THE AUCKLAND EVENING STAR, SATURDAY, JULY 9, 1887.

i&VFemmft:

Ruby's Reward.

3Y MBS,GBORGIE SHELDON.: . "The Forsaken Bride,' ; im ot ■-_:!. « B roymie' S Triumph," Tbft Dowdy."etc- I

; CHAPTER Xlj

4l f iVBNIK- EAMIILE,

sure enough, the new-comer '^''wLdVeco^ised him the instant her little thrill thethoughtof : *eetinghir^r that he had changed '' ■ *■£-* meeting-that he had grown :g£t__heverj His form was more ■Si developed; he*■ -ore manly m his -Sag; while there fas an air of assurance 1 dependence atout him winch his life of jthe last two years had r^vedtogivewm. \ I ___.w__t*orw_rd:lwit_ ready cordiality P___l___ Ruggles's hearty welcome, iStr^celfeed with unmistakable inCreashelookedjuponher. . HeSht that she, too, was more lovely _i t fed ever seen her, with that soft fv'.hch crime from the rosy western W£ around der; wit _ that dainty Ssfen:h_rjarge blue eyes as she :^ aSl.S.boy, I'm sure this does ' . old 'eves good,'? said Mr Ruggles, Yt_. Hie voting man's hand in a way to §___Tins woKUlmost forcibly. "My e rM^d,y,»he mi »a sri,Sin _ glance at Ru. y.. J so much pleasant company But how i you come ? I've just been down to the Wk to meet the eastern train and we Qlhthavc brought .you along just as well !"i » ; ,86"l came from the; other way. I have ! kn to Cleveland, on a little matter of 'business for.Mrs Coi^nt; and, as I am to L a little vacation now, I thought I m „!d come and spend it with ypu-that '_ if you will have me," AValter said, with Vlcok of smiling inquiry into his friend's

"''Of course we will have you, and be c lad to get you. Bless my heart! I'd like to keep you all the time. But look here, added tbe man, suddenly .brought to a ■jensa'of his responsibility as host—for he lad not given Ruby al jehance to say a word as yet—" here is andjiher young friend of mine; Miss Gordon -Mr Richardson." Ruby now stepped [forward, and held out let hand with a chaining smile. 111 shall claim Mr Richardson as an old acquaintance, for we have met before, aud lam very glad to mAet him again," she _id. frankly and cordially. , "Thank you," Walter replied^ while Here came a deeper gIoAV upon his face, '" aiid lam sure you -will allow me to say that tha pleasure is reciprocated." ]: "Well,now, this is pleasant," interposed JkR-gok.hisbenevplentface expressing h-sat-fact-on.' " I had no idea that you'd si:er.eeneach .other. Perhaps you knoAV .fir Gordon,,too," he added, as he saw that ge_den_ji.appEoaching them... "Oh;yes;l have met him' many times. We are building his neiy house, you know," Walter _„,';_ hegreeted him with respect ful familiarity.;,, ,-: , ' '..-,, '.''_'g_i-.s_'- like lorn.~s'tij_p__, my b6y, •jfyoq'vei .allied-all 'the av_v from Redville §mw issti'h ws rmmrri:em *..; m We^Seoniy. tob.'jßad givfe you "the h-iah'e'agot"'.. ' . ■ ■ • ■ -'.J. •■-'. , And the fanner picked up'i'fWalter's satchel, 'and led the way to the^housc, ffherehis good .Avife greeted the ybu'ng'tnan b-^most hospitable manner, and' then fastened to set before him: as tempting! an array of viands -as: her ■ well-iilled' larder could supply. ,'.' .- '' ' .'..' AfterrWalterhad refreshed his inner man. the family all adjourned to the.'verandah,' where it waa .but. natural, that the young people, should:seek .each other's society, -though the conversation was for a time general.: ,•'';... - - , ."How aire you impressed with Redville, Miss Gordon ?" Walter, asked, after. awhile, tkinking that' Ruby would perhaps enjoy talking, about something, else beside the fan. stock, mines,, and the price of coal, etc. ':.' ' _ ■ '""■'.'.'; "I have seen but very little of Redville," the answered, "aa we. only drcwe on the outskirts pf the town in coming here ; but I think it is a. delightful place.' \ "JVl3' indeed. I.used.to come here frequently when I was a.boy, for Uncle Ralph always enjoyed the farm, and-I have tad many a good .time among these grand old-fe/'W^terreplied. ■'' Then you ate a relative of Mr Ruggles," My remarked, feeling a Uttle bit of curi °»yto hear from hia OAvn own lips jus. _n relationship there did exist 'betAveen .them.

_». w'n ®m mno way related to him ; Dttt^rßalph Carpenter—who was the best mend I ever had since my mother died- TO Mr Ruggles's half-brother, and be here to spend a couple of the summer.": ', ''. j -Mr Ralph Carpenter was.Mr Edmund wpenter s father,. Avas he not?" Ruby

Yes, he was. Miss Gordon, there is ■g Pettiest little nook,, with a charming ■■? n?. a short distance from the house ; ™you come and let me show it to you ?" "alter asked suddenly changing the sub- M-J?/^™-? W«k him unhappy to. MS Edmund Carpenter'; Ei__l?F£. T' mfs&& * shall be delighted to go," «__._ '-r, IJ 8m& t0 accompany- hfan. MM .obert," she continued/casting _ feoeatherbrotherover her shoulder. ofS T- SOn is £°in* show'me some - thei attractions of the place.';.'../ .' • '& "1 ?^ *¥* t0 her hosfe ' a*d *__. i l npped down fche sfceP3 wifch M S? St? cc below the h™s* a tiny ElSBgiW hls companion to, a <*__ .fte- wherea spring,'clear as JSgg».% beneath Au.e Chbf 9 eiedßu^ Upon 'W*M then KB.!- her° _#- of SBBS f ?. and fcher^ great f»C 0 f K ul ia?* *M»- the thick Wi^i^ 8 above, them-.made' a «*€ ■ - Uver bo. er-a veritable 'lovers' « S*drtl Mr Richardson,'' this W fairy „2 . fit/ or Tlt, ania and _« v„ke.P their wels in," Wd. Nt h • Uttl? Bfeh of de%ht, "* tsSS,,I fcb! bea«ty ,of the place Gotdo"." WaS 6d ft fairie3 ' Miss _&S&iSl WJfW " for _Sp«-a send"__' " ™Rhfc resent our SteWs wSU. W?^-YP«s reives to and

