CHRISTMAS IN THE KITCHEN. THE HOBRORS OF H0U3EKE2PIN3, Kicrlnll-lu the Festive Season. REVIEWED BY A YOUffO MARRIED LADY. J)OK UP IHTO TKRSB BT HBNUY BILYCR, Till KOTKD LONDON WIT, DRAMATIST, KOVKLISr, ikll PORT. Oh I tho bother of giving mon dinnors; , What a nalsauce 11 tood, 1 doom re t How 1 wi'h tlint all hungry bread-winnors, Likft chameleons, ooa d lire upon a rl What wiiii planning new soups and made dishes. And giving ouo'a doers to oookt, One has no time to read wntt ooe wishes, XI ut mast pore over oookery books. Ere your breakfast you're cosily taken You're a lunch and a dinner to sobemn, And must tbli.k ot tried iiror and baoon Witn your mouth lu I ot coff e and cream. ' You to to think, while your muffin you swallow, Or a orisp bit of dry toa-t you orunob. Whether boiled towl at dinner may lollow, After seivlDg broiled ohicken tor lunoh. Composition by punster or coot Js rather a troubu sumo art; But their labor la naught well I know it To the toll of computing a carle. Ob I the task 10 of dmhe-t combining ' lh' one course w.th th next may not clash; lit the trouble of daintily d ning Without ever mating a bash. A for cooks, I declare I've no patlenoa Such wa-iers suoh wag-s to pay: And oh I bow their army relations Make with oold meat and pickles away. Tbo' sour ear be as sharp as a lynx's, Tho' with one eye wide upon you sleep, I You'll find that tbo-o linpuuent mi ixos On your larder their cousins wi I keep. Then those liorriblo br.tohor anl bakers; How my mind with auxie y tills, As 1 think of thoe troublesome makers Ot bioroglt pbfeal hi st Ibose lltihmongers. too. what a trouble 'lis dally their lists to look through, And to see lest yonr ordors thy double. And Instead ot one turbot seud two. With such worries to bore and to bother, No woudor my spirits snould fail ; Nor, last week wLeu 1 aaU'a on my mother, 1 bal she thought 1 was looking to pale . O'er my trouoips I'd tain Craw the curtain, They are really quite dreadful to beai ; I km losing my nea.ta, iliai't lot oertain, And 1 tear, too, I'm losing my hair. At night I lie wakofnl, tho' weary, While 1 try so i e nov. dainty to soliomo, Till 1 dor.o off the tu me is to dreary Ana thon ot baa dinners 1 aream, Win e Augubtus lies happily snoring I'm thinking ot pudd ugs and pies, Or thedcarness oi multou dep'oring, Or lamenting that milk, too, should rise. Alas! now tho oaou called "listive" Mo longer 1 festive to mo: In iiou ot light dances digestive, 'I o largo dinners I've dm y to soe. How 1 surh lor leln I from housekeeping! or a gallop or wa tz too w i pint I How 1 wish tha- one'a guests, uelore stooping Upon simple cola mutton would diuo. I am fond of romance and light reading, Kault a l ire-tain all Others above: .Bu', with thoughts lu 1 ot oookiug and feeding, One loses one's iucores. in lorel Who can sympathize Jojoiy witn Lucyf Hur passion abouc to rereal, Whiie one thinks, vVili the turkey be Juicy? Andu(oook brown uiouly the vealf" Not a moment now hare I to shop tn, And soaice know what co or's Uie "go"; It by obanoe any udy iriends drop in, No light id such ihiug I can hro.v. Then, if baply I viold to touvta ton, And go est s ,me now bonnet 10 soe. All the while I'm in sad trepidation Lest they keep amber wsi:ing for me. Dutmy husband, who a arcs in the oity From inue in tue m un till near eight, C twes ravenous home, and no pity Is fchown to poi,r me if I'm Uto. Hit thinks rot of oousckt'opinor flurries, And the woines of curen and ot oooks; But a raieht to the 'a-iio be burrios. And gives me the blackost oi looks, Then if the potatoes a'en't mealy. If the grouse iku'I i.one to a hliade, He grown and be .ruuiblts, till really By hi mutters quite nervous I'm made, lie compla us that mi duilo I'm shn king; Kuoh an indo ent wi e he ever kuow: 1 bat, while be like a birre bas bten working, I've rva'ly had no'hmg to do. Uow olt, too, althn' in tho morning I've said 'tis aoo'd mutton day, lie brin us homo a tr end w.thout warning, And begs that to dinner he'll stay ! AH vainly broad hints 1 keep dropping Hi at we're no fisli or phoaiau' to eat: He insists on the poor loliow's stooping, And ttieu carve, wi'h a growl, tue oold meat. Then if I find fault with his earring, Or tol. how he onoe uiaugled a goose, He coniD'a ns thit ail ctrrers go B arring, And fucgests that we nine a -a Jiuase. A la liunte! yes indeed, 't would uoluht me, If a tootmau or two lio'd euuge: iiut how a hue dinner would lr rnt me, V beu wo'ro only one poor little pane! Oh if only the worry and trouble OI composing a menu mon knew, Our pin-money Bureiy they'd double, In rewaid lor the wor that we do. And, to make ns think deeply upon it, 1 bev aomo ' good dinner prizes" should buy, And presont a niou braoelet or bonnet l or evory nioe puQU'ug or pie. Ab 1 baa but the wand of a fairy, I'd summon my oltrerost elres, To teach Fieddv. Arthur, and Uarry How to oook thoir own dinners tbemsolves. I Were tbe buebands to slave in the kitoheu, Their wires miirbt bare lolsure to think; Art and Boieuoe tlieir minds would prow rich in, And not merely eating and drink! MR. PUNCH'S CHRISTMAS fcTORY. I.AUllA GAVESTON; OR, THE LOVE-TEST. BY MABK LBMOH, BDITdH OF TUB LOS, DOW ''PUNCH," AND TB MOST D1BTIK OUISHUD WIT SOW I.1TIKO, "Wouldn't do it to night, Bob," said the hoarse voice ot a woman. "How tbe woman talks 1" replied tbe coarse voice of a man. "Christinas Eve or no Christ mas Eve, business moat be minded;" ami a rough, lcllow presented himself in tiont ot me. "You're Mr. Dornoeton, and you're been speading Christmas Kve with tbe AshlejB? I hare ! What's that to you r" Before I could fiulbb the sentence my hat was foroed over my ejes, a thick wrapper ot some kind was thrown over my head, powerful bands crasped my arms, and I became conscious of being foiced into a carriage ot some kind, pos sibly a etreet cab; aud then I was evidently being driven away at a rapid pace, a heavy band pressing upon my chest. All this was so momentarily done, and my surprise was so great, that I had offered little or no re&istanoe. After a time the vehiclo, whatever it was, atopped, and I was requested to descend. 