1901-03-16 — Page 5

WHERE ARE YOU GOING TO,

MY PRETTY MAID?".

She was going to her home, after teaching the children at Dareham Lodge. She lived in a country town hard by, and every morning as nine o'clock stie came up the hill and through the wood, and every evening at five o'clock she came back again, carrying her little bundle of books and swinging guily along-be the wea ther what it would--with a fresh colour on her fair check and a bright light in her grey eye.

She was a pretty maid.

Mr. Hugh Hamilton had made up his mind on that point several weeks ago, when he had first comic to this hopelessly rural village to read with the Vicar, and had first accosted the pretty maid at the stile, with his question of "Where are you going to ?" or words to that effect, and its natural sequel of" May i go with you? He had not gone with her on that occasion because she had smilingly forbidden him to do so, knowing full well what chatter would run through the parish if she were seen marching through it with the parson's pupil.

But he had gone with her on many another occasion, when he had chanced to be at the stile at the very moment she reached it on her homeward way of an evening; for there the way ran through the quiet wood where no one was likely to come and make mischief.

He was waiting go with her now for the last time, because he was to leave that rural village the next day on his way to the exam. for which he had been cramming,

Yet he was pot worrying about the exam.; he was worrying about the pretty maid and what he had got to say to her

Sho came swinging along beneath the mellow- ing beeches and the bronzing bracken, the soft blue mist that crept about among the treatrunks enveloping her with a fairy mantle through which it seemed to him that her beauty shone like a lamp.

Her sed brown hair toned beautifully with all this autunnal glory, and with the crimson sunset that blazed behind the trees at her back, and though Mr: 1ugh was no artist, and was not conscious of any of these details, he noticed that she looked prettier than ever to-night, in. very becoming fur collar and toque that made her white skin look whiter than usual, and he sighed as he thought of what he had got to say

to her.

The pretty maid gave a pretty start when she saw him. To a more practised eye it might have suggested a little innocent artifice, seeing that it came every evening when she caught sight of him from afar at the stile; but r Hugh must be forgiven for admiring thus sim. plicity of it, for he was very young, and there was still that thin veil of something too naif to be called "conceit" before his eyes which so sadly interferes with keenness of vision.

And he never noticed that to-night the be witching smile that always followed the start curled the corners of dat merry mouth with just a mère suspicion of scorn, and that the grey eyes, at which a slender nose was always gazing, laughed too as they came towards him. But then it had never occitrred to Mr. Hugh that the pretty maid was just so much oldes than he was as to make it likely that she might see through his simple game, and just so much cleverer as in make it no game at all.

"How do you do?" she called out gaily when she got near enough to him, "Isn't it cold?"

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THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH, SATURDAY, MARCH 16, 1901.

"They've got to know about us, somehow, at home," he said peevishly. "Somebody has blabbed I suppose.

"About us?" inquired the innocently. "Yes, about our walking-and things!" "What things?" asked she again, this time just a wee bit sot know," he admitted,

"Oh, well, I crestfallen. "Nothing, of course; only people are so-funny! And the mater has written to

me"

"Well," said the pretty maid "don't you like her to write to you."

"Oh, you know what I mean," cried he, shoving the cap back on his fair curts t "You see, my people have always dinned it into me that I've got to marry money

·

If he had been nearer he would have seen that the grey eyes were momentarily dewy, but the face was all smiles and sweetness. That was the last he saw of the pretty maid and it was thus he remembereit her afterwards.

innocent flirt, when he knew that she had For the time soon came when be knew that the pretty maid had been just a tiny bit of an never been in love with him, and when he began to doubt whether he bad ever been deeply in love with her.

It was just about the time when he heard that the pretty maid was going to be married to the son and heir of Dareham Lodge, who had been away at the war and had come back, promoted and glorious in the eyes at least of the pretty makl "Well, why don't you?" replied she, with Some folks said she had been engaged to that provoking nose of her's well in the air, and him all along. that provoking mouth serenely smiling.

But Mr Hugh was an busy then having that "There now, you're offended," said he in a good time which the pretty maid had prophesied tragic voice.

for him, and wondering whether, after all, Offended !" echoed she with a soft parr of every girl who came within the pale of per- surprise.

missible views for a penniless squire was "Yes, of course; I knew how it would "hateful and bideous," that he omitted to think be he declared emphatically. Then, without the past or to determine whether the pretty quite boyish ingenuousness, added in a sort of appealing way: But you haven't got any money, have you now?"

