Hampshire Telegraph and Naval Chronicle from Portsmouth, Hampshire, England • 11

SUPPLEMENT TO THE HAMPSHIRE TELEGRAPH AND SUSSEX CHRONICLE, SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21, isgi. UP AND DOWN. SAILORS' LINGO. KAISER'S DAY OUT. SOCIETY SMALL-TALK.

By Upper-Crust Gossipers. PSYCHE. A LAKELAND MYSTERY. are surely suHiciont convoys, aud what on earth is tne use of sen.iiiiL. cm; Usb 'rue as the addi.

tionai escort to tne Victoria anil Albert Anerau inexcusable two months, the Admini'ty have ten jn Sir Kane'a suggestion ami onieied tne piinKnaient ceils at Lou es Fiisoii to be closed. How much further delay wiil occur before a similar course is taken with the ordinary cells, whicn Sir Kdmuud Du Kanereporcrd to con tain omy half the proper allow-auec of cubic sp.ee, itud to bo without any adequate arrangements for ventilation 1 As already pointed out in 'myitis not necessary to awaic''or rebuilding or structural alterations. Pending those, the proper course is to relieve the men of the present continuous confinement for 22 boms daily in these coiis a cruel and iuiquitous system which, as I have said, the late Governor very wisely stopped. By the way, the average number ot prisoners in Lewes Caol during the last qu a'ter was 57. The total number of punishments was 200.

At Gosport Miii ary Prison, during the same period, the number of prisoners was 61, and the number of punishments 17. The average number prisoners ac Lewes last month was 63, and the total punishments 30. During the corresponding month of the previous year the number of prisoners was 95, and the punishments 22. These figures are striking and significant. (From the World.) The second and third performances of the theatricals at Osborne went off even better than the first, and the services of Dr.

Keid, the prompter, were scarcely needed. As Blanche d'Evran in Our Bitterest Foe, Princess Beatrice looked well aud acted charmingly the pathetic parts of the piece were very touching. Who Speaks First is by no means a new comedy, but it was played with much vivacity, and every one, from Her Majesty downwards, teemed amused the Princess Louise as Mrs Ernest Militant, and Miss M. Ponsonby as Smart (a very smart maid) especially distinguishing themselves. Lieutenant-Coionel Arthur Collins was stage-manager, and may be congratulated on a great success.

As on previous occasions, the guests were presented to the Queen alter the performance was over, and supper was served iu the dining-room. The music was supplied by Mr. Frederick Rutland's amateur orchestra. The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh are expected at Clarence House on Monday next from Devonport, for the Levee on Tuesday, and they are to be present at the launching by the Queen of the new warships at Portsmouth on the 26th, and will attend the Drawing-room on OB yes, MMwewd the Tad, readily, and Immediately fell to blushing furiously as both the gentlemen smiled. bring it there a good lad, jnac as It And the young feltow disappeared without 8" I'm afraid Webster will think we're taking 1 liberty," said Webster's master, doubtfully.

If he does, Lord Kildonan, yon may be euro he'll not rest till he has taken ample compensation." When the servant with the whiskey, and having put it softly down upon the table, took himself eft as noiselessly and unostentatiously as possible, Armathwaite mixed two tumblersfnl, the first very strong and the second very weak, and having given the former to his host took the latter for himself. Eh, but this is stiff," said the old Scotchman, tasting the preparation without disfavour. on have mixod this for a professor of medicine, and not for a student o' philology, doctor. If I were to drink off this, and then lie down for an hour ns my custom is, I ahould do na more work to-night, nd there'll be some precious hours wasted. An' wi' these little whipper-snapper pretenders to science yapping a' round ns, it ill becomes a man wi' any pretensions to learning to' gie hiB time to whiskey toddy and na to word-roots." "Oh, I'll see that yon don't sleep too long, Lord Kildonan.

After that excitement abou Crosmout and the tenants, you will work better when you've had a sleep to calm your nerves. There's something in that," said the student, not unwilling to bo convinced. And while keep, ing np a conversation upon his favourite studies which was little more than a monologue on his side, varied by exclamations of aBsent from hia companion, be gradually emptied the. tumbler, and being, as he had predicted, by that time for his usual hour's repose, ha excused himself to the doctor, and retired to lie down on the bard little sofa iu the antechamber. As soon the enrtain between the two rooms fell behind his host's retiring figure, Armathwaite seemed to become a different man.

Looking at hi3 watch, he discovered that it was seventeen minutes oast ten, and, springing up lightly in a state of "high excitement, which there was no longer any need to conceal, he turned up the lamp and paced the room from end to end with a eoft tread, his ears on the alert for any sound. When he came close to the outer door or to the curtain which hung in the doorway of the inner room, he would stop and listen, and as, ac last, peeping behind the curtain, he saw Lord Kildonan lying with closed eyes, he stepped softly in and blew out the two candles that were burning on the table at the foot of the sofa. But the elder man was not asleep he opened his eyes and said What's that?" "That light tries your eyes, Lord Kildonan." Oh, very well," he answered docilely. And the doctor retreated into the next room. Was now twenty-five minutes past ten.

Faint night noises, unnoticed by day, but rendered The language used by Jack nowadays is quite different to that one reads of in Marryat or Clarke Russell. Af6W instances will be found interesting by most of our readers, Pork is called dobs," whilst treacle is known as basher." Bread is termed "soft tack," bisouit "hard tack," raisics figs," suet fat beer (which is only known in the home ships) sailors call "pongelo." iouacco is known as "snont, whilst in speak; mg 01 oucier -grease" is me woro. useo. uuu sale beef is termed Bait horse. Basins, plates, and in fact all mess fittmgs, are named "traps." Every sailor is in possession of a small box, in which he keeps his letters, photographs, or any- thing private, generally locked that is, when the lock is in order and which he tormB a ditty box." Almost everyone on board has a nickname, by which he is more often addressed or spoken of than by his real name.

I The captain (on the lower deck) is known as "skipper the senior lieutenant as "No. 1 whilst in ships where he also performs the duties of gunnery officer he is referred to aB Gunnery Jack. I The staff-commander (or navigating officer) enjoy tho cognomen of Staffv the chaplain "Holy Joe the boatswain, Tommy Pipes the flag-lieutenant (A.D.C. to tho admiral), Flag Jack whilst the gunner is generally christened blue lights." A marine is known as "a Joey," and Jack is addressed as a "matlow" or "flat foot;" the cooper is "Jimmy Bungs the ship's steward. purser steward's boy or assistant, dusty signalmen answer to the name of bunting." An able-bodied seaman is always a Jabe." The master-at-arms is the Johnty," and his crew of police-corporals are termed crushers." Shoemakers are Bnobs," tailors are snips," ship's cooks cookies," and coastguardsmen are often called "gobbys." If a man is a new hand, he is culled a "green-born," yob," or a "gosohen." To be cheeky is to have plenty of slack jaw," the gift of the gab," or to he "a sea lawyer." Two men righting are said to be "scrapping." If you are not wanted to join in any conversation on board ship, you are told to "shove off." Breaking leave is termed "stretching her." Prison is always known as cuokey," Being on the black list is spoken of as fly catching," and to walk the quarter is to walk achalk." A man who shirks work or duty (and who is generally very much disliked) is termed a "skulk" or "loafer." I Clothing is termed "togs," shoes "purser's crabs" or "beetle a hat or cap, "a cadi" and trousers, "keks," Changing your clothing is spoken of as and as all hands" are dressed in the same uniform each day, they are given the rig of the day" every morning at breakfast time.