Lysander's wanderings in tho wood, and the sly trick which sportive Puck played upon them. " Rather," Walter continued, breaking a lone, slender, feathery fern, twisting it intoVcii'cle, arid tying it with a blade of grass, "let me make you a chaplet, and crown you ' Queen of the Glen.' "

He held itout toher as he ceased speaking, whilo his eyes kindled at the pretty picture which slie made, sitting with such grace ful abandon in her rustic seat. Ruby smiled and bent her head toward him to receive his offering. . I wonder how it would seem to be really a queen," she said. Walter dropped the dainty circlet upon her brow, saying, with playful ceremony : " Fair maid, I crown thee queen of this •mountain glim, and, with this emerald dia dem, I pray thee accept a willing subject's dying allegiance." Ruby Gordon did not dream how lovely she looked with the soft rings of her golden hair peeping out from under the delicate green of the dainty wreath encircling her small head. Her eyes gleamed with amusement over the mock coronation, her face shone, fair as a pearl, in the dim light, though there was an exquisite color in her cheeks, called there by .lie admiring look of her companion, while her scarlet lips were parted in a lu minous smile. She had in her hand a brilliant) spray of sumac leaves, which she had plucked on the way thither, and with this she gently touched her companion upon the shoulder,; and adopting the ceremonious tone that he had'used, replied : ■, _ " Sir Knignt, your promise of loyalty is maciously received, and I hereby invest you with the offioe-of prime minister to the queen. But, jesting apart," she added, "I shall consider this my own especial nook after this, and come here every day while I remain at the farm." "Shall you be here long?" Walter eagerly asked, his face lighting. " Yes, for a week or so." " Then I shall have the pleasure of show ing you other lovely places, for I am to ha- c a vacation of two weeks, and—l was intend ing to spend it here." Ruby's heart quickened its pulsations, j

It would be very delightful, she thought, to spend a couple of weeks among those wonderful mountains with Walter Richard son for a companion ancl guide. But some thing in his last words and in the hesi tation with which they were uttered made her glance at him searchingly. His eyes were downcast, and he seemed to havo'gr°.ii suddenly thoughtful.

" I am sure it -will be pleasant to have an addition to our party. lam <>lad you have come, Mr Richardson," she said, Avith frank cordiality. "Are you? I was fearing I might seem almost like an intruder. Are you sure you did not say that out of mere politeness, Miss Gordon ?" Walter asked, smiling, but thrilling with delight at her words. "Quite sure. IhcA-er indulge in polite fictions," Ruby gravely replied ; then she added, to change the subject: "But, please, Mr Richardson, tell me something about the new house, ls it going to be A-ery, very nice?" "Indeed it is. It will be one of the most elegant residences in all the suburbs."

And Walter' entered at once upon an enthusiastic description of the neAv building that Avas highly entertaining to his fair companion. ---" Mr Richardson, I believe you have a real loA'e for your, work. You seem to enter heart and soul, into it," she remarked, when-at length lie concluded : " J am enjoying my work A-ery much this year. Last year it was rather hard, as I was engaged simply in learning the car penter's trade," Walter returned.

. That m_.thaf. been very* hard. Wa it necessary?" Ruby inquired. .

';•" Y.s'r'-tt'iift-eriir'aeqiiire a thorough and practical.knowfedge of my business, and I was deterainea to haA re that any way." . . '■'... .

" You were neA'er used to such work, I am told, until.'after Mr Carpenter died. It seems a great pity that-matters could not have been arranged differently for yon," Ruby said, yet most afraid she had touched upon the topic she ought to haA'o left alone.

' "I do not think that I regret being obliged to Avork my way up in the world, Walter replied,'after a moment of thought. "I am sure I shall feel better satisfied with myself in the end than if Uncle Ralph had left me a portion of his fortune. It might have made me both selfish and in dolent ; and such people," he concluded, Avith a smile, "do not amount to much in the world."

" I think it is very braA . of you to take that vie.v of the matter," Ruby replied, thoughtfully. " My mother used to tell me when I was a little boy," Walter went on, won to speak more confidentially by the young girl's in terest, " to learn to depend upon myself, for there would come a time in life when I should need all the strength of character that 1 could cultivate. She used to en treat me, too, to strive to become a thoroughly good man, never to be guilty of an ignoble act, but to strive'to mako my self respected and honoured by good men and Avomen. I thought her all that Avas pure and perfect Avhile she lived, and I have tried to treasure and practise her precepts since she died "

Ruby thought him very noble as she listened to this earnest speech, ancl she could not help drawing an unfavourable comparison between him and the man Avho, she believed, had done him a oreat wrong. Edmund Carpenter seemed very inferior to this strong, true man, who had bent all his energies toward making the most of himself and the not very flattering prospects that had been his during the last two years. " Your mother must have been very lovely," she said, in a low, moved tone.

