NOTWITHSTANDING a slight subsidence in the uPPER Thames the river remains very full, and the water is out in many places over tlie banks Of the stram between Ohertsey and Reading. The submersion of the towing “and footpaths cause; much inconvenience to the residents in the localities visited by the floods.

IN PAWN, - A bride (says an American newspaper) was held in pawn at a Western town recently. A local paper descr.bes a novel scene which occurred after a wedding iu ihe justices room a few days ago. A couple presented themselves to ‘the judge, who performed the ceremony of marriage between them at their request. They were about to depart when the judge reminded the bridegroom that be liad not paid the customary fee- ‘ The man said he had not a farthing, and did not know he should have to pay for being marred. “The fee is 10s.”said the judge, “and you must go and get it. i’ll keep your wife, here; till you come back,’ he added, and handed the blushing lady to a seat. The bridegroom went away didnt, return for more than an hour, during which the bride became uneasy, but was politely requested to remain, until her husband returned. At length the man came back, paid the fee, and took his bride away. How much she will be worth to him will prove; but he evidently thought on the wedding-day- .that she was worth more than the fee, or he would not hm paid that amount to redeem her That proof of his devotion may console her for her humiliation.

The following telegrams from the General officer commanding in Egypt have been received at the War Office :

Cairo, Dec. 4. Post at Ambigol Wells attacked by enemy with one gun, besides small arms. After some hours’ fighting enemy beaten off and retired south. Casualties. Killed, 1 Berkshire; wounded slightly, 1 Royal Engineer. Enemy’s loss not reported. The following official message has been received:

Cairo, Dec. 4. Hunter wires, 11.30 a.m. to-day : Just retuned from patrol in Lotus above Giniss. Reinforcement of 4000 men with two guns inarched into Giniss. I engaged the advanced party of 1000 men with Gardner and rifles, with considerable effect. Several men carrying banners, three horsemen, and a number of footmen rolled over. Gun fired one round at Lotus, but shot fell short. Gardner very well served by men of Soudan battalion. No casualties on board, but Lotus ht three or four times.

Wady Halfa, Dec 5,10 p.m The post at Ambigol Wells having been again attacked, a force under General Butler from Akasheb advanced.at daylight this morning from the break in the railway south of the post, while Colonel Huyshe, with four companies of the Berkshire Regiment, advanced simultaneously from the north. The rebels withdrew from their position, and communication with Ambigol Well has been re-established. The post hat been strongly reinforced, and the railway is being repaired. The enemy are in force at Kosheh, but seemed disinclined to attack, and are beginning to entrench

Lucknow, Dec 5. Lord Dufferia has arrived Here. Replying to as address presented by the municipal authorities, his Excellency said it was fortunate that the object of the expedition to Burinah had been attained without serious loss on either side. The authorities on the spot had telegraphed that nothing was more satisfactory than the friendly spirit of tne population. His Excellency proceeded to say that it was undoubtedly necessary for the future peace and security of Lower Burmah, and also of the frontler of Eastern India, that British political ascendency should prevail throughout the Upper Valley of the Irrawaddy. The question as to whether this could be best secured by a union of both sections of the Burmese people, or by a reconstitution of the kingdom of Upper Burmah, was a grave and serious matter, which could not be settled hastily or without a careful examination as to what was conducive to the interest ef India, the welfare of the Burmese, and the necessities of the empire at large. The Viceroy, in conclusion, declared that whatever might be done by India, it would not commit the Home Government to any line of action which would not ultimately merit the approval of the English people.

The India Office has received the following telegrams from General Prendergast, dated 6th December: “The disarmament of Mandalay is being carried out by the Ministers effectually. People are returning to their homes and avocations. The city is quiet, with the exception of bands of Dacoits in the suburbs. According to the reports of all officials, political and military, not a murder has been committed since the British force arrived in Mandalay.”

The American Postmaster-General’s report shows a deficiency of 8,881,571 dols. in the income available for meeting expenses. This is partly caused, the Ttmes correspondent asserts, by the decrease of the inland postal rate from three to two cents, while the weight of a letter is increased from half an ounce to one ounce.

The suit of “ Bolton r. Bolton” has been heard in the Divorce Division. It Was the petition of. Mr. Thomas Bolton, a solicitor of the Temple, for a divorce by reason of his wife’s misconduct with Count de Galve, who had died, so that, consequently, he was not made a co-respondent. Mrs. Bolton appeared, and denied the charge. In opening the case, Mr. Bayford, Q.G., said the petitioner was a well-known solicitor of considerable business, practising in London. He was introduced to the respondent whe was at that time the wife Of a gentleman named Adams. She-was a person of good family, and well connected. She Was introduced to him under the name of Mrs. Armstrong, and there was no doubt that afterwards an intimacy took place between them. A petition was subsequently filed by Mr. Adams, and Mr. Bolton was made the co-respondent, the marriage ultimately being dissolved. In 1880 Mr. Bolton married her at the registry office, Camberwell. They lived at 19, Bedford-square. The marriage was not a happy one. The respondent was extravagant, and went to live with his wife in rooms over his offices in Temple Chambers. Subsequently it transpired that she pawned number of his things, and inquiries being made, it was found out that she was constantly in the society of Count de Galve, who was then well known in society. He-was a foreign nobleman—a Spaniard—living in London, and belonging to a high family. Originally he lived, in Grosvenor-plare. but he and his wife separated and the establishment was broken up in 1880. He then went into bachelor rooms in Ryder-street, St: James’s, where he lived till August, 1881t when he took a house in Seymour-street. There lie resided till he went abroad and died at Biarrittz in April 1882. On inquiry it was ascertained that a lady who passed by the name of “ Madame Beaumont” was a constant visitor to Count de Galve. They had dined and walked out together, and it was dear that this “Madame Beaumont” was no other than Mrs. Bolton. When the count went abroad, he left his establishment entirely in her hands, and she drew money in his name from the banker’s and acted entirely as if she were mistress of the establishment. Mr. Thomas Bolton, the petitioner, was called and detailed the circumstances subsequent to and prior to the marriage. The respondent denied having committed adultery with the count. When she visited his rooms the count was seriously ill. the jury found for the petitioner, and the judge granted a decree nisi.

The appeal made by Mr. Poland on behalf of the Armstrong Family has been liberally responded to. Eliza Armstrong is now placed for education and training in the Princess Luoise’s Home at Wanstead. The funds, beyond paying all her expenses, will admit of a dowry being placed at interest for her, to which she will in all probability be entitled when she had a new outfit, and was presented by Mr. Poland witha Bible and Prayer Book. as regardds the family, the father, Charles Armstrong, has been provided with two new complete sets of sweeping machines. it is further contemplated to take a small house for him, and so enable his family to live with more decency and comfort than they have hitherto done.

Mr. Commissioner Kerr’s experience of money lenders, as incidentally detailed from time time in the City of London court, is not calculated to raise that body in public estimation. In alluding recently to a case in which a defendent was summoned for a debt, and who pleaded, amongst other reasons for non-payment, that he was “in the hands of the money lenders, “ the Commisioner could not agree with the plaintiff that a loan-office debt of £12 or £14 was only a small matter. He instanced the first money-lending case he ever tried, in which a clerk to the late Aldermam Hale had borrowed £6 eighteen years previous to the action, and inspite of numerous repayments, still owed the lender £9. Here, indeed, was a proof of the Commissioner’s theory that “ when once a man gets into the hands of the money-lending harpies he is a perfect slave to them for the rest of his life.” it did not appear from the evidence that the debt for which Mr. Stables, of Cross-street, hatton-garden, was sued was a money-lending transaction. He was a clerk at £180 a year, and his entire liabilities amounted to about £75. Under these circumstances it could hardly be pleaded that he had no means of payment, and the court very rightly ordered him to pay ten shillings a month. Had the plaintiff been by chance unable to prove the debtor’s means the Commissioner would have been unable to make any order, and upon this point his Honour propounded a conundrum which the Legislature did not answer in framing the new Bankruptcy Act, “Why,” asks Commissioner Kerr, “ should it be lawful for a man who owes £49 19s. ll 3/4d. to pay his creditors with a penny in the pound, while a man who owes £50 has to pav 203. in the pound ?” His Honour replied to his own query by saying “it was a legal iniquity,” and there are many struggling tradesmen who are compelled by the very nature of their business to agree with him.

Whilst Hunting with the West Kent hounds the other day, Major W. H. Murphy, of the 2nd Battalion Queen’s Own Royal West Kent Regiment, was thrown from his horse and killed. The fatality took place at a village near Maidstone, at which town the deceased was stationed. .

Sarah Haynes, of Amersham, married, has given herself, up to the police, stating that die had murdered and cut up her child, fourteen days old, throwing the remains into a pond. The p6nd was dredged, and the body, found in a sack, 1 laving been cut into a great many piece.

Two lunatics confined in the workhouse at Plymouth, while discussing die merits of their respective wirea, came to blows.- One of them, named Foot, was flung to the ground by Blake, his antagonist, and the former, who is supposed to have been roughly handled during the master’s absence, died before help arrived.

It is understood in Canada that the Imperial Government has intimated its willingness to bear the expense of providing the medals for presentstion to the Canadian volunteers who took part in quelling the recent rising. The number of schools in Manitoba in 1871 was 16; in 1891 it was 128, and in 1884 it reached 359. The school attendance was 816 in.1871, 4919 in 1881, and 13,641 in 1884. This year a sample of wheat from one of the experimental farms at Dun more,650 miles west of Winnipeg, was sown at air Essex farm. “ It was, a Canadian journal reports, also put on Mark-lane, and bids were made by sample at 1-07 dola to 1-19 dols. per bushel, or from 50c. to 75c. a bushel more than the best red samples. Hiis was from a section which visitors a few years ago said could only support Indians and buffaloes.

The Roman police report that a very valuable work has been stolen from the Minerva Library. It was the celebrated edition of Laclantius, printed in 1465 at the Monastery of Subiaco by the two German printers, Sweynheym and Pannartz, and was the first book printed in Italy. The value of the small volume may be inferred from the fact that some time back £600 was paid at an auction for a copy. as very great care is exercised at the Minerva Libmry in giving out valuable books to readers, it is suspected by the police that one of the library officials must be the thief.

At Preston Archibald Titherington, who had been arrested for setting fire to a woman named Agnes Welsh, has been brought up in custody. According to the depositions of the woman, Titherington was a married man. and wanted to go upstairs with her. She had a lighted candle in her hand. After a few words he seized’the candle and threw it at Her, and it set her hair and clothing on fire. She ran streaming out of the boose. Some men who were passing ran up and put jackets round her. extinguishing the flames. She was badly burned, and taken to the infirmary. It being feared that she very dying, the police were communicated with, and her evidence was taken before the Prisoner. who was afterwards remanded

A couple of months before the Inventions Exhibition was closed, the executive of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants appointed—in view of the appalling loss of life and the injuries occurring annually to railway servants engaged in shunting operations—four practical railwaymen to inspect and report upon the coupling apparatus exhibited at South Kensington. This they did, and their report was submitted to the annual meeting of the society held in October last. The assembled delegates decided that some of the railway companies should be asked for the use of one of their shunting yards in order to have a practical test of appliances which would obviate the danger of the men having to pass between the vehicles for the purpose of coupling and uncoupling them. To carry out this test the society voted a sum of £500; and up to the present over 40 inventors have notified to the general secretary of the society,. Mr. E. Harford, their desire to assist or take part in the proposed practical triaL The inventors have their works in various parts of the kingdom, and asome of them are manufacturers in Canada and the United States. The interesting trial will soon oome off.

The Echo des Alpes publishes an interesting statistical summary of the fatal accidents that have occurred since 1859 in climbing the Swiss Alps. During this period there have been 80 such accidents, whereby 184 persons lost their lives. Of these, 40 were guides or porters, 80 tourist, two monks of Mount St. Bernard, 11 were workmen journeying over the mountains, and one was a crystal-seeker. In six cases 16 persons perished from exhaustion, cold, or some organic affection; in 14 accidents 15 persons were killed by falling into crevasses, & ; in 10 accidents 15 persons were killed by slipping on ice ; and in 35 cases 41 persons were killed by slipping on rocks or grass ; in four cases four persons lost their lives by stones falling upon them ; 27 lives were lost in seven avalanche accidents; and in four cases 16 perrsons perished by falling through frail ice or snow. From this it appears that accidents from slipping on rocks or grass are the most numerous ; probably unsuitable boots are the most frequent cause. But in too many cases imprudence or carelessness is the source of mischief. In 16 accidents the climbers were not roped together; in 28 the tourists were alone, or unaccompanied by a guide; unfavourable weather caused 14 accidents; in nine cases the climbers were fastened together at spots where the fall of one would be sure to bring all down; and in 23 cases complete ignorance of the condition of the snow was the main cause of accident. During the 16 years from 1859 to 1875 there were 673 ascents of Mont Blanc, 25 of which ended fatally ; that is at the rate of one death to every 26 ascents.

Belgrade, Dec. 5, 6 pm. A report is current this evening that Bulgaria has offered new conditions of peace, the princ pal stipulation being an offensive and defensive alliance with Servia against Turkey. It is declared that Zia Bey the Turkish Minister, discovered that the propose had been made, and was at the Foreign Office here until an early hour this morning.

Nisch, Dec. 5. The Bulgarian conditions- of peare are as follows-Tbe Servians to evacuate the Widdin district and the Bulgarians to evacuate Pirot. Servia to pay indemnity of 80,000,000 marks, and Bulgaria to retain Pirot until the money is paid. Tlie Servians decline to accept the terms, and the war is expected to be renewed on Monday.

Belgrade. Saturday. Colonel Sava Gruics has been appointed Minister at St. Petersburg in the room of General Horvatovics. This appointment is recorded as indicating a rupproachement between Servia and Russia, Colonel Gruics being known for his Russian sympathies. No further steps have been taken by the diplomatic body here to promote the conclusion of peace between Servia and Bulgaria; the Austrian Government having taken tbe conduct of the negotiations into its own hands. M. Lubibratics has issued an address calling on all patriots and friends of Servia to rally round the volunteer standard, and drive the Bulgarians from Servian territory. Young men from the Banat are joining the Servian Army. The hope that Bulgaria would awent to the Servian conditions of peace is fading, as the Government of the Principality continues to insist on retaining the occupied territory until all the conditions have been fulfilled by the Servians. Should Servia, in the event of a renewal of hostilities, be overtaken by fresh disaster. It is understood that Austria and Russia would come to an agreement as to there respective action, in order to .avoid a conflict between Empires.

Dec. 9. The Daily Chronicle special correspondent at Sofia telegraphs that Prince Alexander has given Servia 24 hours to reply to his last proposals, falling which he will make an appeal to Europe. Absolute secrecy is exercised at Pirot with reference to the military questions It is announced from Constantinople that Madjid Pasha has been appointed to assist Prince Alexander in concluding peace with Servia. The Government party of Servia publishes in the official organ of the kingdom a long statement on the situation, protesting against the Bulgarian demands, and denying that Servia is vanquishied. It exacts, as the terms of an armistice, mutual evacuation, or the retention by both sides of thier present positions. Meantime war preparations in Servia continue, five battalions of fresh troops having left Belgrade yesterday for Nisch.

Mr. William H. Vanderbiit dropped down dead from paralysis of the brain, at his home, in Fifth-avenue, New York, the other day, aged 64. Some years ago, before the great “war of rates” in 1881, Mr. W. H. Vanderbilt was certainly the richest man in the world. The exact amount he was worth was not, of course, known, but the general belief was that he had inherited property equal to something like sixteen millions sterling on his father’s death, and had since doubled it. No doubt the events of the last four years have materially reduced this enormous mass of wealth, but it is certainly much larger than the sum bequeathed to him even now. Whatever the exact sum may be, however,, it is safe to say that no other wealthy man, even in the.United State, was nearly as wealthy as Mr. Vanderbilt. It was generally reported, and, we believe correctiy, that he invested ten millions sterling ~ in United States Government -Stock about the time when he ceased to be the nominal piesident of the New York Central, possibly as a precaution against a rainy day. Many men who have a great reputation for wealth would find it difficult to realise in Solid cash all they are supposed to be worth, but probably Mr. Vanderbilt’s proportion of sound investments to total property was higher than that of most American railway kings.

