VOL* xxxvi HDSELTON'S SHOES We're ready with some special lines—the comfort-giving sort that will afford you the needed protection. Well sell them, too, with a slice of the original prices cut off; a big saving is what you may expect. Every shoe from our regular stock and fully guaranteed. The Best Shoes in Butler. SCHOOL | For the Boys HE AVY 1 l or the^ SHOES [ Girls. SHOES | People. FINE ) For an >" FELTS > ) For that want nVFR o, . an i ! . bHOES | them; or OVbKoi B^s. ShowS'S"" Shoe Values That are bound to be the pride of the whole county. A cordial in vitation is extended to all to visit our store. You will be made wel come wht* her you buy <>r not. (ilad to show what we ha\e. Some Utile shoe venders think all they have to do is to get .ili the worthless trash they can, no matter what, so they can lix a iow price then blow their little tin horn and the people will hurry to them by the hundreds. The/ will find that a little later it will take a trumpet equal to Gabriel's to make the people hearken unto their lamentations. The people don't want to buy two pairs at once one to go home with, another pair to come back with. B. C. HUSELTON'S, ilutler's beading Shoe House. Opposite Hotel Lowry. j HEirX*WsITnXN ] # —WHO SECURES HIS CLOTHING FROM— £ I = J. S. YOUNG, j a THE MERCHANT TAILOK, * 4 The goods, style* fit and general make T up of liis suits m t TELL their own STOF(Y * 9 •-! MEN^- 4 ! \ ; ; * i Won't buy clothing for the purpose of spt'iid- J'j"' >v -» money. They desire to get the best / ~ \ possible results for the money expended, ij | C\Y( I »./ \ Not cheap goods but goods as cheap as can \ V \0 \ l>e sold and made ui> properly. CaU and *1 Y j /# j ,r M examine my large stock of ■' Mlt ILM SPRING SUITINGS. ; i { I l|i/\\ _ * Right up to date, th«* latest styles, shades j I \ 1 j ;lI \ . "Lif j anil colors that could be i>ou}ilit. Call an.me whiskey and note it's good effect. We have a reputation for keeping good liquors. Guaranteed absolutely pure and free from all impurities—Here are some of our prices: Anchor Rye—A good whiskey for the money, $2.00 per gallon. Cabinet Rye—Can't be beat, ... 3.00 " '* Re.;r Cfeek Rye—A very fine whiskey, - 400 " " Gin, Rum, Kummel. Brandy, $2.00. $2.50 and $3.00 per gal. Wv have some very fine Cailfornia wines of 1892 vintage, Port, Sherry and Angelica at $2.00 per gallon. They are of good body an 1 of exquisite flavor. Remember we pay expressage on all ordeis of $5.00 and over except where a transfer is necessary from one Express Co.. to another, when we pay expressage to point of transfer. MAX KLP2IN, Wholesale Liquors, 82 FEDERAL ST., ALI EGHENY. PA Send for catalogue and price list, mailed free. " THE BUTLIiR CITIZEN. | Dissolution \ jSALE | / Still going on. Not so many \ / goods to show you now, but C V yet this assorttn« lit is com- / J plete. This Furniture stock 1 J is being sold without J and many things under cost. 1 V Xo matter w hat piece of Fur- \ m niture you buy the price S low and vou save m nev if V j vou buy here. ( ( Rocking . ( {Chairs { \ That sold for fi 50, f j 00, $6 00. Fake • "our choice at C i S3 50< / Bed Room ? J Suits / Better come and see . \ for yourself. Price V I £25.00; now marked S S2O OCK > Book Cases \ /marked down ( \from S2O to SlO £ faster j Garnet \ S You have doubtless decided just 1 S how you will have the Easter dress \ \ and bonnet made, the price you ( V will pay for them and how pretty \ / they will be. J 1 Why not spend a lit lie time and \ smonc f 011 a nice Carpet lor they home? It will be with you much \ \ longer and afford tver so much £ more comfort and pleasure. / f Choice of our Velvets at y ) $1 per yard) > CAMPBELL | TEMPLETON.C PA. A: Builer Savings Bank Butler, Pa. Capital - *60,000.00 Surplus and Profits - - $170,000.00 JOS. L PURVIS President J. 11ENBY TROUTMAN Vice-Prc-*ident WM. CAMPBELL, .ir ("sibicr LOUIS B. STK'.N el!*-r MRECTOKS -.Joseph I- ! urvls. I. Henry Tro'Uio.in. W. D. Brandon. W. X. Stein .1. S. Ci.mDhell. The Butler Savings Bunk is the Oldest Bunking Institution! n Butler County. General banking business translated. We solicit accounts of „il producers, mer chants, farmers and others. All b-isiness entrusted to us will receive prompt attention. Interest paid on time ileDoslts. I'M b; Butler County National Bank, 13litier l J enn, Capital paid in # 1 J0, 000.00 Surplus and Profits - ji 14,647.87 Jos. Hartnian, President; J. V. Ritts, Vice President; C. A. Bailev. Cashier; John G. McMarlin, Ass't Cashier. / general banking busine transacted. Interest paid on time deposits. Money loaned on approved security. We invite you to open an account with this bank. DI ItECTOKS- lion. Joseph Hartman, Hon. W. S. Waidron, Dr. jN . M. Hoover. 