" She was, both in person and character," Walter returned, a tendeg-light...con-in-1 into his eyes. "I have a.picture of her as she was at twenty ; and some time, if you care to see it,_ I will show it to you. She has eyes and hair very much, like yours, Miss Gordon. My father Ido not remem ber. He died Avhen I Avas very young, and my delicate mother was left with no re sources save a life insurance policy for a thousand dollars. This, of course Avas almost nothing, and though she tried to eke it out by'giving music lessons, and- after she became too iU to do that by making artificial flowers, it Avas soon °-<_-ie, and poA-erty and want stared us in the face. She died of consumption when 1 was ten years old." " And had she no relatives befriends who would help her ?" queried Ruby, tones 0 f sympathy.

"No; but I am afraid I amAvearying you with so much personal history." "Indeed you ate not; please go on. I am deeply interested," Ruby said, eagerly.

"My mother was an orphan .when my father married her," Walter continued "and his friends were very much displeased with the match ; they were very; autocratic in their notions, I beheA _, and. considered a poor and friendless girl far beneath them in station, and disowned my father for the act. They live, or did live, in Baltimore and were very wealthy. I feel that I kno ay very little about them, for my mother was always backward in speaking of,th em an( j what little I do kiiow I gathered from casual remarks Avhich she dropped from time to time. I have thought of lafe there might be something connected,with them which I ought to know, for the night that Mr Carpenter died, he told me that he had something to say to me Q^ my mother wished me to know .when I became of age. He was stricken, speech less, however, before he could communicate it to roe."

" Oh, how sorry I am !" cried Ruby, im pulsively ; " it might have been something very important."

" If it was simply to make known to me who my relatives are, and where I could find them, it would not have amounted to anything," returned Walter ; " for," straightening himself haughtily, " I would have spent my life working upon tbe high way before I would have sought aid from them."

Ruby clapped her hands softly in ap plause at this demonstration of spirit: then she said, with a little laugh of triumph :

" Some day, perhaps, they will be proud to seek you, Mr Richardson, and I believe tliat you are as far above them in true nobility as they have appeared to consider themselves abovo your lovely mother." " You are very good to say so, Miss Gordon, and I thank you for the kind in terest that you have manifested in my simple story. But is it not strange that wealth and position, which are often at tained only by the fluctuations of trade, should be so much more highly esteemed than real moral worth ?"

" I do not believe they are, Mr Richard son, only among superficial people, or among those who have been wrongly educated," Ruby responded, thoughtfully. "Tome a true and noble man or woman is a person to bo revered. Money and position, I know, are great advantages under certain circum stances, but they are not to be compared with honour or a strong, brave character " — like yours, sho wanted to add, but did not. " I would rather lose every dollar of my fortune - I would rather my brother should lose all he is worth than bo convicted of a mean or dishonourable act."

Walter Richardson mentally crowned tho beautiful girl as "a queen among women " for these noble sentiments, and, if the truth had been told, sho became, from that moment, queen of his heart as well.

She arose almost immediately, saying, with a smile :

" Well, we have drifted into rather a serious vein ; but it is getting quite dark, and 1 am afraid our friends will think we are unappreciative ef their hospitality to leave them so long on this first evening."

Wnlter sprang'to his feet to attend her, and.together thoy wended their way back to tho farm-house in the twilight, feeling that they had become better acquainted with each other during this one brief in terview than during all their previous meetings, while, to one heart, at leivst, life was for ever changed by that delightful interchange of thought beside the mountain spring on that lovely autumnal evening.

CHAPTER XII

A MOUNTAIN E1D!;

Sdch a delightful Aveek followed. The weather was perfect. It seemed as if there hover had been such beautiful September clays, "crown jewels of the year," Ruby called them, for scarcely a cloud obscured the sky during all that delectable timo, and every morning the young girl was up Avith the lark to see the sun rise—a sight which sho had previously very rarely enjoyed. " The witches haA-e cast their beauty spell over her since she camo up here ; though what for is more'n I can tell, for sho Avas as sweet as an angel before," Farmer Ruggles remarked to his Avife, one morning, as Ruby tripped into' the dining room, absolutely bewildering in her dainty white wrapper with a bunch of cardinal flowers—Walter's morning gift—fastened in her belt.

Robert Gordon overheard the remark, and smiled wisely at the sentiment of the good man.

He had not been blind during the tew days of their visit there. He had discoA-ered Walters groAving attachment for his beauti ful sis _er, and lie. had begun to realise also that she Avas happier in his society than she had ever-been-before.

He liked the young man. He had learnt considerable regarding his history from Mr Ruggles, and he admired his energy and in dependence as Avellas his honour and manli ness. He resolved that if Ruby should learn to love this noble young man, ho would never lay a stra.v in the way of her happiness, eA-en though he possessed no thing bat his honest heart and good right hand to offer her.

So he smiled indulgently when they arranged to go off upon little excursions by themselves, and he went to the mines, or over the farm, ay clown to the village with Mr Ruggles, avlio appeared to think it was all right, only he could not refrain from remarking once, with a quizzical glance at Ruby, that he "guessed there was one Philadelphia gallant who could make his place good after all." Ruby blushod rosily at this shaft, but she shook her golden head at him, and retorted, with an arch glance at Walter : " That was very naughty of you, Mr Ruggles," Avhen you knoAV my inquisitive brother has monopolised all your time, and I should have fared hard if that same Philadelphia gallent had not taken pity on me."

Mr Ruggles only nodded a smiling re turn to her for this repartee : but he wont away chuckling to himself, and murmuring that he guessed "pity had precious little to do in the matter, any Avay."

The day before the Gordons were to re turn home, Walter asked the fanner if he Avould trust him to drive his span-the young couple had been using a single buggy on tneir excursions—and alloAV him to "take Ruby to see a beautiful natural bridge that spanned a mountain stream some tAvelve miles distant.