Mr. William Henry Vanderbilt was the second son of Mr. Cornelius Vanderbiit. He was born about 1821, on Stat en Island. He received only the ordinary education of an American youth, and did not show much ability until he was approaching 30 years of age. His father had regarded him as quite unfit to follow in his own footsteps, but “The Commodore” found out eventually that his son was by no means stupid though he had developed slowly. Mr W. H. Vanderbilt had the good fortune to marry Miss Kissum, a lady of Dutch origin, who used her influence over him to arouse his ambition and when his father obtained control of the New York Central and other railroads he placed Mr. Vanderbilt in positions of responsibility connected with them. For many years he was one of the vice presidents of the New York Central, and gradually became, under his father’s teaching, a clever operator In Wall-street, and quite shrewd enough,as it turned out, to keep, and even greatly increase the vast sum left to him. Malicious rumours were, indeed, current that “The Commodore” never had entire confidence in William Henry Vanderbilt, and that on more than one occasion his father used him as a blind, instructing him to sell and buy at the wrong time, in order to mislead the public. But Cornelius Vanderbiit’s will showed plainly, that he believed in William Henry, for be left him four-fifths of the total estate of £20,000,000. This: disposition of so immense a property was not likely to pass unchallenged by Mr. W. H. Vanderbilt’s elder brother and sisters, who endeavoured, unsuccessfully, to set the will aside on the ground that William Henry bad obtained it by the use of undue influence over his father.

Mr. W. H. Vanderbilt was not often seen in public, and was averse to mixing in general society, but those Who knew him well describe him as genial in manner and generous in disposition. His public spirit was shown in more than one instance, especially in the foundation of the Vanderbiit University in the State Of Kentucky, which cost him a million dollars- he never meddled with politics. His chief amusements were horse-trotting and cards. The former was an old pursuit of his, for when still young he had paid much attention to it. When a rich man he was very proud of owning Maud S., that famous trotter of whom it was said that she did not strike the observer as at all remarkable for speed, but nevertheless passed everything on the road. The bulk of Mr. Vanderbilt’s property will, we may assume, go to his eldest son, Cornelius. It does not seem likely that his death will produce any financial trouble. A year ago it would probably have led to grave disasters.

President Cleveland’s message was transmitted to Congress on the 8th inst. After alluding in feeling terms to the death of Mr. Hendricks, the late Vice President, it Proeeds to state that America’s relations with foreign States are friendly, although some exception is taken to the action of the Austrian Government in requesting the withdrawal of Mr. Keiley. The message then deals with the recent trouble at Panama, the Nicaragua Canal scheme, the Coago question (with reference to which the government reserves its liberty of action), and a number of other foriegn subjects. Among the home questions alluded to are the revenue, the currency—with reference to which the President recommends the suspension of the compulsory coinage of silver dollars—the navy, Civil Service reform, and the Mormons, the President recommending the paving of a law to prevent the immigration of Mormons.

Fermanagh, North.Redmond (N), 3255; Blomfield (c), 2822.

MERINETHSHIRE, - Robertson (L), 3784; Wynne (C), 2209; Morgan Lloyd (L), 1907 ROSS AND CROMANTY - McDonald (Crofter), 4942; Munro-Ferguson of Novar (L), 2925.

CHESHIRE, MACCLESFIELD DIVISION. - Brocklehurst (L), 3311; Brooks (C), 2846.

LANCASHIRE, S.E., MIDDLETON. - Salis-Schwabe (L), 5882; Fielden (C), 4885. S.E, STRETFORD. - Agnew (l), 4866; MACLURE (c), 4676. s.w., bootle. - sANDYS (c), 6715; Whitbread (L), 3915.

YORKSHIRE, W.R., SHIPLEY. - Craven (L), 7022; Hardy (C), 4825. W.R., SOUTH, HALLAMSHIRE. - Mappin (L), 6454; Fitzwilliam (C), 4451. W.R., EAST, SPEN-VALLEY. - Woodhead (L), 5826; J.E. Gladstone (C). 2732.

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE, NEWARK. - Lord Newark (C), 5283; Earp (L), 3519.

SHROPSHIRE, WELLINGTON. - Brown (L), 4801; Saney (C), 2571.

GLAMORGANSHIRE, E-Thomas (L), 4886; Clarke (C), 2086.

EAST CORK. - Lane (N), 4314; Stuart (Loyalist), 266.

MIDDLESEX,UXBRIDGE. - Dixon- Hartland (C),5993; Rickman (L), 2615.

HERTFORDSHIRE, ST. ALBAN’S - LOrd Grimston (C), 4107; Coles (L), 3037.

ANTRIM, MID - O’NEILL (c), 3832; Dickson (L), 2713.

CORNWALL, ST, AUSTELL. - Borlase (L), 4464; John-stone (C), 2183.

CUMBERLAND, PENRITH. - Howard (L), 3821; J.W. Lowther (C), 3448.

DERBYSHIRE, CHESTERFIELD.- Barnes (L), 3408; Macdonna (C), 2136; Haslam (labour), 1907.

DEVONSHIRE, TOTNES. - Mildmay (L),4287; Lopes (C), 3352.

DORSET, WEST.- Farquharson (C), 3508; Batten (L), 3365.

DURHAM, MID. - Crawford (labour), 5799; Tempest (C), 3245.

ESSEX, EAST. Kitching (l), 4509; Gray (C), 3878.

HAMPSHIRE, NEW FOREST. - Compton (C), 4281; Bompas (L), 3511.

HAMPSHIRE, EAST. - Lord Wolmer (L), 3414; NIcholson (C), 3253; Henty (C), 179.

HUNTS, N. - Fellowes (C), 2775; Lord Gordon (L).

LANCASHIRE, S.E. (RADCLIFFE). - Leake (L), 5092; Hulton (C), 4579.

LANCASHIRE, S.W. (Widnes). - Moss (C), 4327; Muspratt (L), 2650.

MONMOUTH, N. - Price (L), 5693; Rolles (C), 3226.

NORTHUMBERLAND (HEXHAM). - M’Innes (L), 5193; Sir M.W. Ridley (C), 3663. SURREY, N.E. - Bonsor (C), 6189; Cooper (L), 3745.

SUSEX, EAST. - Brookfield (C), 4526; Inderwick (L), 4303.

WARWICKHIRE, N. - MUntz (C), 4338; Beale (L), 3856.

WORCESTERSHIRE,S. - Temple (C), 4080; A. Chamberlain (L), 3848.

YORKSHIRE, W.R. North (Elland). - Wayman (L), 6516; Rasch (C), 3417. - W.R. North (Skipton), - Sir M. Wilson (L), 5059; Lister (C), 4269.

GRAMORGANSHIRE, SOUTHERN. - Williams (L), 3945; Llewellyn (C), 3351. AYRSHIRE, N. - Elliott (L), 5700; Cochran - Patrick (C), 4740.

PEEBLES AND SELKIRK. - Tennant (L), 1747; Montgomery (C), 1038

LONGFORD, N. - Justin McCarthy (N)< 2592; Wilson (C), 163.

GLOUCESTERSHIRE, MID. - Hon, H.R. Brand (L), 4646; Holloway (c0, 4333.

HERTFORDSHIRE, N. - Dimsdale (C), 4418; Fordham (L), 2869.

KENT, MID. - Hon, J.S, Gathorne-Hardy (C), 6212; Waterlow (L), 5118.

LANCASHIRE, N.E. - Lord Cranborne (C), 5878; J. G. Potter (L), 5873.

LINCOLNSHIRE, SPALDING, - Finch - Hatton (C), 4658; Stewart (L), 4580

OXFORDSHIRE, MID. - Maclean (L), 4327; Lord Valentia (C), 4138.

SHROPSHIRE, S. - Jaspar Moore (L), 4642; Sir B. Leighton (C), 4541.

CARMARTHENSHIRE, W. - Powell (L), 4566; Emlyn (C), 2940.

GLAMORGANSHIRE, RHONDA. - Abraham (Labour), 3859; Davis (L), 2992.

KINCARDINESHIRE. - Sir G. Balfour (L), 3160; Porteus (C), 1267.

ARMAGH, MID. - McKane (C), 4178; Leamy (N), 2667.

DUBLIN, NORTH. - Claney (N), 7560; Caldbeck (C), 1425.

KERRY (E). - Sheehan (N), 3069; Robertson, 30.

LOUTH (N). - Nolan (N), 2580; Callan (IN), 1451,

YORKSHIRE, N.R., CLEVELAND. - H.F. Pease (L), 6948; Hon. Guy Dawnay (C), 2845. Thirsk. - Col. Dawnay (C), 5966; Turton (L), 4503.

DUMRARTONSHIRE. - Orr Ewing (C), 4514; Reid (L), 4357.

ABERBEENSHIRE, E. - Esslemont (L), 6509; Wobudge Gordon (C), 3155.

SUFFOLK, EYE. - Stevensson (L), 3556; Rodwell (C), 3360

NORTHAMPTONSHIRE, E. - Charming (L), 5414; Ramsden (C), 3359.

LEICESTERSHIRE, M. HARBRO’. - Paget (L), 5502; Tapling (C), 5336.

Lincolnshire, Brigg.Sir H. M. Thompson (L), 5643 ; Atkinson (C), 3006.

Gloucestershire, Forest of Dean.Blake (L), 5143; Hon. J. Plunkett (C), 2421.

Norfolk, Mid.Gurdon (L), 5275.; Fellowes (C), 2872.

Durham, N.W.Jones (L), 5081; Wilbraham (C), 3085.

Cornwall, Truro.- Smith (L), 3816 ; St. Aubyn (C), 2883.

Cambridgeshire, Wisbech.Rugby (L)f 3919; Selwyn (C).3506.

Cheshire, Knutsford.Hon. A. Egerton (C), 4C63 ; Barlow (L), 3596.

Surrey, Guildford.Hon. St. J. Brodrick (C), 4485 ; Gosling (L), 3750.

Westmoreland, Appleby.Hon. W. Lowther (C), 2694; Whitehead (L), 2684.

Kilkenny, N.Marum (N), 4084 ; Bellew (C), 174.

Tyrone, E.Reynolds (N), 3919; Stuart (C), 3368.

Wiltshire, Chuppenham.-Fletcher (L), 3880; Lord Somerset (C), 3574.

Derbyshire, High Peak.Side»ottom (Q, 4199; Chatham (L), 4190.

Berks, Wokingham.Sir G. Russell (C), 4710; Lawrence (L)r3062.

Oxfordshire, Banbury.Samuelson (L) 4436; Wynne (C), 2944.

Carnarvonshire, Arfon.Rathbone (L), 46C2; Platt (G), 2831.

Essex, Romford.Westiake (L), 4570; Theobald (C), 4306.

Kent, Ashford.Pomfret (C), 6020; Whiteley (L), 4895.

Sussex, Chichester.Earl of March (C). 4760; Gibbs (L), 2470.

Yorkshirb, E. R, Holderness.Bethell (C), 4160; Smith (L), 3577-

Tipperaey, South.John O’Connor (P), 3572; Barton (C), 122.

Westmeath, South.Sullivan (P). 3618: Smith (Loyalist). 200

GLOUCESTERSHIRE, THORNBURY. - Howard (L), 4831; Ackers (C), 4689.

SLIGO, SOUTH (? NORTH). - SEXTON (N), 5151; Percival (C), 241.

DEVONSHIRE, SOUTH MOLTON. - Viscount Lymington (L), 4923; Trefusis (C), 2923.

KENT, DARTFORD. - Sir W. Hart- Dyke (C), 4488; Saunders (L), 4006.

CARLOW. - E.D. Gray (N), 4801; Butler (C), 751

LANARKSHIRE, PATRICK. - Craig-Sellar (L), 3726; Lord H. Lennox (C), 3385; Murdoch (Crofter), 74. North-West. - Baired (C), 4545; Graham (L), 3442. Govan, - Pearce (C), 3677; Bennett Burleigh (L), 3522.

Lancashire, S.W. (Southport). Pilkington (L), 3741; Edwardes-Moss (C), 3581. South-East (Prestwich). - Buckley (L), 5414; Mowbray (C), 4686. Gorton. - Peacock (L), 5300; Flatley (C), 3452.

Middlesex, Harrow. - Ambrose (C), 4214; Milner, (L), 3241.

Monmouthshire, West. - Warrington (L), 6730; Williams (C), 1341.

Antrim, East. - Captain M’Calmont C, 4180; M.R. Dalway L, 2105.

Argyleshire. Macfarlane (Crofter), 3340; M’Kinnon (C), 2856 ; Maccaig (L), 670.

Ayrshire. South.Mason (L). 7357; Major-Gen. Alexander (C), 4947..

Berwickshire. - Hon. Marjoribanks (L), 3758 Col. Home (C), 1225.

Cambridgeshire, Newmarket. - Newnes (L), 3956; Hicks (C), 2985,

Cornwall, Camborne, - Conybeare (R), 2976; Vivian (L), 2577.

Cheshire, Hyde.Ashton (L), 4546; Legh (C), 3990.

Cumberland, Cockermouth.Valentine (C), 8845 ; Sir Wilfrid Lawson (L), 3835,

Denbighshire, Bromfiald.Morgan (L), 3831; Sir H. W. W. Wynn (C), 8438.

Derbyshire, Mid.Jacoby (L), 5447; Barrow (C), 3067.

Donegal, East. - O’Connor (P), 4089; - Lea (L), 2992.

Durham, Bishop Auckland. - Paulton (L), 5907; Wyvill (C), 2280.

Essex, South-eastern.- Col. Makins (C), 3707; Wills (L), 3500.

Falkire, Boroughs.Ramsay (L), 3104; Mahon (C), 2204; Weir (Ind. L), 814.

Fifeshire, East.Kinnear (L), 4533; Captain J. Gilmour (C), 2577.

Lancashire, ClitheroeSir U. Kay Shuttleworth (L), 6821; Thursby (C), 4462.

Lincolnshire, Horncastle.Stanhope (C), 4824; Threlfell (L), 3959.

Longford, South.Connolly (P), 3046; Wilson (C), 321.

Nottinghamshire, Bassetlaw. Beckett-Denison (C), 4367 ; Foljambe (L), 4072.

Northumberland, Tyneside.Grey (L), 5782 ; Bruce (C), 3446.

Radnorshire.Walsh (C), 1880; Rogers (L), 1813.

Renfrewshire, East.Finlayson (L), 3642 ; Gilmour (C), 3144.

Surrey, Kingston-on-Thames.Ellis (C), 4915; Hodgson (L), 3206.

Staffordshire, Kingswinford.Hill (C), 5161; Harrison (L), 4530. S

ussbx, Eastbourne.Captain Field (C), 3561; G. A. Wallis, (L), 3497.

Sussex, Lewes.Sir H. Fletcher (C), 5312, W. E. Hubbard (L) 3187.

Wiltshire, Westbury.G. P. Fuller (L), 5333; Lord H. Thynne (C), 3639.

Yorkshire, Richmond.Sir F. A., Millbank (L), 4869; G. W. Elliot (C), 4320. Y

oreshire, Osgoldcross.Sir J. Ramsden (L), 5153; R. Hardy (C), 3053.

Yorkshire, Holmfirth H. J. Wilson (L), 6206 ; Col. Hon. H. Legge (C), 3063.

Buckinghamshire, North.Captain E. H. Verney, R.N. (L), 5462 ; Sir Samuel Wilson (C). 4006.

Carmarthenshire, East.D. Pugh (L), 4457 ; Sir M. O. M. Lloyd (C), 2122.

Devonshire, Barnstaple.G. Pitt Lewis (L), 4577 ; A. Kekewich (C), 3734.

Dorset, East.Hon. P. Glyn (L), 4543; G. H. Bond (C), 3846.

Essex, Saffron Walden.H. Gardener (L), 4755; Hon. C. H. Strutt (C), 3006.

Fermanagh, SoutH.H. Campbell (P), 3574; F. Brooke (C), 2181.

Gloucestershire, North.J. ;R. Yorke (C) 4666; G. Samnelson (L), 4484.

Inverness-shire. Fraser Mcintosh (Crofter), 3555; R. MacLeod of MacLeod (C), 2031; Sir K. S. Mackenzie (L), 1897.

Kent, 8t. Augustine’s.A. Akers Douglas (C), 5842; A. Simmons (L), 3582.

King’s Co., Tullamore.Dr. J. Fox (P), 3700; W. H. Walsh (L), 323.

Lancashire, North LonsdalkW. G. Arnslie (C),4166 ; Sir Farrer Herschell (L), 3979.

Leitrim, North.Conway (P) 4686; Tottenham, (C), 541.

Londonderry, SouthLeahy (P), 4123; Col. C. B. M’Calmont (C),2342; W. Findiater (L), 1816.

MonmouthshireRendal (L), 4044; Watkin W. Wynn (C), 3380.

Norfolk, South-Wbstehn.Tyssen Amherst (C), 4096 ; Sir William Gurdon (L), ?176.

Queen’s Co., Ossory.O’Connor (P), 3959; Caldbeck (C), 293.

Roscommon, South.Commits (P), 6Q33; Ta’bot (C), 338.

Somersetshire, Bridgwater.Stanley (C), 3935 ; Trevilian (L), 3855.

Somerset, Wells.CoL Paget (C), 4201; Ralli (L),. 3335.