"Me!" echoed she, opening her grey eyes very wide and forgetting the grammar that she daily taught. And that Me" finished him.

"Uh, Miss Amory !" cried he, seizing her two little gloved hands ecstatically "would you have married me?"

She stood gazing at him, her lips parted-if he had only guessed it-in pure astonishunent.

"Good gracious," said she at last, "what a question t

"But do tell me," pleaded he with almost amusing self-absorption. "If I were to mean, if there were any way I mean)| And he stopped, floundering hopelessly. Then it came out with a rush. Oh, Miss Amory," he cried simply, dont you think some day you might be likely to have a little money of your awn? Haven't you got any rich relations who night die ?"

Then her merriment rippled over; it rippled out of the frank eyes, it rippled out of the cor- ners of the sweetly níocking little-mouth, it appled over her whole hewitching countenance and eyes, nose, mouth, and all said, as clearly as pretty maid ever said before: "My face is my fortune, sir,"

And it was a face that might fairly be a for tune-nobody knew that better than Mr. Hugh; but seemingly it was not the fortune for lim

little money of my own echoed she, with a quaint whimsical expression In her sanny eyes. Then shaking her head, "Ne'er a six. pence, save what I earn. And you know you don't think much of a wadan's capacity in the brain line!

"Oh, women never undertook to have brains, said he lightly. "I call it a shame to expect it of them! And he addedjuefully, "No relation of means likely to die ??

ז,

Net a ghost of a one," replied she, mimick ting his tragic tone,

He dropped the lit:legloved hands with a great sigh.

"I didn't supose there was much chance." groaned he, "And the mater says unless I marry money the old place'll go to the highest bidder, and she'll have to end her days in some horrid hotel on the Continent."

You must marry money!" said the em phatically.

"Yes I suppose it'll have to be some hateful hideous Jessica of a thing" said he, with gloomy resignation.

"Cold,' repeated he vaguely is it?? He blushed as he said, and was conscious of both looking at feeling anything raiber than cold He turned and walked along by "Oh, perhaps she won't be so very bad. her side, kicking the red leaves from his feet looking," said the pretty maid. And perhaps petulantly, his hands in his pockets and his impartial onlooker might have suid there under lip thrust out the picture of yish tinge of satifaction in the consola. minary,

www.tones. What he had to say become more difficult she will." repeated he doggedly. But then ever. He thought it would have been' you make so light of it because you think I easier if she had not begun with such a silly deserve it-because you think I've been a remark.

"I suppose it is cold," he assented moodily. "At all events, it's not so jolly as it was in the summer. We've had, lost of jolly evenings here in the summer, haven't we, Miss Amory?" "Lots," she agreed cheerfully "But they're all over now; you'll be off to-morrow."

*

What I did you remember that ?" he asked, vexed, he knew not, why.

"Qf course!" She laughed. "You told me yourself-nges ago.".

I thought you must have forgotten," said he, frowning,

Oh, dear, nó," answered she, staring at him innocently. Why should 17"'

He couldn't exactly say why; but he wished she wouldn't be quite so cheerful. Perhaps she was doing it to keep up his spirits.

Yes, that must be it! How considerate of her! And a measure of serenity returned to his clouded young brow.

You will be feeling a bit nervous by this time to-morrow, I'm afraid," she went on;

but I hope you will get through."

Oh, no, I. sha'n'," said he carelessly. "Nobody thinks I shall, I don't care!"

"Naughty by!" said she. "You haven't

worked. I'm afraid."

"Well, whose fault's that?" asked he curtly, "You haven't helped me to work,"

"Why, I have done nothing but tell you how silly it was of you to miss your chance," said she provokingly. "With such a good nomina- tion, you had only to put your back into it ever so little to be sure of success."

beast."

"Oh, not so bad as that, said she, the comers of the mobile mouth turned down resolutely-perhaps lest they might fura up

"Yes, you do-you ma," he went on, with put kroking at her, only you are too kind to let me know it. I've been a horrid beast. I've as good as asked you to marry me when Pve known all the time it could never be. You see hoy it could never be, don't you,' Miss Amary?

"Oh, perfectly," said she serenely, "And you don't owe me a grudge?" The merriment rippled up again over the pretty maid's face, then stopped-softly arrested-making the pretty face suddenly sweet. 7 owe you a grudge? said she in a low voice. And her eyes fell for a moment.

"Yes, say you don't." he pleaded. Then she lifted her eyes to his frankly, and there was something more in them than had been there a minute ago.

"Not a bit of it!" smiled she "We've had a jolly time. I know I've enjoyed it, and. I'm I have both got to work now; and as for think- very sorry it has come to end. But you and ing you ever meant to marry me "--she dropped him a little curtsey-Nobody asked you,

sir," she said,

He laughed he couldn't help it. This was the sort of thing that had solen his boyish heart in the beginning so he said to himself...

But presently his face fell again, "But would you have married me?" he repeated.

I never give answers to questions that are not asked, she replied demurely.

"Then will began Mr. Hugh des-

maid or he was most to blame.

Certain it is that he never owed her any grudge, but alway's thought of her as a glorious sunbeam shot across that wondrous path of youth that has so many and mysterious wind- ings and in the soft halo of those rays he saw all women brighter and sweeter ever after. The Rangoon Times.

THE ART OF FORGETFULNESS.

Perhaps it is in order to compensate us inr the lost art of producing the rich purple hue in stained glass which our ancestors enjoyed but we cannot resuscitate, that the dawn of the Twentieth Century sees the new art, that of forgetfulness, attaining a degree of perfection that our forefathers never dreamed was possible. There are some, perhaps, who will dispute our contention that forgetfulness is to be classed. with the arts, and it is quite possible that the classification is inaccurate, and that what we have called an art is in reality a science. The neophyte, it is usually ordained, is inducted by accident, and is annoyed to find--and quite in- capable of enjoying the paradox on that account

A

I'm not a weakling, either, for I can easily lift foolb. with my good right hand."

village carpenter, so that when we return to the cottage in the spring, the horror will ba waiting for un. One table is to be used indoors, the other out. We are, it appears, to play sound of the wretched game is, ping-pong in the garden! I am helpless. The

always. Tawake at night imagine myself try to write, the senterices are punctuated by pursued by-fends with battledores; when I

exasperating drum-caps,

i understand that half London in devoted to the game. If this

my ears

THE POPE AS SEER POET,

In 1899, 17,498 umbrellas, 3314 purses, and only 878 sticks were successfully lost, the ratio of umbrellas to sticks being ao to the Lewis Wilkins is remarkably well proper previous, year the ratio was, practically the tiened, as you may judge from the fact that

sclerice of forgetfulness has made in the fast. 853. whilst purses numbered 3011. If further from the middle finger of his right hand to the same, umbrellas totalling 17,13, and sticks when he stretches out his arms lin ist Bft ain. proat were needed of the great strides the middle fingerofhis left exactly the same mens few years, so far as public vehicles is con his shadow, so to speak with my umbrella and urement at his height. When L.stood beneath cerned, we have only to mention that whereas arms out stretched, I could not reach from his two dogs were the most successful losses in 1898, in 1899 the masters of the art last not.

one finger to the other.

Not to put to fine a point upon it, any be so, the other half will soon be mad. Tha only dags but cats and birds as well, the latter, indeed, including an owl To lase

elephant might be proud of his leg, his thigh century can hardly he said to be looking up. an owl in

measurement being nearly a yard=34fin ;. to | This year will be known to social historians hansom. cab is indeed an be exact; and his chest nearly gft.-in, lens the "Ping-pong Year" The most terrible achievement, and one that beats hollow the is about the only man I ever met who could thought to me personally is that I shall soon feat of the individual who lost a mysterious gun take anything like a seven-league boot. He have to catch the fever in self-defence. I 'ses worth 2 at the Surrey Docks last June. of wears 24's (the average man is content with no means of rellel save in playing the game.-- the most sucessful plants of recent years, in 7'3), and though he modestly calls his gloves | Pall Mall Gazelit, -- addition to the two tons of theatrical scenery-14's, you are able to judge what that means a veritable sacred company seeking solitude as far away as possible from the madding crowd

from the tracing of his hand. When he holds he has deserted-we may cite the 215,000 cut spectable rea-tray. He placed his hand on the

out his bands together they form a very re tacks left on the London and North-Western table, and I sat on it quite comfortably. system, presumably by some anti-cyclist whose spirit failed him at the last moment; the wax figurehead, the case of stuffed birds, and the petrified Irish giant-three of the most difficult articles to lose known-the 30 bottles of lemon squash, undoubtedly presented by a teetotal aunt to an undeserving nephew, and the two faulty incubators that the London, Brighton, and South Coast Railway were called upon to adopt, That the art of forgetfulness, like all other arts, is not to be acquired without a certain amount of expenditure, is obvious; indeed, we believe, that as a result of their last sale the Great Western Company netted no less, than £2,000. But when we take into consideration the fact that year in and year out the masters of the craft between them contrive to lose, in addition to other articles it is always desirable to get rid of, scores of sets of false teeth, which are, perhaps, the most unloseable articles yet manufactured, expense can obviously be no consideration in the completion of one's train- ing--S. and Gossip,

THE BIGGEST MAN ON EARTH.

This Goliath is the only man on earth who, can stretch an "Express" octave, so to speak, when he fully expands his thumb and fingers, which consists of the seven columns and mar-

gins of the Express.

TAKEN BY SURPRISE.

ORDINARY MEN ARE LIKE GRASS- that he has lost a walking-stick, or that she

HOPPERS TO HIM. is the possessor of one glave instead of a pair.

Lewis Wilkins is without doubt the biggest But when the fact dawna upon them, and they realise the great possibilities that the incident

man now walking on this earth. He is not only 8ft, zin. in height, but what is wonderful, promises in the future, they conjointly rejoice, for they recognise that with diligence the art of world, proportionately broad. His fairy form and practically unknown hitherto in the giant forgetfulness is a thing that can be acquired, weighs a trifling eight and twenty stone more and that, when- once it has been mastered, the

than a pound for every day in the year. Ir most unblemished of white elephants loses ali its former.terrors. When the railways indulge yourself by going to the Paragon or the Canter you are inclined to doubt this you can satisfy in a spring cleaning or the post office peoplebury, at both of which music-halls Lewis are weary of finding things on their premises makes his bow to the great B. P. on Monday that do not belong to them, a sale is the evening. natural outcome, the proceeds of which, may hap, are themselves lost in that blessed item on the balance sheet, yclept "demurrage and the bulk of the nation rejoices with ex- ceeding joy when it sees in print next day that so many thousand gloves and so many huo- dred walking sticks were sold. For he who has sipped, the waters of Lethe is for ever: desirous that others should do likewise. To those who have learned the art in. all its branches, the lengthy catalogue of books, match boxes, pies, cigars, and the olla podsida of the traveller, the parcel poster, and dilettante in forgetfulness which are put up for sale in buge quantities is not a trifle wearisome. Bet a close persual of the list rarely tails to reveal the splendid forgetfulness ofa master mind, such as the efforts of the individual who succeeded inlosing, a few years ago, a bundle of scenery, of all things in the world, on the Great Northern Railway. It is difficult at times to assign a reasonable motive for some of the losses per petrated, but, doubtless, the individual who left behind "a hand sewing machine in walnut tree. case," heaved as great a sigh of satisfaction as the miscreant, who, figuratively speaking, de- posited a somewhat ponderous foundling on the railway.company's doorstep in the shape of Burkett on the New Testament." The sewing machine, we believe, benefited the shareholders of the Great Northern to the extent of thirty shillings in 1896, but the monetary value of the last mentioned windfall is unknown.

Other depositories for white-and-black- elephants are the Docks, and, judging from the fact that an expert left behind him on the fireapore, in June, 1893, 57 elephants' bones, the London Docks are particularly desirable dumping grounds to those who have any to get rid of. Nor do they refuse to entertain other commodities, though it can but rarely happen that a client has such an appetite for oranges that he finds himself with some 7cwt. of pecl which he has, by hook or crook, to forget at the conclusion of his voyage. There were Boo tots in the London Docks sale of August 1898, and they ranged from senna leaves, that conjure up youthful memories that still further urge one to forget, to three quarters of a ton of shark bones, and 140 buffalo horns. But we feel sure that of all the strange assortment, the tragic element is most closely allied to the ten and a half tons of old railway tyres that were shunted off the main line of the owner's memory. Who was the victim who rightly should have claimed the tyres as his, and what his crime, that he should be called bear so heavy a burden? Can we wonder that the iron entered into his. soul, and that he sought forgetfulness in a magnum of Fleuve Lethe carte blanche? Ten tons of derelict newspapers are left each year on the Great Northern system alone, and they fetch is 3d. a hundredweight; that the same company need never fear a rainy day is obvious, for, shanks to its clients, 1500 umbrel las are garnered in annually and sold for 100 six overcoats were disposed of at a recent sale for 55, and twice as many pairs of trousers for thrice that sum; your muff, dear lady, with

all strung upan a about

7 and are Because, you know, if you ask a question | assortment of hose gooft, in length, can be you must have an answer! And the answer acquired for twice the som just mentioned, might not be to your liking. Just now you But it will cost much more, even in the case wanted to know if I owed you a grudge of an adept, to lose them again. Although Perhaps if you did ask a question, and bicycle pumps galore, cans of cod liver oil, I had to give an answer, you might box tents, accordions, and pocket knives by do owe me a grudge. And I don't want you to dozens fall into the hands of the railway com. thai--we've had such a jolly time. Don't let panies, they cannot vie with Scotland Yard or have anything nasty to remember, only what even the Post Office in the quantity of jewellery, is fice! There, goodbye! I hope you'll get forgotten or never claimed, that is left for them through!"

to dispose of Still they have occasional wind She gave him her little hand and he held it falls, and as they cannot conceive the delirious delight that is experienced by the proficient in A sudden uncomfortable misgiving began to the art when he succeeds in forgetting, say, the dawn in his mind lest be might have made a diamond solitaire that was disposed of recently

by one company for fifty pounds, their imagina tron boggles at any other explanation of the phenomena than that all unclaimed articles of considerable value arn lost by thieves who are afraid to triake themselves known.

"Oh, bother!" said he petulantly. What does it matter whether I get into the 'Diplo matic or not? My people can't let me starve "perately.

She laughed long and loudly, "Naughty boy repesied she, and he flush- ed again.

"Anyhow, thats not what I came to talk about," said he, frowning afresh. "Here am I 'going away from you to-morrow, perhaps-""He was going to say "for ever," but he checked him.

But the two little gloved hands went up quickly to the two delicate little cars that glowed faintly pink under the fur toque.

"Husb, hush cried she merrily. "I can't; hear a word you say--so don't say it."

She waited a minute, smilingly watching to see that he obeyed her. Then ite hands came bantering tone:

I was writing in my room (says a representa tive of Page Six) when Lewis Wilkins entered softly and unannounced, I was first made aware of his presence by the fact that the light seemed suddenly to have gone out of my life, and looking up from my paper, i saw a figure standing in front of the window.

Have you ever had a giant steal a march upon you? I haven't won the Y.C. yet, and I own that at first I fairly shivered, for I had not received the slightest intimation that he would look in upon me,

He was standing a couple of yards away, and after the first shock of the surprise had passed away I summoned up sufficient courage to address the apparition.

THE INTRODUCTION, *Hallo I who are you?. Am I dreaming or are you really there?" I said with as much nonchalance as I could command at the time, "Thanks; I'm alive and kick-you needn't bou under the table like that," he said in a deep bass voice. "My name's Lewis Wilkins, and I've come down to have a chat with you, and

to let you have a look at me,"

"But, do you do you mind stepping to the Wilkins," I stammered as respectfully as possi extreme end of the room for a moment, Mr.

perspective and take you all in ?"" ble," in order that-that I may get the-the

"You needn't be scared," he rejoined evident- ly enjoying my embarrassment,

"Here's my fin-fcatchron and shake."

“CORDIAL, BUT CRUSHING.

As he was standing within a couple of yards of me. I judged it safe to comply; besides 1 was beginning to regain my composure by now. So I confided my band, or rather my forearm, to his palor, and it was instantly swallowed up. Nevertheless his bandshake was cordial--if crushing,

"So am to interview you?" I said. "Please take a scat," whereupon my new ac quaintance quietly smotheted a brace of chairs, which squeaked their feeble protest.

"Yes, continued Lewis, "I am the biggest thing yet made in America, yost see; so I thought you'd like to know something about me,"

All this while 1 had been taking mental notes of him. For instance, I saw at a glance that Lewis was a man who takes a broad view of things; in fact, his eyes are a good gin. apart. His conversation too, showed him an optimist, as all men are bound to be who view the world from so lofty a standpoint,

Again, I found him to be in every senso proper giant such a one as Jack feared and his deep, far-away voice really did seem to come from the very soles of his boots. Are you very, very strong 1 " I asked.

held me out at arm's length. When I arrived once more on terra firma after dangling in mid- air for a while, I felt even more respect for him than before,

After he had sufficently impressed me with his height, he took a seat or was it seats?-in Another part of the room. At least, I lost sight of a couple more chairs. -

}

HIS HOLINESS' ODE TO THE CINTURY, widespread interest will attach to the sp- pended prose translation of the Ode which the Pupe has written to the New Century, and by for his mental energy. which he has excited admiration and surprise

curs in the third Ode of the first book of

By this time we were getting quite chummy, and Lewis took me on his keee, while he can- tinued to tell me abou: himself.

The poem is written in the alcaic metre, with "My parents were quite ordinary folk-5 daad, is this the only hint of inspiration from which readers of Horace are familiar; not, in- 7in," he resumed. "In my young days I led a that source, for several of the phrases are strong farmer's life, and was very fond of sport, being ly reminiscent of that writer, and one expres." a good shot. I have to carry a special bedsteadsion in the original Latin "insanientis sapiente," with me nowadays, and when it doesn't arrive in time. I do the best I can with a brace of double beds Not many cabbies will take m but when they will I have to put my head rigni through the farthest window, then back in, as were. It's a bit of a job, i can tell you. I'm married, you know; and an Oddfellow, top.'

"Yes, you are an add-," but I was sitting on his kace and thought better of it.

it

A NASTY ACCIDENT.

"While herding some of my father's cattle when I was eight I had a bit of an accident, getting badly kicked on the head by my horse, and was found next morning in an unconscious state. The hurt, seemed nothing much at the time, but as I grew the swelling on the side of my head here increased, until it reached its present size. I've worn a knowing look ever since, don't you know."

Lewis cats as much as three ordinary mortals, and his bite, well, when I asked him how big it was he looked down on me and asked what and good complexion, of which he is very size I took in collars. He has a healthy colour proud. He has never known a day's illness, save those which followed his accident

the tiny jewel off his finger, "you can pass a "This is my favourite ring," he said taking penny through it quite easily."

"Yes," I said, admiring the diamond and slipping off his knee, excuse me just a

· mo-

But Lewis coolly streched out his arm half- way across the room and drew me back,

LATENT POSSIBILITIES.

"I should say you could make your living in many ways besides exhibiting yourself." I remarked, when I found myself once more in his clutches." "For instance, you'd have been worth vast sums in Natal to have hauled the guns up the hill; or even in London we could find plenty of work for you. I'd like to see you legging it up the Nelson Monument as a steeplejack. Or the L.C.C. might make you Opener and Shutter General of the Tower Bridge; for you- could stand in the middle of the river with each foot in a barge-like water boots-and use your arms-you understand? As an organist, too, you ought to do wonders." When he was going, having learned by ex- periance, I shook him by the little finger, It was, like catching hold of a huge German

sausage.

Come and see me any, time," he said on parting.

"With pleasure-what's the pass word?"

'Inches."

And with that he waved his hand, and though: it was midday and the sun was shining, the for outside. They say that the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world. Lewis has rocked room became as dark as if there were a dense

a cradle in his day, and he bids fair to rock the world The Rangoon Times.

PLAYING THE GAME.

Audrey has become a devotee of ping-pong, 1 state the fact sadly, remorsefully, almost bit- terly. The worst of it is that I am responsible for my own condition and hers. She wished to decline the invitation, which lurefully read:

Ping-pong: 9-12,"

What is this ping-pong?" she asked, "Peo- ple seem to be going mad about it. Where does the fun come in?"

1cificavoured to explain where the fun çame in; she was incredulous.

*

"Do you mean to say," she asked, "that grown-up people really enjoy knocking little feather of a ball over a baby net with a battle- dore ?"

They enjoy it immensely," said I. I've only played once myself, and then it was against an expert who nover gave me a chance. But some day I'll be even with him.

"I begin to understand,” said the, "where" the fascination comes in-for men." i smiled. "Do women like to be beaten?" I asked,

"They are certainly more philosophical about it," she answered.

It's not a question of philosophy," I said, "it's a question of ping-pong. I think we'd better accept." So we did.

le was delightful to watch Audrey's initiation.

Horace.

FROM CHRIST JESUS, THE AUSPICES OF THE COMING CENTURY.

There hath passed away an age famous for the

cultivation of all fine arts.

Let who will celebrate in song the public benefits and the discoveries of the power of nature,

More strongly do the faults ofthe dying century

kucli me,

For these do 1 grieve and am indignant. Alas how many signs of disgrace do I

when I look backward?

י,

Shall I lament the slaughters and the snitch.

ing away of sceptres,

Or the monstrous deeds of anbridled licence, Or the direful! warwaged against the Vatican.

Bill with a thousand crafty wiles? Whither bath gone the glory of the city, chlëf

of all cities..

That glory burdened by no slavery. How many ages, how many ancient nations,

have looked with honour of the sext of the Pontiffs?

Woe to all laws deprived of sacred sanction. What law of decorum or what sense of honour

now remains?

I

All institutions nod and totter to their ruin.

When once removed from altars.

Hear ye: A race deeply imbued with a foolish

wisdom

Brings forth deads of wickedness and strives to set up a supreme divinity of inanimate

nature.

Foolish, does it (.e. the age) "despise the And confuses the race of men and beaste

heavenly origin of our race,

(which ought never to be confused), As it pursues vain shadows in its thought. Alasi-in what a shameful abyss is the blind

force of weak price involved; Preserve, O ye mortale, for all time the dread

commands of God,

Who alone is life and certain truth. Who la

the rigand one way to heaven. The rolling years of mortals, He alone can bring to their issue

.

Of late, to the sacred ashes of Peter, have come

pious crowds of pilgrims; He Himself hath brought them; The re-birth of piety is no deceiving omen. O Jesu, ruler of the time to come, Give Thy approval to the course of thin ago'

that now,arises.

By Divine power, compel the rebel nations to

follow better things.

Do Thou prosper the seeds of gentle peace; Let all anger, insurrection, and hateful wars

sink at last.

Bring the wickedness of sinful men to the

realm of darkness.

Let one mind rule all monarchs under Tay guidance; that in obedience they may follow Thy laws,

And that there may be one fold and one pastor: And one faith to guide the world.

་

have finished my course, and have lived twiće.

nine lustra due to Thy gift.

Order it, I beseech, that the desires of Thy Do Thou complete the heap (af years).

Leo who now plays,

May not be unfulfilled.

· Kutimations.

NOTICE.

THE BEST PREVENTIVE OF ALL INFECTIOUS DISEASES.

SANITARY SOFT

BOAP.

T

"JEYES'

FLUID

E CEST

SANDECTAN TI

DISINFECTANT

SOAP,

At first, like all beginners, she hardly ever hit AVOID ALL RISK OF OUTBREAK EY

rolf, remembering that he had not yet said that down, and she went on, in the same softly 23 ty pence at a railway Will CAN I For reply be caught me by the collar and ceiling or at, the head of some interested

which he had come to say-"and you talk about my work Bother work; 10's not all one lives for !

She laughed again. Not all you live for," wald slie.

He was conscious of being almost cross with her, if would be so much easier if she would be the tiniest bit gentimental.

If her face was her fortune, perhaps she to had been bidden make a better bargain with it | then marry a poor squite's son, His face clouded afresh..

Then an idea struck him: She was anxious about his augcess because she thought what of course he had given her reason to think. Evidently he must get the worst over at once.

"Miss Amory," began he resolutely, you mustn't chaff a fellow when he is trying to be silently, brave. This is a bad moment for both of us, but it is worse for me--by Jove, it is "

"Of course it is," assented she, "much foot of himself, worse for you. I should hate to be going in for an exam, to-morrow."

How she did go on about it! She really was forcing the thing a bit 1 It was scarcely natural in a girl to be an very strong-minded.

"Well, of course, if I got through, it might minke things rather casier, said he doubtfully. But I'm not sure that it would.. The Diplo matic is an awfully expensive sort of game! A fellow has to dress so well, and go it a bit, you know".

Yes, I suppose so," said she quietly, There was a pause. They walked along, and, till he shuffled the leaves under his feet

We've had an awfully folly time, he re peated' dolefully,

Well, don't be sa dreary about it," smiled.

she

"How can I help it?" he cried helplessly. Then he blurted:it oukupne

But clouds had never been able to live in the

sunshine that strayed from the pretty insid. She laid the other little hand on his arm and said gaily:

in the twelve months of 1892. This fact by the

|

soubert like to tread on your corns, remarked deferentially as I syed him.

"You couldn't, I haven't got any," ho rejoined with a good-natured stentorian chuckie. Good. Now I shan't be frightened to ask you all about yourself.

a ball, or when she did sont it soaring to the spectator. Then she would gate at her bat with an expression which can only be described as the ping-pong expression. It is compounded of amazement, annoyance, imbecility, and in- credulity. But she soon got her ward in and played that cautious, patting game which results in decent but dull rallies, As a novice, o course, she was pitted against novices, and behaved creditably. She enjoyed herself im- mensely, and confided to me, in the first hour, "Well, you see, it's got its advantages and its that she intended to have a ping-pong table drawbacks, this sort of thing. For instance, made for ourselves. That rather depressed mas. tailors won't clothe meat ordinary rates, and But there was worse to come; for my friend they have to use steps and chain to measure Mindon arrived, whose deadly exposition of the me. That's one grievance. Then there's the game has, I solemnly believe, brought woe Tuppenny Tube--I don't suppose I shall ever to many households. Mindon is a harmless. travel by it, no matter how much I want to, looking man, wears glasses, speaks in the not even though I'm propared to spring four-softest possible tones, and is unlvonally pance.

popular. He plays most games decently, bur "I first drew the breath of life in St. Paul, ping-pong supremely He gels freak on the Minnesota, to April 1874--not the first, but the ball which appears to be his secret his returns eighth, you understand, that breath was just an, ara low and lightulng-quick, his pacing in mic- ordinary lungful, for I was content with that acts of strategy, Audrey watched him with sort in those days. The rum thing was that at glowing eagerness. She took are, biaxed, was birth I only weighed 8th,

consumed with a white heat of enthusiasm. I endeavoured to draw her away. It was 100 Iste: the

As an example of the pitch of perfection to which the art of forgetfulness has been brought in London, we may mention that, although there are in the Metropolis only 16,200 public vehicles available for the purpose, no less than indeed, I never showed any signs of abnormal 17,497 umbrellas were sticcessfully lost in them growth until after my fourth year, when I be way, recalls another which will be of great ser

came tired of the accepted speed of expansion is the simplest of matters to lose a parse or adiginal, so I grew. I didn't mind its taking that vice to the neophyte, namely, that, although it ordained that I should do something quite or and began to go ahead. I suppose Nature had

umbrella in a cab, it requires an expert to lose form, you know, because, after all, it's quite a stick in the same place; the proper place la easy and no trouble at all which to lose a stick is a railway carriage. This But when she was at the bottom of the hill statement, extraordinary as it may appear, she turned and stood a mement, looking back | is fully borne out by the officiaj sgures at him and nodding gally,

published in 1899 and the year before

Mind-only what is nice to remember You're going to have such a good time that you won't have any to spare in thicking of me. But if thoughts you keep of me as it will be only you; deg mind, it's only to be pleasant pleasant thoughts I keep if you! No harm done anywhere, Good-bye 1. I'm late. – I must run.”

And she did rud, sesame

ping-pong passion had obsessed herse Now, as I have explaized (quite fruitlessly) to

possession of one as to become ruling demon as a mild diversion, but to allow it so to take. Audrey, the game of ping-pong is all very well:

argues some dreadful lack. But Audrey merely Laughs, and begs me to order two dozen more balladhose without the ridge. We have our or table now a horrible thing painted green, Bi ain. I'm swentyaju now, sad: "quite, all shat rests on įrussels like an undertakers Audrey featherweight, conildering, my bitadthmalist)|| has_sen kyl order for two more tables to the

At too was oft, and by the time I was eighteen 1 had attained my present altitude

ITS USE + W. GHUMPHREYS & Ca Bank Buildings. Hongkong, oth March, 1802,

JUST ARRIVED,

SCHWARZWALDER KIRSCHWASSER,

$2,60 per Bottle.

GANUINE CHERRY WATER, ACHISE

K. RUTTONJEE, <. D'Aguilar Street and 21 & ji, Elgin Road, Kowloon Hongkong, asst January, 1901,

SIEN TING,

SURGEON DENTIST. Narva, PaoILKA STREET, TERMS VERY MODERATE, Compilation free. Hongkong, 49th September, 1808.

DENTISTRY.

SUI SANG, (Lately Practising with Dr. 1.,SAKATA) DENTIST, "No. 4, Quen's Road Central, Hongkong, 3rd January, Tony-

DENTISTRY

MERICAN SYSTEM, WONG HOMI

SURG DENTIST.

TERMS MODERATE, CONSULTATION FAZL PESO QUEEN'S ROAD CENTRAL SUR iton kon", and January 3001.

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