1 did eo, and, following tbe commands of my captor, ascended a flight ot steps, which appeared to be carpeted. I was then led along a passage or guild y, carpeted also, until I beard a door open gently and then close My wrapper was re moved bo lnstauiarieoatily that, combined with the dazzling; effect ot a brilliant light, I did not notice the departure of the pemous who had exercised ibis violence upon me. When I was puflicienily collected to observe all, about mo, I discovered that I was in an eltantly furniHbe apartment, lighted by a chandelier aud several bra all sconces placed about tho room. l?be chandelier and sconces were apparently oil silver, and all tbe orna ments in tbe room wVre uoticeaole for the cost liness of their uiaterwil and tbe perieqtness ot the taste which bad cVmBtruoted them. Atone end of the room wai fUio full-length portrait of lady. ) Ijnl mv cv iiT.ro r, liui? - - j - , . - ... THEJDArLY EVENING TELEGRAPH TRIPLE SHEET (No! It was tbe counterpart presentment of Laura Galveston, whom I bad met three even IncrQ tuitnrA At U . lAlin 1 1 f. rrnntlm Tk- was admirable. There was the same noble carriage, the rounded boeom, the oval face, the long, dark, luxuriant hair, which, In dotianco of labium, she allowed to tall upon her majrnlil ccntsbouleers. True, the full dark eyettbe picture lacked the brilliancy ot their living; originals; the lace was deficient in that inex pre!-flblo expressiveness which had so fnci natedmel What could this adventure mean? I had danced with her lour tiroes during the evening; 1 bad had the Lappiuess to hand her to her carriage, and I had boldly taken a ramclia lrom her bouquet at parting, and had been un reproved I yet I had not dared to Im prove tbefe slight advances, as Mr. tiaveston was repotted to be immensely rich, and I am but an almost briefless barrister I Ptill I had encouraged tbe hope that we should meet again shortly, and where I could possibly discover if I were agreeable to the beautiful beircs. 8he was Mr. Uaveston's only child. Why had I been brought here? My aelf-qne-4.ionirig was soon to be answered. A door, partly concealed by the folds ot a full daniBf-k curiam, was opened, and Miss Uave?ton entered the room, bbe wa dressed much as she had been on tbe nigbt of our meeting, except that a single diamond of stiikiug brilliancy was bound upon her forehead. I wai to titVily confounded by all I had undergone all I saw that I could not speak to her. "Mr. Doirington," she taM,ina voice of music, "I muxt ak voui forgiveness lor tbe extraordi nary peihaps I should tay the unpardonable means I have used to bring you here; but time was so pressing, tbe occasion ho urgent, that I did not hesliato to procure this interview at all rifks, even ot otlenuing you." "Pray say no more," I repllod; "I am made ioo happy by aeain meeting jou." "Thankt,," baid Miss Gavesti'n, interrupting me; "1 believe jou are willing to serve me; I be lieve 1 niay trust you. I could not misunderstand your attentiotib the other evening, and if I did not encourape them, I did not care to repel tbem. I need a irieud, Mr. Dorringion, and I believe I hare found one in you." "You believe truly." I replied. "Nothing you can require ot me out I will gladly ao." "Are you sure ot that'" asked Miss Gaves ton, tbe expression ol her face changing from the roost bewitching sweetness to that of an extreme carnesMiebs. "Suppose I asik y-u to expose yourself to danger to peril your ltlo. Would you ao it?" "Wil lingly 1 I am ready now." Miss Gaveston then closed the door through which she bad enieied rarelully, and drsw tbe curtain be tore it. Bho then opened a small cabinet and produced a pair of pocket revolvers, which she placed on a small tabic, and thon Bat down beside it. "Mr. Dorrington," she Faid, "I am about to make a confidence to you which 1 would make tn no other man living; but I have told you the estimate. I have lormcd of you, and you will uot you must not deceive me. Do not speak. I believe you will not deceive nie. No doubt but you lue all my other friends and'acquaint ance look upon me as one to be envied. I know lhave more than the oidinary advantages of my fcex, it would be aiTecta'ion to say other wise; I know I have accomplishments that are of value in society, and I kuow also that I am the daughter of a rich man. Advantages all thete, to make what is called happiness I am about to dispel the delusion to confide to you that I am wretched, and tne cause that makes me so." She threw back her beautiful head, and shook her long ringlets lrom about her lace as though what more sue had to say required her to brace up ber nerves for the revelation. "Mr. liorrington, did you ever notice my father?" "1 only saw him for a tew minutes at Sir John Claeset's,' I ieplLd. "J)o 1 describe him rlehtly when I say, you saw a mild, bnevolent-looking gentleman, who appeared to be at peuce with all the world, and to whom any deed of violence seemed to be impossible?" "Hes, certainly, that is my recollection of him." "You are deceived. Boneath that placid ex terior exisls a nature