Warwickshire, Rugby. Cbbb (L), 4877 ; Darlington (C), 3533.

Waterford, East.Power (P), 3270; De La Poer (C), 314.

Wicklow, West.Byrne (P), 3721; Dick (C), 871.

Wick Group.Cameron (L), 915; Pender (L). 868.

Worcestershire, NorthHingley (L), 5774; Bund (C), 2155.

Yorkshire, Buckrose.Sykes (C), 4081; Cousins (L), 3785.

Essex, Walthamstow.Buxton (L). 4329; Baring (C), 4120.

Leicestershire, Mid.Ferguson (L), 4733 : Hon. M. Curaon (C), 3693.

Cornwall, St. Ives.Sir J. St Aubyn (L), 3313; Boss (C). 2576.

Suffolk, Woodbridge.Everitt, (L), 4978; Lord Rendlesham (C), 4810.

Devonshire, Tavistock. Lord Ebrington (L), 5390; Terry (C), 3172.

Surrey, Chertsey.Hankey (C), 4540 ; Sir H. le Marchant (L), 2560.

Middlesex, Ealing.Lord G. Hamilton (C),4363; Dr. Gordon Hogg (L). 2691..

Wilts, Cricklade.Maskelyne (L), 4341; Stcne, (C), 2776.

Wexford, N.Redmond, J. E. (N). 6531; Stop-ford (C), 817.

Tyrone, &O’Brien (N), 3434; Maxwell Captain (C), 3318.

Galway, E.Harris (N). 4868 ; Nugent (L). 352.

Fifeshire, St. Andrews.Williamson, s. W. (i.), 1256; Sir R. Anstruther (I), 1256.A tie. Considerable excitement prevailed when the result was announced, and Mr. Cook, agent for Mr. Williamson, protested against the validity of the election, and demanded a scrutiny, on the ground that a voter who had two qualifications had voted twice.

Antrim, S Macartney (C), 5047 ; Barbour (L), 3685.

Mayo S.O’Brien, J. F. (P), 4900; Moriey (C), 75.

Nottinghamshire, “ Mansfield.Foljambe, C. G. S. (L), 6120; Home Fayne (C), 2305.

Staffordshire, Handsworth. Wiggin (L), 7057; Graham (C), 4107. Western Hamar Buss (L), 4820 ; Monckton (C), 4106.

Cork, N.Flynn (P), 4982; Walsh (L), 102.

Tipperary, Mid.fiayne, T. (P), 8805; Ryan (C), 255.

Lincolnshire, Gainsboro’Bennett (L), -4955: Gen. Sim (C), 3850

Yorkshire, W.R., North, Sowerby.Crossley, E. (L), 6418 ; Milner, Sir F. (C), 2960.

In consequence of the refusal of the Metropolitan Board of Works to permit the sewage of Tottenham to pass into the main drainage sewer, the Hackney Board of Works has resolved to promote a bill in Parliament with that object

“What an opening and shutting of doors the boys do keep up ‘.” said Margaret, one evening almost at the close of her precious week.

“Yes, indeed; but not.half bad as they do some-times. I thought I heard somebody knock, though, just now.” “

I think not. Your little ears are getting altogether too sharp, lately.”

“Well, I thought so; but I don’t know anybody that could come in to see us in the evening; do you ?” Susie looked very happy and comfortable among her pillows, though not strong enough to sit up as yet. Don’t you wish the boys would go to bed ? and then we should be just aa still as mice.”

“It’s high time; but I suppose mother is busy.”

“Master Walter,now came lumbering up the stairs, and sat down deliberately-on-the-top most one, swinging his feet up on to the floor before he delivered his message.

“ Mother says you must come down, Margaret!” Susie’s ire rose at the positive summons. It was all very well for Margaret to offer her assistance; but sbe did not approve of having it demanded.

‘What for ?” she asked, rather sharply, as Margaret began to put her work aside. “There’s a man wants to see her. Me and Al went to the door.”

“A man?” and Margaret dropped her spool and scissors, as she rose hastily. “ A gentleman ? Who is it?”

“Don’t know,” said the youngster, gravely. “ He’s got a cane.” And then, as if a sudden plan had seized him with this recollection, he began sliding downwards as fast as possible.

“Stop a minute,” said Margaret, unaccountably fluttered by such an unusual occurrence. “ Can’t you tell me what he looks like?”

“Jest like a man. I’m goin’ to ride on hiscane, too; see if I don’t!” And the unsatisfactory messenger put himself beyond the reach of further questioning.

Margaret could think of but one person in the world, of course the most unlikely one to seek her in her own house. Nevertheless, she stopped to smooth her hair, and rearrange her black silk apron. She charged herself with folly as She did so; but nevertheless, her heart beat fast and her cheek flushed. She wondered how it looked downstairs—whether the tea-things were washed, and the baby’s clothes gathered up and put away. She wished sho had thought to offer her assistance a little sooner, and the boys would have been out of the way besides. For the first time in her life, she wished they could afford to have a fire occasionally in the little narrow, unused boat room.

After all this flutter of expectation, Mr. Wood, her distinguished-looking fellow-clerk, rose to meet her, with one of his most overwhelming bows, and evidently “got up” elaborately for the occasion.

Margaret’s worst fears, as regarded let enfant’s terribles, were confirmed. They were in loud dispute over the possession of the taper walking-stick Mr. Wood had unguardedly laid aside with his hat; and, though he. endeavoured to appear several shades more elegant than usual, it was plain that his mind was distracted by its threatened demolition between them.

“1 got it first !” shouted Al,, holding firmly by the ornamental head, a delicately wrought hand in bronze. It might have been moulded after Mr. Wood’s own.

“ I don’t care; I meant to have it upstairs; didn’t I? Didn’t I say I was coming right down to ride on it?”

Mr. Wood endeavoured to compose himself. “He had taken the liberty,” he said, (done her the honour” was expressed by his manner),” of calling to see where Miss Grant had secluded herself so long. She could have no idea what a wide chasm her absence had caused to every one, her humble servant included.”

Mrs. Grant, listening intently, nodded her head to her husband, as much as to say,” Did you hear that? I’ told you so,” and administered a slap at random between the disputants, whoso movements disturbed her only bo far as they made the visitor’s elegant accents rather indistinct.

Disappointment and annoyance combined to make Margaret’s manner even colder than she intended, as she seized the first pause to introduce her guest to her father and mother.

Mr. Wood scarcely condescended to take notice of a ceremony bo useless as far us he was concerned. As Margaret seated herself, he turned his chair directly back to Mrs. Grant’s and continued his complimentary discourse.

Walter having become the victor, by the undignified stratagem of a pinch and a trip, mounted his charger in triumph, and careered round the room, adding discord to disorder.

“What did Miss Grant do with herself on Sundays ?” was the next insinuating inquiry. “Never had the pleasure of meeting her, though usually favoured by a bow from most of the other young ladies. Very nice set of girls, particularly Miss Long. Did Miss Grant visit Miss Long? She lived in such a remakably genteel neighbourhood

Margaret understood perfectly well this indirect allusion to the obscurity of her own residence, as well as the furtive glances sent about the room over the top ofiis hat, of which he had thought beet to repossess himself. As to his appearance under her father’s roof, and his conversation generally, he expected her to be overwhelmed—she was, with vexation. Though she did not in her heart respect Mr. Wood’s opinion, it was very mortifying to be obliged to receive her first gentleman visitor under such circumstances.

No one is quite invulnerable to the opinions of others; and perhaps we care most when we expect julgment by a false standard.

Mr. Grant laid down his papers with something of hia ojd good breeding in his manner, very, different from his wife’s. She openly resented their visitor’s incivility when— notwithstanding Mr. Grant’s movement—he continued to direct his conversation exciusively to Margaret, and commenced talking to her husband, in a very loud tone, on various household topics, calculated to interest no one but’themselves. “Did Miss Grant ever visit? the theatre?” resumed Mr. Wood, after a break in his narrative of “ what had been going on” in Regent-street during her absence.

“No? Was it possible! He should be delighted to escort her some evening, or to the opera. The season opened in the holidays, as she was probably aware, with an excellent troupe. And there were ooncerta; they were extremely fashionable; everybody went to Canterbury Hall; Miss Long had given him the pleasure of her society tooa But perhaps Miss Grant did not care for music.

On the contrary, she was very fond of it; and Mr. Wood felt that he had achieved a triumph when she was forced to acknowledge that she had not heard one of the distinguished artists whose names he so glibly rehearsed

Mr. Wood was at once original and consoling, as be responded “Better late than never.” He might apply it to his call on Miss Grant, though he had frequently promised himself the pleasure.

snap! went the treacherous reed on which Mr. Wood (figuratively) leaned. “ Walter, having resigned it to his brother, was hanging about and eyeing suspiciously the trinkets suspended to the resplendent watch-chain displayed on Mr. Wood’s satin vest; and Al, left to himself, had been occupted in testing its strength by placing it between two chairs, and riding up and down, delighted with the “spring.”

Mr. Wood declared that it was not of the least consequence, in reply to Margaret’s distressed apology ; but his face expressed a strong desire to try the “ spring “ of the remainder on the shoulders of the offender, and, perhaps for fear of further damage to his person or possessions. Soon after rose to go. “He was sorry to be obliged to tear himself away so soon, but a pressing engagement made it unavoidable. Was there anything he could do for Miss Grant in her much-to-be-regretted retirement ? She must not hesitate to command him.”

He evidently anticipated she would accompany him to the door, and allowed his disappointment when’ Mr. Grant took up the lamp to guide him through the narrow, unlighted hall. The departure was; worthy of the advent Margaret was to feel .herself extremely flattered by the warmth of his adieus to herself; but he stalked past Mrs. Grant without notice, and did not even vouchsafe a civil good-night to her father,who patiently held the lamp aloft in the passage.

“Well, Maragret, so you’ve got a beau at last,” said Mrs. Grant, before be was fairly out of heating, “It’s high time. Hush your racket, and be off to bed this minute”—the order being addressed to the boys ; and Margaret could but think it would have been Just as well if it had been given and enforced a little earlier in the evening.

“Wa’n’t them gold things to his chain splendid ?”, commented Walter, as his mother seized him’ by the collar of his jacket to facilitate his movements. “1 mean to have ‘em next time.”

“1 don’t think much of his manners, though,”pursued Mrs. Grant. “He might have run his head against the wall, for all me, if I’d been your father before I’d a’ shown him out.”

Margaret went back to Susie more depressed than she had beensinca her week at homo commenced. -A vague feeling that something uncomfortable had happened, and was still to grow out of this visit, hung over her. Susie was half sitting up in ted, awaiting her eagerly.

“How long he did stay! Was it Mr. Ch-, sister?”

What had put that into the child’s mind ? She could not have read Margaret’s fluttering thoughts as she left the room.

Mr Ch-? No, indeed, Susie ! What would he come here for ?”

“Oh, I don’t know! I’m so glad!” and she fell back on her pillows contentedly.

“Why?” asked Margaret, still more surprised. “Glad of what?”

“Because I knew the voice right away; and it was the man who teased me so at the shop, and laughed at me. I shouldn’t like it to be Mr. Ch-.”

Susie did not explain “why;” and Margaret did not ask her; but she would not have liked it to be Mr. Ch — either.

It was almost dark. The clouds, after veering and floating about all day, had closed down with an ashen, sombre hue in the twilight; and snow began to fall finely and evenly, as if the storm intended to come to something of consequence—a rare thing for the climate and the season. It was watched by two gay young creatures from the windows of a wide, old-fashioned house in Bloomsbury.

It was the night of the first opera, tho opening of the season; and their toilets were already completed. No wonder that they were impatient for the arrivals I that were to signal the tea-bell! “How late it is!”’ And a tiny watch was drawn out for the fifth time, at least, within the half hour.

“Suppose we practise a little while ? That will make the time go faster.” Josephine made an impatient, restless movement.

“Oh, I can’t settle myself to anything when I’m goin out! I hav’nt been able to do a thing all day.”

“ It’s very stupid and unkind in both of them,” said Kate. How she would have done battle if any one else had presumed to say the same! “Here tomes Agnes at last, I do believe.” And sbe flew into :he hall, anticipating her sister’s ring by throwing open the door, and pulling her in with both hands. A gentleman came up the steps at the same moment, knocking the snow lightly from his boots as he entered.

“Tea immediately!” called the younger sister to the servant, who appeared at the head of the stairs. “What could you be thinking of, Lewis ? Josephine and I have been waiting this half hour. The carriage. will be here before you are ready.”

“Plenty of time, Kate,” said her brother, quietly, as gentlemen always do, no matter how much their tardiness has fluttered you, or how few minutes are between you and a positive engagement.

“How delightfully warm the hall is Agnes said, throwing her victorine over her arm, and looking around with a slight shiver, more suggestive of past than present discomfort. “And the parlour looks so cheerful! Really, Kate, I don’t think you know how pleasant your home really is ! you are always in such , a hurry to get out of it.”

“You can have it all to yourself, then, this evening. Father and mother have gone to Anne’s to tea.”

“That’s too bad. I don’t like the idea of leaving you all alone,” said her brother, quickly.

Agnes looked up with a bright, fond smile.

“Thank you, Lewis ; but you know I never mind it. I’m glad father has persuaded mother to go. I think I had better send for them before the carriage goes for you. I shall not care in the least.” “

So you’ve been among your poor people this afternoon. You’re a good creature.” And he stopped to smile and bow to Miss Josephine Wright, as she appeared in the parlour-door, thinking as he did so how very pretty and animated she was.

Never was there a more affectionate family than the Ch-----’s, fer this is their home; and yet, somehow, these young people enjoyed their tea-table chat amazingly in the absence of their elders and betters. There was a certain novelty and sense of freedom to talk what nonsense they liked, with Agnes at the tea-tray, and Lewis seated in his father’s arm-chair directly opposite. There was Very little appetite for the cold tongue and wafer-like biscuit on the part of Kate and Josephine, however, who were listening every moment for the roll of the carriage. They began to think Agnes and Lewis never would be satisfied.

Then came the hooding and cloaking in the hall, with all manner of jests and compliments—Josephine looking prettier than ever in the tasselled rigolette and pink cashmere wrap, which she called a cloak, though it was well that she had only to cross the pavement, if she put her sole dependence in it for shelter. The heedless Kate, though she had groaned over their detention,” discovered, at the last moment, that she had neither gloves nor handkerchief, and that she had left her fan on the table in the dining room; finally, that Lewis had no opera-glass; and there was no earthly use in going to the opera without a glass.

“Do you hear with your eyes, Kate ? “ asked Agnes.

“To see you the better, my dear,” sang Kate, as sho snatched the box from the servant, and ran down the steps to the carriage, where Josephine impatiently awaited her.

So they were gone at last; and “sister Agnes,” as she was usually called by them, turned to her own room for a quiet evening. There was no self-denial involved in its seclusion; it was oftener the reverse-she gave up its stillness, regretfully, for the family circle, or what she really had very little fancy for— general society.

The room seemed to welcome her, as she entered it, with a glow of warmth and comfort, the cheerful fire in the grate throwing its red light over the close- drawn hangings of the windows and the white counterpane, and still whiter pillows of the bed. The gas was shaded just as she liked it, the glare softened, and thrown down upon the round tab.e with its books, the roeewood desk, and many pretty fanciful appliances fer work or study. She had been an invalid when she learned to-love her room so much; but there was no trace of it in tho arrangements now, aside from tho lew easy chair on one sideof the fire, and a couch, almost too comfortable for health, occupying tho opposite corner.

“What an opening and shutting of doors the boys do keep up ‘.” said Margaret, one evening almost at the close of her precious week.

“Yes, indeed; but not.half bad as they do some-times. I thought I heard somebody knock, though, just now.” “

I think not. Your little ears are getting altogether too sharp, lately.”

“Well, I thought so; but I don’t know anybody that could come in to see us in the evening; do you ?” Susie looked very happy and comfortable among her pillows, though not strong enough to sit up as yet. Don’t you wish the boys would go to bed ? and then we should be just aa still as mice.”

“It’s high time; but I suppose mother is busy.”

“Master Walter,now came lumbering up the stairs, and sat down deliberately-on-the-top most one, swinging his feet up on to the floor before he delivered his message.

“ Mother says you must come down, Margaret!” Susie’s ire rose at the positive summons. It was all very well for Margaret to offer her assistance; but sbe did not approve of having it demanded.

‘What for ?” she asked, rather sharply, as Margaret began to put her work aside. “There’s a man wants to see her. Me and Al went to the door.”

“A man?” and Margaret dropped her spool and scissors, as she rose hastily. “ A gentleman ? Who is it?”

“Don’t know,” said the youngster, gravely. “ He’s got a cane.” And then, as if a sudden plan had seized him with this recollection, he began sliding downwards as fast as possible.