To have two draws and a spit" ia nautical language for blowing a cloud." A man who appears to be too intimate with his superiors is called a "sniveller." "In want of eye props" means sleepiness to get your head down or "back stitching" is going to sleep. A person who spends his spare time sewing is termed a Jew." A spoon is a gibbey a candle, a "stivvey," a purser's dip," or a "glim." To douse the glim is to pub out the caudle. Speaking of the foremost part of the ship, Jack will say for'ard," of the stern end aft." Each side is styled "port" or "starboard," except when the ship is at sea. They are then known as the weather and lee sides. CHESS Advices received from Havana, February 17, announce that Mr.

under date H. Black- bnrne, the well-known English master, has commenced operations there, where he is on a visit at the invitation of the local club, with a match with Seuor Golmayo. The first game between them was fought on Saturday, when a Scotch Gambit was played and resulted in a draw. Blackburne obtained an early advantage, but needlessly giving his opponent a chance, the latter cleverly equalised matters, and the game resulted in a draw at the 38th move. In the second game the Vienna game was adopted.

Blackburne obtained an early advantage, which he subsequently increased by good play, and sue ceeded in scoring the game in thirty-six moves. Mr. Blackburne received a warm reception on arrival in Cuba, and his visit is expected to afford the local players considerable enjoyment, including, as it will do, blindfold and simnitaoe. ous exhibitions as well as short matches. A new clnb has been established at Newcastle-on-Tyne, among members of the Art Gallery, of whom a large number have joined.

"Mars," ofthe 1 Illustrated 6portiiig and Dramatic A'ettfs, is authorised by several friends of r. J. H. Blackburne to state their willingness to back him against Steinitz, Gunsborg, or any other man for moderate stakes, in a short match say, three or five games. "Mars" trusts nothing will induce the English champion to take part in manufacturing one of those Caissan monstrosities which Steinitz dignifies with the title of a match.

Blackburne will probably visit San Francisco, Now Orleans, and other important chess centres of America, previous to his return to England. It is to be hoped the match referred to above with Steinitz may be arranged. A match has been arranged, aud will be commenced early next month, between Mr. Muller and Mr. Tinsley, who, among other public per-formancea, took part in the last International Tourney at Manchester; The stakes are 10 a side, and the match is for seven won games up, draws not to count.

While chess players in London were congratulating themselves on the advent of another exponent of the power of playing a number of games simultaneously, and without sight of men or boards, their farisian friends were equally gratified in having discovered in their midst a player with similar powers, in the person of M. Gcetz, who successfully demonstrated his ability to so coniiuot eight games. His performance, which took place at the Gafe de la Regence the chief chess resort of the Frenoh capital was witnessed by a large number of amateurs, who warmly complimented bim on his success. Solution to Problem No. 46.

1 2, Correot solution to No. 45 received from A. Russell (Portsmouth), J. E. Jackman (Landport), Mish Nish (Southsea), J.O.H.W.

(Gosport), J. R. Cummings (Buckland). Peoblem No. 47.

By James Rayner (Third Prize Winner in Letts' Magazine Tourney). BT.AOK (Efcrht Fb I 1 1 Ertraots from' the Diary of His Majesty William German Emperor. I Monday. Looked in at the Opera this evening, Didn't like the way the conductor waa conduct ing. Shouted out from my box that he was to stop, aud went down into the orchestra, took the baton, and showed him how it ought to be done, Orchestra stupid didn't follow me.

Told the let to clear out next day. fnma donna nervous besan to crv. Told her not to be an idiot, and that she was old enongh to know better. Got on the stage and told her to listen to me. Sane her part for her.

Audience en thu Qia3tic. The house rose at me and gave me a tremendous encore. lS'ever thought I could have DaVB(j Martuierito so well in uniform. Faust a j00istood trembling in the centre of the stage an(3 fnrcmt his DrrlerRrl him to leave the I stage, and sang tho nart for him. Found it; a little hard to plav i'aust and Marguerite, out audience more enthusiastic than ever.

Orchestra all over the place. First violin had paralytic stroke. The conductor taken away in a cab to a private lunatic asylum. I stopped the penorm-ance, and ordered tho audience to leave and get their money back. Told them such a performance was not value for their money.

Tremendous cheering, and rush for the pay-boxes. In future shall manage the Opera-house myself. Tue3dav. Took a trip to sea on a new American liner (German Lloyd). Nice vessel.

Captain a bit of a muff. Not my dea of commanding a vessel at all. Ordered him off the bridge and took his place, to show him how to navigate a vessel. Full steam ahead. Ran into a couple of ships and sank them.

They ought to have got out of my way. Should have nad tne captaino severely punished if they hadn't been drowned. Man at the wheel bigger idiot than the captain. Took the wheel from him and worked it my way. Ship ran on to a rook.

Ordered all hands to leave in small boats and take me with them. Shall not allow the new vessel to be used again. It must be built wrong, or it wouldn't have run into a rock while was steering. Wednesday. Went to tho Hospital.

Saw several operations. Didn't like the way Dr. Schneider waB catting a man's leg off. Took the saw from him, and showed him how it ought to be Selected a new leg to begin with, as the other was half done, and I couldn't make a good job of it, he had begun it so badly. After 1 had taken the other leg off I took the man's arm off as well.

Students very interested said it was wonderful I thought so myself. Warmed to my work, and took the man's other arm off. Made beautiful job of it. Asked the man hoiv he liked my way of amputating. He didn't answer.

Somebody said he was dead. Found he was. I was very much annoyed with him it was such beastly ingratitude. Thursday. Went to the Law Courts.

Man being tried for picking pockets. Didn't like the way the trial was being conducted. Told the counsel.for the prosecution to sit down, and took the case up myself. Powerful speech to the jury. Guilty.

Judge confused ordered him off the bench, and pronounced sentence myself. Thieving must be put down, so sentenced him to death. Tremendous applause in court. Consider it only aggravates the punishment to keep a prisoner in suspense so inhuman. Ordered him to be executed at once far more merciful.

Exeou. tioner sent for gone out shopping with his wife. Ordered a file of soldiers in and had the condemned man shot in court, Saved a lot of delay and expense. Everybody said what an excellent idea. Lady came rushing into court screaming said she had just found the purse she had accused the man of stealing.

This was equivalent to saying I had caused a miscarriageof justice as if I could do such a thing Gave her six months for making false statements, and went home to superintend sweeping of the palace chimneys. The royal sweep is getting old, and his ideas are not mine. Friday. Did very little to-day. Only reviewed the army and navy and drew out plans for a new cathedral at Cologne.