" Yes, indeed," the man replied, heartily. " I'd trust you Avith anything I have in the Avorld. my boy ; and as I kno.v the horses are gentle, and the roads safe, though steep in spots, you shall have them, and welcome. It's a pretty trip," he added ; "and I'm right glad you thought to take Miss Gordon to see the bridge. Perhaps Mr Gordon would like to go along, too." But that gentleman was more interested in coal-beds, and'sinking of shafts, etc., than in natural bridges, and remarked that he thought they would do very Avell Avithout

him. Mr Buggies informed them, hoAvever, that a genbleman and his wife, Avho Avere visiting about a mile beloAV them, Avere intending to make the same trip bhab day, and doubbles3 would be glad of company., • So bhe young couple Avaibed until bhe strangers made their appearance, and then went off Avith a basket of lunch, "such sis," Walter said, "only good Mother Ruggles knew how to pub up." The day was perfection itself; the air pure and imdgorating ; and the horses sped over the mountain road ab a spanking pace, as if realising that youth and vigour were be hind them, and Avould nob be content to jog along in any prosy fashion. Every mountain was gorgeous with aubumnal colouring, for bhe foliage was at its height of splendour. Ruby,was in ecstasies. . 1 never before saw so much beauty," she cried,- rapturously; " and Ibelieve I aa.ll never go to a fashionable Avotering-placo again. Nabure is far more,charming. I Avill go to the mountains... Their grandeur impresses me as nothing else ever did." "Would you like to live among them always ?" Walter asked. "No, I hardly think I should,' she answered.thoughtfully. " I believe I should miss bhe advantages of ciby life. Ib must be very lonely here-in bhe winber, when one would have bo be shut away in bhe house a greab deal of bhe time ; bub ib is very nice in summer, if one. can have pleaßanb com pany." " You are fond of socieby, Mies Gordon. "Yes, I am; I am free bo confess ib," Ruby answered, smiling. "I love life, sparkle, gaiety, and I believe I am fitted for society. I imagine that my mission lies in the great busy world where I live."

" Your mission ?" questioned Walter, in surprise. The idea of this bright winsome girl— who seemed made only for sunshine and pleasure—having'a "mission" in life, had never occurred to him. •'Yes; don't you think that everybody has a mission, Mr Richardson?" Ruby asked, lifting a pair of very earnest eyes to his face. " I suppose that every one ought to have some aim or purpose in life," jhe replied, musingly. " Yes, indeed ; everybody ought," she said, decidedly. " But that is a little dif ferent from what I mean. One'ean have an ' aim and purpose ' in life, and yet be wholly Hellish. My idea is, that everyone has been appointed somo especial work to do outside of one's self, and if we neglect tjo do it, we miss tho chief purpose for which we were put into the world. Have you. ever tholight of it?" '. " Not exactly in that way," Walter re plied. " I have always felt bliab I wanted to make the most of myself, mentally and morally, and to educate 1113' self for that position to which I was best adapted and where I could do the most good." "That amounts to about the samo thing," Baid Ruby; " but it is vory hard to decido that questiou. Now, I havo not made up my mind that I am especially! fitted for anything. But ono thing I have discovered . that I cre do, when I try, and that is, to make those around mo nappy. That is why I like plenty of company. I enjoy making people and things harmonise. If I see persons sad oi' discontented, I like to say or do something to lift the clouds and make them feel comfortable. I have often wondered what my real work in the world is to be. Tdo not believe that it has come to me yet. I have always lived such a pleasant, sunny life, with no caro or trouble, I have sometimes felt that I was a very useless; piece of humanity, so it. has seemed to mej tliat tho very least I could do was to try and make haj.py those with whom 1 come in contact." Walter regarded her with almost a feeling of reverence. It was sufficient to make ' him happy simply to have her sitting: there beside him, with thab sweet, earnest expression upon her lovely face1, and to listen to the beau tiful thoughts that fell from her lips. He was surprised that such grave reflec tions and questionings should have a place in her pretty head, and sho seemed inex pressibly charming and attractive to him in this unusual mood. "If this world were only full of such people, what a delightful place it would be !" ho remarked, a tciulor smile curling his expressive mouth. " It is a delightful place to me, any way," Ruby answered, brightly. "I suppose I find it so because everybody is so kind to mo ; but I know that there is a great deal of sadness anc' hardship in it, and the knowledgo oliten troubles inc. I wonder why it, need to bo so. Ib must, be very hard to bo poor—to be ill and in want. 1 havo always had plenty of money ; I have always been well, and my brother has guarded me from every trouble." "Are your parents living?" Walter asked. "No. My father died before my birth, and I lost my mother when I was very young; so Robert has been everything to me all my life. I could imagine no greater sorrow coming to mo than that of losingmy noble brother," she concluded, with a sigh, and a wistful expression clouding her young face, as if the shadow of some coming evil had suddenly fallen upon her. " Yours has indeed been a very bright and beautiful life thus far, audi wish'that ib may be so until the end," Walter said earnestly. "Thank you," Ruby replied, a smile chasing the graver expression from her face; "butperhaps tliat might not be just the best thing for mo. Now, what good fortune can I wish for you ?" v.*.v<V. •'" The young man's face kindled at this question. He longed to tell her that the best fortune that could possibly come to him would be to win tho lovo of her own pure, true heart; to havo the assurance that somo day she would become his wife, to walk with him through life, and help to ennoble it with the constant interchange of such grand and holy sentiments as he had onjoyed to day. But he could not say this to her now, if indeed, he should ever dare to aspire to so much. " Wish," he said, bending to look into her eyes, and speaking very earnestly, " that I may grow to be so noble nnd good that I may ever bo worthy of your friend ship and esteem." " You are worthy of that now," she an swered ; " and I have always felt since we first met that day on the horse-car, that I should be glad to have you for my friend." "Havo you?" Walter said, eagerly. " Thank you for telling mo. You do not know how much good you have done me by saying so." " It was a very little thing to tell," Ruby returned, shyly, with a flush on her cheek, for his manner had expressed a great deal. " A little thing to you, perhaps ; but, when a fellow is all alone in the world the trifles, especially if they aro kindly trifles, sometimes amount to a great deal," the young man returned, with a quiver of feel ing in his voice that betrayed how much the kindly little speech had been to him.