“Stop a minute,” said Margaret, unaccountably fluttered by such an unusual occurrence. “ Can’t you tell me what he looks like?”

“Jest like a man. I’m goin’ to ride on hiscane, too; see if I don’t!” And the unsatisfactory messenger put himself beyond the reach of further questioning.

Margaret could think of but one person in the world, of course the most unlikely one to seek her in her own house. Nevertheless, she stopped to smooth her hair, and rearrange her black silk apron. She charged herself with folly as She did so; but nevertheless, her heart beat fast and her cheek flushed. She wondered how it looked downstairs—whether the tea-things were washed, and the baby’s clothes gathered up and put away. She wished sho had thought to offer her assistance a little sooner, and the boys would have been out of the way besides. For the first time in her life, she wished they could afford to have a fire occasionally in the little narrow, unused boat room.

After all this flutter of expectation, Mr. Wood, her distinguished-looking fellow-clerk, rose to meet her, with one of his most overwhelming bows, and evidently “got up” elaborately for the occasion.

Margaret’s worst fears, as regarded let enfant’s terribles, were confirmed. They were in loud dispute over the possession of the taper walking-stick Mr. Wood had unguardedly laid aside with his hat; and, though he. endeavoured to appear several shades more elegant than usual, it was plain that his mind was distracted by its threatened demolition between them.

“1 got it first !” shouted Al,, holding firmly by the ornamental head, a delicately wrought hand in bronze. It might have been moulded after Mr. Wood’s own.

“ I don’t care; I meant to have it upstairs; didn’t I? Didn’t I say I was coming right down to ride on it?”

Mr. Wood endeavoured to compose himself. “He had taken the liberty,” he said, (done her the honour” was expressed by his manner),” of calling to see where Miss Grant had secluded herself so long. She could have no idea what a wide chasm her absence had caused to every one, her humble servant included.”

Mrs. Grant, listening intently, nodded her head to her husband, as much as to say,” Did you hear that? I’ told you so,” and administered a slap at random between the disputants, whoso movements disturbed her only bo far as they made the visitor’s elegant accents rather indistinct.

Disappointment and annoyance combined to make Margaret’s manner even colder than she intended, as she seized the first pause to introduce her guest to her father and mother.

Mr. Wood scarcely condescended to take notice of a ceremony bo useless as far us he was concerned. As Margaret seated herself, he turned his chair directly back to Mrs. Grant’s and continued his complimentary discourse.

Walter having become the victor, by the undignified stratagem of a pinch and a trip, mounted his charger in triumph, and careered round the room, adding discord to disorder.

“What did Miss Grant do with herself on Sundays ?” was the next insinuating inquiry. “Never had the pleasure of meeting her, though usually favoured by a bow from most of the other young ladies. Very nice set of girls, particularly Miss Long. Did Miss Grant visit Miss Long? She lived in such a remakably genteel neighbourhood

Margaret understood perfectly well this indirect allusion to the obscurity of her own residence, as well as the furtive glances sent about the room over the top ofiis hat, of which he had thought beet to repossess himself. As to his appearance under her father’s roof, and his conversation generally, he expected her to be overwhelmed—she was, with vexation. Though she did not in her heart respect Mr. Wood’s opinion, it was very mortifying to be obliged to receive her first gentleman visitor under such circumstances.

No one is quite invulnerable to the opinions of others; and perhaps we care most when we expect julgment by a false standard.

Mr. Grant laid down his papers with something of hia ojd good breeding in his manner, very, different from his wife’s. She openly resented their visitor’s incivility when— notwithstanding Mr. Grant’s movement—he continued to direct his conversation exciusively to Margaret, and commenced talking to her husband, in a very loud tone, on various household topics, calculated to interest no one but’themselves. “Did Miss Grant ever visit? the theatre?” resumed Mr. Wood, after a break in his narrative of “ what had been going on” in Regent-street during her absence.

“No? Was it possible! He should be delighted to escort her some evening, or to the opera. The season opened in the holidays, as she was probably aware, with an excellent troupe. And there were ooncerta; they were extremely fashionable; everybody went to Canterbury Hall; Miss Long had given him the pleasure of her society tooa But perhaps Miss Grant did not care for music.

On the contrary, she was very fond of it; and Mr. Wood felt that he had achieved a triumph when she was forced to acknowledge that she had not heard one of the distinguished artists whose names he so glibly rehearsed

Mr. Wood was at once original and consoling, as be responded “Better late than never.” He might apply it to his call on Miss Grant, though he had frequently promised himself the pleasure.

snap! went the treacherous reed on which Mr. Wood (figuratively) leaned. “ Walter, having resigned it to his brother, was hanging about and eyeing suspiciously the trinkets suspended to the resplendent watch-chain displayed on Mr. Wood’s satin vest; and Al, left to himself, had been occupted in testing its strength by placing it between two chairs, and riding up and down, delighted with the “spring.”

Mr. Wood declared that it was not of the least consequence, in reply to Margaret’s distressed apology ; but his face expressed a strong desire to try the “ spring “ of the remainder on the shoulders of the offender, and, perhaps for fear of further damage to his person or possessions. Soon after rose to go. “He was sorry to be obliged to tear himself away so soon, but a pressing engagement made it unavoidable. Was there anything he could do for Miss Grant in her much-to-be-regretted retirement ? She must not hesitate to command him.”

He evidently anticipated she would accompany him to the door, and allowed his disappointment when’ Mr. Grant took up the lamp to guide him through the narrow, unlighted hall. The departure was; worthy of the advent Margaret was to feel .herself extremely flattered by the warmth of his adieus to herself; but he stalked past Mrs. Grant without notice, and did not even vouchsafe a civil good-night to her father,who patiently held the lamp aloft in the passage.

“Well, Maragret, so you’ve got a beau at last,” said Mrs. Grant, before be was fairly out of heating, “It’s high time. Hush your racket, and be off to bed this minute”—the order being addressed to the boys ; and Margaret could but think it would have been Just as well if it had been given and enforced a little earlier in the evening.

“Wa’n’t them gold things to his chain splendid ?”, commented Walter, as his mother seized him’ by the collar of his jacket to facilitate his movements. “1 mean to have ‘em next time.”

“1 don’t think much of his manners, though,”pursued Mrs. Grant. “He might have run his head against the wall, for all me, if I’d been your father before I’d a’ shown him out.”

Margaret went back to Susie more depressed than she had beensinca her week at homo commenced. -A vague feeling that something uncomfortable had happened, and was still to grow out of this visit, hung over her. Susie was half sitting up in ted, awaiting her eagerly.

“How long he did stay! Was it Mr. Ch-, sister?”

What had put that into the child’s mind ? She could not have read Margaret’s fluttering thoughts as she left the room.

Mr Ch-? No, indeed, Susie ! What would he come here for ?”

“Oh, I don’t know! I’m so glad!” and she fell back on her pillows contentedly.

“Why?” asked Margaret, still more surprised. “Glad of what?”

“Because I knew the voice right away; and it was the man who teased me so at the shop, and laughed at me. I shouldn’t like it to be Mr. Ch-.”

Susie did not explain “why;” and Margaret did not ask her; but she would not have liked it to be Mr. Ch — either.

It was almost dark. The clouds, after veering and floating about all day, had closed down with an ashen, sombre hue in the twilight; and snow began to fall finely and evenly, as if the storm intended to come to something of consequence—a rare thing for the climate and the season. It was watched by two gay young creatures from the windows of a wide, old-fashioned house in Bloomsbury.

It was the night of the first opera, tho opening of the season; and their toilets were already completed. No wonder that they were impatient for the arrivals I that were to signal the tea-bell! “How late it is!”’ And a tiny watch was drawn out for the fifth time, at least, within the half hour.

“Suppose we practise a little while ? That will make the time go faster.” Josephine made an impatient, restless movement.

“Oh, I can’t settle myself to anything when I’m goin out! I hav’nt been able to do a thing all day.”

“ It’s very stupid and unkind in both of them,” said Kate. How she would have done battle if any one else had presumed to say the same! “Here tomes Agnes at last, I do believe.” And sbe flew into :he hall, anticipating her sister’s ring by throwing open the door, and pulling her in with both hands. A gentleman came up the steps at the same moment, knocking the snow lightly from his boots as he entered.

“Tea immediately!” called the younger sister to the servant, who appeared at the head of the stairs. “What could you be thinking of, Lewis ? Josephine and I have been waiting this half hour. The carriage. will be here before you are ready.”

“Plenty of time, Kate,” said her brother, quietly, as gentlemen always do, no matter how much their tardiness has fluttered you, or how few minutes are between you and a positive engagement.

“How delightfully warm the hall is Agnes said, throwing her victorine over her arm, and looking around with a slight shiver, more suggestive of past than present discomfort. “And the parlour looks so cheerful! Really, Kate, I don’t think you know how pleasant your home really is ! you are always in such , a hurry to get out of it.”

“You can have it all to yourself, then, this evening. Father and mother have gone to Anne’s to tea.”

“That’s too bad. I don’t like the idea of leaving you all alone,” said her brother, quickly.

Agnes looked up with a bright, fond smile.

“Thank you, Lewis ; but you know I never mind it. I’m glad father has persuaded mother to go. I think I had better send for them before the carriage goes for you. I shall not care in the least.” “

So you’ve been among your poor people this afternoon. You’re a good creature.” And he stopped to smile and bow to Miss Josephine Wright, as she appeared in the parlour-door, thinking as he did so how very pretty and animated she was.

Never was there a more affectionate family than the Ch-----’s, fer this is their home; and yet, somehow, these young people enjoyed their tea-table chat amazingly in the absence of their elders and betters. There was a certain novelty and sense of freedom to talk what nonsense they liked, with Agnes at the tea-tray, and Lewis seated in his father’s arm-chair directly opposite. There was Very little appetite for the cold tongue and wafer-like biscuit on the part of Kate and Josephine, however, who were listening every moment for the roll of the carriage. They began to think Agnes and Lewis never would be satisfied.

Then came the hooding and cloaking in the hall, with all manner of jests and compliments—Josephine looking prettier than ever in the tasselled rigolette and pink cashmere wrap, which she called a cloak, though it was well that she had only to cross the pavement, if she put her sole dependence in it for shelter. The heedless Kate, though she had groaned over their detention,” discovered, at the last moment, that she had neither gloves nor handkerchief, and that she had left her fan on the table in the dining room; finally, that Lewis had no opera-glass; and there was no earthly use in going to the opera without a glass.

“Do you hear with your eyes, Kate ? “ asked Agnes.

“To see you the better, my dear,” sang Kate, as sho snatched the box from the servant, and ran down the steps to the carriage, where Josephine impatiently awaited her.

So they were gone at last; and “sister Agnes,” as she was usually called by them, turned to her own room for a quiet evening. There was no self-denial involved in its seclusion; it was oftener the reverse-she gave up its stillness, regretfully, for the family circle, or what she really had very little fancy for— general society.

The room seemed to welcome her, as she entered it, with a glow of warmth and comfort, the cheerful fire in the grate throwing its red light over the close- drawn hangings of the windows and the white counterpane, and still whiter pillows of the bed. The gas was shaded just as she liked it, the glare softened, and thrown down upon the round tab.e with its books, the roeewood desk, and many pretty fanciful appliances fer work or study. She had been an invalid when she learned to-love her room so much; but there was no trace of it in tho arrangements now, aside from tho lew easy chair on one sideof the fire, and a couch, almost too comfortable for health, occupying tho opposite corner.

Salt fish are quickest and best freshened by soaking in sour milk.

Lobsters boiled and served on toast make a dainty dish for a lunch or tea.

Cold rain-water and soap will remove machine grease from washable fabrics.

Fish may be scaled much easier by first dipping them into scalding water for a moment.

Milk which has changed may be sweetened or rendered fit for use by stirring In a little soda.

Fresh meat, beginning to sour, will sweeten if placed out of doors in the cool air overnight.

Kerosene will soften boots and shoes hardened by water, rendering them as soft and pliable as new.

Boiled starch is much improved by the addition of sperm or salt, or both, or a little gum arabic dissolved

When cooking a large fowl or joint of meat, it may be covered with a buttered paper to prevent its being scorched.

Clear boiling water will remove tea stains ; pour the water through the stain, and thus prevent its spreading over the fabric

Fruit as Food.—It must always be borne in mind that all comparisons of the nutritive value of foods are only reliable in so far as the foods compared are equally digestible. Of invalids it may be said that what is food to one is poison to another, and with them each case has a law to itself. . With the ordinarily-healthy the results are more uniform, but, unfortunately, we know more of the relative digestibility of foods for cattle than of those for men. Experiment has, however, shown that nearly one-half of our ordinary daily food escapes complete digestion and assimilation. In the light of this fact the fruits occupy a very favourable position, the great majority of them showing a very high proportion of soluble matters. This also partly explains the value to invalids of such fruits as Grapes and Strawberries, both of which contain relatively but a small proportion of insoluble matters. The term “anti-scorbutic drinks “shows in what high estimation fruits have always been held as health-preserving agents, and now that more accurate analyses, and a better understanding of the nature and values of foods, show them to be also highly nutritious, it is evident that they should be used as foods. Fruits, from a false idea of their nature, have too frequently been used as drinks and taken at improper times. They have, in consequence, received a bad name, and apprehensive mothers warn their children against fruit, visions of diurrbcea, cholera. Ac., being held up as bogies to enforce obedience; but let them give extract of beef or any other of the supposed concentrated nutritious flesh foods, and watch the result. They wil not have long to wait before the same stomach begin to show themselves, and that in forms more dangerous than ever followed tbe use of ripe fruit at equally unseasonable hours. Fruit should be used as part of a meal. With children and healthy adults, just before breakfast and dinner are the best times. Invalids will find it safer, especially with juicy fruits, to take it about the middle of tbe meal, other dishes preceding and succeeding it. This refers chiefly to uncooked fruit. When cooked and served hot, fruit may be safely taken at any period of the meal. Invalids will also generally find tbe more acid fruits less digestible, and especially so when preceded in the same meal by potatoes. Fruits, especially when not quite ripe, are generally rendered more digestible by eooking. Stewing is the general, and- a good method, but roasting is preferable. This may be done in an oven, or before an open fire. Apples tightly wrapped in paper are easily and pleasantly roasted before the parlour fire. Done in this manner they will generally be found to require little or no sugar, a decided advantage with invalids. Unripe fruits should not be eaten, many of the acids found in the green fruits being poisonous—Dietetic Reformer.

A matter more studied, happily, each season, is the successful blending and harmonising of shades of colour, and different colours. It has, indeed, become quite an art, and one which is especially noticeable in many of tbe newest dinner gowns. One, in preparation for a leader of fashion, is made of old and very rich yellow brocade, and golden-brown satin duchesse; the bodice and train are of the brocade, the front of the dress of satin bouillons which are veiled with wide Brussels lace flounces, which from age have taken a creamy-yellow tint, toning down the brown beneath to a shade which harmonises admirably with the brocade; the square-cut bodice is banded with the satin, over which falls a deep frill of lace. Another lovely dress has the train, polonaise-shaped bodice, and short tunic of sapphire velvet, and beneath it a petticoat of pale shell-pink satin, the velvet fastened back from it with shaded blue bead embroidery, with here and there handsome agrafes; tbe petticoat is trimmed with old lace, and the train lined with pink satin, the corsage having folds of lace-covered satin-draped hankerchief fash on around the shoulders and bust, the velvet sleeves being finished off with a band of the embroidery and lace. This dress is simply charming.

A noticeable point is that rich heavy fabrics are in great request for dinner gowns, plain broche and brocaded velvets, velluto, plush plain and brocaded, and satins almost as stiff in texture as those of our grandmothers’ time. Plain straight trains are chiefly affected with such dresses, either set on in gathers fastened on the outside of the bodice, or in boxpleats beneath it. Light colours for such trains are to be worn more than dark; for example, I have seen a cream velvet, with a raised floral design on it in shades of bronze ever a brown velvet skirt, with side panels of rich brown and gold bead embroidery. Another dress, with a corsage and train of light smoke-grey velvet, has the front breadth of the skirt covered with a handsome design in smoke-pearl embroidery, the side panels being composed of old lace over pink satin, the same style of trimming being repeated round the heart-shaped velvet corsage and the sleeves. A lighter style of dinner dress for a young matron is in pale pink Ottoman silk, tiny silk balls and brown figured or embroidered net; the front is of the silk arranged in a honeycomb pattern, each square being marked out by a little silken ball, and back and sides gracefully draped with the net, which is finished off with a lace edge, and the pointed silk bodice defined by a fringe of silk balls and trimmed with the brown net. White net embroidered in pink looks equally pretty over this dress, which makes up well also in other colours, pale blue, primrose, or grey. An equally pretty style is in ivory moire, ivory satin, and silver-embroidered lace. The trimmings of the moire body, which is low, and pointed before and behind, are of the lace, the sleeves and tablier being entirely composed of it, silver ornaments securing the latter here and there to the skirt, which is of plain ivory satin, as are the paniers, the train being of the moire. Ivory-coloured ostrich feathers tipped with silver are fastened on the shoulder and in the hair by the wearer of this tasteful dress.