I shall pull the old one down it isn't my idea of a cathedra'. I showed my cook how to make apple-dumplings, and repainted some of the portraits of my ancestors in the picture gallery. Took a chisel and mallet in the afternoon and altered several of the public statues. Home. Kead SctaUer ann rewrote several verses that I didn't think quite up to date.

Bed early. Re. made my bed after I got into ib. Must "show the chambermaid bow a bed ought to be made to-morrow. Saturday.

Quiet morning with the Empress and the children. The new baby very fretful in his bath. They don't know how to wash a baby. I had him undressed and put him in his Datn aeain. and showed the head nurse my idea of how a baby ought to be washed.

Soap got in his eyes, and he yelled. Must be something wrong with the soap. Gave bim his feeding bottle. Not ray idea of a feeding nortie at an 1 snau invent a new one. Sunday.

Went to church. Court pastor too slow. Read the lessons myself, and preached an extempore sermon. Congregation delighted said they never heard anything like it. Collection afterwards.

Very alow, so I stopped it, and said in future I would make it compulsory for every, body to put a pound a week in the plate, aud is noileoted with the income tax. Congrega tion evidently much impressed with the originality of the idea, for they seemed paralysed. Went Vinmn nnrl finished the dav iu the bosom ot my family, rewriting the history of Germany and the Did lestament ironi my point 01 view. AN OLD ACQUAINTANCE. Wot lone azo.

as Dr. John Hall was leaving his bouse on Fifth-avenue, be saw a young man looking at the numbers. From his dress and address he concluded that he had recently come from the Emerald Isle, and was, rnerelore, teuow- i i countryman. AS ne seemeo at a ruas uj uuu wie house for which he was searching, Dr. Hall asked him if he eould assist with any information.

"I am looking for Dr. John nail, said tne stranger. I am he," modestly replied the clergyman. Are you ur, nan I am." Did you come from Ireland I had the good fortune to be born there." Don't vou know me, Dr. Hall said the arrival, after a moment pause.

I regret to say mac 1 cannot piace you at this moment, though may have seen you before. Well. I think vou have." Then he stopped for an instant, aaif to deepen the impression that jhe had made, and to prepare the minister for the startling assertion which he was about to make, Why, you baptised me twenty-five years ago In the old country, ana yec you uave lorgocten tne entirely." "It was not a time ior levity, aaaea ur. aau in relating the incident; "otherwise I might have reminded the young man that he should have remembered the face of one who had sus tained such an important relation to mm early In life." MAGAZINES. The Strand Review (Burleiah-street, Strand).

The first number of Mr. Newoes' latest venture ttmears to have been a phenomenal success, the Irrculation having reached the astonishing figure pf 350,000. The second number, now before us, Is being run on the same lines, that is to say, it ton tains several clever and well illustrated itories by foreism authors, a further instalment of the excellent series of portraits of. celebrities at different periods of their lives, a description of a night with the Thames police, a readable article on the manufacture of money, and a number of letters from artists on ladies' dress. The Religious Review of Reviews (15, York-street.

Covent-aarden, W.C.I Encouraced bv There is very little outward sign of tho Lenten season aoout London, except it be that we hear Che church bells a little more frequently during the week than usual. Women, as a rule, have taken advantage ofthe bright sunshine tosmarten up their dresnes, and last Sunday's church parade was more like Eater than the first of Lent. Lady Peo Start was with her husband, Lord Alii gton's eldest sou and heir. She was dressed all in black, bur contradicted any Lenten significance in this fact by wearing bright magenta flowers and velvet in her very email bonnet. Her jacket waa a perfectly plain, tight-fitting one of rough diagonal hwilled serge, aud her black cloth dress wai handsomely braided.

She woro a boa with a high collar of Greenland fox, aud her bonnet consisted of the few flowers and bow of velvet, as aforesaid, wittt the addition of three tiny black ostrich feathers. Lady BanJolph Churchill, who was looking very bright and handsome, was dressed in navy-blue. She also wore a plainly-made, tightly-fitting, three-quarter length jacket, the high sleeves slightly 'embroidered with gold lace. Lady Randolph's bonnet seemed to be made entirely of gold. It glittered in tho sunlight like a miniature helmet, and was in shape rather like a large tiara.

She wore a ruche oi black ostrich feathers round her neck, and carried a small and dainty-looking muff of similar feathers. In attendance waa her pretty little Manchester terrier, who seemed very pleased with himselE and his mistress, as well he might be. Lord Liondesborough escorted his two daughters, the Ladies Lilian aud Mildred Denisou. Lady Lilian wore a dark brown cloth dress, with a three-quarter length coat slightly darker in shade and braided in military style with black. Her bonnet was dark brown, relieved with bright red.

Lady Mildred wore a complete costume of fawn-coloured cloth, and a pretty felt hat to match, trimmed with shaded fawn-coloured ostrich feathers. There was evidence of the new fashion in dogs, several of the bull species being led along by beautifully dressed, gentle-looking women. Cer tainly there was something piquant in the contrast between mistress and animal, mere were a great many people out, bat not a crowd, and the topic of conversation with which everyone seemed occupied was the card scandal. To the credit of society be it spoken, that the majority seemed to think it a depressing topic, to be sincerfly re-gretted, rathertkan well-spiced gossipgand social excitement, to bo covertly enjoyed. Popular opinion seems to bo generally taking the side of the supposed culprit, and doubtless there is much behind the facts made known that wiil come out when the affair is inquired into, and may give a very different complexion to the circumstances.

Rediern has some of his new spring coats and costumes ready, and they show quite a radical difference from those of last year. The jackets are all loug-skirted. Please note that "skirt is the word now, instead of basque, which has been used so long. In some instances these skirts are lightly fulled on -just below the waist, ia a way that makes the latter look very small from contrast with the fullness beneath. The new colours are grey, pale brown, cafe-au-laifc, golden brown, fawn, biscuit, and beautiful tones of green, neither dark nor light.

The greys are lovely, silvery and pure in tone. The costume that will certainly take ia in thick tweed for spring wear. The skirt is perfectly plain, fitting closely on the hips and falling in perfectly straight lines to the feet, with a few flat pleats at the back, kept as plain and flat as possible below the waist. A blouse with belt of auy colour is worn with this, and over it a pilot coat of the same tweed as the skirt, which can either be buttoned across or worn open. The collar and lapels are turned back just as on a man's pilot coat, so that tho blouse must have a high collar and be neatly finished at the neck.

We saw a' very handsome woman wearing one ot these, with a shaped and fitted blouse of cornflower blue silk figured in paler blue. There was no looseness at the waist, such as too often makes this kind of bodice one of the very untidiest things on earth. The collar was high, with little turned back points in frout, and a narrow silk tie, like a man's, was arranged in a very knowing little bow in front. The whole effect was smart and becoming. Nursing is hard work for gently reared, sensitive natured women.