11. Mc- Sweeney, E. K. A brains, C. I'. Collins I. G Smith. "Leslie I'. Hazlett, M. Fineg.in, W W. 11. Larkin. John Humphrey, Dr. \V. C. McCandiess, Hen Masset h. Levi M. Wise J. V. Uitt> A Bit Historical. When our grandfathers a hunting went. I in the long ago, they took down, from its peg on the wall, a gun of no mean dimen sions long of barrel and strong of stock. Over o.ie shoulder was thrown the polished powder horn, and over the other the buck skin I»ullet pouch embroidered in fancy I worsted by the good man's wife. Then the Hint-was carefully tested against good steel I that It might, without fall, st rike fire, when | the liuhter look aim and pulled trigger on | the bounding buck. And in those same days came a wonderful invention of picture taking and with much pain and suffering our grandfathers, in stiff stocks and witli facochalked, "look-d pleas ant** for full twenty minutes together, that ] we, their defendants, might see* t heir featur es in little plushed lined cases, gay with | brass trimmings. AND TO DAY! We defy the very el ements we use. The crack of the sports man's rifle is no longer abcompanled by a | puff of smoke. The photographer is no long er obliged to seek the dark room when re loading his camera. The nitrous cartridge has removed the 'smoke nuisance**; the Film cartridge has done away with the dark room. Get a Kodak at the only place in town DOUGLASS Near P. O Peoples Phone 162 Eyes Examined Free of Charge R. L. KIRKPATRICK. Jeweler and Graduate Optician 1 | Next Ooor to Court House. Rutler. Pa. AI TIVE SOLICITOUS \\ \NTFI> FA'EKV "where for "The Story of the Philippines" l»y Mil rat llalstead, commissioned by the Government as official Historian to the War Department. The book was written in army j earnps at San Francisco, on the Pacific with General M« rritt. in the hospitals at Hono lulu, in Hong Kong.iu the Amerlcan trenches at Manila, in the insurgent eamps with Agultialdo, on the deck of t ho < My mpia wit h Dewey, and in the roar of battle at the fall of Manila. Itonanza for agents. Hrimfulof original pictures taken by government pho tographers on the spot. Large l>ook. Low prices. Ilig profits, freight paid. Credit given. Drop all trashy unofficial war inMiks. Outfit free. Address. K. T. Harber. Sim* y I nsurauce llldg. Chicago, BUTLER, PA., THURSDAY, MARCH 23, IS DO Hood's Are prepared from Na ture's mild laxatives, and while gentle are reliable and efficient. They Rouse the Livet Cure Sick Headache, Bil iousness, Stomach, and Constipation. Sold | everywhere, 25c. per box. Prepared by C.l.Hood & Co.,Lowell,Mass. Pianos. W R NEWTON, Representing The Chickering-Chase Bros. Co. Manufacturers oi Grand and Upright Pianos AND Farrand & Votcy Organ Co. Manufactures of Organs. Can save you money in the purchase j of a FIRST CLASS Instrument. Call and examine them at the ware j room, 317 South Main St., Butier, Pa. i TERMS: —Cash or easy payments to suit purchaser YOUR SUIT ! '■' ay seem ile.ir ;it sta; a'l i i>. >vo rc.ntrkibly cheap befo.e you've worn it out. It's the long time satisfaction you get from it that decides the superiority of our nicke. It does pay to buy go J j clothes. Our fall display i~ j of the kind yo" would expect j to find only ithe large j cities. ALAND. ! \i .\ KKR i ■ i- MKN'S i OTHES L. C.WICK, Dealer in Rough $ Worked Lumber OF AX.t, KINDS. Do MS, Sash, Blinds, Mouldings | Shingles and Lath Always in Stock. LIME. 11UR AN!) PLASTER Office opposite P. & \V. DejKit. BUTLER. PA. Braun's Pharmacy. Cor. 6th St. and Duquesne Way, Pittsburg, Pa,, L,, D. Telephone 2542. Wholesale and Retail. Importer andjobbei of Chemicals, Perfumes, Soaps, liiushes, Ktc. The only house west ol New York carrying a full line ot Meyers' Grease, l'aints and theatrical goods. Physicians" Prescriptions Compounded Day or Night by "Registered Pharmacists" only. Wholesale and retail dealer in Lubricating and Illumniating (Mis, Capital Cylinder, Dynamo, Water White and Standard Gas Engine Oils. Gasolein, Ben zine, Paraffine Wax and Petrolatum. Address all mail orders to W. F. Braun. £ Butler Steam Laundry. f 220 West Cunningham Street, \ C J. E. ZICKRICK, Manager. N f People's 'Phone, 296. ~ HOTEIs FOR SALE OR RENT, NIXON HOUSE, 215 N. McKean St., Butler, Pa. Completely furnished. At a great bargain. Possession eiveii April Ist, |S 99. Call on or address MRS. JENNIE NIXON. Butler Pa. NiW House. Ntw Furniture Central Hotel. MRS. JENNIE NIXON, Proo'r Opposite Court House. Next Door to I'ark Theatri-J FaLWAYS USE „ iS I lr M. j J COCOA 1 PURE! HEALTHFUL!! fa in in Subscribe lor tieC'Tizsv. v -> ■■' ' m y i MadamelV-LSJ mp ps r< r 1898. BY THE AUTHOR CHAPTEU L "Wanted.