In opera cloaks and theatre wraps there ia nothing particularly new; those in which rich velvets and plushes are combined with fur have a more dressy appearance than those made of fur alone. Quite a novelty, however, are the new opera or crusirhats for ladies. They are made of fashionable shape in oOrded silk, and have a silk and lace rosette in front, which prevents their looking too masculine. They fold up without injuring this trlmming. afford ample protection to the head while waiting in draughty corridors, and are adapted for travelling as well as theatre or opera use, as they can be made to match any costume, and take little space to pack, a consideration with those much out and about. May Kensington.

Pretty gowns (I gather from the Paris correspondent of Casell’s Magazine) for evening wear are being made for young folks of tulle, either covered with large silver or steel spots as big as peas, or white or coloured tulles, with tassels of white or coloured pearls all over them. For older people, brown, green, and dark-red tulles are worn, indescribably draped at the back, but mostly with front breadths of contrasting colour and material. For example, with a brown tulle there would be a pink satin front, covered with chenille drops, a mixture of pink and brown ; while for a dinner-gown I have seen the front of r. leather-coloured silk covered with drops of amber crystal, which was so brilliant that it seemed Lke a blaze of light.

Evening dress is naturally now a subject well to the fore. Another authority tells us of some striking novelties in this direction. Says my informant: Commencing with ball dresses, tulle will, for young ladies, be still the best worn material, which, considering its airy racefulness, is no matter for surprise. The varieties of tills fabric are now very humeri us, it being ornamented in every possible manner, dotted with single beads of all sorts, pearls, crystals, gold, silver, steel, jet, and bronze, as well as beads of all the colours of tho rainbow. Bead designs are worked on many of the njw tulles, in crescents, rings, and diamonds, and they are also worked all over with tiny chenille, velvet, or silk spots, and trimmed with little silken balls, matching the spots in colour ; very small flowers are likewise dotted over them, such as daisies in floss silk, with silver or gold centres, violets, forget-me-nots, or primroses. These fancy tulles are not, however, generally used for the entire dress, but as draperies over plain full skirts, for the “ ballet” or waterfall form of skirt will be quite as fashionable this season as it was last, if not more so. Occasional! side panels are seen, but they give a stiff appearance, even when most judiciously employed, which detracts from the lightness and elegance of the toilette. In plain tulle some excessively pretty ball dresses aro being made in three or four shades of the same colour, worn over each other, the effect of such au arrangement being remarkably good, and the style particularly suited to the full form of skirt. For a blonde a blue tulle—the blue of which does not look green at night—is thus made. The first-skirt is of br’ght blue, a rather deep shade ; the second somewhat lighter, the third lighter again, and the fourth of a pale misty bluish white; tbe whole dress giving one the idea of the sky with fleecy clouds floating over it. This dress is perfectly simple, the only trimmings on bodice an4 skirt being bunches of shaded blue ostrich feathers, one worn on the left side, looping up the tulle of tbe upper 6kirt, another on the left shoulder, and a third in the hair, the bodice of blue shot plush taking the different shades of tbe material used in the draperies, appearing in some lights of almost silvery whiteness, in others of cerulean blue. A costume of this description could be made in any colour, in deep yellow paling to primrose, in brown to fawn, smoke colour to greyish white, deep pink to blush rose, terra cotta to delicate salmon, and so on. Black worn over white is also very stylish : a very striking dress, prepared by a Paris house, is composed of black tulle over white tulle, with bodice and plastron of black satin, on which are applique, in white kid, sprays of ivy, the leaves outlined and veined with greenish white silk ; the plastron narrows at the waist and gradually widens out on the front of the skirt, the leaves looking exactly like the tender shoots of white ivy, the natural shape of each leaf being admirably kept, and the black satin ground throwing them out well. The bodice, above the commencement of the plastron, is artistically draped with black tulie over white tulle, sprays of ivy leaves securing the drapery on the shoulders; the side and back draperies, of black over white, have a very soft and pleasing appearance, the dress as a whole being both original and stylish. Another very effective idea is black net thickly studded with tiny steel beads, made up either over steel grey or black tulle, or net skirts, the low bodice being either of grey or black satin cut in deep points before and behind, a band of handsome steel embroidery being laid on flat around the edges of the corsage, and the full-skirt draperies secured on the left side by a similarly embroidered band. Steel ornaments would be worn with this dress. A pretty primrose toilette de bal is in primrose satin and tulle; the skirt of the former material has a box-pleated edge beaded with a deep band of primroses made in velvet; the drapery over the petticoat is of tulle, looped up on the left side by a.trail of primroses and caught up in large poufs at the back, which are formed by the edges of the material being caught underneath. A wide primrose satin sash is arranged to fall in careless loops and ends beneath the pointed satin bodice, and the hard lines round the neck and arms are softeued off with tulle, a bunch of primroses being fastened on the left shoulder, the effect being very pleasing.

This year flowers for trimming wil be less used than last for evening dresses, their place is, unhappily, now filled by birds, minute specimens of bird creation arranged in flights on tbe front or rides of the dress ; butterflies are also fashionable. A flight of emperor butterflies—the real insects—formed certainly a very effective. trimming to a plain grey gauze ball dress, but such decorations are in very questionable taste, however stylish they may be considered. Gold and

The weight of the little package, trifling ns it was, kept her in a glow of satisfaction all the way home, although the weather had changed, and long before her walk was ended, the feathery snow-flakes had covered the side-walk. Fortune had certainly conspired towards Margaret’s red-letter day. Hor father was at bone before ber, an unusual tiling of late; and Mrs. Grant, with her baby on her lap. sat comfortably before the fire, her face beaming with the effulgence of the cloud-castles she was already constructing.

“Ah, Margaret !”—and her father started up as she opened the door—” tired, eh ? Snowing! Why you don’t say it’s snowing! I just came in, and I didn’t notice it. Never mind ; you won’t have the walk much longer. There’s not a doubt left now,”—and out leaped the precious tidings—” uot a doubt. We’re just as sure of that patent as we are of the New Year, though we sha’n’t hear positively for a day or two yet. Mr. Adams wouldn’t make Cooper an offer for his share on an uncertainty. No, of oourse not, such a matter-of-fact man as he is.”

“Did he really ? Oh, father, what if it should come to anything, after all!”

“Should? Why it has, child! You shall have every penny back, and more, too, next month, this time.”

“The first thing to be done is to move into a little more respectable neighbourhood,” suggested Mrs. Grant, whose ideas of gentility had never been satisfied with a court life. “ I’ve lived long enough in this kind of style,! can tell you!”

The door at the loot of the offending back stairs was open. “Margaret!” called a faint, impatient little voice from the cliamber above.“

“Yes, dear.” And, hiding the child’s present under her shawl, with a half smile of expectancy at the pleasure.it was to give, Margaret turned to go.“

”Oh, Margaret” called her father, “ you had better say to Mr. Ch____ to-morrow that he must look out for some one to take your place. I can’t have a child of mine standing behind a counter, at anyone’s beck and call’after this!”

The poor haggard face lighted up with a pitiful pride ; but it was only natural when such great good fortune had befallen him, and when he really loved Margaret better than anything but his dumb idol, this patent. (to be continued)

Lewis did not volunteer any remark, and after some moments’’ pause, he kissed her cheek and thoughtfully departed.

There are some days occurring in protracted storms when the clouds break away unexpectedly, and the sunshine and blue sky gladden us. though we say to ourselves unbelievingly that it cannot last, and there is more darkness for the morrow.

So it was in Margaret’s horizon the day of her return to her duties. Her heart beat free and fast. Her step unconsciously followed the quickened pulse. It was more physical than mental exhilaration, for there were the little debts of the week past ris’ng now and then to her remembrance. There was the danger of a relapse for Susie, especially now that she was left to herself again ; and the moral atmosphere of her home was unchanged, after all her seeking for peace. But she kept all these afterthoughts in abeyance ; she was returning to active duty ; Susie was better for the time, at least; the sun shone; the air was fresh and bracing. Margaret wondered how she could have given up so entirely to despondency the week before.

How cheerful the old shop looked that morning! How pleased the girls seemed to be in having her back again. She felt a kindly glow towards all ; and they noticed how communicative and even playful she had grown in her absence.

So the hours ran on smoothly enough; and at night came an unlooked-for happiness.

Do not smile, dear ladies, because the unexpected receipt of so pitiful a sum as fourteen shillings made Margaret happy. It would be nothing to Mrs.- whose husband, having been successful in yesterday’s speculation, has good-humouredly given her a cheque for fifty pounds, to be invested in jewellery or lace, or an Indian shawl.

The regular day of settlement for the salaries had occurred in Margaret’s absence; and, while she was thinking within herself whether to ask Mr. C- for the amount due to her, which was most pressingly needed at home, one of the cashboys laid a note on the counter before her. It was an unprecedented thing with ber to receive a letter from anyone; but the clear handwriting on this envelope left no place for speculation as to its authorship. It was the simplest of business transactions; yet Margaret’s heart overflowed with happy thoughts as she read it: “

Miss Grant will please find inclosed the amount of ber month’s salary. Lewis Ch-”

There was the amount In full; but it might have been an oversight; if not, how very kind and thoughtful! Mr. C-would know when she went to sign her receipt; but Mr. C------ was not disposed to countenance this irregularity by discussion. 44 If his partner bad inclosed it there could be no error. Mr. Ch-was always correct-- Even Mia* C- was transiently softened for Margaret’s day of sunshine, and appeared a degree less curt and unapproachable than usual.

Ellen Boyne was folding together a remnant of mouseeline as she returned to her post. “Pretty, isn’t it? Somebody will get a child’s frock out of it

On Thursday evening the anniiversary meeting of the Henley Branch of the above Society, was held in St. Mary’s Hall. There was a large attendance. The Rector presided Mr. F.Willans, the celebrated umpire at the Royal Regatta, made a lengthy and very able speech in which he strongly urged those present to become total abstainers. He had been a teetotaler for four or five years. At first he belonged to the moderate section of the Society but he found that was an error, and he joned the total abstinence section. Mr. Willans wore the blue ribbon. Rev. Simon Sturgis spoke and advocated the moderation section of the Society, he considered it to be as good as the toial abstinence section. The Rev. Hodge read e statement showing that the Societv now numbered 133 members, the majority of which belonged to tbe total abstinence section, and that a band of hope had been recently started,and was in a prosperous condition. The Rev. North Pinder proposed a vote of thanks to the speakers which was seconded by Colonel Makins, who said he would not make a speech, as he had had enough of speaking lately, and that he was not in favour of local option, because be thought it was a tyranny. Mr. Bailey, the voters messenger post-man then ascended the platform to speak, but was limited to fire minutes owing to the lateness of the hour. He said he was over 70 years of age and bad been a moderate drinker for 60 years, and he felt as well now asever be did.

On Wednesday and Thursday evening! Pro fessor Leon gave conjuring and musical entertainments in the Assembly Rooms. These entertainments have been a great success at Reading, and the Crystal Palace and other places, but the Professor’s purse will not be any tbe bigger as the result of his visit to Henley. Of the entertainment itself, we can only repeat what others have said, “that it is a really good performance. and well worth going to see.” The cutting of Lottina in half by the Professor is a perfect mystery. The singing of Mr. Shipway is also remarkably good, as are also the vocal efforts of “Lottina.” We hear Professor Leon intends visiting Henley again in the summer.

The whole of the evening on Thursday was devoted to making needful arrangements for the forthcoming open debate on Women’s Suffrage. There was an interchange of views as to the best method of conducting the debate and a small committee was appointed to carry out the details as to the arrangements of seats for members and visitors. The debate will take place at eight o’clock ons Wednesday evening next, in tbe Town Hall Admission by ticket, to be obtained from members of the Society. An animated debate is expected.

Shortly before nine on Thursday morning the traffic on the main line between Twyford and Maidenhead was interrupted by an accident to the up express goods train from Wolverhampton. The spring of one of the trucks broke, anf tbe truck was dragged two miles, until its wheels were torn off. Another truck and two vans, on one of which the guard was riding, broke loose. The up line being blocked, the Reading, Oxford, and other trains were worked over the down line until one o’clock, when the up line was again in working order.

The lamps round the Drinking Fountain are to be removed. It remains to be seen whether the lamps adopted will be sufficient to light the road efficiently.

The General Election Notes, which we give elsewhere, will be found to contain additional cases of sudden death at or during the polling. The death of Colona! Trefusis occurred before the declaration of the poll announcing his defeat.

The old saying about Englishmen loving a lord is fast being falsified. The lords are found to be no longer the people’s idols. Here, for example, is a Norfolk constituency, actually preferring Joseph Arch, the founder of the Labourer’s Union to Lord H. Bentinck ! Mr. Arch is returned as its M.P. by over 900 majority.

Lord Rosebery and Earl Spencer have been to Hawarden. There is evidently grave conference going on as to what should be the next move.

We are glad to find that the Committee of the National Liberal Club have decided to form a Voter’s Protection Society, with a view to take action in cases of intimidation, and other breaches of the Corrupt Practice Act.

Samuel Pepys tells us, in his gossipy “Diary,” that the Thames was frozen on 6th December, 1683-4, and that the ice became so thick (18 inches) that a fair and carnival were held on it. The frost lasted seven weeks. The Thames has since been as completely frozen over in the following yeaes; 1715-16, 1746, 1788-9, and 1814.

Good skating has been had this week on the overflow water of a pond at the Binns, and also in one or two meadows down Remenham lane.

The Liberals will number in the House of Commons 333, the Tories only 250. This does not look much like Conservative re-action in the country

The severe frost of this week has extended over the whole of England. In Scotland heavy snow storms have fallen. A alight fall of snow occurred in this neighbourhood on Wednesday night.

It is a pity that the little ioe in the neighbourhood available for skating should be damaged by mischievous youths making holes in it to trap the unwary.

From the return published in another column it will be seen that nearly as much rain has fallen during the last three months as during the eight months preceding.

The annual meeting of the National Footpath Preservation Society was held last week in London.

or is the Tory re-action to be found in counties. Kent, Sussex, Surrey, dlesex, and Berks, may show a solid y .vote; but what of Cornwall, Devon, ts, Oxford, Leioeeter, Norfolk, Suffolk, rwick, Bedford, Northampton, and even ax 1 Look which- way we may, beyond home counties, and we shall see that eral members have been returned in Isuallv large numbers, and by very large joritiee. The rural voters have shewn t they know how to distinguish between llin and Short, and that Codlin’s new-n zeal for them sprang out of a desire jnatch away their votes, not out of any e for their voters. The triumph of the ->erals in the counties is all the more re-rkable when we take into account the jrts made by the parsons, the squires, 3 the Primrose League.

This is true of England, Scotland, and Wales. Ireland stands by itself. No be-ldered Tory would dare to ask us to look cross the Irish Sea for evidences of Tory action. The few Tories who have been turned for Ireland are a mere drop in the icket, and do not count for much.

But now comes the crucial point. As the balance of parties, giving the Tories the benefit of every Parnellite vote, is so nearly even, what course will the present Government pursue. Rumour says that it will meet Parliament on 12th January, and then adjourn until February. But the Tories alone are as hopelessly in a minority as was Lord Beaconsfield in 1880. Lord Salisbury has asked for a vote of confidence, and the country has refused to give it. The Tory re-action is as unsubstantial as the Cock-lane ghost. The shadowy thing will vanish into thin air the moment Mr. Parnell touches it with his Irish shillelah.

The monthly meeting of the Henley Town Council was held in the Town Hell on Wed. night. There were present, C. Clements, J.P, Mayor, Aldermen Brakspear, ex-Mayor, AldeSimmons, E. Chamberlain, jun., the Town Clerk, end the Borough Surveyor. After the reading of the Minutes, the Surveyor presented his monthly report.

The Town Clerk reported that he had written, as requested, to the Country Magistrates, about the proposed new arrangement as to hire of the Town Hall, and had received from Mr. Davenport an acknowledgement of his letter. He supposed the matter would be attended to at the next Quarter Sessions.

Alderman Hews then read the following report of

The Committee recommend that the lamps at the four corners of the Drinking Fountain be removed from their present position, and that lamps be placed at the corners of the streets, as shown on the plan laid before the last meeting of the council. and they suggest to the Council that No. 708 in the schedule of prices of lamps be the pattern adopted. the Committee have desired the Surveyor to procure a sample lamp for the inspection of the Council. The Committee have considered the subject of water supply for the pumping station of the sewerage works. They make no recommendation, but prefer to leave the question to the Council to determine.