that is never at iest, ex cept wben courting danger; never satisfied but when adoing to his already abuiidant hoards; and muht 1 say it ot uiy own father? uever hesitating at the means which will gratify hb avance." "You astound me! Iistre.s me!" I said. "You must be made of i-terner stuir, if you are to bo of 6cr vice to me," replied Miss Gaes tou. "Hear mo to an end, and then decide to accept or decline the sen ice I shall ask of you. My lather, despite his lailinsrs, is very dear to mc, as I am io him. 1 would -pot venture to question what he thinks proper to do, did it not expose bim to dauger to great daueor. To night I have reason to believe he will be cu guged with some desperate men, who are em ployed by him in the transport of an object of gieat value, of aim ist national importance.' lie has gone alone to this reud zvous, nnd I tear that the temptation of the prize ha is deBiious to secure may p'Oe too strong for his associate?, and I dare not ' contem plate wbitt I tear 1 I have selec'ed .you, Mr. Dorringion, from all' my acquaiutancp, all my proteased admirers, to take a part which I would delegate to no one were I ot your sex. I have courage, will, and resolution; but these poor li agile limbs, this pretty face, are worse than useless to me in this extremity." "What do you require of me?" I asked. "Tell mo, my dear MUs Gaveston, aad you shall notregiet the confidence you nave placed la me." "I wish you," she answered slowly, pausing npon every word, "I wish you to go with a man I will appoint to tbe place where my father meets bit desperate confederates. They may either altempt to destroy bim, or betray him to the police. He is as brave as a lion, and it he knew he had a friend beside him he would be a match lor a dozen such curs .a I hive always known bad men to be. Take these pistols, tbey are capped and loaded. Tie round your neck this silk cravat; my father will re eoemize it. Should be be attacked, defend him with your lite. Should be bo betrayed, sboit bim. Better death than discovery ot dishonor able pursuits. Do you accept 1" The proposition to murder Mr. Gaveston was so extraordinary, that I ventured to suggest both its wickedncs and impolicy, and Mr. Gaveston would be surely recognized, dead or alive. "Give me your hand, Mr. Dorrington," she said: "1 now trust you entirely. I thought you would have professed to have accepted any thing I might have proposed, resolving to de ceive me. I now know that I may trust mr father's safety to you. It is time you departed". Follow niel" bhe opened what appeared to be a large japanned cabinet, but which was really tde concealed entrance to some stairs, .down which she descended, and I followed. We came at last to what seemed to bo a cellar, the only light being from the gas-lamp 1n the street ; at leust I judged so from the iron bars through which it came. "Judkins," said Miss Gaveston, "hero Ts your companion. Give him an overcoat and a cao. Be his guide to tbe bouse In Wapping. Be care ful; let none of your old comrades see you, as you can guess tbe consequences." I was soon wrapped in a rough overcoat, which smellod of coarse tobacco and that frowsy odor pf a garment Lthat has been Im perfectly dried. "Are you ready?" asked Miss Gave Aon. "Yes," I replied. "Kiss mv forehead." I did so, guided to it by tbe bitlliant gem which had caught my attention. I judged by a slight noise I heard tbat Alius Gavestun had left tbe cellar, and that I was alone with my unknot u, almost un seen companion. I was right. "Now, sir, this way. We shall have to walk fust tf we are to do any good. It's past one." I followed tn the direction of the bound of .the man's voice, and was delighted a'ter atime to ono ' myseir i the street, though the rain fell heavily, and not a soul was to be Been but my companion, a small and decrepit creature, who thu filed rather than walked along at a speed wbloh kept me at donble-qulck time in order not to lose sight of him. 1 knew tho went-end of London pretty well, but we were f vidonily far In the east,' and I had no knowledge ot our whereabouts. The houses on either He of tbe street looked wretched in the extreme, seen as they were by tbe feeble light of two street lamps placed at lung interval'' apart. Late as it was, there were dun liRbta within some of the rooms, and as we ps-ed along we heard voices, some load tn quarrel, others roaring In chorus. At two of the do rwars Bat huddled up In their Olthy rags poor drunken wreiches who had staggered to the entrance of their miserable homen.and had been unable to obtain admittance. The rain continued to fall heavily, splashing upon tho navement, and pouring down here and there (torn the dilapidated water-pipes above. Tbe wind dashed tho rain about, and rattled against the window-frames not at all times filled with glass: every now and then It nearly blinded me a it blew the rain into my lace, and at last found its way through my thick outer coat, chilling the marrow tn my bones. Neither I nor my comoanlon had exchanged a word; but at lust 1 called to him: "HI I my man? How much further have wc to oo? I am getting tired and cold." "I don't wonder at it, I'm like ice, I am,'' re plied tbe man; "theie's not a public open either, to ret a drop to warm one." "Well, answer my question," I said. "Oh, ah I well, it's at the bottom of the next s'reet that runs down to tbe river. I expects we're too late. Howsomevcr, we've losi no time, have we 1" I briefly answered "Ko," and followed on In silence. Tho street we soon entered was moro wretched, if possible, than the one we hud just traversed, and the