CHAPTER XIII.

AVHAT TIIE ECHOES SAID.

They had been sloAvly ascending a high hill during the conversation just recorded, but now they had reached tho top, and Ruby turned to look back over the way they had como, ancl, as she uttered, a cry of delight, Walter stopped tho horses to give her an opportunity to appreciate tho vieAv. The carriage behind them halted also, and those four people were held spell bound by a-picture .such as one reads about sometimes, but seldom sees. There were hills everywhere, Avith rich little Aralleys between, each one, in its dress of varied hues, like somo superb gem that -catches a thousand lights from the diadem in which it is set. All tho beauty of a glorious summer seemed concentrated In the magnificent scene. A beautiful river, Avinding in and out like a thread 'of silver.embroidered in quaint designs on Nature's vesture, seemed almost like a thing of lifo as it glittered and sparkled in the sunshine, Avhile here and there along its banks, thrifty villages nestled loAangly among the emerald, and ruby, and gold, with now ancl then a heavenward-pointing spire,. Avhich told that Nature's. beauty dispensing God Avas not forgotten in tho en joyment of His bountiful gifts. Above and over all was the deep blue A rault of heaven, spotted Avith Avhite, fleecy clouds that made shifting and fantastic shadows over hill and dale. '.''.' "Did you ever see anything like it beforo ?" said Ruby, under her breath. " Yes, for I haA'e looked upon the'same scene many times. I neA-er tire of i . hoAvevor, and I Avas sure you would appreciate it," he replied. " Appreciate ifc ! It is delight simply to look upon so much beauty." _'■ " Indeed it is," the young man agreed, but he Avas thinking more of the loveliness of the expressive face, Avith its earnest eyes, fluctuating colour and tenderly smiling lips, upon which he was gazing, than of the vie.v beloAV them. Ruby flushed. She could not fail to perceive thab his interest Avas centred in her. , " Such wonderful hills," Bhe murmured, " See how they sit, each in its place a. if enthroned an eternal king and crowned Avifch glory from the beginning. Oh, Mr Richardson, what a rare pleasure yon wre giving me to-day." " I wish I might givo you pl_a«ure every day of your life, if I could but pcoaeionaUy*

win such a charming return," Walter re sponded, in a thrilling tone, his luminous eyes betraying how deeply she bad stirred the inmost feelings of his heart. "I shall never regret it," she said, turn ing away from his eager look, for her cheeks were flushing beneath it. Th en she added; " Are we far from the bridge>r_ow ?' "No, we can soon be there. Are you ready to go on ?" " Yes,'? she assented, casting one more lingering look behind her ; and on they went over the top of the mountain, and began to descend on the other side. Shortly after, Walter turned, aside from the road into an opening space* 'where the underbrush had been cleared from beneath three noble oaks, and, dismounting, hitched his horses to a ponderous ring that had been driven into one of the trees for*tt-at pur pose. . " This is a favourite resort for parties, Walter explained, as he performed the same service for Mr Marshall, the .gentle man who had accomplained him (hither, " and you perceive tha* arrangement- have been made for their convenience." Ho then assisted Ruby to ahghb, and led tho way along a well-trodden path, through a thick growth, of pine and cedar, toward tlio natural curio, ity which he had, come to show her. They were obliged to iv.dk some distance,.' and at length they came out near what ap peared to be a gorge, whece huge boulders-, and masses of rock rose up on either side* far above them, and then v _ loped away be-* neath into what seemed, to .be aiathomlesst abyss. A little farther on mud Rv-by uttered an exclamation of astonishment; Eor before and far above them, spanning the gorge, with a perfoct and symmetrical uxch, was a beauti ful, moss - grown, ivy - draped bridge, fashioned by Nature's own hand. '.' Oh, how little it makes ono feel!" said the young girl, in an awed tone, white her eyes roved up over tho abnost perpendicular mountain sido opposite them, wheie, in somo places, tbe gigantic walls of granite seemed as smooth as if they had been cloven with some ponderous instrument of steed. " Yes, indeed," observed Mr Marsl_.ll. "Man seems but an atom, compared wiVn. such a scene ; and yet ho has power to subdue and make subserve his needs c- .en such stupendous things as those solid mo un tains and rocks." "1 think we will deposit our baskets in somo safe spot, for they will be a burden to us ; then I will take you under the ra.ch, and let you look up. You will tho'a get some idea of the height of tho structure. How high do yoil suppose ib is from tho bottom of that abyss r Walter asked. "Lam sure I have, no idea," replied Ruby ; " more than a.bundred feet, per haps." Her companion laughed. "Do you see that large flat rock-which projects about midway over the chasm?" " Yes." " Well, that is more than two hundred feet below the bridge, and a line of three hundred moro will barely reach to the bottom of the cavern below." " I cannot imagine it," returned Ruby, with a look of wonder. "You will realise ib when you stand, upon that flat rock. Have you nerve enough to go to tho edge and look down _" AValter asked, as the party moved on. " Yes," the young girl replied, "if \reu hold my hand, and promise to keep me lrom falling," Walter's face flushed. " I do not need to promr.sor.hat," he said, in a low tone. "You know I would let 110 harm come to you." A thrill ran through Ruby'&heart at these low, earnest' Avords, and herr lovely eyes drooped beneath the light thab had suddenly leaped into his. Presently they reached the table-rock which Walter had pointed out. to them. "It is much largo'r than"l thought," re marked Mr Marshall, as? ho stepped upon it^ffa^OOKed at'ound Htfr with sbme sur prise.. -; "It measures a hundred feet across," said Walter, smiling. " Will you come to tho edge and look down ?" Mr and Mrs Marshall thought they did not care to ; they could see all they wished whero they wero ; but Ruby was eager to look down into those awe-inspiring depths. Walter led her to where a huge shaft or mass of rock arose as a support to the bridge. " This is the safest placo to look over," he said. " Are you sure you will not get dizzy ? Perhaps ib will bo wiser not to look after all." " Oh, I would no* miss it for anything; I want to see all there is to see, now that I am hero," she returned, eagerly. . " Then give me your hand and do not fear, for I shall brace myself against this rock, and you will be perfectly safe." Ruby placed her hand unhesitatingly in his, and his fingers closed over it in a strong, assuring clasp, while a thrill of pleusure ran through him at this evidence of her implicit . trust in him;

Then Ruby leaned forward and looked into the chasm, and her heart almost ceased its beating as she thus realised something of the immensity of space between that shelf upon which she was standing and those weird depths below.