Alderman Hews moved, that the lamps round the four corners of the Drinking Fountain be removed, and placed at the corners of the streets as shown in the plan. This was seconded, and carried. In regard to the kind of lamps to be used, it was suggested that lamps of the same pattern, but of larger size, as the new lamps about to be placed on the Bridge, would be most suitable, a pattern of the same to be procured for the inspection of the Council at the next meeting.

As this question was left open by the Committe for the Council to determine, a long discussion followed, in which Aldermen Hews and Brakspear, Councillors Watts, Ball Coates, and Simmons took part. Councillor Watts, at some length, showed that in his opinion, the cheapest method to adopt would be, sinking a well, and obtaining the necessary water independently of the Water Works Company, and moved a resolution to that effect, which Councillor G. Fuller seconded.

Alderman Brakspear and Councillor Simmons spoke against Councillor Watts’ proposition; and as Councillor Watts raised the question, whether, being Secretary of the Water Works Company, and a shareholder, Councillor Simmons was entitled to speak on the question, and to vote, the Town Clerk read the Act of 1875 in regard to Local Boards, which, he contended, was equally applicable to Town Councils, and which conceded the right, subject to the vote of the Council. This, Councillor Watts demurred to, as, in his opinion, the Municipal COrporations Act of a later date (1882), distinctly laid down that persons interested, directly or indirectly in any companies whose advantage would be prompted by Corporation action, were neither entitled to speak or vote. The mayor ruled, however, that, the object of the discussion being to secure as full information as possible, Councillor Simmons be heard.

It was at last agreed, on the motion of Councillor Chamberlain, that the further discussion of this question be deferred to a special meeting of the Council, which Mr. Shone should be invited to attend, and the relative cost of the different schemes proposed to be meanwhile obtained, so that the Council should have accurate data on which to form a judgment.

Councillor W.T. Coates then read the appended.

It appears from the Treasurer’s report of the General District Fund Account that there is a balance in hand of £202 14s. 10d., and further that there is a balance in hand of £12 18s. 0d., on the Borough Fund Account. The following Bills chargeable on the General District Fund were presented tot examination and allowance, viz:—D. Hayes, horse hire, £9 4s.; G. W. Turner, horse food, £4 Is.; Messrs. Rogers, repairs to stand pipe used by Fire Brigade, 6s.; Knight & Co., wages books, &c., 17s. 5d.; Poor Rates, £216s.; Borough Rate, 8s.; Town Clerk’s Bill for Case laid before Mr. Glen by Order of General Purposes Committee as to Mr. W. Hamilton’s Plans, £3 Is. 8d. ; Surveyor for Wages, £45; Total £65 14s. Id. The following bills chargeable on the Borough Fund were also presented to the Committee for examination and allowance, viz.:—Messrs. Toomer & Co., for coals, 8s- 5d.; Henley Gas Company, gas for the Town Hall, 14s. 8d.; Ditto for Illuminated Clock, £2 4s. Id.; Total £2 18s. 9d.; Poor Rate on Town Hall, £1 4s. 6d.; Borough Rate on ditto, 3s. 6d.; Messrs. Knignt & Co., for Ballot Books, fee., £2 9s. 9d.; Total £7 4s. 11d. The Committee recommend that these bills be paid. The Committee suggest for the consideration of the Council the expediency of the Illuminated Clock being set so as to be extinguished at 11 o’clock.

On the Mayor asking if any member of the Council had any questions to ask. Councillor Watts enquired about the item in the Town Clerk’s bill tor the case laid before Mr. Glen. He, Councillor Watts, understood that the Town Clerk was paid for his legal counsel and advice to the Corporation; and he, Councillor Watts did not, therefore, understand the charge in the bill of the Town Clerk’s professional fee. The Mayor replied that the professional duties of the Town Clerk were set forth at some length, and might, if needful, be read at another time; but as to this particular item, it did not belong to the Town Clerk’s ordinary duties, but was a matter arising out of an order of the General Purposes Committee, which the Council itself at a subsequent meeting, had endorsed.

The suggestion of the Finance Committee on the illuminated clock being set so as to be extinguished it eleven o’clock, was adopted.

As the ground is now hard I would strongly advise taking advantage of it to wheel all manure on to vacant plots. Now is also a capital time to prune apple, pear, and other trees, and cut all overhanging boughs off trees that shade the garden, as it can be done so cleanly, while tho frost keeps the surface hard. In many gardens I see old rubbish heaps lying in some corner or other, and some of these heaps are allowed to remain for years: they can now be wheeled away on to vacant ground, and as soon as the weather is open, dug in, when the rubbish will be found very useful. Those with small greenhouses are very apt to keep them very warm and close in frosty weather. I wish to point out that by doing so a great deal of mischief is sometimes caused; it makes many plants start their growth prematurely, and is more especially injurious to vines. What is required in the case of a cold greenhouse is, to keep the frost out, and above all to give ventilation during the day, while the sun is on the house; but only ventilate from the top; if you ventilate from bottom and top at same time it will allow a very cold frosty draught to pass amongst the plants, and will probably do a lot of mischief. Ferns at this time of year want but little water; they want keeping moist, but not watered until they are fairly dry, in fact all plants want carefully watering at this time of the year, as on this will very much depend the success of keeping them in good health for the winter.—Thomas Spring, Henley Nursery.

 

Rainfall fob November.—Dear Sir.—The fall for above month is 3 inches 22 hths. Rain fell on 16 days; the heaviest fall occurred on the 26th, when half an inch fell. The total fall for 1885 till present time is 25 inches 05 hths, and rain has fallen on 145 days. It may interest my readers to know that nearly as much rain has fallen (all but a quarter of an inch) during the past three months, as we had during the preceding eight months of the year.—Thomas Springs, Henley Nursery.

At the Marlow Petty Sessions, last week, William Plummer, of Hambledon, gardener, was charged with having been out with a stick for the purpose of destroying game on the night of the 21st November.

Charles Smith, gamekeeper to Mr. Scott-Murray, said: About 8 p.m. on the 21st November I saw a man coming through the wood looking up at the trees on both sides of the track. He passed me and turned out of the track, and passed me again. I then went towards him, and when I got near him he made a rush at me with his head down. I took hold of him by the coat collar and said, “You’re the man I’ve been waiting for ever so long.” He tried very hard to get away. I took my staff out. He said “Don’t it me with that now; I’ll be quiet.” I searched him and asked him where his gun was. He said “You’ve got the wrong man; I have no gun.” Plummer had a big hazel stick, and I found five percussion caps in his waistcoat pocket. I then took him to Constable Sears. There are game and pheasants in the wood, and it was a moonlight night.

Jonas Fairweather deposed to finding the defendant’s cap, which had been knocked off, and the keepers stick, which he had dropped 21 yards from the track through the wood.

A fine of £10, with 14s. 6d. costs was imposed.

Plummer asked for time to pay the money. He said he had not sufficient goods, and a warrant of distress would be ruinous.

Constable Ware deposed that in his opinion the defendant had not sufficient household goods to raise the money.

Plummer was sent to prison in default.

William Hayes was charged at the Marlow Petty Sessions, December 2nd, with having trespassed on the land of Sir Joseph Bailey, at Turville, in search of rabbits.

William Whilloek, gamekeeper to Mr. Hoare, of Turville Park, proved the seeing defendant setting a trap at a rabbit hole on the 21ft November.

In defence, Hayes said: I was ploughing in the field. I saw a trap lying just inside the wood. I thought perhaps it belonged to my father, who is allowed to trap the rabbits. I intended to ascertain, and if I found the trap was not ours, to return it.

Hayes was further charged with having stolen the trap.

After hearing the evidence, the Bench dismissed the charge of stealing the trap, and fined the defendant 2s. 6d. for the game case.

The Mayor explained the proposed change in the sewage mains on Gravel Hill, and in Hart Street. The plan was, to carry the sewer at the back of the houses; bat this would pkoe the main at some distance outside the limit prescribed by law, which was 100 feet. The expanses also of obtaining easements over the different properties would be considerable. It was therefore thought best to take the Main sewer down Gravel Hill, and at greater depth. In place of two mains running on either side of Street, from the Church to the Memorial, as this would interfere with the existing surface water drains on each side of Hart Street, it was thought best to have only one main. A less outlay would be needed if these suggestions were adopted. Mr. Smith, Mr. Shone’s resident engineer, was present, and would show plans of the proposed changes, and offer any explanations.

The Corporate Seal was affixed to the mortgage to the Public Works Loan Commissioners.

The Town Clerk laid on the table the Contracts for Sewerage Works, all of which had been signed by the contractors.

School Attendance Officer. Councillor G. Fuller, on behalf of the School Attendance Committee, recommended that the salary of the School Attendance Officer be permanently fixed at £20, and this was agreed to.

Rev. W. P. Pinckney’s Letter.The Mayor read a letter from Eev. W. P. Pinckney as to the insufficient lighting in Greys Lane, and asking for some improvement. The question watt referred to the General Purposes Committee.

A question was asked as to the Alleged Encroachment by Mr. Thos. O. Higgs’ iron fence on the foot-pavement at the Reading-road corner of his house, and the Surveyor was understood to reply that there was no encroachment.

The blinds of the Town Hall were again spoken about, and the Mayor replied that the matter was still in hand, and patterns of blinds had been obtained.

The Council sitting lasted for three hours, during which time the fire went out, and the Hall grew gradually colder,* to the no small dis-comfort of every one present.

Tuesday.—December 15th.—United Temperance meeting in the Assembly Rooms at 7.30.

Wednesday.—Young Men’s Society, open debate on “ Women’s Suffrage,” in the Town Hall, at eight.

Thursday.—Friar Park Amateur Theatricals at | St. Mary’s Hall.

Tuesday — December 29th—Sherwood’s Queen, at the British School-rooms at 7.30.

Dear Sir,—i shall be glad if you will allow me through your columns to thank my numerous friends for the kind letters of sympathy I have received with reference to the disappointing result of last Tuesday’s poll.

Owing to causes, which I do not here wish to enter into, we have been defeated ; but we have not been disgraced.

The comparatively small majority by which Colonel Harcourt, with his great territorial influenoe, defeated a stranger like myself, argues well for the popularity of Liberal principles in South Oxon, and ought to encourage earnest Liberals to efforts that will ensure success for the good cause at the next general election.

I shall always look back with pride to the late contest; and I shall ever remember, with a deep sense of gratitude, the heartiness of the welcome, the strenuous support, and the kind and generous sympathy afforded to me by the Liberals of South Oxon.

With most earnest thanks to many whom I may not have a chance of thanking personally,

The first Annual General Meeting of this most useful Society was held at 34, New Bridge Street, London, on the 4th inst., but unfortunately, in consequence of the elections, several influential members could not attend. Mr. Hugh Browne, of Nottingham, (a veteran defender of public rights,) was in the chair, and addressed the meeting on the general objects of the Society, after which Mr. Henry Allnutt the jSecretary, read a report of the proceedings during the past year, (really fourteen months), and was able to announce that the Society now included 170 members. A list of footpath stopping and encroachments was given. Captain Franklin Fox in alluding to the St. Albans encroachment remarked that be hoped, through the influence of the Society, the objectionable fence on the road side would be removed. The Secretary said that in consequence of a letter of his in the Manchester Guardian and Manchester Examiner, nearly 20 letters had just been received from gentlemen in that locality and from Bolton, St. Helens, &c., showing the interest the public took in such matters. A letter was also read from a resident at Pately Bridge, Yorkshire, complaining of numerous encroachments in that neighbourhood, and it was arranged that the case should be brought before the Managing Committee at their next meeting. It Is to be hoped that the second year will have a great accession of members.

The total number jf agricultural labourers in Berks is 18,638, and in Bucks 13,277.

An elector named Nicholson, in his 103rd year, reoorded his rote on Friday week, at Saffron Weldon, having walked nearly three miles for the purpose.

At a polling-station for one of the county divisions of Gloucestershire it was found that 10 per cent, of the voters were illiterate. The district was almost entirely agricultural.

Just as the poll was closing at the Harrington booth, in the Egremont division of West Cumberland, a young man named McDowall, entered the polling booth to record his vote, and had readied the entrance, when be fell down on the floor, and on being picked up was found to be quite dead.

Mr. William Green, a Justice of the Peace for Accrington, and also a member of the Town Council, on Friday week, after sitting at the police-court, went to Whalley to record his vote, being an elector of the Clitheroe division, and was there seized with a stroke of paralysis, which proved fatal.

At the Dartford Petty Sessions on Saturday last, Mr. Pink, jam factor, was charged under the Ballot Act with having refused to show the official mark on the ballot-paper, or to return it to the presiding officer, at Ash polling station. Mr. Hookey, Q.C., one of the justices, was of opinion that the case could only be treated as a misdemeanour at common law, and the charge was accordingly dismissed.

Mr. Pink has since written to the London papers to say that his resson for refusing to show the ballot paper to the returning officer was, that the official stamp was so placed that if he had shewn him the ballot paper he would have seen where he had placed his cross.

Colonel the Hon. W. E. Trefusis, C.B., the Conservative candidate for the Northern or South Molton Division of Devon died suddenly on Friday, December 4th, as is supposed, through over excitement. He was born m January, 1838, and entered the Scots Fusilier Guards in 1865. He served in the Crimea, and in 1861 was appointed Adjutant of the 1st Battalion, and Lieut.-Colonel Commandant of the 2nd Battalion in 1882. He bad distinguished himself in the Soudan campaign.

A Curiosity in Voting.—By the extension of the Franchise half a dozen labourers on the Ashridge estate have Come into a vote for Herts and another for Bucks. Their houses at Friths-den, Berkhamstead-common, stand on a strip of Bucks (Mid Bucks) running into Herts, and their gardens in front of them are in the division of West Herts, thus entitling them to s vote in both counties, which they used.

A man named William Embleton, aged 74, suddenly fell dead on Tuesday morning at the entrance to the polling booth at Longhorsley, in the Wansbeck Division, Northumberland.

Labourers’ Votes and Labourers’ Promises—A Vicar’s daughter thus writes to the “Daily News.” I am much amused at the wrath of the Vicar’s wife of Flintshire because her husband’s parishioners failed to keep the promises made to her .when they approached the polling booth. It will be some comfort to her to hear that my father’s parishioners have behaved in just as disappointing a way. I got most of them to promise faithfully to support the Liberal candidate some time ago in our division of Sussex (West), but the poor souls little knew what pressure they were going to be subjected to when the time came; and they have every one voted Conservative. They will perhaps discover that their souls are their own some day; at present they imagine they belong to the farmers. We shall not, however, make any difference with our Christmas gifts. We dont call them “Doles.”

At Caithness-shire on Wednesday, the country roads were blocked with snow, and the railway traffic was stopped. The polling was therefore limited, many of the voters finding it impossible to attend.

Mr. McArthur, M.P, has telegraphed to the president of the Leicester Liberal Association announcing that there is no foundation for the rumour of his intended retirement in favour of Mr. Childers.

Sir Frederick Milner has been twice defeated during the present year: at York, and in the Sowerby division of Yorkshire, in the last contest by over 3,000 votes.“

On Tuesday night a man named Murcham died whilst in a polling booth at Letallion, South Devon.

The Tories did their best to defeat Joseph Arch, and had down to help their candidate. Lord Randolph Churchill, Mr. Ashmead-Bartlett, Lord C. Beresford, and Mr. Bourke. No prominent Liberal helped Mr. Arch save Mr. Broadhurst.

Mr. Finch-Hatton’s success in Spalding district by 78 has led to a sharp scrutiny of the existing Register. Three farmers’ sons and himself have all voted as occupiers, although the : three sons are neither owners, nor. occupiers, : and the eldest is under 20. One youth of 18 at Gosberton also voted, it is evident that some different and more accurate system of registration is sorely needed, and in every part of the conntry.

Lord Tollemache, who for two months past has been staying at Peckforton Castle, Cheshire, celebrated his 80th birthday Dec. 8th. His lord ship has completely recovered from the serious illness which he passed through a short time since, and is again able to personally attend to the improvements which he is constantly making on the Peckforton estate. Lord Tollemache possesses about 46,000 acres of land in Cheshire, and it is a most striking testimony to the value of his supervision that during the whole of the agricultural depression from 1877 to 1886 he has had neither a vacant farm nor a tenant in arrears. His estate in Cheshire has during his lifetime been cut up into sizeable farms of about 200 acres in extent, bis lordship considering that a thrifty farmer with sons and daughters could do excellently on a 200-acre farm, but not on a smaller holding. In order to break up his estate into farms of that size he built or rebuilt between fifty and sixty farmhouses at the enormous cost of £148,000. Each of these farms or homesteads cost £2,800. In addition to this Lord Tollemache has built no fewer than 260 cottages for the accommodation of his labourers, and thus satisfactorily solved the labour difficulty on the Peckforton estate. Lord Tollemache was anxious to provide mixed schools for the education of the farmers’ and labourers’ children, but after the schools had been built, he found that the farmers objected to send their sons to the same schools with the labourers’ children. Having listened to the master’s complaint his lordship said, “ There is only one way out of the difficulty; I will send my own sons to the school,” and for nearly two years Lord Tollemache’s children attended the school; “ and,” he adds, in referring to the matter, “ to their undoubted advantage.”

