

" Can you see me, Chick ?"

Chick makes a movement to pull the mid shipman's head down to tho level of his mouth, and whispers, " You nover spoke angry—always kind." Exhausted by this effort, the poor fellow seemed to drop into a peaceful sleep, and his countenance was so placid that Har graves stood for some time regarding him with feelings difficult to expretis. "Really, Mr Hargravee, you must go," said the sick-bay man, again approaching the spot. " I could not help looking at Chick : he sleeps so quietly." The man's attention thus directed, he ap proached the bed, looked at Chick for a few moments, then placed his hand over the heart. It was the sleep of death.

The little pantry window in the gunroom is clcsed. Chick's head will never again be seen at the opening in answer to the shouts of impatient midshipmen. Chick lies dead in the sick-bay. His toilsome journey has come to an end, Born of a woman—that's a certainly; left on a doorstep—that's a fs.ct; reared in a parish workhouse; entered on the books of a training ship, and afterwards sent to sea, Chick became the property of the members of the gunroom mess of H.M..S. "Owl." Chick never looked so happy in all the days of his short life on board the " Owl " as when the mid. shipmon left him lying dead in the sick-bay.

"A MAN OVERBOARD."

A ''raw weeks after the action, the " Spit lire," commanded by Captain Stoneheart, loft Alexandria in company with the Channel Squadron en route for England; and on

board the " Spitfire," in addition to her usual complement of midshipmen, were Jolibote, Dutibote, Alwyn, and Hargravee, who were being sent home on account of the near approach of their examination at Green wich.

The fleet under single reef topsails and topgallant eails, with the wind right aft, was entering the English Channel. The Captain and the Commander were on the bridge watching for the flagship to shorten sail. Half a gale of wind was blowing, and the frigate creaked and groaned under the weight of her canvas. " Man overboard !" A few minutes after the boatswain's mate piped " Clear lower deck!" scarce a soul on board the frigate was below. The ship was brought to the wind on the starboard tack, and the lifeboat lowered. A man had fallen overboard from the mizen chains, and two midshipmen had jumped after him. The ship being before the wind, and going at ten knots at the time of the accident, the three men were more than a mile astern before the lifeboat was in the water.

"Keep a good look out for your recall, Mr Dutibote," said Gaptain Stoneheart, hailing the midshipman in charge of the cutter, as he steered clear of the ship. Dutibote thought it rather odd that the Captain should be thinking of the recall when three of his crew were in the water more than a mile astern.

When the accident happened, the Com mander proposed that Bteam should be got up, as tne fires were banked, but the Cap tain would not give his assent. He seemed to have made up hia mind that it was im possible to save the men, and manifested somo displeaaurethat the Commander should offer opposition to his opinion. Soon after the Commander left thebridge, and the Captain then directed his attention to the mizen-top, where Mr Alwyn and two signal men wero stationed to direct the cutter's course. Captain (shouting).—" Can you see any thing of the men in the water?" Alwyn.—" Yes ! I can see their heads." Captain.—" How far off is the cutter ?" Alwyn.—" About a mile." Captain.—" Doos she appear to be mak ing any way ?" Alwyn.—" She will bs up to them in losb than an hour,"

Some timo elapsed before the Captain again hailed tho mizen top. Ho then asked if Mr Alwyn could see the cutter. Alwyn replied that the cutter was only to bo seen at intervals—the men he had lost sight of, Upon this tho Captain sent for the Com mander, and asked him whether he did not think it advisable to recall the cutter, as the mon could not bo seen from tho mizon top. Tho Commander replied that if the Captain recalled the cutter it would be entirely on his own responsibility. Captain.—" Wo have lost the fleet already. If we don't recall the cutter, there will be no chance of regaining our station." Commander.—" I don't boo what differ ance that can make."

Captain.— in my opinion." Commander. —" Losing the fleet is nothing compared to losing throe men." The Captain walked away saying as if to himself, "They had no business there." Then hailing the mizon top, he inquired if Mr Alwyn could soe the cutter. Alwyn.—" I can sco her now aDd then when sho is on the top of a wave." Captain.—" Can you sco the men?" " There they arc again !" shouted Alwyn, "all three of them, and the cutter. The cutter is almost to them."

" It makes a great difference,

" Port!" ho shouted again,

And tho signalman in the mizen topmast rigging, in obedience to Alwyn's order, waved his flag to direct the cutter towards the men.

During all this time, Alwyn had been standing in the after part of the top rest ing his glass against tho mizen mast; and whenever tho Captain shouted Alwyn shouted in return, without removing his eye from his telescope. Alwyn and his glass were fixtures. The after part of tho frigate was crowded with men ready to devour each word es it camo from thomizon top. When Alwyn Bhouted to the deck that he could see tho men, the ship's company, unablo to con-' tain their joy at the information, burstforth with one prolonged cheer. The Captain, displeased at this breach of discipline on the part of his crew, ordered " the still to bo sounded."

After this, no information was received from tho muscn top for some little time, when tho Captain hailed Ahvyn again, to inquire nows oE tho cutter and tho men.