We have known several ladies who have quite broken down under the strain, even though they have entered the profession with strong enthusiasm and decided taste for the work. One girl we knew, the granddaughter of an earl, who came up to London to be trained as a nurse, in order that she might be of use in her father's parish, he being Vicar in a very poor district of a large provincial town. After a very short time she contracted blood-poisoning, went home very ill, and was nursed by her mother, who also got blood-poisoning, and all but died of jt. Another sad case is that ot Latly Alexandra Leveson Gower, who has been prostrated by illness for months at Argyll Lodge, the town house of his Grace of Argyll. She also began nursing at one ot our Jjondon Hospitals, ana kept the rules equally with the other nurseB.

JBven now she has by no means recovered. She is the youngest daughter of the Duke of Sutherland and goddaughter of the Princess of Wales, tier brothers, the Marquis ot btarlord ana the Earl of Cromartie, are most anxious about her but the poor girl does not make at all a satisfac tory recovery. Girls that rank are not only quite unaccustcmcd to fatigue and strain, but are shielded trom knowing muca ot tue sin and sorrow of a huge citv like this. The scenes of hospital life open their eyes too suddenly to this sadness, and so, under the influence of ths de pression, their Bpirit becomes broken and their body tired out, the physical and mental strain together breaking them down in so great degree that recovery is necessurny Blow. Two or three ladies who live in a suburb of London have started a sort of little carrier pigeon club among themselves.

They have each a conple of these pretty messengers, and send notes to each other irrespective of the post or telegraph office. They say that the convenience of the plan is great, as they can arrange lm prompfcu tea parties, and collect each other for tennis with no trouble. If more women would make useful pets of pigeons, it might put a stop to their encouraging by their presence those meetings for pigeon shooting which are only a iashionable pretext ior a' cruelty ot which Jinglish sportsmen ought to be ashamed. BirdB have been ignored tor some time as women's pets and playthings, but bullfinches are to be taken into favour again with quite a new zest. Thev are very fascinating in their ways, and become wonderfully tame.

There'is a craze iust now for well-educated pipers, and Green, of Covent Garden, getB from ten to twelve guineas for an accomplished bird. Teaching the dear little things is a work requiring much patience. They are arranged in classes, as it were, each set learning a particular rune. They are kept in a dim light, and whistled to over and over again by someone with a perfectly correot ear tor the bird musicians, not being students of harmony, pick ud wrong notes quite as readily as right ones. It is pretty to see them with their sleek little black heads on one side listening to their teacher as he trills away to them.

It is still prettier to hear them try over their lesson just like a little human scholar, falteringly at first, and gradually becoming bolder and bolder, until at iast they pipe an air from the Mikado," or Carmen up to Date," as correctly as and infinitely more sweetly than their teacher. From their dear little throats it sounds like Nature's own melody, and we catoh ourselves wondering if Sir Arthur Sullivan and Mr. Meyer-Lutz are plagiarists of the birds' songs. There is no more fashionable present, from a fashionable lover to his lady, than a clever piper who can trill tunes from popular operas. Almost simultaneously with the official announcement that the Queen will not permit ladies to present anyone at her Drawing-rooms whom they do not visit and receive in their own homes, a curious book is published by Trischlcrand which reveals Borne of the methods adopted by (let us hope but a minority) American women who desire to enter English society at its best, and have plenty of money without possessing many other recommendations.

The sensational last volume rather spoils the effect of the first and second, for it makes it impossible to believe that a woman so steeped in crime as Mrs, Leonard could have passed the test of any cultivated society. But the book has an interest of its own as explaining how some very extra ordinary people have managed to be presented to our very particular yueen. ine autnor, iDBrt Kevill-Davies is evidently an American, tne raCC UcUJU iJttlOUU wiulu CAicaoiuu. which are in general use on the other side of the Atlantic, and not on this. "Un the train, ior instance, has its own significance in this sense.

The novel is called The American Widow." The Jjew 5tork Working Girls Ulub had a ball lately at their premises in Madison Square Garden There were two thousand girls present, but not any men. The girls danced with each other, and declared that they enjoyed themselves more than jf any men hud been there. Tho New York young men are still thinking this over. They are less inclined to attribute the assertion of the girls to strict veracity than to set it down to the deter- mination of the young women of America to suffer anything in order to assert their independence of men. "auner anytniog Kindly admire this bit of conceit.

JOAN AND JILL. A petkiiihd clock was recently found in Rome, which, it is thought, is. an indication of hard times. (Prom Froth.) The fact tha there was a probability that the Queen's visit t.n Florence might be abandoned was announced in ruth several weeks ago; but the first report which was received respecting the sanitary condition of the city was so far favourable that all the arrangements were being made for Her Majesty's arrival at the Vilf'a Pulinieri on March 26th for a stay of three weeks. Last week, however, further communi.

cation arrived at Osborne from Florence, and, by advice of Sir William Jenner, the Queen has now finally decided to give up her projected expedition. The Queen's foreign plans are so far unsett'ed, but as Her Majesty still intauds to proceed to the Continent in March, they will have to oe fixed within the next few days. The choice practically rests between Aix-les-Bains and Cannes, unless the Queen goes direct to Germany, in which case she will reside for about three weeks at Homburg, where the Empress Frederick is expected shortly before Easter for a stuy of three months. The Emperor William is anxious to induce the Queen to visit either Berlin or Potsdam, but she does not appear disposed to comply with his wishes. The Queen's aptitude for business is well known.

The Ease Cowes Local Board recently asked for the gift of a piece of land as a site for a reservoir, which they have been endeavouring to construct for several years. The Quee'u, in her Royal bounty, consented to give it, but subject to the condition that she should be allowed to close a certain public road near the entrance to Osborne, and that the Local Board should undertake to supply water gratis to one of the Royal farms for time. In spite of the proverb asiainst looking a gift horse in the mouth, the Cowes people appear to have scrutinised this gift" so closely that they declined to deal on those terms, aud at the last meeting of the Local Board this view was forcibly expressed by a numerous aud noisy deputation of ratepayers. The Local Board might have made a better bargain if they had offered cash down. The Prince of Wales has postponed bis annua) visit to the Riviera until Easter, and, according to his present arrangements, he will start on Saturday, March 21st, for Monte Carlo, where Baron Hirsch and Sir Frederick Johnstone are anxiously awaiting his arrival, I hear that the Prince and Princess of Wales will proi ably occupy Bagshot Park, the Duke of (Jonnaugnt place, during Ascot weeK tins year.

Prinee George of Wales is to return from the West Indies in May, and it is probable that he will then be appointed to one of the Royal yachts. It has been found absolutely necessary by the Court authorities to take some steps to diminish the crowds who now attend the Levees. Of late years, it has become the general custom to attend a Levee every season, although no such annual attendance is required, except in the case of persons holding official positions. Officers of both services are now presented on promotion at every step, and an appointment to some paltry post is invariably followed by a presentation at a Levee. The "service" attendance at these functions has latterly become so enormous, and has caused so much inconvenience, that the Lord Chamberlain has just notified that after officers have once been presented, they are not to be again presented on promotion until they become field officers and on returning from foreign service, the officers of a regiment are to attend a Levee collectively, but there are not to be any fresh presentations on such an occasion, except in the ease of field officers, It is difficult for plain people to understand the necessity which is supposed to exist for every officer being presented at Court, and this nonsense muse involve many of them iu considerable expense which thev cannot afford, The most efficacious method of reducing the crowds at Levees would be to ceafle to Dublish a list ofthe company.