(Tobe Continued.)

THE JUBILEE YEAR.

Expensive Alterations to be Mado to

Westminster Abbey.

Labotjciiebe's special cable to tho Aus tralian press dated London, May 17, says: — "It is to be regretted thab the discussion upon tho £70,000 to bo expended on the Westminster Abbey jubilee service camo on so late that the report had to be condensed in the daily,papers, for a moro profligate e_penditnre never has been permitted. The abbey is to bo coiwerbed into a sort of Olympia, with great Avooden galleries. The Avood is to be hired for a day and will cost £9,000. It consists of bottens.most of which' Avill be as A'aluable after the ceremony as bofore. The galleries are to be covered Avith some sort of hangings, and cushions aro to be provided. The hire of tho hangings and of the cushions is to cost £5,500. The stationery is to cost £1,100, though what this stationery is to consist of no ono knoAvs In addition to this the dean and chapter are to receive £500 for possible damage to tbe cathedral and £300 as a solatium for nob being able to hold the ordinary services while galleries are being erected. Mr Plunkebb estimates thab the galleries will seat 10,000 persons, bhereforc bhe seating will cost £1 14s per head, Avhile churches are entirely buili at bhe average cost of £2 per head. "Bub bhe niosb curious admission was mado by Mr Plunkett during the debate. He said bhab bhe Conservative supporters of the Governmenb had informed him bhab bhey would nob vobe for bhe. expenditure unless their Avives Avere given scabs. These wives are no doubt very excellent and very charm ing persons,.bub bhey are expensive. We have ib on bhe authority of Plunkett that had we not consented to their demand for seats their, husbands would not have agreed to the estimate, so oxoessiA'o do they deem it."

Composing Under Difficulties.

In Octo'-e_-, 1787, after his .©turn to Vienna, Mozart 5; produced hie greatest opera, "Don GioA-anni .." As late-as the night before the perform; nice the overture had not been copied. Mozart Avrote on until late into the night, and his wife could only keep him awake by- telling him the eld fairy tales, such. a child; at times he avouM break from laughter to tears, until, gro.ring -more and more weary,; lj_ fell asleep. At seven the next morjniflg he arosel and finished the score, feh^ ink in some* parts being scarcely dry Avhen the copios were placed on the musician!.' desks. Theiaivisicia.nshadtoplay the overture at sight,j but its beauties aroused the weatest enth'.siasm both in the players (_qd the audience. 'Mozart superintended I all the rehc Bursals, and inspired the singer, with his OAvn ideas and feelings. He .alight the her o to dance a minuet, and Avheri one of the* singers failed to conquer hip |score, M' ozart altered it on the spot. At hist the Emperor bes.oAved a Court position on Mozart, but tho salary Avas so me'acp..—-it ;*ras less than ,500dol. - thab it was jof little Pelp to him, Avhile his duty, to Compose dance-mu-ic for the Court, Avas humiliating. Well could, lie reply Avhen asked hi.<t ijneome by the. tax-gatherer, . Two much foi. what Ido ; rtoo.little for what 1 could do]"';

A BRITISH MAN-OF-WAR.

The Coifdelia Ordered Away jln an /incomplete Condition. ' >

Tun; Cr/rdelia Aras lnirried a.A-ay! from Portsmouth at last Avith little consideration for th _j feelings of the married irjeji and their relations. However, that was {perhaps to be«f expected, eA-en in these times Cf peace. But,'surely no excuse can be made fbifsend inp^ her away with the two old kponson g'ms which wore hoisted out a few clays <"igo, but Avhich, it is stated, are replaced, /as the new guns sent down from Wbolwich were found at the last moment unfitted for tho carriages in which they Avere to have been mounted. Rather an awkward augury of Avhat Avould happen if any emergency demanded thab the improvised cruisers, etc., should be fitted in haste .vibh their armaments! The Cordelia will call at Madeira, St. Vincent, the Cape, and visit the various islands between that place and Australia (to see if survivors of shipwrecked crews are on any of them). From Amster dam she goes to the Straits of Sunda and on to Singapore, where she shonld arrive about tho middle of Juno.—"Army and Navy Gazette."

A QUEER LAWSUIT.

Peculiar Contest of tho Will of an

Old French Musician.

M. Maurice Sciilesixger, a naturalised Frenchman, Avas a musical publisher in Pari* a few years agp. He was an intimate friend of Beethoven, and had published the " Huguenots" of Meyerbeer and the "Juive" of Halevy. He died in 1871, in Baden, leaving a daughter, avlio was born in 1836, out of lawful Avedlock, and a son, Avho saw the light in 1842, after the reg-larisation of M. Schlesinger's marriage. The; two children,born of the same-father and toother, Avere educated together, and on thi. death of their father his property was divided between them. I

A few Aveeks ago the son suddenly conceived the intention of contesting his sister's right to her share of tbe paternal estato on the ground of her illegitimacy. Med. yon Leins, the sister, avlio is learned to one of the architects that had been employed by King Ludwig of Bavaria,..was defended by Maitre Signorino, and lie read out the will of M. Schlesinger. In this document the testator bequeathed to his daughter some locks of Beethoven's hair as Avell as her share of the succession, and added a curious clause to the effect that he Avould curse in his grave whichever of his children would raise legal difficulties anent his last Avill and testament. The French court nonsuited the plaintiff, and so a very painful family affair Avas settled for the present.