—A young woman to per form the customary duties of coin panion to an < lderly lady. To a p rsoi of the rene the thoughts of our fellows, and 111 this bit of typegraphiial rnat'er I can see what life holds in store foi me as if I were the end instead of the beginning of existence. I see Xis met written all over this advertise meat, where you see but the expressed needs of a fellow-mortal." She still looked dubious and uiicer tain. "What is it you mean?" she asked, a little impatiently for her. Her want of sympathy with m> mood somewhat sobered and steadiei it. Mother and daughter as we were loving each other fondly though w» did. we were of suc-h absolutely con trasting natures and temperaments that we rarely understood each otliet by intuition; we never fully entered iu to each other's joys and sorrows. I went over to the low chair where slu sat with her sewiiig lying idle in hi i lap, and knelt dowr. beside her. I took her small hands, worn with much laboi and ceaseless industry, into mine and raised an earnest and serious face to hers. "Dearest," I said, "you are going to be annoyed with aie again: y>u art going to feel again that you have just cause to consider me foolish and in consequent. Forgive uie lirst. and thei I will explain what cause there is fot your pardon." She smiled indulgently at uie. for. In- iv.m rmver verv fierce evell il "Dearest," I said, "you are going to be annoyed with au> again: y»n art going to "feel again that you have just cause to consider me foolish and in consequent. Forgive me first, anil then I will explain what cause there is fot your pardon." She smiled indulgently at me, for. In deed. she was never very fierce even ii her most intolerant moods, and leaning forward she kissed tue lightly on tlit brow. The touch of her lips almost undid me, there seemed such a sort of final ity in the caress. It was as if she were giving sanction to my own thought that I was about to pass for ever from close and intimate contact with her self, the familiar, it' uncomprehending companion of this first chapter of nij life, which I felt was swiftly neariug its conclusion. I drew in my breatl sharply to restrain threatening vmc foil, and obeyed h-r injunction to pro ceed with my explanation. "Mother," 1 began, "you will say that it is only one of my ridiculous fancies when 1 tell you that I have an impie* sion which amounts to conviction thai some strange tie is already forming itself between me and this lady of the initials who needs a companion. It is no chance that has brought her neces sity to my knowledge; it is the natural drift of that subtle agency which gov erns our lives. 1 can almost hear this woman calling nu- to her side: 1 fed ■ that she lias lonr been waiting foi me; 1 long to share her 'strict retire ment'; I feel the mysterious bond that exists between us tightening itself and abridging the distance that parts us. I shall reply at once to her cry for com panionship. which I know to be a sum mons directed at me alone of all tin world, and when the doors of The Ivies open to me, as op u n they surely will, they will receive within them not a temporary guest, bat a lifelong inmate, who shall finally leave tliem only tc enter upon a new sphere of existence which bafll-'s even the most advanced psychics." I tried to round out my period with another laugh, but the attempt was a wretched failure. My voice broke. 1 slid quite down upon the floor at jyy mother's side, and burst into a really hysterical tit of weeping, which, better than any verbal appeal, nepreeated the material resentment, for the thin, worn, loving hand quickly stole for ward and rested soothingly upon mj head. "Why, Dorothy, Dorothy love, wha< it? There —there! What ails mj child to-night ?" and my downcast head was raised from its position and tenderly pillowed on the loving breas which had been its earliest resting p'ace. For a while I let it remain there, for it was borne in upon me, in that strange prophecy of spirit wliicb had come upon me, that not often ir the days to come would it recover thai dear place of repose. Yet, inexplicable as it may seem, the attitude vaguelj constrained me, and 1 was glad aftei a brief assumption of it to withdraw from it, for, even then, scarcely five minutes since I had learnt of the ex istence of such a person as this lady ot The Ivies, I fell myself rather of hei world than of my accustomed one, and was conscious of a dawning but force ful aloofness from an environment tc which I had become habituated by necessity rather than through accord of sympathy. There would be little use in my mak ing comment upon, or attempting ex pla nation of. the singular and. to mj mother and matter-of-fact married sister Marion, provoking vein of subth influence which ran through my na ture, frequently and irresistibly de teriniuiug nie in a choice of ways iu compatible with what they considered the dictates of good judgment and sober common-sense. It is an element of character or temperament too racta physical in its nature for my analysis but it lias done my mental balance much Injury in the estimation of those who are nearest me in blood, and has placed me without the bar in the mat ter of family councils. That my in tuitions have generally proved correct weighs little against the fact that they j are wholly spontaneous and formed without logical sequence, for my kind | red are as rational in drawing their j conclusions as I am unreasonable. As I sprang to my feet, determined to re gain my self-poise, my mother sank back upon her seat with a little sigh, \ which 1 