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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Exeter Advocate, 1890-7-3, Page 2The Sweet Girl Graduate. She has wrestled with the sages of the dim his• torte ages, she has .studied declamation from Demosthenes to Berke; l h,0 has sounded 8o11opo0.1auor lied been under Dente's power, and eau giggle in all lan- guages from English down to'lark. Wean can argue in the isms, knows the ory of schisms, and will go way back to Adam to elucidate her views ;. ghe$cau bring up illustrations she's obtained from divert nations ou the somewhat strained relations of the Christians and the Jews. From old Socrates to Spencer she has read and read and hence her intellectual adorn- ments are a wonder to bo seen ; In the angles she's e. terror and in art she makes no error, and she knows the mental value of the haekueyed Boston beau. he oan show that old man Pliny was in some respects a ninny ; she has sneered at Archi- medes and brought Tacitusto task ; tihe'a revised the laws of Solon, knows the value of a colon and eau oalonlate the contents of the Dutchman's famous cask, he has studied up on diction, has explored the realms of fiction, knows the views of Hobbes and Bacon and of Paley and their crows; She can quote from Pepys' diary and knows Pope (so email and wiry) and has fathomed Billy Shakepeare and read Burton on the blues, There is not a branch of knowledge that this girl so fresh from oollege has not made herself familiar with, from Plato do WE to Pic; But it isn't for her learning that she fills us oxen with yearning—it's because she is a woma n, and that's just the reason why. —Tom Masson, ADOPTED BY THE DEAN A STORY OF W TWO, CHAPTER XXI. Rilohester again with its quiet, undis• turbed streets and its busy tongues; the cathedral with its daily services and its thin congregations ; the deanery, with all its luxurious discomfort, and the weary, distasteful life once more. Strive as Esperanoe would to be thankful and con- tented, it was of no nse—eaoh day eeemed more burdensome, eaoh petty trial more unbearable. It was an intolerable effort to be even ordinarily polite to every one, and when Bella was provoking she was sorely tempted to box her ears. Cornelia told her openly that her visit to Gaspard had upset her, that she was ungrateful for the kindness shown her, and that ehe ought to be ashamed of herself. Mrs. Mortlake put everything down to the long holiday at Bournemouth, and was alwaye on the lookout for fresh employment for her. Bella'e nurse, a kind-hearted, sena, ble person, suggested that mademoiselle felt the spring weather, and should take a tonic). April passed into May, and the alter. nations of oold east wind and hot sunshine did not improve matters. Esperance grew more and more languid and depressed ; she could not sleep, she could not eat, she oonld not even think clearly. The one idea impressed on her mind was that -Gaspard was alone and starving, and this thought never left her; by day, she dwelt on it with bitter teare—in her brief intervals of rest. lesssleep it haunted her dreams. Things went on in this way for about a mouth. Cornelia was beginning to feel alarmed, and to watoh her with real though oaref ally disguised anxiety. One day when the lessons had gone worse then usual, and Esperance felt that she really deserved a scolding, she was sur. priee i by the sudden question, " You do not feel well, Esperanoe, I am sure. What is the matter with you ? " " " do not know," ehe lang'lidly. ' u at you must know what you feel like ; come, tell me e,t once." " 1 don't feel anything particular." " iVonld you like to see a doctor ? " " Oh, no, thank you ; I have nothing to say." ornelia was not at all satisfied with the spiritless tone of her answer. She had lost all her brightness and energy, and whereas she bad before been eager and responsive, she was now silent and apathetia. " You need not prepare your lessons for to-morroR; we will read together instead," said Cornelia, after a minute's thought, watohing to see what effect this would have. There was some slight shade of relief in Esperance'a " Thank you," but it seemed as if nothing could make very much differ- ence to her now. Just then the gong sounded for luncheon, and the two went down•stairs together, Cornelia feeling uneasy and puzzled. In the dining -room they found the dean and their cousin, George Palgrave, who had just arrived on a visit. Esperance looked at him rather =lonely, remembering with a pang the scene of their last meeting. He was not the least changed in appearance, but he seemed lees awkward, a fact which she naughtily explained as owing to her inoreased acquaintance with Englishmen. He won her heart, however, by inquiring after Gaspard, for though the queetion was hard to answer, and brought the ready tears to her eyes, it showed that he was not forgotten. Cornelia watched Esperanoe carefully, noticed her reply to George Palgrave's questions, the sudden blush whioh rose to her cheek quickly succeeded by deadly paleness, the almost impatient gesture with whioh she rejected the diebes handed to her, and her languid attempts to eat a few mouthfuls