I learn that the Queen of Roumania's preposterous melodrama, which she wheedled the Emperor of Austria into accepting for the Burg-Theater at Vienna, will not, after all, be produced at that famous house. Qv -'en Elisabeth positively refused either to change, the arrangement of the scenes or to cut down the Bombastes Furioso declamations with which the piece abounded. The Burg managers are delighted at having got out of the affair, as the piece would have been 3uch a complete failure that author, actors, and theatre would all have been covered with ridicule and contempt. I hear that Sir Massey Lopes will shortly be raised to the Peerage. Sir Massey Lopes sat in Parliament for twenty-eight years as a Tory, retiring in 1885.

I have always considered the great attraction of Brighton as a watering-place to be that it affords such opportunities for contem plating and smelling the sea without going mcon veniently close to it. Many, however, dcnbtless think differently, and to all such it will be good news that a (Jompany has been lornied with the object of improving the steamboat service ot the town, which has always been very inferior to that of the neighbouring South Coact resorts. Ihis Company will start at Whitsuntide next a smart, Clyde. built saloon steamer, on brrd of which vessel the excursionist will oe provided with every comfort and luxury which can add a new charm to sea-ainkncsB. On a very moderate estimate, cut of every hundred men who play high at games cf pure chance, at least three cheat, and out cf every hundred women at least six.

They do no' always cheat, bub every now and then, when they think that no one is looking, they, as the Americans say, "play. with the advantages." If any one will take the trouble to count up the number of persons who live year after year far ibove their incomes, and who play habitually at games of chance, and yet are cover in debt, he will perceive that they must cheat, for at no game of pure chance can an habitual player win year after year. It ia simply impossible, if he does not give himself some little advantage over his opponents. The advantage, however, need not be above 2 or 3 per cent, for him to make a good thing out of his playing. At baccarat, for instance, a person playing 10 each coup would stake in an hour at least 300.

and 2 per cent, on this would ensure him 6 per hour. If he plays frequently the luck of one hour ould balance the ill luck of another hour, so that were he to play 200 hours in the year hia annual revenue from cards would be 1,200. If a person intends to get his living by cheat-ing at cards, the first thing he has to learn i3 to la covpe, that is to say, to take up the cards when cut, and to replace them aa they would have been hud there been uo cut. The modus operandi is simple. In taking up the cards, place the first and last fingers in the cut and the two middle fingers underneath the pack.

Pres3'the latter against the pack, when the cards below the cut will revolve over those above it. As soon as this revolution is made, withdraw the first and last finger. In order not to be Derceived. do this with the left hand. and hold the right hand over the pack, and at the moment ot ettecting tne change say something which for a second takes attention off the hands.

Considerable practice is, however, necessary, in order to do this without a chance of detection. In order to detect it, never lose sight of the dealer's hands, and do not raise the eyes when he s. Observe, too, wnen he takes ud the cards after they are cut, whether he holds them in such a way that he can toll exactly where the cut was made. At ecart. the usual way to cheat is to shuffle as little as possible, and to remember where the cards are in the pack.

If this be done, the dealer will know how the cards lie in the pack, and can form an estimate, if not what his opponent has in his hand, at least what he has not in it. By thi3 means he plays with about 5 per cent, iu his favour. Hot long ago, a fashionable calf was holding a bank at baccarat, when there was a stake of 1.500. about which there was a dispute, and which the players held ought not to be paid. The calf, however, being fully convinced that it would not do for him to fail out with his fashionable friends, said that the matter only concerned him as banker, and paid the money.

He was a wise calf, tor he knew the conditions under which hB was received in the "hupper suckles." The military authorities, naving been notmeu by Messrs. Wontner that Sir William Gordon-Cumminp has commenced proceedings against Mm. Arthur Wilson and Co. for slander in respect to the card scandal that occurred at her house, have decided that no further steps shall be taken on their part until a jury has pronounced a verdict. The matter ia likely, therefore, to remain in abeyance for the next six months, as it ia hardly probable that the case will coma on sooner.

At the sale of the Hailstone collection Ia6t week, no less a sum than 346 10s. was paid for a circular bell-shaped suit-cellar, in three tiera, hall-marked 1599, which the late owner bought for 5 An old oak cabinet, sunerbly carved, realised 273, and 195 was paid for an Elizabethan oak bedstead. The Royal yachts Victoria and Albert and Osborne are undergoing refits at Portsmouth, and about 1,500 is being expended on the former vessel, the cost of her repainting and regildmg being JoOU. The refit of the Osborne will be more costly, as her boilers are undergoing ex tensive repairs. These two yachts are to proceed to either Cherbourg or Flushing with the Queen ou March 25cd, but it has been wisely decided that the Alberta is not to accompany them, and her future service will be limited to tho Solent.

The Queen will be escorted on her voyage to the Continent bv the Trinity vacht Galatea and the Admiralty yacht Enchantress, Xhese two vessels CHAPTER XXrV(CoNKKOBD). He led the way back along the gallery, and Armathwaite followed, feeling (sure that there was something yet unaccounted for in his hosts manner, and fearing that he might be forced into an embarrassing position if Lord Kildonan cbose to question him. When they reached the study, and, sitting down to the table, began, the one tc read aloud and the other to listen, both men leu conscious of a little inattention, a little reticence on the part of the other. This was the more in the elder mau, as it was the nrsl time Armathwaite had been him falter hia allegiance to his hobby. It was quite now, however, that there was some subject Wg his mind before which even philology paled in think," he said, presently, with less enthusiasm and less confidence than usual, that this new man can have gone on quite so tar as i have in this view.

It may be so, of course, but i don't think it's likely." Not at all likely," said Armathwaite, quite meaning what he said. At any rate, you will know to-morrow, when Crosmout brings you his book." At this, the first mention of his agents name, Lord Kildonan's face changed and Armathwaite, who had never before seen him in any mood but cue of homely good humour, kindly concern lor others, or regretful, yearning affection for his wife, wr.s astonished at the stern, hard expression which his rugged features instantly assumed. I did not ask him to bring it," he said, in a d' Armathwaite made no comment, but affected pore over some of the loose sheets of paper, t-sely covered with the student's professional twibble, with which the table was well strewn. Lord Kildonan picked up a note-book, but the thread of his interest was irretrievably broken and he slapped it down again with a violence which was so' unexpected in a person of his even temoerament that Armathwaite started and looked into his face with grave apprehension. I think I've trusted that young man loo far, he said, with the strongest Scotch accent Arma.

thwaite had ever heard him use. As ii was impossible to differ from him this opinion, the young doctor kept silent, waiting anxiously to learn how far his knowledge or his suspicion went. The old Scotchman neither thought nor spoke quickly, and it was not until alter a long pause that he went on It's varra deefficult to be always richt, and a roung mon's a young mon, and apt maybe to use than discretion in a post of responsi. bility. Dr.