THE CARDIFF GIANT.

History of a Great Humbug, Told by

Its Inventor.

George Hull, of Wesb Superior, Wis., in ventor of the " Cardiff giant," relates the history of its creation and doAvnfall as foi loavs :

" Down near Forb Lodge I gob bo specu lating in that gypsum business. Looking over some of the large pieces one day, thero Avas one which' appeared in good deal shape of a man. I got interested in the dark Hues, which looked A-ery much indeed like the A-eins in the limbs of a human being. A grand scheme struck me, or 1 struck it. I secured the largest, most solid piece to be found and shipped it to Chicago. After some time I got hold of a man said to be a first-class marble-cutter. I told him my scheme Avas to get out of the block of gypsum the petrified remains of a tre mendous giant. The fellow caught on, and both of us studied over the prospect for some time. Then the arms and hands were marked out, and the veins showed up in fine style. Gad ! you never saAv anything more complete in your life. They Avere also visible in the temples and forehead. I cost me a heap, though, to get the artist at his Avork. He had my secret, and handled me as ho pleased. Sometimes he'd get on a spree for days and weeks. Several months passed before the concern was finished ; it Avas a grand piecepf work. 'We boxed it and shipped it eastward as a block of marble. Its Aveighb Avas 2,9961b5. I took charge of the great wonder. At first I did not know exactly what to" do to | bring ib before the people. When I reached New York State I seized upon a plan of burying the giant in a secluded spob, a romantic nook by a' mountain side. I finally selected Cardiff, a A-illage on the Onondaga Creek, Onondago County, twelve or fifteen miles south of Syracuse. I confided my secret to a lone farmer. He appeared to be all right in the matter. I gavo him money and promised him more. We dug a grave by the river, and, as luck Avould have it for petrification purposes, at the depth of about six feet Aye sbruck pure moving water. The giant Avas inclosed in a rough case and deposibed in bhe grave. "No one but the farmer, his wife and myself kneAV of this transaction. The agreement was made between us that during the year the farmer should accidentally find the giant; word Avould reach me; I Avould mako a greab ado aboub ib, take people to the spot, baking care to lose my way seA-eral times before reaching the said spot. The arrangement worked all righb. News of bhe finding of the petrified remains of a human being near Cardiff was spread over the neighbourhood like wildfire, and in'a day or two neAvspaper men were there, and then the whole Avorld kneAV of it. I purchased the petrified remains and proceeded forth- Avith to erect a tent over bhe grave, the remains staying undisburbed. Hundreds and thousands visited the place. I charged a fee, of course, to geb inside bhe tent, just to pay expenses. In a few days the croAvds could not be accommodated; In one week soon after the discovery I took in 2,000d015. The rush kept increasing. The most scientific men in the country were present, and they made critical examina tions of the gianb asib lay in its resting place." rti Hull sold a third interest for 30,000d015, and soon after the secret leaked out. Hull I was formerly fo hu^jwsg ip, M^disop. '^

A DRAWING-ROOM RECEPTION BY QUEEN VICTORIA.

Supto* Blamßnas^anc'i Riob Costumes. The Queen's drawing-rcjom was unusually crowded A fine day br.ught out a greab crov,d of people along tl|e Mall to witness fin f 6 • adies- Sl^fcin^ in very und"*s ™_ f iV_ °ar"aS'3s> '.waiting to be ad mitted. Ihe first carriages were in line as earl: as 11 o clock in thejmorning, and' the last -.mage was notjoutj of the grounds to retuin until nearly 6; o'd-lock.' There was no ofie who was presentefd Avho did not have to w nt at least four; hours, in all, before and after reception, to e.irn the fleetin-- ten mimjtes' parade. Witljiin the palace the cruslji Avas terrible and disastrous ■ tor mag nifie'mt toilets and beautiful bouquets, Avhilb many tempers v. ere} sorely tried. The most] beautiful dresses, as usual, were those Avon by American ladies. Mrs Henry L. Horl on wore an artistic land costly gown. The oetticoat aatis of ivhiite satin, the front) bre_i Ith of Avhich was [embroidered Avith pearl point soie and i lirijed with turquoise blue!ottoman silk en revets, and upon Avhich Averej placed seven clusters of three tips eaolil At the centre of her corsage Avas a A'eritiable Kohinoor on ijhe left of a huge diamond crescent, and hjer hair was beau tifully dressed Avith diamond-headed pins; The most extraordinary display of jewels Avas [that nude by Lady Lacon.' On the right side of W hair was a magnificent fly. The 1 A'eil was fastened by three diamond star?;, and in l.er hair, at the nape of her neck Avas a dhmond ■ bar. Around the neck Avere two ropes of pearls', each at least as ljirge as good-sized j peas, and then below this, and falling jfar, doAvn on the bust! a wonderful dkmojjid necklace, with pendant diamond fange t.vo inches in deptp. On the right, side of the corsage was ;|i huge dragon flyi. the body a single pearij of enormous size} and betAveen that and [the middle of the corsage were tAvo diamjond stars. In the middle of the corsaige Avas a diamond arrow, at least five inches in length, Avith a lar^e crescent. In the centre of the left side cf the corsage a huge' emerald brooch was surrounded by diamonds,and her train Avas fastened to the shoulders by a diamond and emerald-star. Her earrings Avere diamond screAvs and a3 large as hazel nuts. The display created a genuine sensation.