of what was before her. All brought to her mind that sharp, despairing sentence, whioh had so startled her, " Should I take Dare of myeelf, when he is starving ? " It meet then be this trouble whioh was weighing down Esperanoe ; she should know as soon as possible that help was at hand. Several lettere had passed between Mr. Seymour and the dean, and Cornelia knew that Mr. Seymour intended to have a per- sonal interview with Gaspard, and that if pleased with him, it was highly probable that he would give him employment. Matters were arranged even more quickly than she had expected ; that very afternoon the dean received letters both from the coffee -planter and from Gaspard. " Mr. Seymour really takes him ?" asked Cornelia, anxiously. "Yee; he seems mnoh pleased with him ; you Den read his letter, and the young men himself writes very properly. I am glad something is settled ; it hes been a most tronbleeome correspondence." " Yon will tell Esperanoe will you not, tether 2 " " Oh, well, yes, if yon think beet ; but send her here quickly, for I am very busy, and have been sadly hindered this morning by George." Nk" She obeli Dome at once. Yon remem• her, father, she has no idea of thia ; it will be a great surprise to her." " Yes, yes, I tioderetand, my dear ; only let ne waste no more time." Cornelia hastened away in search of Soperanoe, not feeling quite satisfied. Alter ell, would thie help which she had taken so rituoh Paine to seoure be very acceptable to ber little cousin ? She wished Ceylon were not ao far off, or that she had persuaded her father to try for some Englieh appoint. Slant for Gaspard ; and then Wiehed heartily that she had more taot and ann. Pithy, or oonld fancy in the least what her answered, feelings would be on hearing that her im• aginary brother was to be ehipped off to the other side of the world, Poor Cornelia 1 in spite of all her wishes, her voioe was as gold and peremptory as ever when at last the found Esperanoe. My father wants to epeak to you in the library ; no, pray don't fidget about your hair, it is quite tidy, and he is in a hurry," Esperanoe went without a word. A few months ago she would have been excited by euoh an unusual regneat, now she only raised her eyebrows slightly. Cornelia would almost have been thankful for one of those objeotionable Fronoh exuletives, this silence seamed so unnatural, and with many misgivings, she watched her as she went slowly down the dark staircase, her hand passing landguidly over the balustrade rail. The dean was pacing up and down the library when Esperanoe entered. " Cornelia said yon wished to speak to me, uncle," she said, approaching him. " Yes, my dear, just for a few minutes upon a little matter of business ; take this chair. Cornelia told me that your brother could meet with no employment, and that he was in fact in very poor oiroamstances, and I have been trying for some weeks to find some suitable sitnatiou for him." " Dear uncle, how very good you are," Dried Esperanoe, springing rip with all her old energy, " and you have really found something for him." " Yes ; Mr. Seymour, a friend of mine, has offered him a situation on his estate in Ceylon, and your brother seems very much pleased with it." Esperanoe tried to believe that she did not hear rightly ; it had never entered her head to think of work for Gaspard out of England ; she turned giddy at the thought, and sinking back into the chair from whioh ehe had startled in such an ecstasy of hope, asked faintly, '" Ceylon, did you say, uncle ? " " Yes, Ceylon, my dear, on a coffee plantation ; very interesting work, no doubt, and a moat fortunate opening for your brother. I am very happy to have been the means of introducing him to Mr. Seymour, I am sure." " You are very kind," said poor Eaper• ance, feeling rather as if she were thanking her executioner, and trying hard to grasp this new idea, though well aware that the realization would bring pain. " Don't mention it, my dear," said the dean, absently. " Three o'clock, is it ? Dear me, there was something at three, surely 2 Ah ! that tiresome missionary meeting I I must go at onoe. The arch- deacon might have taken the chair, instead, I am sore—what's in a name ? " Then half rousing himself," Here are the letters; yon may read them, Esperance ; by the bye there was one inclosed to you trona your brother," and the dean hastily delivered the whole packet of letters to his niece and harried off muttering grumblings about a " dull deputation," and " mission- ary twaddle." Esperanoe took the letters eagerly and began to read Mr. Seymour's m :rveling at her own composure. He spoke very kindly of Gaspard, and agreed to take him to Ceylon with him, offering him a salary of L100 a year to begin with, and a prospect of speedy advancement. Then came Gas- pard's letter of thanks to the dean, written in English, and this failed to awaken Esper- ance's feelings, for she could not realize that it was his writing at all. Lastly, there was the little inclosed envelope directed to herself, whioh she opened eagerly, and read through fast -falling tears. Ms VERY Dina oNE,—I hove been offered a very good post on a coffee plantation in Ceylon, by a friend of Dean Collinson. I thought long before accepting it, for I can- not endure the thought of leaving you alone in England ; but at last I have made up my mind to do it. It seems wrong to refuse such an offer, and you see, mon tour, the sooner I begin to earn something, the sooner your exile will end. Perhaps in three or four years you will be able to join me in Ceylon, and we shall be independent once more. This is worth all sacrifice and all present pain to my mind. Am I wrong in thinking that you will agree with me ? How I wish we could have talked it over together ! These letters are terribly unsat- isfactory things. The whole affair is anch a mixture of pain and relief that I hardly know how to support it. I shall, indeed, only be too thankful to be at work again, but the separation from you, oherie, will be well-nigh unbearable—." Unbearable 1 Yes, indeed 1 Esperance could read no further, and throwing aside the letter, she buried her face in her hands, sobbing unrestrainedly. To be away from Gaspard—thousands of miles away—with a vague hope held oat to her of seeing him again in three or four years ! How was it to be endured 2 Was life worth having when it was so full of pain ? • In the midst of this outbreak, Cornelia opened the door, full of anxiety to know how Esperanoe liked the new idea. She made a gesture of annoyance when ehe saw her leaning on the dean's writing -table, her face hidden, and the open letter pushed aside. Why must French people always be having " scenes? " Tears were so con- temptible and weak in Cornelia's opinion, she could not sympathize with sorrow that found euoh an outlet. " Wby are yon crying in this way ? " she asked, coldly. " Come, pray control your- self ; you are getting quite hysterical." Eeperanoe raised her head, and made an effort to check her sobs. If Cornelia would only have taken her in her arms, would have given her but one caress, or said one kind word, the relief would have been unspeakable ; as it was, her coldness only added to pain already almost intolerable. It had the effect she desired, however, of fording Esperance to control herselt, though, whether the unnatural calmness to whioh she schooled herself was really good for her, is donbtfni. " How is it that your are so inconsist- ent 2 " asked Cornelia. " A month ago you wereor ying became your brother had no work, end now that he has met with a good appointment yon are crying again." " The separation 1 " said poor Esperance, afraid of breaking down again it she said too much. " Nonsense 1 why you are separated now practically ; it is only a question of thous- ands of miles instead of hundreds. Besides, how selfish to think of that, when it is for his good." It was very true, no doubt, bat Esper- ance was too sore -hearted to find mnoh comfort in this ; moreover, all Cornelia said, though intended to be salutary, made the wound deeper, and the idea of being left behind in England more terrible. To be left alone 1—alone 1—so utterly alone 1 She oonld not even ory now ; her tears seemed to be scorched up, her ayes felt hot and dry, and even Cornelia could not have desired anything more controlled than the voioe whioh asked, in an odd, nnnatnral tone—" When does Mr. Seymour go ?" " At the end of Jane, I believe ; that will be just a month from now. Your brother had better ace about his outfit at once." " What kind of outfit do they require 2 " asked Esperanoe, wondering how it was to be obtained, and turning almost willingly to this practical difficulty, in the hope, of stifling the pain," " Ihave not the least idea, but prbisifibiy and Cornelia glanced at the oloaely written sheet whioh lay before her. Esperance took it up and read to the end, and there, sure enough, was the formidable list of necessaries suggested by the ooffeo- planter, but. whioh Gaspard looked upon as eo impossible to obtain that he mentioned them 'half laugLingly.. Shewas greatly perplexed. '" Well?" asked Cornelia. "Zea, he speaks of it," she replied slowly. " But I do not .much understand such things ; I am still only very young " The combination of adverbs offended Cornelia's ear, but she was touched by the pathos of the confession. There was some. thing weary in the tone, at if it were sad still to have so much of life to look forward to, and it etrnok her that there was some- thing strange and wrong in such a remark being made by a girl of soaroely seventeen, who should have been rejoicing in the hope of Doming life, and proud of her age, " I would not worry over the outfit if I were you," she said, more kindly, " No doubt your brother will manage it himself. Yon have . a headache, I am sure, after all this crying ; suppose you go out for a walk—you will • have time before afternoon service." Esperanoe was grateful for the kindness of this speeoh, and wearily assenting, fol Gaspard'e letter and carried it up to t'e' '1 fol of n„ d' hermind still l es. room, of procuring his outfit. Whether it was from the relief of thinking of anything except her grief, or from the anxiety to being something for Gaspard while it was still possible, this idea quite absorbed her: The nineteen