Armathwaite, ye're a mon of dis. retion, though ye're young yourself, soye'il no he a bad judge ot the case." Frank decided from this opening that whatever Lord Kildonan had discovered, it was not so bad as what he had not discovered; Nevertheless, he felt the strongest reluctance to be a judge at all in a case of which he knew far too much. He attempted some protest, but his host silenced him, holding up his hand with so much imperious dignity that Frank began to feel more and more Bare that there was a side to the Scotchman character which wrong-doers would find soma difficulty in reckoning with. V'ou must know," he said, taking off his goeetacles and leaning on his elbow on the table so that he could shield his eyes with hi9 hand from the lamplight as he looked intently at the jioctor's face, that this young fellow has a great deal to do, and that he showB plenty of energy in his work. I don't know much about business myself, or the management of a large estate, but I "studied the subject a good bit when I first trustee for mv wife's property, and I saw varra soon that I had for my right hand in Edwin Crosmout a sharp young fellow whose head was worth ten time3 what mine was.

He seemed to me honest, I knew he was hard-working, and I thoeiit the business was better in his hands than in mine. But now I have found out, quite by chance, by a word or two to a puir body I met down by the Conismere-road that he's been too hard on the tenants that had a deefficulty wi their rent, and thatthoy tak' me for a hard-hated skinflint that wad turn them oot like dogs in the road if they were a bit late wi' the money. Now, what do ye think 0' that I turn a puir mon oot o' his little home in the winter for want o- a few dirty shillings Now, an agent may be energetic, he may work like a horse, he may run about like a hare, but he suldna get me such a character as that Armathwaite felt greatly relieved. CrosmoDt would get a severe reprimand the rear of further investigations would frighten him into discretion, and Frank's own task of saving the stent's unfortunate wife would be the easier. He agreed with Lord Kildonan, but without extreme heartiness, having no wish to increase his host's wrath.

You're too soft," said the old Scotchman, look-lug at him keenly, "There are' some things one euldna pardon, and to be hard on puir folk is one e' them." And his straight, thin-lipped mouth closed in a narrow, inflexible line. Armathwaite could not keep his deep concern entirely out of his connte-nanee, so strong was the impression this new view of Lord Kildonan's character gave him. The elder man naturally misunderstood the resson of this aud thought that lie was moved solely liv compassion. "However," he went on, as the doctor said nothing, "I shall not be too hard upon him, if it were only for the sake of his puir little wife. Besides, it would break Aphra's heart to think that her old playfellow and" protege had done any wrong.

After all, nae doot he thinks it's his duty to mak them pay up, and if he's over hard, 5t's for me, and not for himsel'." Armathwaite made no comment on this last reflection, but asked "I suppose you haven't mentioned the matter to her ladyship, Lord Kildonan?" "No, I'm afraid it would pain her too much. 1 did think of it, but I changed my mind." I should advise you to tell lier. There is no fear of a lady being too hard. On the other hard, she has so much spirit, she would see the thicg quite in its proper light.1' Well, I can't tell her till to-morrow now, for glie went to her own room very early this evening with a bad headache." ''Oh, then you will not see her again to-night?" eniil Armathwaite very distinctly. The young man's eyes, as he put this question, hart suddenly become aglow with strong excitement.

Only for a moment, when she conies to bid me good night," answered Lord Kildonan. I should not worry her with little tiresome troubles then," he added, his mouth softening as he spoke of her. She only flits in and flits out eeain. I insist upon that always. Then I know the' is all right, and I sleep better for knowing it.

it's all selfishness, you see." And he turned to the doctor with his old, good-humoured smile. Does she never fail yon Never answered the elder man, with some surprise. And what would you do if she didn't come Armathwaite asked, with a Bmile. Do I should go and find out what was the unatter with her, of course. But that has never happened never What makes you ask I was wondering why she had not come," PTicweved the young man, after a moment's hesitation.

Oh, it is too early yet. She does not come til! 1 iter ten three-quarters of an hour." And he glanced at his watch as he rose from his chair and opened a little cellarette which itood whiskey, doctor 1 I generally take a glass of whiskey and water about this time in the evening you won't let me take it alone, will yon I don't think I shall let yon take it at all, Lord Kildonan," said Armathwaite, as he took up tumbler into which the elder man bad poured some of the spirit, and examined it narrowly, "lam here as your medical adviser, you know, and you must allow me to taste this." "Certainly," said Lord Kildonan, who thought this was a joke, Armathwaite raised the glass to his lips. They've put it in the wrong decanter," he said, calmly, though his eyes were bright with excitement; "or, no," he fastened the spirit again" they've put it into a decanter that hadn't been properly rinsed. What is it they use for washing these things? Vinegar and or something of that sort, isn't it? can taste the vinegar it spoils the flavour completely." Lord Kildonan took up the tumbler, and tasted the contents in his turn. There is a peculiar flavour in it I've noticed the same tiling before.

Vinegar, do you say It doesn't tasto like vinegar to me." "In any case, you had better not drink it. It might make you sick. Have a fresh bottle opened, Lord Kiirlonan, and don't have it decanted at all." Lord Kitdouan rang the bell, and after some Selay the iinrler-footman uppeared. It was a test unusual circumstance fcr the muster of the house, who was a man of the simplest habits, to require any attendance so late, und tho lad eemd very much alarmed by the summons. The fcutler had gone to bed, he said, and the keys of the cellar were locked up in his pantry.

Lord Kildonan, who would not have broken a dog's (ep for his own pleasure, looked ruefully at the condemned decanter, and would most certainly have contented himself with thetleterionitedspirit tint for the presence of tho doctor, who, with lome astute knowledge of men and manners, said i'ou know where the butler keeps that bottle whiskey fer bis own drinking March 4th, after which the Duchess starts for Berlin, whence she will proceed to St. Petersburg, where she is to stay with the Emperor and Empress of Russia until after Whitsuntide. The state of the Emperor William's health ia exciting the most serious apprehensions in Court circles at Berlin, but it is high treason to mention the subject. There is reason to fear that the painful ear malady from which the Emperor suffers is threatening to become cancerous. Considering His Majesty's family history, there ia something most ominous in the official announcement that at a recent military banquet the usual speeches were dispeused with, in consequence of the Emperor having been advised by his physicians to avoid speaking as much as possible, "in consequence of an affection of the throat." Almost the same notification was made in the case of the Emperor Frederick just four years ago.

Lady Salisbury has been staying for ten days at Ventnor, aud her daughter, Maud Wolmer, ia there with her, so the announcement in a contemporary of her visit to St. Leonard's, with the addition that Lord Salisbury has been going down there daily, is a romance. Lady cali3bury hopes to be able to attend the nrst Drawing-room, and after that function she will go 10 Beaulieu, near Nice, where Lord Salisbury ib to 10m her a tew days betore faster, and he proposes to remain there for nearly three weeks. wo Ministerial pensions, 01 year ana 1,200 a year respectively, have fallen vacant since Lord Salisbury came into office, the one having been surrendered by Lord John Manners when he became Duke of Rutland, and the other by Mr. Shaw-Lefevre.