Both the House of Lords and the House of Commons are in the hands of artificers, decoraton. painters, and other workmen in preparation for the opening of the new Parliament. Although the work that is being carried out in either House is not very extensive, that which is going on in the Chamber of the Commons, its offices, and rooms is worthy of description, if only from the fact that they are being prepared to receive the members of a new and reformed Parliament. The interior of the Chamber is not undergoing, and will not undergo, any structural alterations, which, so far as enlargement is concerned, are unnecessary, the increase in the number of members under the Franchise Act being inconsiderable, and bearing in mind the fact that only twice during the past twenty years have there been at one time 600 members present in the House. The chief work that is being carried out is that of putting in the oaken panels into the places whence the old panels were blown by the dynamite explosion. After the explosion there was oniy time to insert temporary panels, but these are now being replaced by oaken ones of rare beauty and exquisite carving. This oak panelling work, which requires great care in its execution, will not be finished until the end of the present month. Then, all the doors of the House which were completely put out of gear by the explosion, are being taken down and replaced by new oaken ones of beautiful construction and finish -missive and heavy, yet hung on so scientific a principle that a child might move them to and fro. The usual brushing and polishing that precede a session will be the last preparations done in the Chamber of the Commons. The lobby of the House, without being actually redecorated, is, so to speak, being touched up, so that everything unsightly may be removed, and the well-known, lofty apartment may put on its best appearance for the new Parliament. No structural alterations are being made in the refreshment, dining, tea, smoking, conference, and committee rooms, but in many of these the painters, decorators, and upholsterers are plying their trades. All the offices of the House, in fact, will present pretty much the same appearance as they did on the opening-day of last session except that they will have a brighter aspect. The greatest work of restoration rendered necessary by the wanton wickedness of the dynamitards is that of the splendid window over the entrance to Westminster Hall, which, it may be remembered, lost a very large proportion of the small panes of glass of which it was composed. Some of the old glass has been worked up in the task of restoration, and what may be called the “new window “ of Westminster Hall will undoubtedly be an object of admiration to hon. members as they proceed to the House, as it now is to a limited portion of the public who are aware that the restoration has taken place. The worn-out stone of the exterior walls of the Commons portion of the Palace of Westminster has been renewed in many places. Respecting the Chamber of the Peers, that, too, is under the hands of the upholsterers, cleaners, and gilders—the latter having very little to do. It is not yet known whether ha Majesty will open Parliament in person, although it is very generally believed that the opening of a Parliament in which the Commons House has been elected upon a basis large beyond all precedent win be fitly honoured by the presence of the Queen. However; all departments which might be called into requisition at a Royal opening of Parliament—such as the Prince’s Chamber, the Robing-room, the Audience Chamber, and a variety of others—are in such condition that it would require only a few days to place them in perfect fitness for the reception of the Sovereign

Part of the bridge which runs over the Thames along the Botley-road at Oxford has collapsed without a moment’s notice. Several persons were on it at the time, and a man who was precipitated into the steam managed to swim ashore, while a child was also rescued, but one life, that of another child, is lost. It is stated that the bridge has had a rift in it for some time, and that, coupled with the immense rainfall recently, and the rapidity with which the water is now taken, had undermined the foundation, and hence the catastrophe. The floods around Oxford are of enormous magnitude. It being about nine o’clock in the morning, the majority of the persons on the bridge were children on their way to school, and it was immediately seen that there were five or six in the water, and also a man. A bystander named Greenaway at once plunged into the river, and with the assistance of several others who witnessed the disaster, all of the children, except one, were rescued, and the struggling man was also got out by means of a ladder. Miles was the name of the child drowned.

Kay’s Tic Pills, for Neuralgia, Faceache. &c., 9 1/2d, ls., l 1/2d.; postage, 1d. Of all Chemist. Kay Bros., Stockport.

Some things are not made for convenience. For instance, you can’t out anything in the drawer of a note.

a new comet, the nucleus being like a star of the twelfth magnitude, has been discovered by M. Fabry, of the Paris Observatory. It is in Andromeda, near the square of Pegasus, and is approaching the sun.

Some splendid Australian ferns have reached England from Victoria in fine condition. They will form a “Fern-tree Gully” at the coming Indian and Colonial Exhibition.

Mike (coming up after fight): “ ‘Alloa, Pat, got a black eye? Pat: “ Yes, and if you hadn’t been sich a sneaking coward, you could a’got one too.”

50,000 Government Heart -Rugs, 6ft. long, 3ft. wide. Thousands selling. Post Free. 2s. 9d each; two, 5s.—J. Watts, 113, Brunswick-road, Liverpool.

Mamma: “Johnny, where are those ugly green candies ? They will make you sick and die if you eat them. I hope you minded mamma and did not touch them.” Johnny: “ No, mamma, I did not eat them, but I gave baby brother heaps of them. If he don’t die, I guess I can stand them.’’

Ma. P. J. Kavanagh, tne young Irish medical student who eloped recently from Tunbride Wells with a young lady, a rich ward of Chancery, being subsequently arrested in Dublin, has now been married to the young lady. It will be remembered that Mr. Kavanagh was charged at a London police-court, but that the prosecution was withdrawn, it then being stated that a speedy marriage was desirable.

At Framwell Gate Moor, Durham, a man named William Mairn, on returning from recording his vote, fell dead ountside his house. He had taken great interest in the election, and his sudden death is attributed to over-excitement. Another elector, named Bins, living at Mirfield, proceeded to Liversedge to vote. He was driven home apparently in good health, but died shortly afterwards. His death, and that of a voter who fatally ruptured a blood vessel at Poplar the other day, also are attributed to the excitement of the election.

HAVE IT IN YOUR HOUSES, and follow the advice of the euvneit Doctors Prout, Stevens, Morgan, Turley, Dowsing, Gibbon, Sparks, &c, who have borne unqualified testimony to the value of Lamplough’s Pyretic Saline. It gives instant relief in Headache, Sea or Bilious Sickness, Feverish Colds, Constipation, Heartburn, Scarlet and other Fevers, Smallpox, Measles, Eruptive and Skin Complaints—having peculiarandexclusive merits. H. Lahplough. 113. Helborn London.

A meeting has been held at the Westminster Town Jail, Sir Patrick Colquhoun in the chair, to consider he best means of carrying oul the scheme proposed by Mr. H. Roberts, for the collection of waste food rom hotels, restaurants, and other-places of the kind, and preparation jn a palatable, form for the use of he poor. Mr. Roberts explained his proposals in detail, and dwelt upon the great benefit which might be expected to result from their adoption. In Paris waste food was collected in a regular and systematic manner and sold in, the markets, a portion costing from two sous and upwards. The portion were made up and cooked in the most attractive manner, and were eagerly bought by the working classes, who could-also buy hot soups. Small plates of meat and bread could be bought for three or four sous, each being sufficient for a meaL He suggested that there should be a central receiving store, From which food should be sent to depots, one of the objects being to buy provisions wholesale. Boilers jould be established, for the conversion of waste food into soup, and the depdts could be extended in number as circumstances permitted. The People’s Kitchen in Berlin enabled artisans and their families to obtain good meals far cheaper than they could be prepared in their own homes. This could be done at 3s. 6d. per head per week, and a fair profit would be left. A company might be formed, to be called the National Food Supply Company, with sufficient capital to start with five or six depots and the central store. It should be established on a purely commercial basis, and would, he felt sure, be a successful speculation; and as these depdts increased others could be established, of a better class, for clerks and others. Mr. G. Simpson gave an account of the Berlin People’s Kitchen, which was established in 1866, and now had 15 depdts. It now sold P,500,000 portions a year, at 3a ljd. each. Only £658 of the capital had ever been called up, and there was now a reserve fund of £3300. The returns in 1883 was £L7,836, and the expenditure £12,521, leaving a profit of £5315. He strongly urged that the kitchen must be self-supporting, and in uo sense become a chanty. These kitchens had been founded in nearly every European capital, and experience abundantly proved their success and their value. He warmly approved of Mr. Roberts’s scheme, and hoped that restaurants might also be provided for -working-men and clubs, where.a cheap dinner could be got for 8cL or 9& In the kitchens they proposed to sell a cup of tea or coffee and a slice of bread and butter or jam for a 1d.; the dinners might be sold for 3d. or 4d., and other prices would be in proportion. He mentioned that he had already started a kitchen, nine months ago, in the Curtain-road, Shoreditch, and had proved that the scheme could be made a success. It has been statistically proved that a working man spends about 60 per cent. of his wages in food, 15 per cent. in rent, 10 to 12 per cent. in clothing, and 13 to 15 per cent. in gas, coals, rates, taxes, education. &c. Thiis enormous expenditure of 60 per cent. showed that food ranked first among the necessaries of life.; therefore the question of a thorough food reform was of much more importance than the question of housing, and deserved the greatest attention .on the part of the public, especially in times, like the present, when the outcry about depression in trade was heard everywhere. (Hear, hear.) The Chairman said that one great economic principle involved in the scheme was the prevention of waste. Our working classes were the most wasteful in the world, and this mainly arose from the want of proper cooking appliances. He thought the scheme was one of true benevolence, and would tend to cultivate habits of thrift amongst the working clashes. Mr. Couchman suggested the supply of vegetarian dinners, and said that some time ago he gave 200 children a soup dinner at a cost of 16s. 2-1/2d. Mr. Roberts proposed that a committee be formed to carry out the scheme, so tihat it might be in operation before the severe weather came on. Any money subscribed to start the work should be considered as shares He hoped the Metropolitan Board of Works should help them by lending a piece of ground in the new street through Seven Dials, on which an iron building should be erected at once. For 3s. 6d. a week he proposed that each person buying the tickets should be entitled to three meals a day for six days a week. After some further discussion, a preliminary committee was appointed to arrange for the establishment of a system of cheap lood supply. The committee, which have power to add to their number, consists of Sir P. Colquhoun, Mr. A. Wall, General Brine, Mr. Sheridan Simpson, Mr. S. Knight, Mr. W. Hendon, Mr. H. Roberts. Mr. Wilson, and the Rev. Gambier Bolton. The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks to the chairman.

The Burmese Ministers have signified their quiescence in the deposition of King Theebaw, d they could hardly do less when his enforced noval from Mandalay seemed to give so much satisfaction to his subjects, who were glad to get 1 of him anyhow. Lord Duflferin, in replying an address at Luoknow, said that it was necessary, for reas ns assigned by him, to maintain itish political ascendency in the upper valley the Irrawaddy, but the nature ot the future Government of Burmah was, he declared, a matter mature consideration, and could not be decided upon in any oft-hand way.

General. Prendergast well merited the inks of her Majesty, which had been trans-tted tp him, for the skill.and promptness he has shown in carrying out the object of the Burmese expedition. One satisfactory element the brief campaign is that it has been almost odless. Of course, the operations might have ted much longer could the King have relied on the fidelity of his troops; but Theebaw lid not do so, and discretion with him accordingly became the better part of valour.

In political circles at Vienna and Berlin, the .vity of the state of affairs in South-Eastern Europe is fully recognised. For an entire week, ough there was a cessation of hostilities, no progress had been made in arranging an armistice between Bulgaria and Servia. The efforts put th by Russia to induce Turkey to engage in ive interference have evidently a sinister purpose in view.

The question of copyright with America seems w in a fair way of arriving at some satisfactory tlement. American authors have memorialised ngress against the piracy of English works, 1 the more respectable class of American pub-lers now hold the same sentiments on this •ject as the authors. While Transatlantic thors suffer by the piracy, the publishers, who ke arrangements with English authors for ly sheets find themselves undersold by the te o cheaper pirated editions on coarse paper, 1 thus the publishers suffer in their turn. dre are grievances in both countries in connection with this matter, and it is liighly de-ible that the question of international copyright should be settled without any further ay.

Between the struggle of the general election, ; excitement connected with which is now siding, and the assembling of Parliament on 12th of January, there will be a brief pause comparative political quietness, though xious anticipations must necessarily prevent it m partaking of the nature of repose. The in-sity of the excitement in the crucial stages of struggle is evidenced by the fact that no er than eight deaths in different parts of the ntry have resulted from this cause. The most ancholy case of this kind was that of the dis-quished officer of the Scotch Fusilier Guards, onel Trefusis, a Conservative candidate, who I before the declaration of the poll. The elec- contest had tried his nervous system more irely than fierce encounters with Arabs in the dan.

The Cattle Show at Islington this week, which mally draws so many farmers and their lilies to the metropolis, has the good fortune take place without any rigid restrictions, as some previous occasions, having been rendered essary by the prevalence of foot-and-mouth ease. The December show at the Agricultural l is rendered especially interesting to agriculturalists who devote their attention, to stocking, to the circumstance that fresh cattle er into competition with those that have ady taken prizes elsewhere.

The Indian delegates who came to this country the purpose of bringing some of their grieves before the public at the time of the general tion are just on the eve of taking their de-ture again. It would no doubt be a source regret to them that their fellow-countryman, mohun Ghose, who was one of the candidates Deptford, did not succeed in getting to the d of the poll. The culture of which the East ians are capable is shown by the ability which se delegates display in their addresses, and ease and correctness with which they speak English language.

The public can hardly have failed to learn h satisfaction that the girl Elica Armstrong, ose abduction recently formed the subject of rolonged trial in the Central Criminal Court, been removed, with the consent of parents, to the Princess Louise’s Home Wanstead, where she will receive edu-on and training to fit her for useful k. After the publicity she obtained at trial, it was certainly desirable that she uld be taken away from the neighbourhood ere her parents live, and Mr. Poland, who le an appeal to the public on behalf of the ily, deserves credit for having brought about satisfactory result as regards a promising who received commendation from Mr. tice Field.

There have been showers of snow in some ;s of the country, and a coating of it ap-red on the Wicklow Mountains. Many have >tion that snow is necessary to make a eom-able Christmas. But townspeople and ntry folks do not quite agree in their opinions ut falls of snow. While rural districts pre-: a pure and charming appearance in their wy dress, it is an altogether different matter owns, where slushy streets engender a sense iscomfort not at ail in keeping with Christmas time.

r’s Compound, a demulcent anodyne expectorant for hs and Colds. sold by Chemists, 9-1/2d,1s. 1-1/2d-; post 3d. AITER (to seedy Thespian): “Soup?” Seedy plan: “ Supe, sir! How dare you call me supe?. the first old man of the company.”

To prevent Infectious diseases, and get rid of greeable smells, use Condy’s Fluid.” Recommended.l doctors. To avoid worthless imitations, see that well-known label bears the words,” Condys Fluid.”

Circumstances alter cases,” said an unsuccessful er, “ and I wish I could get hold of some cases would alter my circumstances.”

ie notice which the Employers’ Section of the ordshire Iron Trade Wages Board handed in for I action of wages has .now expired, and the Pre-it, Mr. Alderman Avery, - Birmingham, has fixed e for the meeting of the Board to hear the masters’

. Puddlers’ wages are now 7s 3d. per ton, or bove those in the North of England. This rate uled since May last year, and the masters declare 6d. postage,2d. Kay Bros., Stockport. Sold everywhere. farmer says that a cow can be cured of kicking itching hold of her leg while in the act. Just ad a bee can be cured of stinging by of her sting while in the act. Try ‘em both: it’s

A distressing and fetal accident has occurred 0 a gentleman hunting with Lord Middleton’s hounds near Malton, the gentleman in question being Dr. Harrison Hartley, of Malton, who was riding a fresh and powerful hunter, which, however, went all right in the earlier part of a short run which succeeded a find In the Sheriff Hutton cover. Having crossed some heavy ground a deep fence flanked the field, and the horse Dr, Hartley rode did not seem to rise well to the jump, and catching his feet he came over with fearful violence on to his rider. . Dr. Hartley did not stir after the fall, but groaned thrice and then breathed his last. He was removed to the residence of the Rev. F. Simpson, of Foston, where the body was placed to await an inquest. Dr. Hartley .was a promising young man of only 32. and was well known in connection with Lord MIddleton’s hunt.