Alwyn replied that he had lost sight of tho men, but that ho could see the cutter ; and added that he thought tho men were scon from tho cutter, has Mr Dutiboto had put down his glass, and was standing with his faco towards the bow.

Captain.—"l don't want to know what you think, Mr Alwyn. I want to know whether you can see tho men,"

Alwyn mado no reply. Captain (shouting again),—"Mizen top there ! aro you asleep ? Why tho d don't you answer? Look over tho foro part of tho top, will you, Mr Ahvyn '" Alwyn (to tho signalman soito vocc). — "What doos he say 1" Signalman.—" Ho says you are to look over tho foro part of tho top." Alwyn {soito voce). —"I'll see him d first."

Signalman.—" You'd botter, Mr Alwyn." Alwyn.—"lf I tako my oye from my glass, it will t.ike mo half an hour to pick tho cuttor up again." Captain (shouting angrily).—" Mizen top thoro ! do you hear me, or won't you hear mo, which is it?"

Tho signalman fearing to loso the posi tion of tho cutter, by going himself to answer tho Captain's summons, asked Alwyn what ho should do.

Alwyn roplied that to allow tho Captain to shout till he was hoarse was the best thing he could do. Tho signalman saw that Alwyn had made up his mind not to answer; so removing his glass from his eye ho went to the fore part of tho top, and inquired if tho Captain had hailed.

Captain.—" Hailed! what the d do you mean ! I have been shouting for moro than ten minutes."

Signalman.—" Never heerd you, sir." Captain.—" Keep your ears open. Stand where you are and repeat my questions to' Mr Alwyn." " Can you sco tho cutter, and how long! will it tako her to reach this men ?"

Signalman. — thinks—"

"Mr Alwyn says ho

Captain.—" Tell Mr Alwyn I don't want to know what he thinks. I want to know what he can see. Ask him if he can see the men, and how far off the cutter ia." Signalman.—" Mr Alwyn says the cutter is quite close." This answer did nor appear to satisfy the Captain, Ho was becoming anxious as to the fate of the cutter, and again sent for tho Commander, and pointed out to him that if they did not soon recall the boat darkness would come on, and it might be loft behind in addition to the three men.

The Commander replied that if steam had been got up, it would not have been necessary to recall the cutter—the mischief had been done—a chance of saving the men had been thrown away—now no more holp could bo given to the men overboard.

During this conversation between the Captain andh's Commander, the signalman in the mizen top, not being able to recover the position of the cutter, ceased to use his glass, and turning to Mr Alwyn inquired anxiously if he could see anything of the men.

To this Alwyn replied, "I can sec the cuttor plain enough. Just now I thought I saw .the men. They are above water any how. Hargraves and Woodcourt are both good swimmers, and the Captafn of the mizen top has Woodcourt's life-buoy round his neck—l saw him put it on myself." Captain.—" Mizen top! Is there any chance of the cutter reaching the men ?" Signalman (to Alwyn, not heeding tho Captain' 3 hail).—"Think you see them, sir ?"

Alwyn's patience was rewarded. He saw the men, and the good news was shouted to the deck. " There they are, and the cutter has them."

As the blue-jackets on deck heard these words, they cheered the cutter in the dis tance, The " still " was sounded over and over again, and it was not till tho Captain threatened to pipe down that silencocould be regained. Captain (shouting).—" Mizen top there ! what tho d do you mean by making all that row ! has tho cuttor picked up the men ?"

No answer fiom the niizen top,

The Captain shouted again, and the signalman in answer to the hail went to the fore part of the top. "Come down from aloft!" shouted the Captain. The sienalman obeyed the order, and Alwyn was left in sole possession of the mizon top. Captain (to signalman).—"What's tho good of you aloft in the mizen top ? why don't you answer when I hail you ? I'll havo you disrated—you are useless." Signalman (touching his cap), "Beg pardon, sir. It's not easy to heer up aloft blowing a gale of wind." " Put this man in the report I" said the Captain, addressing the officer of the watch, The signalman loft the bridge; and again the Captain Bhouted " Mizen top !" It waa some time before Alwyn answered. He then reported that the cutter was close to the men.

The inconsistency of the replies received from the mizen top very much dissatisfied the Captain, who shouted angrily ordering Alwyn to come down from aloft.

Alwyn and histelescope, however, appear ed to be a fixture. Tbe shouts of the Captain failed to stir him from his post; and a murmur of disapproval ran through the ship's company, when tbe signalman on deck, in obedience to the Captain's order, hoisted the recall.

At the same time, Alwyn, without re moving his eye from his glass, ehout«d that ho could see the men, and that the cutter would be up to them in ton minutes.

Until the cutter returned alongside, Alwyn continued to look through his tele scope ; then slowly descending the rigging, he said so that all on the deck could hoar, " All three men wore above water after the recall was hoisted."

Alwyn was ordered under close arrest.

The blue-jackets were lining the deck with the cutter falls in their hands—the Commander was watching for the moment to give the order—the Commander shouted, "Marry the falls! hoistaway!" andtheblue jackets with one continuous yell ran up the boat without stopping.

The frigate was soon on her course again. The watch was called, but not a word was uttered by the ship's company as they went below.