k:!e\\ indicated a silent pro t, st . si this weakness that threat ened my mentality. • Have you alraady seen this lady, ji ; thyV' she asked, hoping, perhaps t(. me not so much at fault ai si.. : ileipated. . r." 1 replied uncompromisingly ■> ■ Is personally as unknown to DM ns t you: and yet." I concluded dream ily -1 fancv slie is no stranger to me.' '••Veil have heard of her by report, then'/" —' "Not even in tlie vaguest fashion. "Dorothy, Dorothy P* shaking he! licid ill expostulation and foreboding yi.il will end in a madhouse if you encourage yourself in your dangerous proclivities." I laughed. "Not I." 1 returned, with provoking serenity: "I have just told you that I am to end my days at The Ivies.' "Do you really mean to apply foi the position'.'" "I really mean to assume the po sition." "Dorothy, do stop j- sting, child, and explain to me what your intentions re garding tbi< ! *;*t iseineiit actually are." JI )\,l iL A \ j {f\ - 1 \ _ .uf: y u j •■MOTHER" 1 SAII). S'i'AN'DlNi : STK XIGH'I BEFORE HER. 1 saw that she was becoming annoy ed by the tone of flippancy beneath which I was trying to shield a coward ly purpose that aid not quite dare de clare itself, and so came boldly forth from behind my cover. "Mother," I said, standing straight before her. with resolution whicl: she must have seen it would bi useless to seek to vanquish written al over inv face, "I have not been talk ing so idly and wildly as you imagine Vou know, although yon wholly dis approve of the habit, that I am apt tc form my determinations while you am Marion are listening to the expositioi of a subject. You know also, thougl you will not admit it. that my in stincts are rarely at fault. Now. here is a matter which will allow me r< prove beyond peradveuturc 11« validity of my Intuitions. I have never heard of this lady whose advertisement, I have Just read in ray life: I do not know whether she is old or young, riel or poor, amiable or the reverse; I dc not know anything about Kldon 01 where it may be situated: but, so stir, am 1 that from the beginning of tnj life it was ordained that I was to spend the major part of my existence within its boundaries, introduced to its neigh borhood by the requirements of tlii> mysterious M. 11. E., that to-morrow morning I shall pack up all your wealth of worldly possessions and settle them and you at Marion's, as we have ar ranged to do in event of my obtaining a position, and in the afternoon I shall gather together my own goods and chatties and depart for Kldon. where ever it may be, intending to be settled before nightfall as companion for lif to the lady who has expressed her need of me." My poor mother regarded me in help less" amazement. Once she opened her lips as if to speak, doubtless in remon strance. but thinking better of it, she closed them again, contenting herself with a silent shake of the head, which suggested all sorts of dire consequences to the course of action I was bent on pursuing. This tacit admission on her part of the futility of argument or expostulation struck me so irresistibly that I could not but laugh as I stooped over her and sought to win her com pliance by caresses. "Don't think so badly of me, dear," 1 said. "It will all come out right, never fear. J will prove my right to be governed by impulse." My mother was of a yielding nature, accustomed tp submit to the stronger forces to which she had given birth. She shunnea responsibility of every sort, and it was characteristic of hei to act in matters or moment as she did now; that is. to avoid committing herself to any direct line of action by allowing others to decide for her, con tenting herself with the assertion that she washed her hands of the whole business, and that whatever befell she could not be held accountable for bringing it about. Twenty-four hours later I had ac complished my resolve, and had writ ten, with trembling but determine! fingers, "Finis" to tlie prologue of my life's drama. Urged by that potent but inexplicable influence which was so wont to direct me, I had resolutely snapped the link that bound me to my dependent girlhood by establishing my mother iu her married daughters comfortable home, and having thus burnt my ships behind me, 1 founu my self confronted with the prospect of a journey into a strange land of promise, with no compass to direct my future steps save the few printed char acters on the bit of paper slipped under the palm of my glove for ready refer ence; with no guide-book to inform me of what nature and habits were the people with whom I purposed dwelling; with no surety of attaining the go:il for which I was striving except a moral certainty bred within my own breast, at whose authenticity 1 was aware all save myself would scoff and sneer. My efforts in my mother's behalf oc cupied the greater part of the next day, aud I found that the tirst train 'o Eldon that 1 should be free to take was one that left New York ~t 4.1."