The 2,000 a year pension has just been assigned to Lord Cross, and the other to Sir Michael Hicks-Beach. These pensions are not drawn by the holders when they are in office. This afternoon Lord Feversham ia to lay tha foundation stone of the new house which is to be built in Duncombe Park, his place in the North Riding of Yorkshire. The old mansion, which was burnt just twelve years ago, was a magnificent structure, having been built by Vanbrugh, and wings were added by Sir Charles Barry. Duncombe is a beautiful demesne, and the terrace commands one of the finest views in Yorkshire, The ruins of Rievaulx Abbey are on the bordera of the park in a most lovely situation.

Duncombe Park and the manor of Helmsley belonged to uners, Duke or by wnona tne estate was sold to the ancestor ot the present possessor during the reign of Charles II. I hear that r. W. H. Smith is beginning to suffer again from eczema, though only slightly but he will shortly take a rest, and it is hoped that the Easter Recess will set him up again.

Sir Henry Loch sails for the Cape on the 4th, and it is said that Mr. Rhodes will return with him, though his intention was st first to delay his departure till the end of March. Ihe fine old deer forest of Fannich, in Ross-shire, has been let by Mr. Mackenzie, of Dun-donnell, to Mr. J.

E. Piatt for five years. Fannich, which was leased for a considerable period by Lord Ormathwaits, was rented lust season by Sir Henry Meux, who killed fifty-oue stags and nearly six hundred grouse while twelve hundred trout were caught in Loch Fannich. There is a capital lodge beautiful situation near the loch, Fannich is ou the march with the celebrated forests of Loch Luichart aud Loch Rosque. Lordand Lady Kevelstoke'snew double house in Charles-street, Berkeley-square, which isone of the beBt in London, is for sale, and theyin tend to liveat Membland, their place in South Devon, where, however, the large staff of servants, gardeners, keepers, workpeople, and employes of all kinds has been dismissed, which is a serious calamity for the whole district.

Membland is quite a new place, being a creation of Lord Revelstoke's, and is a very large house, superbly decorated and furnished, with charming gardens and grounds. It is on the coast, between P.y mouth and Start foint, near the Erme estuary, aud has been made one of the most attractive places in the West of England. Lord and Lady Hindlip, who have been for many years the tenants of Doveridge Hall, Lord place Derbysnire, are to quit at Lady Day, as negotiations are pending "for its sale. Lord and Lady Hindlip are, therefore, to take up their residence at Sindlio Hall, an interesting old manor-house, which was purchased from the trustees of Lord Southwell about twenty-three years ago by the first Lord Hindlip, and it is now occupied oy tne jjowager Hindlip. The anniversary dinner ot Lady liurdett- Coutts's wedding-day iast Thursday in Stratton- street was a notable affair.

Thirty-two sac down to dinner in the large dining-room, the dining-table being brilliant with magnificent gold plate and masses of flowers. The party consisted of the Duchess of Teck and Princess Mary, Prince Adolphus of Teck, Lord and Lady Coventry, the Austrian Ambassador, the American Minister, Lady and Miss Wolseley, Lady Wiilouehby de Eresby and her son. Sir Francis and Lady Jeune, Mr. and Lady Louise Loder, Sir Edward Brad ford, Mr. Cecil Rhodes (who monopolised the time and attention of the Duchess of Teck), Lady Enniskillen, Mr.

and Mrs. Chamberlain, and a bevy of young ladies, besides innumerable young men. After dinner Signor Nachez plaved ior some time on the violin a rather doubtml entertainment when the only other amusement is conversation. The Duchess of feck stayed late. tha party separated imm -diately on her departure.

The Prince of Wales has again hououren some of tbe leading actors by entertaining them at dinner, this time at the Marlborough Club, on Sunday last. Among the guests were Mr. Irving, Mr. Bancroft, Mr. Hare, Mr.

Tree, Mr. Wyndham, Mr. Augustus ilarris, and Mr. Arthur Cecil. The company also included the Prince of Leiningen, tho Duke of Fife, Lord Randolph Churchill, Sir Algernon Borthwick, Sir Charles Russell, Dr.

W. H. Russell, Mr. Burnand, Mr, E. Lawson, and Mr.

George Lewis, It is said that Mr. Justice Wright has climbed down from the elevated position he took about the question of knighthood, and is going to submit to the indignity of being dubbed Sir Robert as humbly as any other of Her Majesty's Judges. AMONG THE TOMBS. Dndertaker: "Aud what kind of trimmings will von have on the coffin Widow: "Nane ava', a plain coffin. It was trimmins that killed him." Undertaker: "What?" Widow: "Aye, delirium trimmins." ft "I say, doctor, isn't this bill a little steep Can't you knock off a sovereign "No, Why should Well, yoimu8t remember thatit was me who introductd this scarlet fever in this town.

Ain't that worth I eel ten tier cent, on every scarlet fever victim from the undertaker on the. corner. Dr. Pillsbury: "Well, Mr. Sceptic, did yos follow my prescription Sceptic: "No; if I had I would havo broken my neck." "l)r.

Pillsbury Why, what do you mean?" Sceptic: I threw the prescription out of th window." startling the silence of the darfc Hours, assailed the listening ear on all sides. The chirp of a cricket, the cracking of the wood-work, the scurrying of mice, each of these sounds cuma with almost deafening distinctness to Anna! thwaite as he stood by the door, hearing the draw-ing of his own breath and feeling interested in it, as if it had been that of a patient. At last in the distance he heard something which no nearer sound could stifle the croak of a board under a human, tread, followed presently by soft slow footfalls along the uncarpeted gallery outside. He drew back from the door. In the bare room there were neither curtains nor screens behind which he eould retreat.

On the other hand the lamp, with its dark green Bhade, cast only a small circle of bright light on the table, and a still smaller one on the ceiling above. He withdrew into the darkest corner of the room and waited, standing upright and as still a a statue. The door-handle rattled and turned, and the door itself was pushed open so very slowly thai Armathwaite had to battle with an impulse to take three strides forward, pull it toward him, and look round it at the intruder. At last a figure appeared, looking hardly more solid than a shadow in the gloom that filled every corner oi the apartment beyond' the little ring of the lamp's light a woman's figure, moving slowly and lightly over the floor toward the inner room. Armathwaite remained motionless until she had drawn the curtain aside on iis rings and passed through then he stepped out from his corner and passed to the other 3ide of the room.

As he did so he saw in the gloom the lady bend dowa over the head of the sofa and kiss the forehead oi the recumbent mm. "Good night, my darling," he heard Lord Kildonan murmur. And then followed a soft woman's whisper "Goodnight." A moment later the curtain moved again, and the lady returned, passing close by where he stood without turning her head. She crossed the room, opened the door, and went out into the gallery, and it was not until her footsteps had died away that Armathwaite began to breathe naturally again. He was still standing with his face turned in the direction of the closed door when he was startled to hear Lord Kildonan's voice behind him.