GOING TO BE MARRIED.

Mrs General Tom Thumb Relates tho Facts of Her Second Courtship,

In her cosy rooms at the Murray Hill Hotel, Mrs Stratton, better known as Mrs General Tom Thumb, and years ago as Lavinia Warren, sat the other afternoon and talked to a New York reporter of her approaching marriage. It is a good while since the little lady first bestowed her winsome smiles upon an American audience and prattled in a naive but quite intelligent manner to crowded housos at so much a prattle, but she has not grown any since. She is still the size of a five-year-old infant who has discovered no undue precocity in soaring rapidity in life. She is aB bright and chatty as ever, too, and years of wedded life with tho departed Gener&l has not weaned her from certain coquetries of manner which, it appears, proved long ago irresistible to the impending bride groom. The latter is the Count Prime Magri, He has chosen to be professionally known as Count Rosebud, but the authen ticity of his claim to descent from the Magri family, his birth at Bologna, and his right to certain ancestral estates, are un disputed. STOBY. OF THE WOOING, "When the General died," said Mrs Stratton, "1 made up my mind to remain a widow tho rest of my life. We had been assciated before the public all over the world. We had travelled through Europe, j Asia, and Australia, and had been presented to and received marks of consideration from the potentates and most distinguised people of every country. It was only natural that I should look for retirement after his death. But Bomohow the excitement of public ap pearances to which I have been used all my life was too seductive. To me applause has always been like a stimulant. Even now, when I am nervous sometimes-and un able to sleep, Igo before the public, and their approbation first excites me and then acts as an opiate. "Well, I appeared again, and lately, when I thought of resting, I was made an offer of marriago from Count Magri, which I have accepted. We are acquainted now some six years," Mrs Stratton went on, " It was, I think, in Springfield our party met him and his brother. They had come from Italy at the instance of a manager named Smith, and were performing through the country. Count Magri is quite a musician, you know. He sings and plays, and his brother used to accompany him. Well, tho General and I wero very much pleased with tho Magris. They were far more cultured and intelligent than most of the little peoplo we had met, and tlio social relations between us were very, very pleasant. Perhaps I should not say it," simpered the little lady, "but the Count has told me that he was smitten even then. Of course I know nothing of this, but I always had a deep respect and regard for him, and when he proposed to me I ac copted him." rOST-NUPTIAL INTENTIONS. "What are your plans after marriage!" the reporter asked. " Oh, wo intend to go to Italy to live there. Not always, perhaps, but at least for a long time. I think I would be con tented to rest now, and I think Italy is a good place for it. It is my husband's country. He is known there in another quality from what ho is here. I think 1 shall like it. See, here is his picture,".and tho tiny -fiancde. handed up a photograph of tho pigmy bridegroom, who, indeed, seems to be a bright and intelligent little person. "Ho is not dark like some Italians,"said sho, gazing fondly at tho picture.. "He is not a bit like them." ■• ; Then she said that the papers were wrong in fixing the day of her marriage. " We agreed upon tho 20th of May," said she. "But the Count is desirous of its occurring sooner, as he wants to sail for Italy, if possible, in April. My manager, Mr Sylvester Baker, has booked me for engagements up to the middle of May. If he can arrange it we shall forego somo of th6m. lam to meet the Count three weeks from to day, and then all will be ar ranged."

Then the small widow and brido that is to be simpered and blushed again.

THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE

Over Half of Those Who Speak it Inbab

itants of the United States,

Tins language in which Shakespeare and Milton wrote was the language of but five or six millions of people in their day, and as late as 100 years ago English was spoken by not more than 15,000,000 or 16,000,000 people. At the same period French was the mother tongue of at loast 30,000,000, and German, in ono or other of its forms, was the language of from 35,000,000 to 40,000,000 people. This state of affairs is now completely reversed. Between forty and fifty years ago the English language equalled tho German. in tho number of those who spoke it, and now the latter is left far behind in the race. German ia spoken by 10,000,000 persons in tho Austria- Hungarian empire, 46,000,000 in the Ger man empire, 40,000 in Belgium, 2,000,000 in Switzerland, and is the native tongue of some 2,000,000 in the United States and Canada. This gives a total of about 60,000,000 persons who may speak German. With French the case is much the same, but tho gain during the past century has been smaller than that of German. French is now spoken by the 38,000,000 people of France, by 2,250,000 in Belgium, 200,000 in Alsace-Lorraine, 600,000 in Switzerland, 1,500,000 in Canada and the United States 000,000 in Hayti, and by 1,500,000. in Algiers, India, the Wost Indies, and Africa in all about 45,000,000.

English is now spoken by all but some 500,000 of the 37,000,000 persons in tho British Islands, by 53,000,000 out of tho 06,000,000 inhabitants of tho United States by 4,000,000 persons in Canada, 3,000,000 in Australasia, 1,700,000 persons in the West Indies, and perhaps by 1,000,000 in India and the other British colonies. This: brings up the total to 100,000,000, which cannot l-e very far from the truth.

THE AUCKLAND EVENIJVG STAR, SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 1885.

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