lew lights on the river discernible thiough the rain only made tbe ocsolnteness more apparent. "Here's the crib, mister," said my jruldo, stopping before a dilapidated house; "you must go right through tho passage here's a siring somewhere beie which pulls up the latch aad cross tbe yard till you come to a big door with lats nalcd on it; knock twice, count four and knock twice again; pomebody'il open the doer, perhaps, and if so, say you want Mr. Davis that's tbe name they call Mr. G. when he's on business down here." EJIconless to a moment's hesitation before I proceeded to put tuto practice the instructions of my guide, but the thought of Miss Gaveston gave me renewed courage, and I entered the Fnstage of the house. As I groped my way along was maae aware that my footing was not tbe most secure, as more than once tho rotting Hoard broke under my tread, and I wai glad to reach the open yard, though I could scarcely see mv hand before me. With lesj difficulty than 1 had anticipated, 1 lound the door at whicii I wits to give tbe mysterious signal. I did as I bad been Instructed, nnd alter a short interval tbe door opened, and Mr. Gaveston d resented himself. He was very unlike the respectable gcuileman I had met at Sir John's, but I recog nized him inxtantly. He wore a long pilot coat reaching to his leet, and a rough fur cap on hU bead. "What do you want, my man?" ho asked. I opened the top of my outer coat, and showed him tbe silk cravat around my neek. 'Silly girl!" he said, halt aloud. "She Is always alarming herself uunecesearily. Be prudent, aud follow me." I obeyed, and soon found myself In a low room neatly tilled with toeacco-smoke. T(vo or three candles were dimly visible amtd tbe fumes which were exhaled from the pipes ot boiuo half-dozen ferocious-looking fello wa seated at the table. Who's this, skipper?" asked one of tho mon. "A triend that I expected," replied Gaveston. "And what do you want to meet your friends in this ken lor, Mr. Davis?" said the man, rather saucily. Mr. Gaveston's reply i not transcribable; but it was so clear and emphatic that bis questioner threatened to resort to personal violence, and was sunported by two or three ot hid comrades. "One ttep nearer, Grover, and I send a bullet throusrh your head. You kno'w how little 1 mind your threat, i bite and don't bark," said Mr. Gaveston. "What I do care lor, however, is a treachetous. sneak who, for his own advantage, makes terms with the police." "Who roo?" roared Grover, quite taken aback. "Yes, you; and that's what brought my fiieud here to-niglit. If you could have got away an hour ago, as you wanted, we should have hud tLe blues here by this time." Crover's companions were not men to hear both sides of a case, aud taking it lor granted tbat what Mr. Gaveston said was true, tbe un lucky accused was instantly subjected to such rough treatment that it was a wonder he bad not required transmission to the hospital. Dui iugtbe contusion, Gaveston, grasping my arm, left tne room, and continuing to hold mc, led the way to the rier by, what appeared to be, a road underground. The rain had ceased, but dark leaden cloud i still rolled overhead, occasionully, however, re vealing the full moon, obscured as it seemed by thick coverings of smoky giuze. As we drew nearer to the river, having come forth iuto tlio street, I fancied I saw crouching in the shadow ot a low wall a human figure. The moon cast a momentary light upon tne object, and, mutlled una disguised as the person was, I could have sworn it was no other than Miss Gaveston. But in a moment the clouds had hidden tbe moon iitiiun, und the figure had vanished. It was almost low water, and. despite tho heavy rain which had fallen so continuously, the rough. ! stones of the "hard" were slippery with s'.lme j and mud. We succeeded, however, in reaching i a large row-boat in which were two men, evl- : duntly expecting us. Without speakinz. Mr. Gaveston stepped into tho boat, siguulling mc to io'low. "Where are our mates, sir?" asked one of the men. "Quarrelling among themselves, as usual," rplied Gaveston, shortly. "We will not wait tor them. I'll take au oar. and my friend here will steer. Take us out to the middle of the river, and keep a sharp look out, Dorringtou." It was evideut that Mr. Gaveston knew me. My eyes soon became accustomed to the dark i ess, and I could see the black hulls of the ve i eels lying at anchor sufficiently to avoid them, although more than once the oars touched their mooring chains. No one spoke a word for more than half an hour, until a craft showing a light in her after cabin was dltcetniblc, lying nearly In our direct course. - "Steer alongside the vessel you see ahead," said Gavestou. I obeyed; and in a few more strokes our boat grazed tbe strancer craft, which had been con structed tor Fpecd, and might have been formerly a yacht, now condemned to be employed in tratlio more or less honorable The man In the bows climbed up the side like a cat, aud made us fasl.f - - Gaveston. with agility that surprised me, as cended to the deck of tbe stranger, bidding us ait where we were until the tide turned. It was not long before the vessel to which we were attached began to awlnr- with the flow; but, overpowered by fatigue, I tell asleep, I fancy, as Gaveston had taken his place again in tbe boat before I noticed him. Some object covered with tarpaulins lay, now, lu the bottom of tho boa', and tbe moon was once more dimly visible. "Now. lads, with a will," said Mr. Gaveston; and tbe boat waa soon under good way. It was well lor us that we had more light, as tho ships and barges were swinging with the tide, and it required all my skill and attention to keep clear of difficulties. The clank of capstans and the discordant voices of the sailors employed haul ing at the Balls needful to keen them from fotilipg, their' ancb.or-baa ulnioKt a 'dheeripjf "' Influence upon me, so long had we been 'rowing in slli nee and dirkuess. 