In order to promote more general and more intelligent instruction in geography the Royal Geographical Society is about to open, at its rooms in London, an exhibition of school apparatus employed in the tuition of this science. Here are already collected some of the best examples of maps, globes, and models used in Continental and British schools. It can scarcely be denied that, speaking generally, the German, Swedsh, Dutch, Swiss, and French maps and apparatus display that superiority over English which was to be expected from the higher estimation in which knowledge of geography is held in those countries. Geography in England, according to the testimony of head masters and tutors given to the Council of the Royal Geographical Society, “does not pay.” It is not recognised at the universities by either professorship or readership; it does not find a real place in any of the examinations; while in the army and navy examinations it is at a discount. There are, it seems, still middle-class schools within 100 miles of the British metropolis where so-called geography is taught without the use of maps—on a system that resembles teaching chemistry without experiments and geology without fossils. The Royal Geographical Society rightly attaches high importance to maps, pictures, and models that convey instruction to the eye. Many of those shown evince great advance on former times. Leading physical features, river basins, mountain ranges, contour lines, drainage systems, depths of the sea, land depressions and elevations are in many of the Continental and the best of our English maps presented clearly and intelligently to the eye. A noteworthy feature is the relief maps, particularly one of the Monte Rosa region from Zurich.

A scheme for turning, or rather deflecting, the Gulf steam, which for the present, however, is likely to exist on paper only, has been originated by Mr. John C. Goodridge, an inventor and engineer well-known in New York. It has for its object changing the temperature of the Atlantic States by obtaining more of the benefit of the Gulf Stream. Mr. Goodridge assumes that the reason that those States do not get the benefit of it now is that they have between them and it a polar current, coming down along the coast of Labrador, through the Straits of Belle Isle, and forming the cold western wall of the Gulf Stream. The existence of this current is well established, and, in fact, is one of the factson which the official sailing directions both in the United States and England are based. What Mr. Goodridge proposes is that it should be stopped in the Straits of Belle Isle by a dam at a point where it is about 10 miles wide and 150 feet deep. The dam, he says, could be built with the adjacent rocks, and the cost would not exceed 40,000,000 dols. The effect of this would be, he calculates, to change the temperature of the coast from Cape Hatteras to Newfoundland. Nova Scotia would have a climate aa mild as Cape May, and Block Island and Cape Cod would become winter watering-places. Moreover, the St. Lawrence would be open to navigation throughout the year. Mr. Goodridge also thinks, though not with much positiveness, that the deflection of the Arctic current might turn the Gulf Stream further southward, and thus cut off enough heat from the British Isles to give them the climate of Labrador ; and then, giving the reins to his fancy, he sees the Queen abandoning her icy kingdom, and taking refuge as Empress in India. But all this is too much to expect for 40,000,000 dols., and very thankful we ought to be that there are not enough insane men to raise between them even that sum for such a wild scheme as that of Mr. Goodridge.—Iron.

At Worship-street Police-court, London, Henry James Williams, of Mile-end, has been charged with stealing a watch, the property of a fellow-lodger in the same house. It appeared that the prisoner had lived in a room adjoining that of the prosecutor, who missed his watch from his bedroom. The police found that it had been pawned by Williams, who was taken in charge. Police-constable 300 K produced an extraordinary document which was found on the prisoner. It was a list of about 14 different places in which the accused had lodged, and amounts of rent which he had left unpaid were entered, the total of “rents owing” being set down at £6 5s. Next followed a “rough reckoning of articles stolen,” and the list of items included three watches (one from Devonshire-street), a cornet and case from a lodging at Battersea, and food and clothes from King’s-cross, Edgware-road, West Ham, Plaistow, and other places. The total value of “ articles stolen “ was entered at £5 17s.,and the” grand total altogether “ at £11 2s. This catalogue was signed “ H. J. Williams.” The defendant had, it was stated by the constable, confessed his guilt to a clergyman, who was in court, but the evidence of that gentleman was not considered necessary. The constable was instructed to make inquiries at the houses named on the prisoner’s paper; and Williams, who said nothing in answer to the charge, was remanded.

Mr. James Cox, of Cardean, Perthshire, of the eminent firm of Cox Brothers, spinners and manufacturers, Camperdown Linen Works, Dundee and Lochee, died at his residence, Clement-park, recently, in his 76th year. The firm of Cox Brothers, of which the deceased was the senior partner, may be considered the pioneers of jute industry in Great Britain. For at least two centuries the family has been engaged in bleaching and in the manufacture of linen goods. James became head of the firm when he was only 20 years of age, and in 1841 he was joined by his brothers William Thomas and George, and the firm of Cox Brothers was formed. In 1822 some small samples of jute fibre were sent from Abingdon, near Oxford, to Dundee, to see if it could be spun. The work was successfully undertaken by Messrs. Cox, and the industry, once established, progressed by leaps and bounds till the works of Messrs. Cox alone now cover over 25 acres. They employ more than 5000 hands, and pay wages to the amount of £150,000 a year. In addition to taking an active part in the management of his own business, Mr. James Cox was the first financial patron of the Tay-bridge. He put down £10,000 as a beginning of the subscriptions to the undertaking, which became a success. From that day when the storm broke down the bridge Mr. Cox may be said to have never entirely regained his former buoyancy of spirits ; but he was not daunted, for even on the day the bridge fell he said. “ We will rebuild the bridge; we will make it a double line, and we will make it strong enough to resist every wind that blows,” He has not lived to see the new bridge finished, but he has lived long enough to see his ideas embodied in a far better structure. He met his death through a chill caught while visiting the new bridge works a few weeks since. Mr. Cox was for many years a director of the North British Railway, and as Provost of Dundee his name became a houshold word. In politics he was a Liberal, and in religion a United Presbyterian. He was married to Clementina, daughter ot Mr. James Carmichael, the • eminent engineer, inventor of the fan blast, and leaves a large family.

“A Simple Fact about” KEATING’S COUGH LOZENGES. Ask throughout the world, in any country that can be named, you will find them largely sold. There is absoluteiy no remedy that I so speedy in giving relief, so certain to core, and yet the most delicate can take them One Lozenge gives ease. Sold in 13-1/2d. tins.

Rioting has occurred during the polling in various English county constituencies, and military and police had to be called upon to restore order. The most serious disturbances occurred at Northwich, Cheshire; Radstock, Somerset; Long Melford, Southwest Suffolk; Leominster, Herefordshire; and in Dublin. Several instances of dastardly attacks on candidates are also reported.

Kay’s Compound for Colds and Coughs 9 1/2d, ls., 1 1/2d. postage, 3d. Kay Bros., Stockport, and all Chemists.

A certain laird met one of his gillies in a remote district. “ What will you take to drink? “ asked the laird. “Just whateffer ye po takin’ yersel’, Mr. M’Kenzie,” replied Donald. “I was thinking of having a pale ale,” said the laird. “ Ay, an’ I’ll pe thinkin’ I’ll take a pail of ale, too!” was the modest rejoinder.

The wages of agricultural labourers in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire have been lowered in some instances to 2s. per day, farmers being unable to afford the labour necessary to properly work their land. In Caistor district the low wages are said to be driving many into the workhouse, which is at present over-crowded. The wages of the yearly servants have also been reduced.

Sir Michael Hicks-Brach, M.P., in a speech at Swindon the other night, accounted for the casting cf the Irish votes for the Conservatives by the fact that, though the Parnellites hated the Conservatives, they hated the Liberals more.

The police continue to investigate the mysterious outrage at Brynkinallt Mansion, the seat of Lord Hill Trevor, in North Wales, but no due has yet been gained to the real offenders. The damage to the pictures is most serious, and cannot be estimated, as they were heirlooms. They were paintings of ancient members of the family, and were pierced and slashed in a shameful manner. Moat of the old silver plate has been demolished.

Medicines, Elastic Stockings, Surgical appliances, Chemicals &c., every kind, per post. Kay Brothers, stockport.

How to make a good cup of coffee. Try a cup at a railway restaurant, and then don’t make it that way

The Approach or Winter. —The famous old cough remedy, Powel’s Balsam of Aniseed, ia universally spoken of in terms of unqualified praise. Trade mark,-Lion, Net, and Mouse.” Sold by chemists throughout the world, in bottles, ls. 1 1/2d. and 2s., 3d. Warehouse: 4 Albion-place,.Blackfriars-bridge, S.E.

Information nas been received in South Shields that the steamers Stainsacre, of Whitby, and Harvest, of Westpool, had been in collision off the Ttne, the Stainsacre sinking twenty minutes afterwards. The crew had narrow escapes, several being taken from the water. The master was fiund clinging to some wreckage. The Harvest was seriously damaged about the stem. The Stainsacre was laden with coals, and bound to Copenhagen.

At Wednesbury, Michael Melia, ironworker, has been remanded on a charge of highway robbeiy with violence. At the termination of a torchlight procession a disturbance took place, and upon a greengrocer named Baker returning from market in his cart he was thrown out, his cart upset, and several hampers of potatoes and fruit were strewn about the road. A gentleman’s carriage was afterwards attacked and smashed.

At Tynemouth Petty Sessions James Clarke has been charged with selling a pint of beer without a license. The evidence showed that the defendant had supplied a woman with it, and the magistrates said they were perfectly satisfied that the charge had been proved. They fined him £50 and costs, owing to the fact of his having been previously fined for a like offence. Notice of appeal was given.

Mr. Childers, in a letter of farewell to his friends in Pontefract, states that although he had been advised that his return was seriously threatened, he steadfastly refused invitations from other constituencies. His attachment to the borough had cut short his public career, but that career had ended honourably.

Including the outlying borough of Croydon and London University, the metropolis has a representation in the new Parliament of 63 members. Of these 37 are Conservatives, and the remaining 26 (four of whom are further described as working men) Liberals or Medicals. There was an aggregate Conservative vote of 197,117 against a total Liberal poll 172,538. Three Conservative and twelve Liberal members of the late Parliament seeking re-election in metropolitan constituencies lost These were: Capt. Aylmer, Aid. Cotton, and Mr. D. Onslow, Conservatives; and Messrs..J. F. B. Firth; D., Grant, John Holms,-Sir J. C. Lawrence, Aid. Lawrence, Sir Wm. McArthur, E. J. Mclntyre, Q.C., O’Connor Power. G. W. E. Russell. W.M’C.Torrens, S. D. Waddy,Q.C.,and B. Whitworth, Liberals. In the old Parliament there were, excluding the University representation, 14 Liberal and eight Conservative metropolitan members, so that, under the new Act, while the Conservatives have increased their representation 460 per cent. — nearly five times — the Liberal improvement does not amount to a doubling of strength. The Conservative gains are in the new divisions of Dulwich, Peckham, Deptford, Central Finsbury, Bolborn, Fulham North and Central Hackney, Hammersmith, Hampstead, North Islington, North and South Kensington, Lambeth (4 seats, two Liberals having been returned by the old borough of Lambeth), Lewisham, the two divisions of Marylebone (represented as an undivided borough by 2 Liberals), Newington (2), Paddington (2), St. George’s (Hanover-square), Rotherlithe (formerly part of the old two-Liberal-membered borough of Southwark), Strand; Tower Hamlets (2 seats, having secured 3 out of the 7 new divisions, Tower Hamlets under the old regime returning one liberal and one Conservative), Wandsworth and Woolwich. The Conservatives lose one vote each on tbe present election for the following altered constituencies: Greenwich, London City, and Westminster. The new divisions which have fallen to the Liberals are Battersea, Clapham, Bethnal-green (2), Forth Camberwell, Croydon, Islington (E., S.. and W.), St. Pancras (4), Shoreditch (2), Tower Hamlets (4 seats, where before the party had but one vote), and West Ham (2). The change in the constituencies, and the fortunes of the ballot, take from the Liberals the following seats : Chelsea (1), Lambeth (2), London (Sty (1), and Marylebone (2); while they hold their own in Fiusbury, Hackney, and Southwark. The following is a complete list of the representatives of metropolitan constituencies, an asterisk standing before the names of old members of Parliament, and an indication of the politics and constituency being added in each case

Stray dogs found within the metropolitan district without muzzles are, by a recent order from Scotland-yard. to be destroyed. Concerning this matter a correspondent writes: “ Following up the order to officers of the metropolitan police to seize and impound all dogs in the streets not wearing the regulation muzzle, the commissioners have had a number of officers in each district supplied with a special equipment to enable them to catch such dogs without fear of being bitten themselves. Special constables have been told off for the duty, and they may be seen parading the streets wearing thick Ieather gaiters with gloves to match, and carrying an iron rod about three-feet long. At one end of the rod there are two small rings through which a leather loop runs, which is intended to be used as a kind of lasso. Directly it is thrown over a dog’s head the noose tightens, and by means of the iron rod the constable is able to keep the animal at arm s length.

The return relating to Building Societies incorporated to the last day of December, 1884, has been issued. The statistics given relate to 2044 societies-in England and Wales, 50 in Scotland, and 40 in Ireland. Sixty-one had been dissolved -namely, 58 in England and Wales, two in Scotland, and one in Ireland. The 1625 societies in England and Wales-numbered 534,713 members ; 22 societies in Scotland had 5143 members ; and 20 societies in Ireland had 4670 members. With regard to the receipts, in England and Wales 1830 societies received in the last financial year £21,093,977; 45 societies in Scotland received £411,745; and 35 societies in Ireland received £601,377. As to liabilities 1838 societies in England and Wales showed liabilities to the holders of shares to the amount of £32,235,452, and to depositors and other creditors £15,655,162. In Scotland 46 societies were indebted to the holders of shares for £696.803, and to depositors and other creditors £278,120. In Ireland 35 societies were indebted to holders of shares in tbe sum of £672,585, and the depositors and other creditors to the extent of £116,065. There were 389 societies in England and Wales which showea a balance deficit of £129,101; four in Scotland showing a deficit of £1594; and three in Ireland with a deficit of £856

According to the Board of Trade Returns for November, the total imports for that month amount to £29,883,768, a decrease of £868,685, as compared with November, 1884. The exports amounted to £16,464,250, a decrease of £1,239,963, compared with the same month last year. For the 11 months ending November, there are total decreases as compared with-the same period last year of £13,998,853 in the imports, and £19,260,493 in the exports.

One of the large jewellers’ shops on the Graben, at Vienna, has been broken into, tbe safe forced open, and a quarter of a million of florins’ worth of Jewels stolen. The thieves got in through an iron side door communicating with a passage, but boarded over and not used. Their implements, which they left behind them, are said to be of English manufacture. The front windows looking out on the Graben were closed by ordinary iron shutters. If the London and Paris system of barred fronts and gas-light had been used the robbery could not have taken place, as the Graben is the most frequented thoroughfare in Vienna The discovery was made next morning when the shop was opened, and it was at once ascertained that the thieves must have been at work during the greater part of the night. They are believed to belong to an international gang which a short time ago robbed the premises of an exchange agent near tbe Bourse. The jewellers’ firm has offered 5 per cent, on all the property restored.

A Parliamentary return has been issued of the number of factories authorised to be inspected under the above Acts, with the number of persons employed in each, also giving the number of spindles, looms, and other machinery used. According to such return, the number of factories at work in the United Kingdom amounts to 7465, employing 1,034,201 hands, males and females. At the date of tbe collection of these figures, however, there were 259 factories-entirely closed, the particulars of which were not included.

The names of 10 followers of the programme of Mr. Parnell and 7 Conservatives are included in the following list of 17 Irish boroughs and University members:

English and Welsh boroughs, excluding London and including Oxford and Cambridge Universities, have returned 94 Conservatives, 83 Liberals (including Sir Edward Watkin) and one Parnellite. Of these 9 Welsh borough members are Liberals and 2 Conservative, and 4 University members Conservative, the residue being 74 English provincial Liberal and 88 Conservative members. The Conservative gains have been very large. In the boroughs which were not touched by the Reform Act, the gains of the two parties are as follows:—Conservative gains: Bath, Blackburn, Ashton-under-Lyne, Cheltenham, Stalybridge, Warrington, Bolton (2), Brighton, Christchurch, Gravesend, Oldham, Southampton, Stockport (2), Tynemouth, Wednesbury, Isle of Wight, Plymouth, Winchester. — Total of 20. gains York, Portsmouth (2); total 3. In the boroughs which lost a seat by the Act of last Session the following changes have occurred :—Conservative gains: Bury St. Edmunds, Cambridge (2), Colchester 2). Exeter, Taunton, Pontefract (2), Oxford (2), Conventry,Reading (2), Scarborough (2), Shrewsbury (2). Rochester (2), Peterborough (2), Norwich (2), Durham (2), Wercester (2) King’s Lynn. Liberal Stafford, Salisbury, Newcastle-under-Lyne.

Of the following 30 Scotch, members (including the representative of Glasgow and Aberdeen University), 28 are Liberals and two Conservatives

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A very choice Selection of CHROMO ALMANACKS FOR 1886

 

Also a very large quantity of Sugar Papers, Tea Papers, Butter Papers, &c., &c.

 

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