shillings in her purse were not consolatory—how little they would procure for him 1 She racked her brains for some means of making money, but for some time it was quite in vain. At ltagth an idea struck her—her face lighted up with eager hope, and hastily putting on her walking things, she followed Cornelia's advice and went out-of-doors. No country walk was to be hers, however. She bent her steps toward the town, and walking hurriedly through the more fre- quented parts, reaohed a quite side street, and entered a hair•dreaser's shop. Her heart was beating quickly, and her voioe was a little tremulous as ehe made known her wishes to the master of the shop, a round-faced, gray -headed, cheery old mile; who would not have betrayed his profession but for the extreme accuracy of his parting, and the elegant curve of the hair plastere d down on his temples. " For cutting only, miss ? will yon please to walk upstairs? ' Esperance obeyed, following her conduo- tor to the shabby little room above, ostentatiously advertised as a " Hair Cut- ting and Shampooing Saloon." There she took off her hat, loosened her hair, and with heightened color drew it out to its-ftill length, and glanced at her reflection in the gilt -framed mirror. " Just tipped, I suppose, miss ? " said the hair•dresses, arranging hie implements and surveying Esperanoe s beautiful hair with professional admiration. " No, I want it cut off," she said, half carelessly taking the chair he had placed for her, and tossing her hair over its back. "Cut off, miss 1" exclaimed the astonished hair -dresser. " Yee, please," said Esperanoe, quietly. " But, mise, you will excuse me, but it is such a pity. I have not seen ouch hair for many a day—so long, so thick, in such capital condition 1 Many ladies, mise, would give any money to have such a head of hair ; they would indeed, miss." " Would they ? " asked Esperanoe, smil- ing. " Then that is jest what I want. In fact, Mr. Jenkinson, I may as well tell you Vast I want to sell my hair. How much would you give for it 2 " " Indeed, mise, I hardly k o.. ought to say ; but it seems a thousand pities to out off such beautiful hair as that." " Never mind," said Eeperanoe, flushing crimson. " I want money ; what will you let me have for it ? " The man examined it more critically, felt its weight, and again admired it. It was, indeed, very beautiful—long and thick, yet at the same time both fine and glossy, the color of the darkest shade of brown, while a soft waviness, ending in tendril -like ring- lets, added not a little to its valve. He thought for some minutes, then said, " I would give five guineas for it, miss. If it were light-colored it would be worth twice that, light hair being fashionable. If you Dare to part with it for five guineas, though, I will take it." Esperance did not heatitate a moment. " Thank you,' she said, eagerly, " we will settle it then." And without A shadow of regret she submitted to the hair -dresser's scissors, and thought of all that the five guineas would buy. In ten minutes all was done, and Eaper• once, feeling :rather cold and shorn, was walking back to the cathedral, contemplat- ing the little pile of coins in her hand with great satisfaction. The service over, she returned to the deanery, and found after- noon tea going on in the drawing -room. Mrs. Mortlake had nee returned from the missionary meeting ; George Palgrave and Bertha were talking together by the window, Cornelia was pouring out tea—an unuenal thing—holding the tea -pet nngrace. fully high, so that the tea frothed into the oups. " A very dull affair, indeed," Mrs. Mort. lake was saying. " My father actually went to sleep in his chair, while a young converted Keifer was speaking through an interpreter—eaoh a creature—you should have Been—Why, Esperanoe l" breaking off suddenly, " what in the world have you done to yourself ? Are you trying to imitate our Keifer friend 7" Esperance laughed and colored, and there was a general exolamation. " I have had my hair out, that is all," she said, quietly. " Cut 1 Why, it is cropped all round your head 1 What is the meaning of this extra- ordinary freak ? " " I thought I could do very well without my hair, and I wanted it for something else." " Absurd! What have you done with it ?" " I have sold it," said Esperanoe, blush- ing, and wishing Mrs. Mortlake world not be a0 inquisitive. " Sold it 1 " Even Bertha joined in the exolamation. Mrs. Mortlake, however, was more than surprised ; an angry flush rose to her cheek as ehe continued. " You sold it in Rilohester ? How oonld you. think of doing such an imprudent thing. It will be all over the place now, and every one will be gossiping about yon,,' " I do not mind that," said Esperance. " Of course not," said Cornelia, doming to the rescue. " That ia the most sensible thing that has been said yet. I'm sore I don't know why you make such a fuss, Christabel. " " It's a disgrace to the hoose 1 " said Mre. Mortlake angrily. " A moat unlady- like thing 1 and in a small pleoe like this, where every one mast know 1 Why, all Rilohester will talk 1 " Well, Esperanoe, the family seem to disagree about the matter," said