> in the afternoon. It may show my faith In what my family were wont to call my superstitions to say that, so sure was I that I should not require one, 1 did not even concern myself to look up a return train. But, as I was being whirled through a barren and desolate landscape in the chill dreariness of a February twilight, my inner ally, that unrecognisable "en courager of hesitancy," somewhat de sorted me, ami left me a prey to a sud den despondency, and to miserable doubts and reflections ns to whether I had indeed done altogether wisely to permit myself to be so uncompromis lngly directed by mere Impulse. For a brief while I abandoned myself to act ual self-torture, Inflicting upon my quaking heart all manner of wretched forebodings and baleful predictions, and reproaching myself bitterly for the precipitancy of my conduct. Then, recognizing the danger of losing hope upd courage when self-control and as- surnuc • were my ehi< t>s i. • . 1 drew forth the tin* ad - . . - . and forlilietl mv s'-.ikii l ! penraaL Truly tin . .. ery about the crui .;1 i t!:i soorcr had my eyes falh :: 1 ; :t the subtle esscßee of hope .iii.i > again crept through my vein~ i ing renewed boldni >s and v uviei. .: to my spirit. I was till undvr the swav of this brighter mood when th n c.t:i.e a pr ceptible slaekeiiinv: in the >. I■ r t' train, the Jirakcsiuaii - • ' in accents which >nly an ear could have discovered to • ; -ic. tl the annouueetueut of "Eldon. Eldon!*' and almost before I was cor- s of movement I found myself itactlii g on the station platform, conipai.i-im 1 by but one oth. 1° pass, nger, a tall man wrap|M d in a heavy ulster which gave burl* outline to Ins figure, watching <p me. had it ii> >t bei n for the eouidt ration of my fellow '-passi'tiger. I .at ' I le;:n:t why he had been induci d to 1 i~i ;i l ie con ventional restraint and addt< ss me. It wa ii ea - 1 ajipeai ed to stand so alone ami unprotected in that dismal wintry dusk, he said: a man with any spark of chivalry in him would have risked long odds in the way of n s, tit ment of Ills conduct rather than mi' 1 opportunity of being of service 1 ii "CAS i BE Oi- SERVICE, MADAM damsel so obviously "till forlorn." I laughed, with a warm reserve of ap preciation deep down in my heart, nevertheless, when, some months after, David Spencer told me this: but at the moment mirth had no place in my emotions. "Can I be of service, madam?" That was the welcome question that formed my greeting to Eldon. and so gravely and solicitously was it uttered that no thought of impertinence could possibly be associated with it. I turned gratefully. "You are very kind." I said. "If 1 could tiud a carriage of any sort—" and 1 looked -\bout the deserted place with doubtful glance. "Of course," he assented. "There if one here: it stands behind the station Slav 1 secure it for you?" "Thank you, but 1 will not trouble you If it is here I can doubtless Und it. and" with a smile at the emptiness of the place "I should not think there was danger of its beiug engaged." At that moment the station-mastei made his appearance, and as I gave him the check for my trunk—for I had even gone the length of bringing it with me—he touched his hat to my companion with a "Good evening, doctor," while the latter, with a courte ous salutation, moved away and (lis appeared round the corner of the sta tion. "1 wish to go to The Ivies; is there a conveyance here that can also carry my trunk?" 1 asked. My companion looked at me with visible interest, not to say curiosity. "The Ivies!" he exclaimed. "Is Mad am expecting you?" I was annoyed at what I considered unwarrantable curiosity. "That is neither here nor there," I replied haughtily. "What i wish to know is whether or no the carriage in waiting here can also accommodate mj- trunk. The fellow had decent manners. He again raised his hat, and remarked with an apologetic air: "I only asked, miss, because 1 thought Madam would be sending for you if she knew you was comiu'." "She does not know," I answered, mollified by his excuse. "Then I don't know just what you'll do," he said, "it's a long pull to walk, and there ain't no other ways of gettl'i' there as I knows of." "What do you mean?" 1 asked, in some dismay, for my new friend might after all have been mistaken as to the carriage behind the station. "That gentleman whom you called doctor as sured me ....at there was a conveyance here." The man nodded. "So there was." ho assented; "but it was one lie had ordered for himself." "Arc you sure?" I asked. "Certain," lie replied. "He lives live mile or so from here, does Dr. Spencer and lu- always has a carriage from the Banks House to meet him when he comes back from a trip to New York." "Nevertheless." I said, with faith in the chivalry of the man who had of fered to assist a friendless stranger, "I think I shall find that carriage still waiting. 1 will look." And 1 suited the action to the word. As 1 turned the corner of the build ing I confess my heart beat rather quickly, for it would mean much to me if my hopes were disappointed. He sides, I fear 1 had a girl's natural curi osity as to the extent of the impression I hail made upon this casual acquaint ance. My vanity was in arms to dis cover whether it had been of sufficient degree to prevail over that regard for his own creature comforts which weighs heavily against the inherent instincts of courtesy iu man. It was with a sigh of relief and a thrill >f gratified self-consciousness that I per ceived the vehicle still standing at its post. Still, its rightful claimant might ha\e ensconced himself within It. thinking that we could both share its capacious bosom, for it was a veritable ark, cumbersome and antiquated, but a wel come place of refuge all the same. Of course, if such should prove the fact, I should be in as bad case as ever, for it was not likely that 1 would con sent to make a journey in the dark, shut up in a carriage with an uu known, however chivalrous man. The driver was standing patiently, or rather doggedly, by his horse, and hiui I accosted. "Are you waiting for anyone in par ticular?" 1 asked. He moved forward and regarded me Inquiringly. "Doctor said there was a lady," lie b< gan. "Yes: I am she. Hut the doctor had already engaged you. had he not?" "Yes. ltut doctor said that warn't 10 matter; he'd walk." "1 am sorry to have incommoded him." 1 said mendaciously, for I should have felt far more regret to have been ohligt d to accommodate him. "Can you take me to The Ivies?" An expression of surprise, similar to that I had seen upon the station master's face, enlivened the driver's stolid countenance. ' Ivit-I" he . ja.ulated. -In M»,i I expecting you'f l'i ivpetitiou of the other's qamlon - i significant of the fact that I-; «cr rawly entertained in the ■ w bleb I had already come to hi 11 a* 11 i future home that I :m i" f 1 that 1 purposed Invading a tin,. ,»f isolation and vxße. I tools reft . from a cold reaction that wis 11. •i ii in settle about the region of my li> .irt ii: sharp rebuke. "That i< not what 1 asked you!" 1 iM; "nor can I see that it iu any way t-. ; . Ti s you. All 1 require of you Is to t::'. ■ mo ninl my trunk thither. Can Tin- man nodded, a trifle surlily. "Ui ess I van." heanswered. "Wh*-re"> ilie trunk? I'll fetch it if you'll pet in. A few moments later he retur:i>sl. '•■ caring the trunk upon his shoulder and accompanied hy the station-ma Wlille the trunk was lieitig strafe •' upon the rack behind me. 1 could Ikmi the two men conversing in low t n <. 1 could catch oeeasiotial words wh they uttered, but tliw full dialocu-- v. 1 gleaned enough however, to satisfy me that my appear ance and "destination formed the t-. pi' uuder discussion, and the tone of bo, n voices was one of wonder and surpris >. Before we started the station in,• - : presented himself at the d-ior. peering with unmistakable curiosity into tii • carriage. "Hope you won't think 1 meant an/ offence, miss, just now," ho s-iid. "I have too high a respect for Mad tin to be disrespectful to any of her friends.' I felt that the apology was largely tentative, and declined rising to the lure couched in the word "friends. " Xot by disclosing the fact that 1 had uo personal acquaintance with this "Madam." or by asserting in what ca pacity 1 hoped to become an inmate of The Ivies, would I lay the spirit it inquisitiveness that 1 had inadvertent ly aroused in the man. "Very well." I returned, and drew to the door. A minute later we had start ed on our way. CHAPTER IT. 1 had ample time for reflection as we jogged along. It seemed to me that we traversed a huge section of coun try. though I have since learnt that no more than six miles intervened be tween the Kldon station and The Ivies. But my excited and nervous condition doubtless* made me Impatient, and for that reason the distance appeared twice Its real length. Evening had quite set In, and the dusk was so heavy that I could distin guish little of the passing landscape. I had let down one of Vue wi idows, and the wintry air came in with a rawness and bleakness which seemed to bespeak a high altitude. Then, too. the position of the carriage was such that 1 knew we must be constantly as cending. and 1 wondered if The Ivies were perched like an eagle's eyrie on a mountain top. Finally, when 1 had about conclud ed that the drive would never end, the carriage turned abruptly to the right, and. passing between two high grnnite posts, whose grim outlines stood forrti like shadowy sentinels in the gloom, we entered a dark, lieavily-shaded avenue, which formed a considerable interval between gates and house. An overwhelming desire to learn what 1 could of these close surround ings of my new home—for so, despite my occasional lapses front absolute conviction, 1 still confidently believed my destination was to become — prompted me to lean far out of the window, and challenge the more pro nounced features of the landscape to reveal themselves to my gaze. We were still ascending, more grad ually now, however, and on the left, through spaces intervening between tall and heavily-compacted trees, which I later discovered to be poplars, I could discern a steep embankment, shelving abruptly away from the road along which we were driving. It was impossible to determine Its depth, ow ing to the obscurity of the fast-de scending night, but that it was con siderable I divined from the fact thar, as we passed along its poplar-fringed brink. I saw, quite below me, the dim and distinct silhouette of what ap peared to be either a white or grey house. A little further on, and the al ways moderate pace of the horse de generated iuto a walk, and then into n more pretcpee of movement; the driv er called "Whoa!" in a subdued tone, in harmony with the bush that pervad ed the whole place: and I knew that I had reached my place of destination, and that The Ivies, in all its mystery and strangeness, lay before me. I shall never forget that one moment of misgiving and trepidation which I experienced while the driver was dis mounting from his perch. A very pan ie of irresolution and diffidence took possession of my being. I scored my self for a ra?h and audacious fool; I took heed of all the remonstrances which had ever been directed at me by mv mother and sister: I shrank like a timid child from the indefinable pros pect that confronted me; 1 meditated retreat, ignominous (light, shamefaced return to even that roof beneath which my mother had sought refuge, an.l wiiere I knew that my abject failure would meet with scaut sympathy and copious comments of the "I told you so" variety. Then I made a supreme effort and pulled myself resolutely to gether. The driver opened the carriage door, and in another instant I found myself standing liefore a short flight of" broad stone steps, with a bearing as composed and assured as if 1 had never known a qualm or scruple in my life. No sooner had my foot touched terra lirma than I felt myself again re assured by that strange, mysterious Inner consciousness that I was being directed by au iuvisable agency ac cording to a preordained and unerring plan. As I paused there briefly, surveying with eyes that were rather contem plative than curious the imposing pile of stone and granite that reared its huge proportions liigli iuto the dark ness. a sense of well-being and restful ness stole insensibly over me; I felt that this was in very deed home that I had come to; that the previous con ditions of my life had been artificial and ill-adapted; that I had heretofore been miscast in the role which had been given me to play; that for the first time since my birth 1 found myself properly circumstanced and congen ially disposed. It was a most singular sensation that pervaded me; I can best describe it as one of calm and peaceful satisfaction, as au intuitive perception of means at hand to gratify vague longings and aspirations which had up to tin- present time caused me to ap pear a creature of fitful disposition and unsteady purpose. 1 felt as might feel an animal that has for yeais been exposed to false element, and that feels itself suddenly transferred to its prop er habitat. Yet sober common-sense (lid not wholly abandon me. for I look the precaution to order the man to allow ray trunk to remain on the rack, and to* himself await my reappearance. Then I mounted the steps and rang the bell with steady hand. A most intense silence seemed to en velop the house; even my summons was of a faint and subdued nature. It took the form of a sweet, solemn, sllverly tinkling, as of a fairy cliime. fading* with minor cadences Into thfl distance. One could almost feel how rarely a like sound disturbed the hush and repose of the dwelling. Almost directly I heard a shuffling step ap proaching from within, the door was softly and with grave ceremony.thrown open, and an old man of slight stature and feeble frame stood before me. the light of bronze hanging lantern above the entrance illuminating with startl ing distinctness his singularly white face and silver') straggling locks. In N0.12 I RANG THE BELL WITH A STEADY HAND. his hand he held a tiny old-fafhion&fl salver, and it was apparent that jjtf custom was to receive upon it the cards, without admitting the persoQ% of such stray visitors as should to invade the retirement in which his mistress dwelt, for. scarce waiting fof my question as to whether she would receive me. ho held it forth, and, still barring my entrance with his small person, said: "Mrs. Eldredge desirei to be excused." "Will you tell her." I returned, de positing my card iu the small recept acle. "that 1 am come in response to her advertisement, and say that as I have come from a distance I hope she will see me, unless the position be al ready filled." My explanation caused him to take a different view of my intrusion, for now the door was thrown hospitably open. and. as 1 obeyed his request *b enter, I found myself in a delightfully quaint old hall, with high raftered ceiling, and far reaches of impenetra ble gloom which bespoke spacious depths and offered a wide field for the imagination. With ancieut ceremony the aged but ler threw open the door of a small re ception room, standing aside for uie to pass in. but. fascinated by the romnntic aspect of the wide hall, and invited to linger in its shadows by the cheery blaze of a huge hickory log that burnt In the cavernous fireplace, l smilingly negatived his suggestion, and begged to he allowed to wait where I was. He was absent but a few moments. Scarcely had 1 become penetrated by the welcome warmth of the fire than he reappeared and desired me to fol low him. Hv led the way up a broad and winding staircase, whose ascent was broken by two or three broad landings, each a small room in itself, and thence across a large upper liall fitted as a picture gallery, the vast di mensions of which were broken by a magnificently carved balustrade, brought, as I afterwards learnt, from one of the l>oria palaces, which en closed a great well that reached from entrance-ball to roof, where an enor mous skylight of stained-glass shed a modified glow upon the space be neath. Daylight having quite faded, silver sconces suspended against the wall* gave partial and fitful illumination ~o the place, the candles shirking their actual duty, however, to coquet among the brighter surroundings of the gilded frames that lined the mighty stretches of wall. Hugs innumerable covered the polished oaken floor, and. had it been possible for the noiseless foot steps of my companion to become less audible, I should have thought that he took heed to so stifle It as our progress increased. We paused at last before a closed door, upon which lie tapped so reverently that I was reminded of a priest approaching a holy shrine. A low-toned, exquisitely modulated voice gave us permission to enter. The old servant opened the door, announced me, and immediately withdrew, leav ing me in the presence of a woman, the charm of whose personality, the magnificence of whose matured lieauty, rendered me wholly oblivious of her environment. What was the emotion that seized upon me as my eyes fell upon Madam? Was it reverence, awe, timidly, affright at my own audacity in offering myself as companion to such as -he? Was It the spell exercised upon Inferior na- x tures by extraordinary strength of character united to almost perfect physical form? Was n fear? Was it alarm? Or was it—was it not. rather— the birth-agony of a love unique in its nature, passionate in its intensity, soul ennobling in its development, which, though I have known warm family af fection. though I have felt strong at tachment to two or three close friends, though I have since become the proud and happy wife of a man who hold 3 my very soul in his keeping, has stood apart and aloof, on a pinnacle of its awn. elevated apd sanctified beyond all the other emotions of my life? The most positive memory I retain of that tirst meeting is the impression produced upon my mind by Madam. So profound was that impression that in seeking to recall her likeness now. since licr visible presence lias passed from before my eyes. I invariably pict ure her as 1 then saw her, notwith standing the fact that in after days I formed a so much better acquaintance with her features and expression. My mind, harking back into the past, conjures up the grandeur of a solitary figure, waiting, in patient, silent digni ty. like a noble statue, among the ruins jf'n shattered world. Sculptured as by an artist's hand directed by a poet's brain, the rare contour of her face was classic in its mould, and superbly intellectual in its wondrous beauty. Mind, soul and heart, the trinity of man's personality, shone through the lovely mask that disclosed rather than concealed her spiritual being. She was sitting, as I entered In oliedi ence to lier bidding, in a high-backed cliair of carved ebony, with her feet, arched like those of a Spanish princ ess resting on a little footstool. About her lay folds of rich black drapery, un relieved by any touch of color or gleam i>f precious metal. One ornament, if so it might be called, and one only, -lie wore, and that was the sole jewel i ever saw lier assume. It was a ring jf gold overlaid with black enamel, and net with a single diamond of great size and, doubtless, of great intrinsic value. It was her engagement ring, which, upon the death of her husband, she had had encrusted with enamel, ana tbi* was held secure by a tiny guard so small as to well nigh escape observa -vrnjbol of her nyirriage. [CONTINC*I> IN OLK NEXT.] T"IUn«-«e Ilnblen. Chinese babies are fed on rice and nothing else after they are a few months old. Cow's milk is never given to them. Chineso houses are never heated. If a baby is cold he is given a sun bath. Good l)lii <«t lon. It would be difficult to imagine more extraordinary digeitive powers than those of the hyeniK One of these beasts has been known to swallow six large bones wholo without crushing them.