1 now noticed tor tbe tirst time that the rowlocks of our boat were pudded, and ' he oars muffled, bo that .we made our way through tbe water almost noiselessly. 1 could not recognize any of the objects on shore. Tiue. 1 was but slightly acquainted wilh the banks of the river, but I b.w neither theToaer, nor tbe Custom Houae, which pos ibly were hidden lrom our sight by the forest if niasts aud hulls through which we wore PHILADELPHIA, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 18CG. ! steering. We must have passed thein, as we now shot a bridge; but 1 could not detlne Its outline, as tboclouda had gathered again over the moon. On we went in Mlenoe still, until the roar of waters, aa though among piles and starlings, made : me aware tbat wo were approaching Ulncktriari. which I bad seen tbe ntgnt belore, little thinking I should Boon have to encounter what appeared to roe thedangersof the passage. "Keep us well in the ml idle, sir," said Gaves ton; "we are heavily laden, and may capsize if we touch a pile or buttress." I felt my responsibility. A cold sweat came nron my forehead, and my hoart beat quickly. Tbe great coal tores burning tn cressets over head, whilst they afforded light, made tbe Biirgiag, muddy water apppar more appalling, and the huge timbers terming the scaffolJing of the bridge seemed like the wreck of some great leviathan. My hands clutched the ttller with as it were a death grasp, but my muscle trembled violently. Through i safety and the revulsion of feol ln? made mo breathe quickly heavily. "That's well over," said Gaveston. "Had the tide been against us wo might havo slept to night in wet shirts, lads. 1 What was that ?" Tbe nose ol tbe boat had struck some heavy object In the water, and her side wa9 scraping namst it, I looked earnestly, and by tho light that was almost darkness saw what I believed to be a human face float past. A woman's face like but that must have been fancy. A sickneps and then a faiutness seized on mc, and 1 bccaiLo unconscious. Wben I recovered I found myself In a room of com-iderable size. The panels were of oak, on wtich huug portraits of laces which seemed to be not altogetbor unfamiliar to me. Tim panels were all garnished with holly, as though the owner was old fashioned enough to do honor to Christmas-tide. I had scarcely tluio to observe tbi, when Gaveston, attired more like his proper self, came In, lollowed by two sea-faring men, carrying a small oak chest clnmpcd with iron bands. Having placed it npon the table, they with drew. In another moment Laura Gavoslon entered, dressed in a loutr mantle of black velvet lined with sable lur. A cap of the same materials was pla 3d rather coquettish! y on one side of her magnitJc nt head, and lent. If possible, increased beauty to her fascinatlug lace! A thrill ot joy passed through my frame when I saw her stand 'before me in all her hying love liness. She hold ont both her hands to me, and I can never hope again to experionce such a sensation of exquisite happiness as then lossesscd me 1 "Dorrington," said Mr. Gavcaton, "Laura can alone repay jou for" the service you have rendered me this night. ' I have promised her that tor the rest of my life I will forego such adventures; but this' ho laid bis hand upon the oak chest "this was worth the risk the danger." "And I do thank you, Mr. Dorringtou, from my beait of hcoitti," said Miss Gaveston. "I wish it were in my power to make jou a hotter recompense." I placed my hand in my bosom and produced the camelia I had taken from her bouquet, and held it towards ber. She took my hand in hers and closed my lingers npon tho faded flower. "Keep it, Mr. Dorringion," she said, In a low whisper, "and I promise to redeem it whenever jou akk me to do so." I should have folded her In my arms had not Mr. Gaveston spoken. "Comet come!" be said, "I am about to ex hibit my treat uie." He produced a bright key and slowly opened the chest. When he had done so, a pale, light vapor ascended lrom the box, and nn odor of fragrant spices pervaded tho room. "It is safel unbroken! A perfect chryso lite!" cried Gaveston. "Help mo to raise it, Dorrington." I hastened to comply with his request, and looking into the box was startled at what I saw. "Quick 1 quick!" cried Gaveston; "Laura is dying to behold it. " And then by our united efforts we brought forth a smoking Chiisuuas pudding. What followed is soon told. "Wr ! sir !" said u man's voice, "we've got to IIileworth-gato, sir." "Ilseworth! I told you to drive to Ken bington !" "Down the Kensington road, sir, you says; and I've druv down it." Forgive me. gentle reader. I hear you ex claim : "Another of those stupid dream stories." Yes, and they are common enough I own, especially oil Christmas Eves, with spoony joungmeu made drowsy and dreamy by the good cheer which still abounds in many a hos pitable home at this festive season. And eo, for the merry season's sake, forgive us our loo ling. CI1R1-TMAS TOEM FOR ALL GOOD BOYS. 