Cornelia, calmly. " For my part I have never respected yon so mnoh before. Esi?e ranee looked no gratefully. The Mr. Seymour will have told him all about unexpected kindness was welcome enough, that ; does he not tell you in his atter 2" and the was still more thankful when Por - nelia gpietly turned the conversation away from the snbjeot altogether, and succeeded in engrossing Mrs. Mortlake's attention. As eoou ae possible ehe slipped out of the room, and went to the nursery to disopes ways and means with 13ella's nurse, end was soon so deeply engaged in the neosesery calculations for a set of shirts that she for- got the grievances of the lost hair. " A spirited little oreeturo," said George Palgrave to Bertha ; " but what induced her to do euoh a thing ?" "' Probably to help her brother ;' he is going out to Ceylon, yon knoit." " Will no one else help her ? It really is a bard ease ; I shall report it to grannie." " Well, that is not a bad idea, for she is a favorite with grannie ; but I doubt if she will thank you for begging for her --she is very proud." She most not know of our inter- vention," said George. " What do you say to a walk to the Priory this evening?" " It would be too late after dinner ; besides, we should have to take .Esperanoe as a third party ; you forget propriety and gossip." Hang propriety 1 you and I ought to be exempted from each a tiresome thing ; tomorrow morning, then, by broad day- light," and he looked up, persuasively. Bertha colored. " Very well, on condition that you do the begging," she seid. George willingly agreed, and the result was so enooessfal that Esperance found a five pound note added to her earnings, and given in euoh a kind and delicate way that even her sensitive nature oonld not shrink from the help. CHAPTER XXII. . " Poor Esperanoe 1 So your protege is disposed of, Katharine," said Frances Neville, handing an open letter to her sister. Lady Worthington read it in much surprise. " Who would have thought of Dean Collinson Doming to the rescue! My opinion of him is raised. But they might have managed to keep him in England. This poor child 1 what a heartbroken letter it I suppose it is really a good thing," said Frances, sighing. " Bat it does seem hard to send him to the ends of the earth like that." " if Henry could only have found some- thing for him ; but he is so very just, he would not hear of giving Gaspard de Mabillon the chance of a eitnetion till Julius Wright was settled. There was that capital secretaryship the other day, but he got that for Mr. Frankland, youknow." " They have been waiting a long time," said Franoee. " I suppose it is all right." " Of course ; but still---," and Lady Worthington sighed impatiently. She would have liked to kelp all the world, in her own way. Just then Sir Henry came in, not too busy too listen to his wife's story. " I am sorry we are forestalled," he said, kindly. " But it is a capital appoint- ment for him, and Mr. Seymour is a very pleasant sort of man ; I met him at the deanery once, not so very long ago." " Ali, yes," said Lady Worthington. " I remember now, it was at that dull dinner whioh they gave for some colonial bishop, while Mrs. Mortlake was at Bournemouth. Mr. Seymour was the little, dark, talkative man who tried so hard to put a little life into ns all." Sir Henry smiled et this desoription. " He is a kind-hearted men, I should think, and will be a good friend to young De Mabillon." " Bat I do wish we could have helped him, Henry ; we have done scarcely any- thing, and now that he is going oat of England there will not be a chance." " I will call on Mr. Seymour, and see if cannot be of some use," said Sir Henry. ops I might take his passage for him, it will be a heavier expense then he can bear, I should think." (To be Continued) The Girls' Brigade. The Girls' Brigade in Scotland ie fast becoming as popular and beneficial an in- stitution as the widespread and famous Boys' Brigade. The girls belonging to these brigades are usually from 12 to 18 years of age, and are wage-earners in print- ing offices, factories, shops, eto. They wear red aprons with red and white borders and red and white shoulder sashes over their dark dresses, and the girl officers have scarlet and silver stripes denoting the rank of the corporals and sergeants. Their drill consists of calisthenics to music, without apparatus, but with precision and grape, exercises in whioh rings, flags and ropes are used, and marches, including several intricate figures—wheeling turning and a maze. There is also singing, and some. times a May.pole dance, with a little address from the superior officers, who are usually ladies of leisure with philanthropi. cal purposes. The work was inaugurated by two or three young ladies in Edinburgh, who formed the first brigade, and there are companies now in all parte of Scotland. In addition to the drill there are classes for singing, sewing and Bible teaching, and kindly talks on temperance, thrift and purity, somewhat of the same nature as our working girl's clubs in Amerioa.—New York Sun. Extremely Ingenious. The Russian policeman when he arrests a prisoner invariably kicks him. The Nihilists therefore carry packages of dyne. mite in their coat tail pockets, and line the more remote regions of their trousers with iron. The result is that when a policeman kicks a Nihilist the dynamite explodes, and as its force is always exerted in a down. ward direction the Nihilist himself is an. hurt, although the policeman's leg is blown off.—Paris Edition Herald. Beyond Redemption. " Mamma, said a little Boston boy, " Willie Jones is a very bad boy, isn't he?" " Why, Willie ? " " He uses bad language." "Why, I am surprised. What did he say." '" Pants." Foreman—Smith is a good workman, brit he's in love and takes so mnoh time to wait on his girl that he can't tend to business. Manager—Well, hire a good looking dude to get hie girl away from him and he'll be all right. " What canoes pimples ?" repeated a Boston girl in town to one of our peach- complexioned girle. " Your ignorance sur- prises me. They are paused by the clogging of the sebaceous glands with sebum," The total amount depoaited in the Do- minion Post Office Savings' banks during May was $504,164, and the withdrawals 4706,084. • Bridge work, as it 10 called, ie a new dental process of inserting artifioial teeth on what might be called a band plate, consisting of a narrow band of gold to which are fastened the enbatitntea for the missing teeth. The plate ie permanently anchored to remaining teeth or roots and cannot be removed. One of the new Stara in Wall street is Camille Weidenteldt, who has just paid 423,000 for a seat on the atook exchange. Not long ago he was a junior clerk in a broker's once. Now be is worth half a million. NOT TIBC THING sOR CANADA. Commenting upon the 13111 before Con grecs, intended to prevent aliens from acquiring and holding large traots of land in the United States, a Canadian paper said the other day that 13ritieh investors might soon regret that they had nedleoted Canada. Sorely oar contemporary does not want to see the land of thie cal vary owned by absentees, who will be enabled, SS population and demand for land in. crews, Io take large sums 38 rental or selling price from Canadians who desire to cultivate the lands. The experience of early settlers in Western Ontario with the Canada Company should not so Boon be forgotten. Why not let the land value all go to the "Grown," that ie, to the publio treasury, to be used for the good of the whole people, instead of steering it away to British non - producers ? A letter in Bradstreet's from New Zealand shows how that colony has been injured by the system which our 000 - temporary appears to favor for Canada when it invitee the British speculator to look this way. After deecribing the condi- tion of general trade, the writer in Brad. street's says : " The.gold mining prospects are better than they have been for some time, and excellent yields of the preoioue metals have been obtained from some of the mines during the last few weeks. Other indications of an improved state of affairs in New Zealand are not wanting, bat it is becoming more and more apparent that no great and permanent improvement throughout the country can take plane until the land question is settled on some equitable baste. A few words on this important subject cannot fail to be of interest. The total acreage of New Zealand is 66,000,000 acres, of whioh 25,- 000,000 acres are suitable for agrioultural purposes, and about 28,000,000 acres are suitable for sheep and cattle rune, most of the remainder being waste lands. Up to Deoember, 1888, 19,244,344 sores had been dealt with by the crown, but last year the authorities received £344,000 for other freehold and leasehold lands, and it is sufficiently accurate to say in round numbers that about 20,000,00U acres have been disposed of by the colony. Now 17,- 987,507 aoree of that land is owned by 1,615 families, and the greater portion of it is used for the grazing of sheep, the valve of their wool last year being about £4,000,- 000. But 1,140 of the owners are permanent absentees from the colony, drawing large incomes from it, one owner deriving en annual revenue of £85,000 from it, whioh he spends abroad. An immense drain thus yearly takes place, but that is not the worst feature. Only 9,172 families are living on their own free- holds, from 1 to 10 acres for each family, and 7,507 families are living on their free. holds of from 10 to 50 sores eaoh. These 16,679 families, the bulk and flower of the agricultural population of the colony, thus occupy an acreage of about 400,000 acres in round numbers, while 1,615 families, largely absentees, hold about 18,000,000 acres. The absentees escape moat of the taxation, as well as the labor and expense of developing the colony, whose eyes they have pinked out by securing at mere nomi. nal prices the bulk of its best land. When the small holders, whose properties are on the margins of the large estates, went to buy more land, they are asked almost prohibitive prices, and thus the develop- ment of the country is retarded, In this colony there are '360 private owners, banks and companies, which own between them 7,348,713 acres of unimproved land, valued by Government valuers at £15,153,630. Those