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 :-iih â- â-  ^Wm^ Xj-A^It ATtO^OCTa 1 :• ,• fm M ill i A young girl, sloirly walkii^ 4oiV ^« highroad, dusty mad tired looking, and â- ecining as if nothii^ bat shadow were in her life. As she goes homewafd she is perasing a closely written letter, and as she raiseii her hand time and agiin to wipe away the hot bitter tears, ic may be surmised that the contents are not of the most reabsuring kind. After reading it throagh very care- fully, she folds it and dropping it into the little satchel on her arm, lifts her head reso- lutely, quickens her pace, and soon reaches ixer destination. She goes quietly to her room, takes off the %road sun hsit, biithes her face, brushes her "faiiir, then t tkes out that letter and re-reads it. Dropping it in her lap, in a listless maniit^r, she gazed across the wide landscape and a long deep sigh escaped her â€" " Is there no way, no honorable way out of our diffi- culties?" she thinks bitterly. She is too wise to speak her thoughts, walls have eurs, her trouble, was her own and she intended it should remain so. "Must Jack sell the hooiestead to pay that dreadful mortgage that has been daily eating our lives out for yeirii past It will almosc kill father to see it pass into other hands, but with three lit- tle mouths to feed, and the many unseen troubles that have come to us, it is all Jack and I can do to pay the interest and keep the wolf from the door, let alone put togeth- er that principal. Oh if I could do anything, anything honorable that would earn the mon- ey, how gladly I would do it 1 To see dear old Jack loosened from that weight would a nply repay me for any hardship I might myself endure " She stands upright, clasps her hands above her head with a weary gesture, and as she stands there, we cannot do better than des- cribe ^Fanay Campbell, the competent and popular teacher of Ferndale district. Slight- ly above the average height, a graceful, wil- lowy figure, pure, creamy complexion, light- ed by great, fearless, gray eyes, eyes that di- late and darken under excitement, full broad brow, shaded by clustering curls of soft dark hair a rather large nose and month, a dimpled chin, small, well-formed hands aud feet, and you have a correct in- veunory of Fanny's charms. In the rashing. lively town of Exeter, some hundred miles or so from Ferndale, standing at the window of a fashionable re f drawing himself to his full height, answer- "â- ' ' Mis Campbeil to»Iiig1ily toever^eak other in tiie wsy yon oto poe ed I wm gnilty of doiajc," (hen â- â- ddeu;jr raUng Idii ^eaft and^ lookug Jack fairly u the nee he added, " I have a proposition to make." Jack bowed, bat looked at him corioasly. After a moment's silence he continaed, " Do not be offended at what I say, Mr. Campbell, for i annre yoa no offence is in- tended. Yon know me, my means, my gen- eral character, my business standing, woald yoa be willing to trust your sister^ fatard tome?" It was out, and Liawrence as he toyed nervously with a paper-weight at his hand, watched the varying expressions on Jack Campbeirs face. "I think I must have misunderstood you," said Jack in amazement. " Perhaps I bungled," said Lawrence, half sadly, " but, Mr. Campbell, I lov.; your sister so dearly, and the fear that I will never be able to call her mine so unnerves me, that I find it difficult to explain to you my position. If Miss Campbell will marry me, I will give her the amount of your in- debtedness, to set you free before the world. One moment," as Jack rose indignantly, "I am not buying Miss CampbelL She will be free to accept or reject me. I merely tell you what I will do, providing she honors me with the acceptance of my hand. Will you favor my suit " quietly. Jack had reseated himself. It was a tempting offer. Had he a right to refuse it without consulting Fanny, Frank as he al- ways called her Assuredly not, â€" and looking up he found Lawrence's eyes watch- ing him keenly. " What is your decision, Mr. Campbell?" " I will let my sister decide for herself. To her and to her alone must you look for your answer, I will not influence her in the least," was the candid answer. " Dome one favor," he pleaded. " Write to her and tell ,her the circumstances and," with a deprecating little smile, " say a good word for me, if you can." " Promise me one thin?, Mr. EUwood," said Jack rising, " if my sister answers favorably, will you always give her the kind love a true husband should give his wife " Lawrence Ellwood rose to his feet, and sidence might be seen, that same evening on which our story opens, a handsome man of about thirty years of age The proud, fair face, however, wore a discontented, not to say unhappy expression, and the blue eyes were moody and troubled. What could pos- sibly have transpired to so annoy Lawrence Ellwood, the petted darling of Exeter, the wealthiest man in the town? As he chews the end of his heavy mus- tache he mutters, " I can't make it out, why can't I forget her as easily as I do the young labdies I meet every day What is there in great, laughing, gray eyes to make me see them before me night and day? A girl, too, to whom I have never spoken, who possibly knows me by sight, by reputation at all event.s," and a bitter look crossed his face blotting out for a moment all its beauty, "And I don't doubt, poor as she is and forced to drudge daily tor enough to eat, but that she 'would refuse me were I to lay my hand and my heart at her feet. By jove my heart has been there for mmy a week past, it is useless to deny it any longer. I have passed safely the battery of fashion and beauty in Paris, and other European cities, in Toron- to and Montreal, to fall, at last a victim, to a little gray eyed school-treacher The worst of it is," ruefully, "I see no chance of winning her,' and turning abruptly, he left â- the house and made his way down town. The next forenoon,' while sitting in bis pri- vate apartment at the Bank, a young man of about his own age was shown in on busi- ness The newcomer was handsome and gentlemanly, in appearance, and Mr. Ell- wood rose graciously to receive him, offering his hand as he said, " This is an unexpected pleasure, Mr. Campbell. Is there anything I can do for you to-day " Jack Campbell, for it is he, returned the greeting cordially, then' with some slight hesitation, began, "Mr. Ellwood, I called to see you on business. Doubtless you are aware I am embarrassed in money matters. The truth is I want to sell my farm, I can- not clear myself of debt in any other way, and bitter as itis it must be done. I thought perhaps you would wish to in- it in good property so I called to see 3'ou." Lawrence Ellwood had listened attentive- ly. When Jack finished he sat silent a few moments then looking up asked quietly, " What is the total amount of your indebt- edness, Mr. Campbell?" "At a rough estimate, eight thousand dollars would cover it in full," was the re- ply. "And what will you do providing you find a purchaser 1 Pardon me, it is not idle curiosity prompts the question," he added, courteously, seeing his visitor's face flush. '•I scarcely know as yet. Anything that "will give me means to support those de- pendent on me," was the frank answer. ' It will be hard for your parents to have to leave their home," Lawrence said kindly. " God knows, it will," was the passionate «nswer, "it almost unmans me when I think of them, Mr. Ellwood." " You have a sister, a young lady, have ^ou not " asked Ellwood, slowly. " Yes," was the brief reply. " Is she at home " indifferently. "No, she is teaching at Ferndale," cold- ly- " At Ferndale ' exclaimed the other. " Do you know anything about Ferndale, Mr. Campbell," asked Lawrence qrickly. " Nothing beyond what my sister has written, but, pardon me, we are straying irom business," he added pointedly. " Pardon me, Mr. Campbell, if I pursue the subject. We will return to business in a few minutes. Does Miss Campbell like Ferndale?" " She does not say, Mr. Ellwood," with -quiet dignity, " I prefer to have my sister's name left out of the discussion. She accept- ed Ferndale school, knowing how much the money was needed by those at home, and for their sake, ii it is not ^sbe would like, she has forborne making any complaint. My eister is one of the noblest giria in the world and so I cannot bear to have her spoken of in a light, careless mann^" and Jack 'Campbdl flashed hotly. " Yoa hare misanderstood me, Mr. Cunp- *ell," was Lawrence's answer, " I reqiect ed, " as surely as there is a God in Heaven, so surely will I be to your sister, if she will marry me, a faithful, loving husband as long as I live." " I am satisfied," said Jack, offering his hand, " I will write to my sister to-night." " So will I," said Lawrence, and the two men parted. A week later Miss Campbell received the two letters. Whom the one addressed in the bold business hand could be from puz- zled her, and she opened it to appease her curiosity. Glancing at the signature, she exclaimed in amazement, "Lawrence Ell- wood What can he have to say to me " and beginning at the first she read, "My deab Miss Campbell,â€" Doubtless you will be surprised to get this note from me, but I can endure the suspense no longer. Will you be my wife I love you truly, as a mau ought to love the wonuui he marries, and if you will kindly listen to me, and ac- cept me, I will endeavor to make your life very happy. " I know you will think it strange, my writing in this manner, and not even having an introduction to you, but I have seen you many times in Exeter, and the fact remains, that I love you with my whole heart and soul. " I had a conversation with your brother to-day, on the subject, and I write this with his sanction. From him you will learn all particulars, also a proposition I made to him, which I trust will not damage my cause in your eyes. "Dear Miss Campbell, judge my past as leniently as you can, and be very sure that from this day forward, Lawrence Ellwood will stand free from the vices that have marred the days gone by, the memory of your pure face will ever guard me from temptation, even should you close the gate of Paradise on my longing eyes. " Kindly let me know your decision as soon as possible, as I will be very unhappy till I hear from you. Whatever your deci- sion may be, always look on me as your friend, if you debar me from a nearer and dearer relationship. • " Yours very faithfully, (I would fain add lovingly,) " Lawrekce Leslie Ellwood." Fanny Campbell dropped the letter in con- sternation. " Oh, good gracious " she muttered, " has the man gone crazy Lawreuv-e Ellwood wanting to marry Frank Campbell " and she laughed a queer little laugh. " A man I have never spoken to, either, it is too ridiculous Still there is a ring about that letter, I like," she added, thoughtfully, " more true manUness in it than I ever gave the man credit for But marry him that is simply out of the ques- tion," decisively. " I wonder what Ja has to say" after a pause, " and Mr. Ell- wood says he sanctions his suit it is verv odd," thoughtfully. ' Slowly she opens Jack's letter, reads it stid more slowly, evidently weighing each word as she goes along, and when it is fin- ished the whole expression of the girl's face has changed. Jack had written very minute- ly, giving her all details, and leaving her to decide for herself, at the same time beg- ging her not to accept Mr. Ellwood anl4s she felt sure she could be happy with him. She faces the situation unflinchingly. She sees it all so plainly, ease and comfort for the dear, old parents, a sure home for the little ones, freedom from care for Jack all these on one side, on the other, what ' A life spent by the side of a man who was less than nothing to her, a man whose past drew from her nothing but scorn and loathing True, she cared for no one, she was whol^ heart free, but she shuddered at the thonriit of marryine Lawrence Ellwood. The battle went on, and fin^y her ded- Hon was made. " I wOl do it I" she said, detenmnation written on every feature. " God forgive me if I am dwng wromt. bat I cannot see them tamed adrift, homeleas and penniless." • A week lata- Lawrence Ellwood received his answer. For a tew minntes he conld not summon ooarage to opm it, at last he broke the seal, drew oat the ahee* and read with wildly beating heart the iew lioMiMoaad therein: â€" «- jf-n«ii "DmAmlfB. Bllwood,â€" Tkora oaabe bo* m to yoan of the Mth, jfuor no. My aimrar ia not MO. " Yours sinoenly, " Fbahk C. Cakfull." Xlink God 1" he aaid reVerently "tfMtrtk God, for this grea* Uetsing," and ha kfiad the sisnatore, Uashing like a aahool-gl as he ud so. TiffAmgat it again, he oontinaed, **What «: jnMy -name 1 Frank I and how wdlit --' ImtI Ah my bcmnie, little Frank. I anderMand why your answer \b not ' no,' but the daughter who loves so traly will make a wife doubly worthy, and if it lies in the power of man to win yonr love, so sorely wall win it, darling " The next day when he wrote to her, his letter breathed something of the great love he felt, bat in his letter no extravagant terms of endeursa^it were to be foond in it. At the end he begged for jost one word to say she was not wholly indmerent to him. Her answer carried a quiet dignity with it. "Yon must not forget," she wrote, "that to me all this is new and strange. It is needless to say tiiat I oidy accepted your offer, because yon so generously prom- ised to extricate my brother from his dif- ficulties. I can truthfully assure yon, that if you do not possess my affection no one else does. At present all I can give yoa is loyal friendship, the future alone can tell if it will ripen into anything wamer. If you are content to take me under these circumstan- ces, I will do my best to be a good, true wife to you; more than that I cannot prom- ise," smd Lawrence was fain to confess he could expect no more. When he urged for a speedy marriage, she declared she was in duty bound to fin- ish her term at Ferndale, then it should be as soon as he desired. Jack was not surprised at his sister's de- cision. Knowing her so well he never for a moment had doubted what it would be, and yet he felt terribly uneasy abont how it all would end. Lawrence Ellwood that day had favorably impressed him. " If Frank could only learn to care for him," he said again and again, " I'm sure she would be very happy, for Ellwood is at heart a good man." The end of September saw Frank in Exe- ter, waiting for Jack to come and take her home. In the meantime Lawrence had bought up all Jack's debts, and one morning the latter got a letter enclosing a receipt -in full for all liabilities. Frank had been duly informed, and her heart warmed to the man who had so delicately accomplished a diffi- cult task. But that day in Exeter it was with a sinking heart she awaited the coming of her affianced husband. It was a strange position, engaged to this man for over three months, and to day would be .the first time they would speak to each other. The minutes dragged slowly. At last a step on the stairs, a light rap on the door, and Lawrence £llwood and Frank Campbell were face to face. He came towards her eagerly, his fair face in a glow of delight, his blue eyes lit up by his great love, with a very tender light in them, both hands out- stretched, " At last Oh, Frankie, we meet at last 1" he cried tenderly. Frank had risen to her feet, and now stood pale to the lips, her eyes darkening and di- lating with excitement. Almost uncon- sciouSy she extended her hands to meet his, but when he would have drawn her to him and kissed the pure, pale face, she sprang away from him, exclaiming, "No, no, Mr. Ellwood, not that, not that " Lawrence's face grew very sad at her evi- dent aversion to him. "Forgive me," he said sadly, " forgive me, Frankie. My great love made me forget for the moment that you did not return it." " Rather forgive me, Mr. Ellwood," she said, in a curiously choked voice, "butâ€" but I was taken so by surprise. I never im- agined you would want toâ€" to kiss me," she finished desperately, flushing crimson to the roots of her hair. In spite of himself Lawrence Ellwood smiled. The smile was contagious. The absurdity of the position flashed on both, and ere they were aware of it, both were laughing heartily over the affaur. It serve to drive off the oppressive feeling, and was the first foundation of real friendship be. tween these two so strangely mated. Seating himself by her side, Lawrence continued the conversation, asking mis- chievously, " Well, Frankie, if I did not want to kiss my intended wife, what would I want?" "Please, don't, Mr. Ellwood," she plead- ed. "1 know how generous you can be, won't you extend it a little further, andâ€" and let us get a little acquainted, before beforeâ€"" breaking down in charming con- **Why, XcNsmes, of ooittw»" ha amwaNd TgtaaeMft "L** »• hwr J»a wy it, dear," ^^SlSldimt la aame," doob*hiIly. I X«alM, my aaOQud naaie is "^aaailing. without fusion. "PoorUttlegi^ir „ he said kindly, put- tmg his arm around her, and drawing her close to his side. "Poor, little, timid, Frankie, I won't tease you any more, you may trust me, darling," and he bent his head and kissed the trembling lips of the agitated girl. Frank sprang to her feet, sudden anger chasing away every other feeling. Lawrence looked at her, in amazement, then sudden- ly realizing what he had done, he too, rose coloring plainfully. " Forgive me, oh, for- give me " he pleaded, humbly, " on my honor, I never intended doing it Frankie " pasionately. " I love you so, you cannot comprehend how I do love you, and when I saw you in such pitiable agitation, I un- consciously did what I did, I could not help It. Forgive me this once and I will try not to offend again," and he looked at her be- seechingly. Her sudden anger was cooling, reflection was domg its work, as she answered, calmly M possible, " I beUeve yoa, Mr. Ellwood. Being anpremediated, I can forgive you this time, otherwise I would find it hard to do so." " Then nt down agun and let as resume our conversation," with grave politeness. " Thank yon," and Frankie sat down in a cosy rocker some distance from the sofa, the scene of their late trouble. " Won't you sit here?" he asked, indicat- ing her last seat. "I am quite comfortable here, thank you," with a litle smile. "Ah, yoa cannot trust me," sadly, then going where she sat, he knelt down by her side, and slipping his arm aroond her, said tepderly, " Doar Frankie, have patience with me. Yoa say yoa cate for no one, won t yc« try and Are for me jnat a Uttle, averyhttle,"anconacioaaIyhis arm tight ened around her. "Mr. BBwood,**'*, pi, craedi deep diatnas. lir. EDwoodr he ftUIy, •*winr dn yon call What dae w«Mld'^£ aaS. qoiredr maocentiy. don't," she Jt reproack "Than call ^1^ I liopa yon don't iiliaot^'tlilR ami "Bat Ido," dee|A^%^Ill|aU yw adtlMB. FH ]»â-¼Â« a «ttqM aJK mj.'^own, for yoa," HMMify- LawretM0a hftart new a fteat 1xand. Smaly tt» did not djdite. wx ^en aha apoka in that tone, and^ yea -dn parmittai him tojtiit his arm sr^and her, and ^t terrible nervoua dread waa.wearing oS. Bat he aud nothing of this, only bending his look on her more keenly, he asked, merrily, ' And what iainy.Jia»JBaina -to ^be, aweat- heart?" ' Let me aee," she said, gravely. After a moment's thought^ die looked ap with a meriy twinkle in her ej^ " Well, what is it?" he asked gaily. " Larry 1" she said, emphaticiuly. He gave a low whistle as he made a comi- cal grimace at the name. "Yon don't like it " die questioned mis- chievously. "I can't say I do," he acknowledged slowly. " Never mind, it will not be long till yon think it the prettiest namp in the world," sagely, " I would like to hear bow it sounds," he said with great innocence. " Would you, really,â€" Larry " with a very slight hesitation before mentioning it. " I am converted," he cried, " Larry it shall be to the end of the chapter " In the coarse of an hour or so he rose to tske his leave. As he held her hand he looked at her pleadingly, which brought the hot blushes to her face. " Have you quite forgiven me, Frankie " he whispered. " Yes, Larry," was the low reply, wi raising her eyes. " Darling," and his face was bent close to hers, y will you not give me of your own free will, what I unconsciously robbed you of some time ago 7" No answer, but the little hand he held fluttered like a prisoned bird. "We may never meet again," he whisper- ed, pleadingly, " God only knows what is in store for us, and I would like to have one kiss from my wife's lips." A moment's hesitation, then she raised her pure face to his, and as Larry Ellwood kiss- ed the pure lips of his chosen bride, he mur- mured reverently, " God bless you and keep you always, and may He give me the power of making you happy, dearest Frankie," and then he left her. Arrangements for the marriage were made shortly, in the meantime Lany lost no opportunity that presented itself to try and win her affection. A surprise awaited him the first time he drove out to her home to see her. He had purchased a very hand- some set of jewellry as a present for her. VVhen they were alone he gave them to her. She opeq^d the box in some surprise, and the beau^ of its contents drew from her an exclamation of admiration. " You like it " he questioned eagerly. " It is lovely, but â€" " and she looked at him wistfully. " But what, Frankie " kindly. " Say what you wish, darling." She took a step towards him and laid one hand lightly on his arm. " You will not be angry, Larry," she pleaded; "but I cannot accept your gift." " Not accept it, Frankie I Do you dislike me so very much that you will not even take a pdtry little gift from me?" he asked bitterly. Her face showed the keen distress his words caused r er. "I was afraid you would put that construction on it," she answered sadly " but, indeed, indeed, you are wrong. I would not accept such presents from any man. Whenâ€" when," blushing deeply, " I am your wife, Larry, I will not refuse any gift you may choose to give me. You understand what I mean " wist- fully. " Yes. Frankie, you are one woman in ten .thousand I will not offend again until," roguishly, " you are my uoife," lin- germg very tenderly over the two last words. The evening before their marriage Larry drove out to see her. As they were stand- ing together shortly before he left, he sud- denly put his arm around her and drew her closely to him. It was the first time he had done so since the day of their first meeting in Exeter, and she made a movement as if to escape from his embrace. " Don't, darling, you hurt me," he whispered tenderly, "let me hold you so, just this once," and she permitted him. " This will be our last good -by," he said presently. " After to-morrow we will not be separated. I wish, Frankie, that you could look forward to the future as eaeerlv as I do," regretfuUy. 6 0' She did not answer, but he felt her quiver from head to foot. " Do you dread it so terribly, dear " he inquired, gravely tender. "Larry, don't f she cried, a ring of pain m the sweet voice, then, as if im^ed by some unseen power, she turned towards him and burying her face on his shoulder sobbed as if her heart would break. Larry was shocked at her grief. He said nothmg, bnt tenderly stroked the soft, little curls that ran riot over her head. His touch seemed to soothe and restore her. Present- ly she raised her head, and would have withdrawn from his arm, but he gently, yet firmly, resisted her attempt. "No, darlmg," he said softly, "you sought shelter in my arms from your trouble and have wept bitter tears on my bosom! mstmctively yoa turned to me, and I will not let you go." " Larry," she said, in a low voice, ♦• it was not the dread of tomorrow made me do what I did just now I My nerves seem whoUy unstrung, and I feel abeady that my cry has done me good, forgive me for wound- ine you as I have done," and she glanced no at him shyly. ' Something in her face made his heart beat wildly. " Frankie, teU me traly. do you care for me " he questioned eagerly. " I hardly know," she answered slowlv "Till the last half hour Ithonghtl ^d mJ' watt-. «,Avr » • • happine titti, " I narer knew real yoor wife." Hii face light.. " Yoa have w,^ Wj.me,^»exaltantiy.«haveyo!:^; thr^^'^:^?j;^^,t^'" abena. ^^u ot^, A few minatea after, she asked ».• gjd^.-ahdllcaUyoaUwrelee"':^. V No," emphatically, " nothin,i I ry." And "Larry" it^Wev« ft W happy home.^ " m n^j EELICS OP TEE DAEK A6E8. A Justice of the Peace in a West Vir»L. village recently fined a fisherman heaS* insutmg in the coarse of a trial befo^ a sapient magistrate that the moon had Jti thing to do with the tbb and flow ^I A Uttle negro giri of Calhoun goeBon? the mountains every day or two and U so she says, with an obliging angel who t her a great many mysterious secrets Tlul black people place a greatdeal of con" ' in her revelations, and await her and going with anxious interest. Her lat2 1 piece of information is that the town irilil be visited by a cyclone, following close u| the heels of a disastrous earthquake befoill the year is out, and will be totally de^troyeil Frank Winn, a precocious young colotril boy of Dallas, Tex., has shown consIderaSI inventive skill, and many of themoresipol stitious of his race think that he is in wl with the devil. Last week some of the cwi I ulous blacks tried to rout Satan out of tlul young inventor's dwelling by nailing up ft,! door and suspending before it strands A hair tied around bits of broken glass. %| clinch the argument with the black fienjl they tacked a horseshoe on the lintel of tlitl door and attached a precious rabbit's foot tj I the knob. A negro cook at Athene, Ga., hada »â-  vere attack of rheumatisui iu tue back noil long ago and called in a voudoo doctor \\ treat him. The voudoo man said that hiil patient was under the malign influenced! an enemy, and going out into the yard te-l turned with a piece of red flannel tied in I the middle with a bine string, which he de- clared to be the cause of all the troubk The offending cloth was burned in the sick- 1 room to the accompaniment of weird incant- ations, the patient said he was much hetter and the doctor, having received his fee, departed. One of Mrs. McLane's hens, near Thomp- 1 son, laid an unusually large egg a short time ago, on which, it is declared, was written in startling capital letters the inscription. "Terrible Earthquake in March." The news of the omen flew around among the I negroes with great rapidity, and intense ex- citement prevaUed. Prayer-meetings wen held in cabins, people confessed their siiii to one another and an alarming state j mental depression and religious fervor ob- 1 tained among many of the blacks. It ii now supposed the mysterious inscription was the work of a young man employed on Mrs. McLane's farm. proper The Victorian Empire. Great Britain is quarrelling with Vena- uela, and has even gone so far as to with- draw her Minister. The quarrel is, of I course, over the boundary question. Great I Britain took Guiana from the Dutch, and while the line between Dutch and English territory has been settled by treaty, those between English territory and the territories of Brazil and Venezuela have never been laid down, and Britain's claims rest upon the old Dutch conquests. Treaties between all the nations exist which debar either one from occupying the disputed territory, which is said to amount to over eighty thousand square miles. The area of British Guiana, without this disputed territory, is, accord- ing to latest figures, one hundred and nine thousand square miles. This is a very small proportion of so large a continent for a nation which ha£ annexed over one- seventh of all the land on earth. Slie ovrns indeed even a smaller proportion of the con- tinent of Europe upon which her sole posses- sion is Gibraltar whose area is only abcnt one and seven-eighths square miles but then, Europe is too far advanced to need her fostering care, while South America is in part undeveloped and in part uncivilized. Of course Great Britain owns a good many scrappy islands which count with South America, and whose aggregate area is about 125,"i64 square miles, but two hundred and twenty-five thousand square miles is too small a proportion of such a vast continent for a nation to possess which owns about 3,600,000 square miles of North America, 3,306,000 square miles of Australia and Oceanica, 1,304,655 square miles of Asia and 300,000 s square miles of Africa. This is without counting such recent annexa- tions as those in New Guinea, in Burmah, on the Niger in Africa, or such protector- ates as those established over Egypt, or Afghanistan, or Beloochistan, and leaving out such pearls as Cyprus, Malta, Aden, Perim nor does it include the United King- dom, whose area is 120,892 miles. Serious- ly, Great Britain posseeses already too much undigested territory. She has been nowhere less successful in Anglicizing her possessions than in the plantations of Guiana, whose conditions are little removed from those of the former slave plantations of the South, and in some respects differ for the worse, as the planters have less interest iu their hands; and these, being largely imported coolies, suffer greatly from the climate. Brazil is a well-governed country, and Venezuela i» a self-governing republic, which, however Tinsetued, is more to the mind of freemen than a crown colony ever can be. On the whole, we hope England will not distress herself abont acquisitions in that region. Montreai Witnem. but now- "Now, Frankie f pleadingly.' "I tiiink I am begiimiiigto care 'gmningto care for yoa," WW the low reply, so low he had to bend nis head to catch the words. His arm tij^tsned abont her; '« Yoa have maae me very happy," ho aaid Aen sad- dMily he bent his head and kissed her paa- aionately time and i^^a. ' • â€"iuxfT^ ^Elta next lay thsy were ameOibii: • -: -• i ir ^uwntha latsr hnabandLand w^ t^i " Ne," ahe aoswen qoid^, tii«n addaj Ddng Well for His Size. Visitor (to Flossie)â€"" And how is the baby to-day, Flossie " Floaeieâ€" " Mamma thinks he is a little better." Visitor â€" " Then he is not very much bet- ter?" Flossieâ€" "No, ma'am. He couldn't be very inaoh betto:, you know, because he ii rach a litda bit of a baby." " Ah, Jones, where morning?" "Pm off away so fast thi» for the whaling He was 1^ district schoolmaster i|i 1ms way to the achool-hoase. "I*^ yote ^orl(»aier ir^:a((witch?" asked an lo- if^niaitfve ladyt'^-('¥««|« replied little Joks* ny," but the alwaya naea her alippors.' Mttl ^^lii ii iil^ My-m