'OA' SOIT QUI MAL Y rEtfSK r ST. tiEORGE AND TUG DUADON. AX ANCIENT MYTH MODERNIZED. BT MISS DINAH MARIA. MCLOOH, TUE CKLEBBATUD OVEL18T, AUTHOB OF "JOHN HALIFAX, GENTLEMAN," KTO. ETC. ETC. What, weeping, weeping, my little son, Angry tears, nko that great commander, Alexander Because of draons is loft not one To be a new Cappadocia's scourge For your bold staying, Without delaying On Shetland pony - So bright and bonny A knight all mounted a young St. George? Come, sit at my foet, my little son, Hit at my feet, and mend your wagon ! Full many a dragon You'll have to tighttwith, ere life be done. Stay and I'll tell yon ot tbrea or tour (Viliauous cattle) You'll have to battle, When mother's sleeping Where all your wooping Will not awaken her any more. First comos a creatnie whose name is Sloth, Looks like a lizard, creeping on sleekly, Simple and weakly. Who couldn't harm you, however wroth, Ilut slay him, my lad, or he'll slay you : Crawling and winding. Twisting and binding, lirtak from him, tramp on him, And as;you stamp oo hlui, You'll be bt. George and (he Dragon, anew. Iben there's a monster, most fair at first, Called Eae, or Comfort, or harmless I'Jeasure j Born of smooth Leisure, On scented cushions luxurious n urged. Who'll buy your sou1, it you'll soil it, just To catch one minnto With Joy ance in it, Or ward off sorrow Until to-morrow. Trample bim trample him into dust ! And one, a reptile, yolept False Shame, Who siloutly drags its fettered length on, And trie its strength on 11 any a spirit elBe pure lrom blame ii ut up and at it your courser urge I Smite, smite, I trow, bard, 1 h moral coward, By throne or altar, And never falter, And be my own son my brave St. George! St, George and tha Dragon I ah, my boy, There are many old dragons left world scourges And few tit. Georges I There's miokle labor, and little joy! Ilut on with yon on to the endless fight I Your sword tight buokllng, Io no man truokling, Bear your bright nag on, Aud slay your dragon. St. George lor erer I God shield lbs right I "HOM BOIT QUI MAL T WB1," - - Tbe London Telegraph has Iho largeit circa lutiou in ICnglund, IGfi.OUU. YOUNG LADT -3 FAIRY CIIMSTM A3 TALK. ; i '. THE DROWN IMP'S STORY. FAlTII AND PATIENCE BT VI89 JULIA OOODABD, ATTHOU O "JOVOB BOMKU'B 8TOHT," A BID OTHBK r-BUSB. TAU6. "Alas for yesterday !" It was a Brown Imp that spoke, and he darted hilluc and thither, whispering his Idle words to tbe brook, and rivers, und to every trickling thread of running water; ho knew they would babble them to the world as they wont along, and he thought it a tine thing that his woids should, go through the length and breadth of the land. And tbe great red sun, sinking to sleep amongst the golden cloud, heard them, and somehow felt as though they would disturb his rest. The water dripped through the Assures In tho rocks down to the Earth-King's palaco, far under the tall mountains: and as the drops plashed ui'On the pavements of shining spar, a silvery wail arose and echoed through the vaulted roofs that gleamed with brilliant stalactites, and one heard the mournful words "Alas lor yesterday !" And the dwarfs, and the KobolJs and the imps, ami the btowcies hearing tbem. drooped their hearts; and their laughter, which rang nieirily enough before, was hushed when tbat low wail, to soft, bo clear, and jet so powerful, arose. The Earth-King was indignant; lie mounted his black steed and spurred him through tbe subterranean passages until ho came to an out let, near which tbe Brown Imp was sitting. The Brown Imp knew that he was coming, for the chargci's hoofs might be heard milea off. And the Blown Imp affected carelessness though his heart emote him; and he determined to brave out what he had done. "Why dost thou trouble the earth!" asked the monarch, and ho waved bis wand. And lo! innumerable spirits issued forth in fnowy garment; they had ico-ciowns on their heads and lce-chatns In their hands, and they bound tho livers and streams so tbat they stood still and silent, and their voice were heard no more. The Brown Imp lauched scornfully. "The Sun-King will unloose the tetters," said he. "and the waters will go babbling on." But the Sun-King, raising bis head, au swrredt "I will send forth my myrmidons, and they i-liall drink up the waters so that their voices shall be hushed for ever." And again tbe Brown Imp laughed. "Tbe Mtorm-Kmg," he said, "will seud a cloud army, and tbe rivers and streams again bo lull aud flowing." For iho 8torm-Kiiig was at enmity with tho other monarchs. Then the Karth King returned sorrowfully to his palace, since tbe Brown Imp's idle words could not be stayed, and the Earth-King himself ocean to be infected by them. "Alas for yesterday!" Why bad the worda been spoken t They could never be unsaid; the evil was done; it had gone through the earth for ever and ever. Tbe sun sank down, and when the great church-clock struck five, all the golden clouds and crimson streaks bad faded into gray, and ti e grey was deepening into blue clear, trans parent night blue, and the stars looked down with kindly twinkling eyes npon the earth, shining more cheerily because the blessed Christmas time had come. And the moon shed floods of gentle light upon tbe old church tower and the lrosted-over trees, and turned to silver the points and pin nacles of architectural piles that graced the busy cities, or tbe old gable ends of lone farm houses, or the latticed casements of the cot tages, for the moon shone everywhere, and sent as bright a ray of glory through the broken windows and cracked shutters of tbe poorest room as into tbe stately apartments of the rich; peilinps even softer aud more lingering rays, for tho knew that there wa sorrow in the earth, und she longed to comfort it. The winds were still to-night, and the rivers aud streams were silent; or if one torrent wilder than the