properties are freehold, the estates averaging 20,300 acres. Seventy- six persons own between them land valued in Govern- ment returns at £8,498,541. How these lands are to be unlocked is at present a mystery, but it is felt that such large holdings of absentees will have to be dealt with before New Zealand can progress as ehe should, considering the climate, re. sources and the people." Fruit as Medicine. It is very seldom that frnit is taken as a preventive or onre for illness or disease, yet the value of many varieties in cases of slight ailments, and in some instances of serious indisposition, ia indispntable, and advantage might well be taken of this fact by those engaged in the fruit trade to im- press it upon the public more strongly. Of the various fruits—Englieh and foreign— grapes stand first from a medicinal point of view. They are both purifying and nutri. tioae, Peaches also are most hygienic, especially if taken at breakfast time, whilst nothing is more palatable and wholesome than this fruit. An orange eaten before breakfast will, to a great extent, prevent or cure dyspepsia, and the juice as well as that of lemons to extremely nsefal in cases of 'fever. Stewed apples might with advan• tage replace many salts, powders or pills given to patients by physicians. A taste for tomatoes, although not natural, ie easily acquired, and indulgence in this, to many unpleasant, fruit, has a good effect in liver and gastrin complaints. Currants, raspberries, strawberries, figs, and many other kinds of frnit are equally purifying to the system, if taken regularly and frequently but not spasmodically. We might continue to cite examples tote con- siderable length, but the precedingewill be enffioient to indicate the valve of this class of produce as health producers and sup. porters. Besides the almost universal nee of the orange as a dessert,the sweet variety abounding as it does in critic acid, pos- sesses in a high degree anti-soorbntio properties. The enormous consumption of this fruit among all classes must have a very beneficial effect on the health of the population. The late influenza epidemio undoubtedly gave a temporary spurt to the orange retail trade. As is well known, the medical profession strongly recommended the fruit as a means of alleviating, if not actually staving off that distressing con. plaint. This fact was endorsed by the analyst of thie publication, and then made the moat of by the metropolitan retailers, who, especially in the poorer districts, ex. hibited large placorde Reith the quoted medical opinion respecting the anti•in• flaenza virtues of the orange. The bitter orange is a .valuable stomachic, and the astringent properties contained in the rind make this frnit an excellent tonic. Orange wine is made in great quantities from the Bigarade.—Fruit Trade Journal. That's What She Ie. The sweet girl graduate is the personbe. cation of pulchritude, the sublimation of symmetry, the idealiitation of intelligence, the embodiment of enthusiasm and the typification of tenderness. Master Eddie Leo, of Cedar Rapids, Ia 11 years old, is about to take the concert stege. His voice differs from that of young Kavanagh, in that it ie a boy's voioe, while Itavanagh's is a full-grown soprano. Many a man has made his fortune by keeping his month abut, but the rule won't apply to the 42,000 tenor. A writer says : " There are some things a woman doesn't know." There may be, but no man oan tell her what they are. The Anchor line steamer Devonla, whioh sailed from Glasgow for New York June 19th, has returned to the f3lyde. Etor high proeenre pletbit became disabled. ♦ BU1DE BOB STANL1A1r, Sketch of Dorothy Tennant—Bow the Famous tl.rrteau Explorer W000. A., London Celebrity—lilies Tennant as am A%tlst--Grand Wedding in prospect. A Ball, robust, handsome woman, ratbe' inclined to embonpoint, with fair hair, deet blue eyes, a straight, well-developed neee, a. lovely oomplexiou, white teeth, fall !mouth.small, dimply bands and pretty ;feet, about describe the young lady who will beonme. Mrs. Henry M. Stanley nest month. Blies Dorothy Tennant is nearly 34 years of age, and first came into prominent literary notice by her clever illustrations of Mrs. W. K Clifford's popular book, "Anyhow Stories," whioh appeared some years ago, and still enjoys an enormous sale. From a eooiety point of view, few young ladiee in London are better known than Mr. Stanley's betrothed. Not a festival of the year, from a flower -show or a " first night " at the opera to garden party at. Marlborough house, but Miss Dorothy Tennent's name appears in the list of guests. She has acquired a distinct tame in Louden for the quiet elegance of her gowns and the num- ber and variety of her parasols, which ie apparently a hobby with her, and she never appears in the park, either riding or driv- ing, without a cavalcade of admirers en suite, whioh has not been lessened by the announcement of her engagement to the famous explorer. A clever article, generally illustrated, in one of the magazines, or a striking picture in one of the galleries, keeps her always in .front in literary and art circles ; in fact, as the Princess of Wales remarked, when congratulating Mr.. Stanley, "You marry not only a very pretty and very charming girl, but a woman brimful of genius." The story of Stanley's wooing is graft-, ally being disclosed. He first met Mies. Tennant when last in England and for a while was received with the same coolness whioh has usually characterized the lady's reception of - attentions from gentlemen. But the indomitable courage, energy and wonderful powers of description possessed. by the explorer gradually won the heart of one who possessed similar traits in ea marked a degree and when Stanley man- aged to pluck up sufficient courage she fainted with mingled delight and excite- ment. She promised to wait until he re- turned from hie next African trip, and. insisted that their engagement should be kept secret. The letters which have passed between " Stanley Africanus " and his fiancee, if they ever see the light of publication— love-letters of eminent persona are now included in the printer's prey—will be truly carious stories, for no doubt the explorer told more to his lady love than he will ever confess elsewhere of the awful tribulations of hie march through the Afri- can swamps and forests. His brother explorers were aware of their commander's love story, and many a tree in the strange lands visited lute "Dolly" deeply out into the bark. The natives need to think it the sign of the white chief's fetish and often prostrated themselves before it. In one of of his letters Stanley wrote euoh a harrow- ing account of the sufferings of hie band and gave such a vivid picture of the death of a gigantic negro swallowed by a huge serpent that Miss Tennant swooned alter reading it. - Stanley has brought a most extraordi- nary collection of curios home for Miea Tennant, many of them being now on ex- hibition at the African society's show. He declares that he will never permit his wife to share the dangers of exploration, and that if he goes again to Africa she mast re- main at home or in Egypt until he returnee H is not anxious to have his wedding celebrated in Westminster Abbey, bat would like a quiet ceremony in the little village church near the chanty seat of the Tennant family. This wish, however, is not likely to be fulfilled, as the Prinoeas of Wales and other exalted ladies have inti- mated a desire to be present. Stanley and Miss Tennant appear to- gether everywhere, and of course are always asked to meet each other at dinners and re- ceptions. The explorer is almost worked to death, despite the fact that he hae three secretaries laboring day and night answer- ing letters from all parte of the world. Samples of every conceivable article of apparel and color are sent to him with the notification that they have been named " Stanley," and even Stanley pies, Stanley sausages and Stanley toothpaste are among the presents poured in upon hire from anxious advertisers. The Noble Art of Self -Defence. " Do you think it would be wrong for me to learn the noble art of self-defence 7" a religiously inclined youth inquired of his pastor. "Certainly not," answered the minister " I learned it in youth myself, and I have found it of great value during my, lite." "Indeed, sir 1 Did yon learn the old Englieh system or Sallivan's system ?" " Neither. I learned Solomon's system. " Solomon's system?" " Yes ; Yon will find it laid down in the first verse of the fifteenth chapter of Pro- verbs : ' A soft answer tnrneth away wrath.' It is the beet system of self- defence of which I know."—Home Com- panion. If Be Spent Less. It the American workingman would spend less money for ram, less money for clothes, lees money for food, less money for rent of hooses, less money for street oar rides, less money for newspapers, lesa money for shaves, less money for .hair trimming, less money for—but phew, ire no use ! We wore trying to prove that if he economized on six dollars a week for the year round that he would leave enough cash to his widow to bury him decently without going into the grave on the instal- ment plan. But we can't do it.—Harris- burg Patriot. Not That Rind of a Critter. Silversmith (to rural old lady ordering a tea aervioe)—Would yon like to have it with reponsee decoration ? Old Lady—No, I reckon not. If there's got to be any critters on it, I don't want oats. I'd rather have canary birds and butterflies; —Jewellers' Weekly. The coming European rifle is said to be by Col. Milanovitoh of the Servian army. Col. Br4 "fprd, the new London Chief of Police, h . ordered that members of the force eh: , .ot hold meetings to agitate theirgr°:v:Y , s. The ease against Harry Phillips, of Mon - treed, charged with abdnoting a Crown witness, collapsed yesterday, and Phillips was discharged. ' —Reporter—" Anything new, in the wee& end ?" New—" Oh, yes, twins 1" —Philadelphia's population is placed at 1,040,449: increase in ten years, 193,379. —The population of Bbaton is estimated at 417,720, a gain of nearly 55,000 during the decade. It has been lately shown that if two coins be planed on opposite Bides of a plate of glass and eleotritled for two minntee they Will leave a perfect image of theni-' selves upon the glue. ;O