The doctor confronted the elder man with an expression of deep, unmistakable alarm. Why, what ails ye asked the old Scotchman, and coming closer he peered into the young man's face. "Ye look as scared as a lass, and your face is wot and your hands are cold, and altogether ye look as if ye'd seen a ghost, Did ye fall asleep, maybe, and tak' my wife for a ghost?" No, indeed, I did not I was afraid finding me here might frighten her" ladyship, that was all," answered Armathwaite, with a smile that waa rather forced, though he looked much relieved. You had better not go out into the draughty passages now, Lord Kildonan," he continued, as the elder man made his way to tin door, If you want to send a message to her ladyship, let me take it." Lord Kildonan looked rathsr surprised, but he turned back again, rubbing his eyes and yawning as he shook his head. No, no I've nothing to say to her that won't keep till to-morrow, and to-mght I'm 30 sleepy myself I'm fearing I shall no keep awake much longer if, indeed, I'm quite awake too," he said dreamily, as he sat down in his large chair at the table, and rested his head on his hand.

There was something so sweet in the touch of her lipe on my face to.night, something so tecder, so gentle," he murmured, aloud but to himself, not to the doctor that I thooht maybe she felt' kinder to me, and began to feel After a pause, he tossed his head up suddenly, and passed hia inds over his head. Ah, I'm an old fule, and it's all the whiskey, na doot But, young man, I wish ye were here to mix my whiskey every night, for ye've given me the sweetest dream I've had for months past, though it did but last for a minute." Armathwaite shivered as he took the hand Lord Kildonan held out to him, gently helped him to rise, and led him to his bedroom door. Then the doctor disposed himself for a little rest on the sofa, but not to sleep. Sometimes in his host's little suite of rooms, sometimes softly pacing the galleries and corridors of the big house, he kept watch until the morning. Standing like a sentinel under the great armour trophies in the hall, upon which a floating oil-lamp cast, through the hours of the night, a faint and murky light mounting the wi le staircase in the shadow of ponderous and doubtful old masters; creeping with the soft steps of a cat, along the carpeted corridors of the upper floor and fiually gaziug with strain, ing eyes, as the struggling morning began to dawn, through a small window which commanded view of the steep hill and the entrance to the secret pathway, Armathwaite passed a night so fraught with excitement, with doubt and fear, with anger and yearning pity, that wheu the morning broke fully and found him lying in an uneasy sleep on the little sofa, old Lord Kil-donan, trotting in to look at him and find out how he had slept, was shocked at his appearance.

Bless me," lie murmured to himself, as without disturbing Frank he crept back again with ungainly, cautious steps, "that young man works too hard at his profession, or else he has not so clear a conscience as I should have thought. In the morning light he looks as old as I do myself, though I'm bound to say he doesn't look so ugly." But he could not know that he was seeing the effect of his own wrongs on another man's face, fTo be ABOUT MEAN MEN, Lord Ellenborough said, when asked for an explanation of the grammatical error in the in-scription on Lord Kenyon's tomb ir. Westminster Abbey, Mors janua, vita (instead of vita): Don't you know that was Kenyon's express desire, as he left it in his will that they should not go to the expense of a diphthong A man has been heard of, who, when he was travelling in his private carriage, carried oats to feed his horse at the country inns, and also a hen to eat uo the scattered oats and lay an egg for his but even he was an incarnation of liberality compared with a miser who died some ysars ago. From fear of coming to want he hanged himself, but was discovered and cut down in time to save his life. Recovering his consciousness and seeing the rope cut in two he exclaimed Why spoil a new rope by cutting it? Couldn't you have untied it?" Pkofessok oE Anatomy Which teeth come lastj" Promising Pupil False ones, air," 111 111 ''IP AjfP Wjtm the popularity of lMi-.

Stead's Review, a proto-R tyPe '3 aow being issued for the religious world. White to play aud mate in tivo moves. Game No. 49. An interesting encounter played in a telegraph match between two JNew Zealand Ulubs, Wnmt Black.

White. Black, 1 4 2 l'-K B4 0 Kt 3 4 B-W 5 P-B 5 (a) 6 insMes 7 OxP P-K4 PxP P-K Kt 4 Kt2 Kt 5 Kf Q-B3 B-H3 P-Q3 Bx ft-Kt 3 B-K i (c) PxB KS-Q2 Castles R-Bsq lis Kt 2 21 22 P-K 4 23 Kt 7 24 K-ll 7 25 It 6 2b K-ll 2 27 28 1: 29 Kt 4 30 K-K3 31 Kt-R5 32 4 33 P-B 5 34 B6oh 35 Kt Kt oh 36 K-Kt3 37K-B3 38 K-K 3 Resigns iv R-Kl 3 Kt Px KtxKP PKt4 K-Q2 Kt 3 Kt-QB5 K-Q3 PxKt KxP K-Q4 Ktx 8 4 (b) 9 p- Kt 6 10 11 i 12 Q-B3 13 Bx 14 (JxB 15 Kt 2 16 3 (d) 37 Q-K 3 Ifl OkR 19 li-KBsq(e)P-KR4 20 Q-B 7 tfl 0. Notes, (a) Castlos or P-(J 4 is to be preferred. This is one oi the weakest forms of ths Kinar'a Gambit. (b) would have been better.

He trains time for development, for if then follows 9 P-Q 4. (c) Goud wnica lotoes tne exenaog-e or tne B. (d) White's is pracfctcally lost now; the move in the text is useless. He miiht have prolonged by Q-K 3. (c) Ohallencini the exchange, although a piece minus.

There is no reason why Black should nor nlay sq. CO This is, perhaps, his best, under the circumstances. (a) Soitterinsrall hopes. (k) Well played. Ho protects his own Pawn and gains time to take the adverse Pawn as well, White is outmatched Hebe is an example of the thieves' slang which is often very perplexing even to warders.

"I buzzed a bloke on the fly, and his poke with two nn and a quid," is a specimen ofthe "Corinthian," meaning, I picked a man's pocket aud took his purse with two five-pound notes and a sovereign." xPch including all sects ana creeas. tne cniei religious publications are laid under contribution, and there is no reason why the magazine should not become as popular as its more worldly nattern. The number for this month contains an article on "Disestablishment Without Disendow. ment," by Mr. Bompas, an interesting account of Islam in England, describing a mosque for English converts in Liverpool; and the chief sermon of the month, which, in this case, is declared to be Canon Scott Hollands, "They have no wine," delivered in St.

Paul's Cathedral on Jan. 18. The Early English Musical Magazine, 100, Great Russell-street, Bloomabury, W.C. Every lover of Early English music will give a cordial welcome to the really excellent magazine now being published by the Early Knglish Musical Society. The promoters of this society, while recognising all tnat is good in modern music, feel that there is, in the ballads, glees, ma lngals, and operasof our early composers, a rich and 9plendid treasury of vocal music, unsurpassed, perhaps unequa'lled, by other nations, and to the study, cultivation, and reproduction of these neglected, and in some cases almost forgotten, gems the Society has devoted itself.

The contents of the magazine are agreeably diversified, about hal the space being devoted to articles by well-known aud ardent lovers of music, and the other to a selection of ancient music, songs, The magazine deserves, and we hope it will receive, an abundant measure of popular favour,.