rest struggled to regain his voire, and hoarsely murmur the Brown Imp's words, the ico-n.mphs wound their cold white arms still closer round him, and breathed their icy kisses till they kls-ed bim last asicep. But tbe rivers bad murmured the Brown Imp's words to the ocean, and the Earth-King buu no power over the ristless sea. And down by tbe sea-shore you might hear the waves repeating, "Alas tor yesterday I" So the Brown Imp was triumphant. "See what the tongue may do," said he; "it is a marvellous member." And a great bah popped its head ont of tbe water, aud stared at bim with dull, leaden eyes in a melanchol; manner; but the ash was dumb, and could only lash its tail about to ex pie -s its feelings. And the Brown Imp knew well euough tbat it was protesting against the commotion that the talking waves were making. Ho had always thought that tithes were deaf, but it seemed that he must be mistaken. Most people are mistuken about something or other, and the Brown Imp was not an exception. Then a little girl cauio tripping down to the water's edge; she, too, saw the great osli with bitt.kead out of the water, and bis .dull, staring eyes, aud his jaws wide open, as it he wished to say something, only be could not. "Oh, ycu great stupid fish I" said the little ill, ami down ho plunged wilh a great splash, so that Meta saw him no more; but she beard the waves saying, "Alas for yesterday 1" and she supposed that it was the fish speaking to her. Then she was sorry that she had laughed, for she thouuht tbe bah must bo in trouble. But still the words went on. end now she know i hat the waves were speaking, and their com plaint was so mournful thai she turned away sadly, and went home. The Brown Imp's conscience smote him, his idle words bad bionght such a look, of sorrow iLto the child's face; but he could uot unsay them, they must go on forever. "Mother," said the child, "why are the waves so sad what are tbey wailing for 1" And as she spoke tho wind came sighing round the cottage, aud it whispciod the same words that the waves bad been murmuring on the shore: softly at first, then louder and louder until both child and mother heard them plainly. "Alas for yesterday !" Tbo mother shuddered. "It is the wail of life," she said; "the winds and waters know it, the sun and moon look down and bear it, but they can give no help; the stars try to send comlort, and seem to say, 'Come to us, lor we are nearer heaveu than ye are;' but it is no use, earth-voices ring the burden, and it enters deep into human hearts." "And must wo always hear it?" asked the child; "I never heard it before, and there will be no more pleasure in hie now." Mcta was silent the rest of the evening, and scarcely troubled herself to wonder what Sai.ta Claus would put into her stocking, but went .to bed with the dreamy words stlh wail ing mi her ears "Alas for yesterday !" "The Princess Linda's heart Is broken I" Mta started up lrom Ler restless sleep, and looked round. The moon was shiniog iuto the room, and it was almost as light as day. She could see no oue, and yet she was certain that soti.e one bad spoken to her. "The Fnncess Linda's heart is broken 1" again said the voice. ... , , nut I do not know who the prlnceia is." roplied Meta, involuntarily; for she was quite sure that she was not dreaming. "Shall I tell you the story p asked the Btowu lDlVe wns sitting curled up at the foot of the bed, so that Meta had taken him for one of the carved waluut poels. . , .. ' Yes," i nswered a'eta, not feeling at uil sur prised at the appearance of the Brown Imp, lor she thought he might be some one belonging to Santa Claus, or even Hanta Claus himself, who not having anything to put iuto her stocking, Ii30 . ,0'1 ,tor7 Instead whiok would live lorever in her mmd, and, perhaps, bo. on the whole, as sattsfrctory as anything lb. tho could give her. '""" "I saw you down upon the shore to-day. when you were looking at the neat Huh." said th Browa Imp; "but Id! I not know then that tho I'll needs' hi art was broken." ; . "AhV'ieturned Meta, slowly. "Was tbat the reason," sbe continued, "that the waves were saying, 'Alas for yesterday ! Tho winds have been saying it also, but how ceuld I guess that it had anytbing to do with a princessf What j is a princess like f for I have never seea one." I .... .i "Like other people," answered the Brow Imp; 'the Princess Linda happened to be very wautlful; some princesses. are, some are noC it's quite a chance.". i,i,.K.,.,IIreM.Lintl had w,,a ve, and fair ir!l.I.. 5iV! ,i.l,e pale "olJ- Tao ''"nee of lioe nfluss fell tn love with her ' "YeB," responded Meta. "WhyP "How should I know," said tbe Brown Imp; I dare say he didn't exactly know himself.' It's a sort Of a thing tbat oomea to pass without iriuio vi'iuK nuiir iu auuuunt lor it; at least, that is tbo result of my observation, i0r as a Blown Imp I have had no personal cxpenonoe. It cau't always be for aualitics. or hnantr n. talents, or anything else; at any rate, 1 stiowid think not," Baid the Brown Imp, refloctivelT. "Certainly not for temper in many cases." "l'oihapa it was her golden hair P suggested Mela. "Prrbaps eo; I can't Bay. I only know that he fell in lovo with her, aud she with him, and they were as happy as the day is long -in summer time, not in the winter, of course,1 added the Brown Imp, revlsiugly, "and tbey were to be married very soon, and the prepara tions lor the wedding were so grand, that people) far and near were talking about what a sight it was to be." "I should like to see It," said Mela. "Yes; but you forget there Is to bo no wed ding now, for the