The most magnificent toilet Avas that of Mrs Austin Huntington, a debutante and the Avife of a prominent NeAv York laAvyer. Her petticoat. was of pale yelloAV Canton crepe, draped most esthetically Avith clusters of plumes. The train was four and a half j'ards long and of pale yellow satin; brocaded with large flowers in genuine silver. The right side of the train was rjound and trimmed Avith five clusters of three tips each. The left side Avas squared and plain with three Avhite tips. In the hair a. as a white tulle veil and bouquet of Marephal Niel roses backed by genuine A-alenbiennes lace. The dress was simply beautiful. The ornaments Avere diamonds, which were in great profusion. In' a cluster of feathers Avere aigrettes of solid silver, and on the left shoulder were thirty coloured tips, also Avith silver aigrettes. The train Avas lined throughout Avith. yelloAv satin.

The Queen's dress was of black satin and mauve, trimmed Avith jet and tulle. Tha Princess Avore a Lyons velvet and gold brocade, draped Avith Irish lace, looped with anemones ancl leaves. On her head was a tiara of diamonds and feathers. Her ornaments Avere diamonds and pearls.

An Actress's Exploit.

A F_dBNCH actress during the empire once," for a wager, succeeded in gaining admit-, tancej to the monastery.! She disguised, ■herself-.as a man,, and, together with two male :companions, nob only went all over the monastery, but spent the-night-therei- On posing through the great Jga^e in,the morning the actress tore off her wig rand* moustache and disappeared from the; horrified A-ieAv of the monks with shrieks of laughter. The Abbot ordered the .vhole establishment to be purified, that is fumi gated;. The chair the actress sat upon, the couch she used and everything she could possibly lutve touched, Avere burned to ashes and for months every place Avhere. her footsteps could have fallen .was-. drenched Avith holy water. Remorse eventually came to the \ actress, for after her impious' escapade she-suffered from bad. luck almost as seA-erely as Jackdaw of Rheims. It cost her several thousand francs and many Aveary penances before she obtained absolution from the Archbishop of Paris and in a special epistle from the Abbot, Avhose feelings she had so enraged. The church having forgiven her, however. her stage good fortune returned; so ther^ is some moral to the episode. ;.

SUNKEN TRESURE.

Tiie memory of the loss of £200,000 of silver and gold Avill survive the loss of 1,000 souls in a coup. There Avas the Lutine, for in- > stance. She Avas of thirty-tAvo guns, .com- ' manded by Captain Skynner, and she went ashore on the bank of the Fly island passage on the night of October 9, 1799. At first she Avas reported to have had £600,000Avorth . of specie on board. This Avas afterward conbraclictedbyastatementthat " the return from the bullion office ifnakes the Avhole amount £140,000 sterling;" '' If," I find in a contemporary account, " theAvreck of the unfortunate Lutine should be discovered, ' there may be reason to hope for the recov ery of the bullion." In the reign of James 11. some English adventurers fitted out a vessel to search for and weigh up the cargo pf a rich Spanish ship whicli- had been lost on bhe coasb of Soubh America. They succeeded and brought home L 300.000, Avhich had been forty-four years ab .he bottom of the sea. : Captain Phipps, avlio 'commanded, had L 20,000 for his share, and the Duke of Albemarle L 90,000. A medal Avas struck in honour of this cA rent in 1687.

There Avas a Aery costly wreck in 1767. She Avas a Dubch Easb Indiaman, and • foundered Avithin three leagues of the Texel, taking down all hands but six and £500,000. ' The price'of-four such armadas as thab of 1588 went doAvn in the last century alone in bhe shape of gold, silver and plate. ' She Avas the annual register ship, as the term then Avas, and had in her 500,000 piastres and 10,000 ounces of gold on account of the ' King, and tAvice that sum on the merchants' account, making her a very rich ship. She foundered, and no man escaped to tell how ' and when. * ■- ■ '■/■

In the same year the Dutch lost the An toinetta, an Indiaman, and Avith lier sank L 700,000 sterling," besides jeAvels of great value. The Royal Charter is the most nob able modern instance of the wreck of a " treasure " ship that I can just noAv call to mind. She left Australia with L 350,000 in her. Of this sum,' says Charles Dickens in - his chapter on the dreadful shipwreck in "The Uncommercial Traveller," L 300,000 ' Avorth were recovered ab bhe time of bhe novelist's visit to the spot Avhere she was driven ashore. "The great bulk of bhe remainder," writes Dickens, "was surely and steadily com ing up. Some loss of sovereigns there ' would be, of course ; indeed, ab firsb bhe soy- ' ereigns had drifted in Avith bhe sand and been scabtered far and wide over the beach like sea shells, bub most other golden treasure would be found. So tremendous had the force of bhe sea been Avhen ib broke bhe ship bhab it had beaben one great ingot* ' of gold deep inboasbrongand heavy piece';' of her solid iron work, in which also several^ loose sovereigns bhab bhe ingob had swepb : in before ib had been found as firmly im- ' bedded as bhough the iron had been • liquid : when they had •'been forced there." This is a ouriosiby of disaster, but'mightily 'sua1* ; gestive' of the sea's miserly, 'trick of iiol- I ceiling her'plunder,,:i-: .' '' •'• '.nsi.i-. .



The demand for bhe great American remedy, Hop Bitters, in this part of tho world has become so groat that tho Hop Bitters Com pany, whose headquarters are at Roohester, Now York, U.S.A., have been compelled to open a laboratory in Molbourne. It is In charge of Mr M. H. Van Bergh, a gentloman of several years' experience with this Company and the trado may be assured of receiving goods equal to tho parent house, and the most pourteoue treatment. The Hop Bitters Com pany have establishments at London, Paris, Antwerp, Belgium, Breda, Holland, and Toronto, and their Amerloan Bitters ar© pro bably the best known me_ioin.e in the world.