princess's heart is broken I" , Mela siehed. "Did you ever hear of the Nlsies ?" asked the Brown Imp. "No," replied Meta. "Well, then, I must explain. The Niiies aro water nymphs living lar down under tho waters. They float about on the rivers, and find out all tbat is going on upon the eatth; ana tbey heard about the Prince of Rotennus and the I'riuccHs Linda, and It made ono of thein very angry." "rthy?" "Because sho had fallen in love with th prince heielf." "Ah!" ejaculated Meta. "Mow, a Nit may marry a human being, if she can persuade one to marry her; and so thia Nix determined to pat away the Princess Linda from the prince's heart, and make bim lore her instead." "And how did she manaee it P "The princess was sluing by the river-side looking into the blue watuis, and dreaming of hir happiness, when a sad voice rear ber said, Hweet princess, pity mel' and close beside her she saw a very lair woman with long dark hair, and dark eves that shone like diamonds. 'Uovr can I help jou?' aked the princess. 'I am ao unfortunate Mi,' returned the water-spirit, 'and 1 weep that a human life is not mine. There is little happiness in floating about sing ing songs from year's end to year's end. I long fort be happiness that belongs to human beings? Aud the Princess Linda did not wonder at it, for she was so tilled with happiness herself.' "She bad not heard 'the wail ot life.'thenp eaid Meta, remembering her mother' words. "No," rejoined the Brown Imp; "but she has heard it now." "How?" ' The Nls wept at her feet and besought her aid. 'It thou wilt plunge once underneath tbe waves with me, then shall I be as thou art, O harpy princets; and I pledge thee my word that thou sbalt return in safety.' Then the Lnuccss resolved to make the Nix as happy as ersclt. Alas! poor princess; when she rose, lrom tne waters and beheld her Image on their glufsy burlaco, her blue ejes and her golden lair were gone, and in their place the dark lo?ks of the Nix floated around her, and the Nix's diaaond ees flahed back at ber lrom the watery mirror. And laughing at her woe, tbe lalse Nix stood betide ber, with her eyes aud pale gold tresses. 'I shall bo as happy aa thou art now,' said she; "I shall marry tha Prince of Rosen fluss.' " . "And what happened?" The Nix went to live at the castle with Linda's. Sarents, and the princess begs lrom house to ouse; and none believe her story." "Not even the prince?" "How should he, when appearances are so aeainst her ?" "And to eho has heard at last, 'Alas for yea teiday!"' , ' The Brown Imp did not like to hear his tdlo words brought up. "All this happened some time ago," said he, "the rivers froze as they were telling' me the story; so I shall have to wait until there is a tbaw to hear tho rest." Meta sat up in bed. ' "I think," said she, "that It Is warmer; per haps a thaw has come on. Do go down to the river and see. I must know what became of the princess after she had heard the wail ol lite." . . . Mcta did not know how long she had been a -deep, but Bhe opened her ejes just as tha Brown Imp was saying: "The Prince of Bosenfluss married the Nix princess, and there was a grand wedding." "Oh, 1 am so sorry," said Meta, rubbing her ejes. "So am I," said the Brown Imp; "but what ia done cannot be undone." "And where is tbe Princess Linda?" "The Nix-princess pretended to be sorry for the poor demented woman, and offered her. a place as serving mail." "And did she accept it ?" ' "Yes; for Bhe would still be near the Prince of Rosen Htiss." "I should not have cared for the prince If he had not believed In me," said Meta. "But the princess did," returned the Brown Imp. "She had a little garret up at the top of the palace to sleep in, aud every night two angels came and watched beside her. And aa they bent over her and -kissed her, one whis pered: 'The past is gone forever toll on, aad thou shalt find rest! And the other said: 'Ihe future hath not yet come; despair not; sooner or later the right shall be made known.' And in tbe morning the princess awoke, comforted. It it had not been lor tho angels, Bbe could not have done her work during tbe day time. "Day alter dav she toiled on silently, and at night the angels visited her, and still their words were 'Despidr not;' and she bravely held on her way, though she grew paler aud thinner, and her step was slower and ber voice weaker. "At last she grew so weak that Bho could not leave her wretched couch: and still the angela visited ber, and comforted her. "But lot a marvellous change took place. As lite ebbed slowly away, her locks turned paly gold once more, and her eyes were blue as lu days of old. And the servants, wondering, told their master. And as they spoke the Nix pilneess, too, was changed; ber bair and eyea assumed their former hue, and tbe Prince pf RoKenflubS knew that he had been deceived." And did the princess Bee him before she died P i "Yes; and as he held her in his arms she whispered, 'I have not waited iu vain, for thou bast conic to mo atlaet!'" "And then she died I" said Mcta, sobbing. "Yes," answered the Brown Imp, sorrowfully; and yet a ray of joy bad entered his heart to think that there were angels wilh power to soothe all those who might hear the words, 'Alan lor veaterday !" . , . - "Mother," said Meta, when sbe had told her tho Brown Imp a Btory. "who were tbe angela f WilJ they come tame when the wail of lifoBounda drearily , ... ' ' "1 trust to, my child." Mother, who were those angels?" asked the child again. , And the mother answered ' The tmgels re v al' U aud IMieue. "
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers