ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Macacoand F. S. D.—“Macaco” recommends a correspondence class, conducted by a Miss Macarthur, 4, Buckingham-street, Hillhead, Glasgow. We have before drawn attention to a little useful shilling manual called “A Directory of Girls’ Clubs,” chiefly educational, and including religious studies and unions for prayer (Messrs. Griffith and Farran, St. Paul’s-churchyard, E.C.). By procuring this a choice can be made, as the rules and terms of most of them are given. “F. S. D.” had better try again, by all means, when we give another competition. It will be found, as you say, to do good, even to those who do not prove winners.Ella.—You might find the first instruction books in history, geography, and grammar at a secondhand bookstall for a mere trifle. Later on, you may have the means to obtain the more advanced.Alta.—See our answers under the above heading, so continually repeated in reference to your questions. You are too young to be received as a nurse. See our reply to “L. N.,” page 31, vol. vi. (part for October, 1884).Iciple.—We do not recommend teachers and Board-school mistresses to look for engagements in the colonies, however well supplied with certificates. Nevertheless, to render the matter more certain you had better obtain information and advice at the Women’s Emigration office, in Dorset-street, Portman-square, W.Jemima.—1. We can only say to you what we have had to say to many—you must accept what terms you can get as a governess, your youth being against you: a “fault that will mend.” The trainer and caretaker, morally and physically, of children and young people under age is paid for her experience and extensive knowledge of many kinds, not merely for her acquirements in science and art. 2. “The Flowers of the Field,” by the Rev. C. A. Johns, is a nice book of the kind you require (43, Piccadilly, W.).S. B. O. F. W.—We think your writing would pass for the examination you name; but if rounded a little it would be prettier. If you wish to know how you may serve Christ, read His own words (in the four gospels) and those of His apostles. Be much in prayer for the aid of the Holy Spirit, and try to perform the daily duties of life as in His sight. Deny yourself for others, control your temper, and set a good example.

Ella.—You might find the first instruction books in history, geography, and grammar at a secondhand bookstall for a mere trifle. Later on, you may have the means to obtain the more advanced.

Alta.—See our answers under the above heading, so continually repeated in reference to your questions. You are too young to be received as a nurse. See our reply to “L. N.,” page 31, vol. vi. (part for October, 1884).

Iciple.—We do not recommend teachers and Board-school mistresses to look for engagements in the colonies, however well supplied with certificates. Nevertheless, to render the matter more certain you had better obtain information and advice at the Women’s Emigration office, in Dorset-street, Portman-square, W.

Jemima.—1. We can only say to you what we have had to say to many—you must accept what terms you can get as a governess, your youth being against you: a “fault that will mend.” The trainer and caretaker, morally and physically, of children and young people under age is paid for her experience and extensive knowledge of many kinds, not merely for her acquirements in science and art. 2. “The Flowers of the Field,” by the Rev. C. A. Johns, is a nice book of the kind you require (43, Piccadilly, W.).

S. B. O. F. W.—We think your writing would pass for the examination you name; but if rounded a little it would be prettier. If you wish to know how you may serve Christ, read His own words (in the four gospels) and those of His apostles. Be much in prayer for the aid of the Holy Spirit, and try to perform the daily duties of life as in His sight. Deny yourself for others, control your temper, and set a good example.

Dinahbegs us to give her “a great ‘hunch’ of advice” as to the kind of instrument she may purchase for ten shillings, because, having rather limited means, amounting to “tenpence per week,” she “could not give a high price.” She thinks “a bango would suit her, because much like a nigger,” etc. We advise her to go to a musical instrument shop and see what she can get for the price she names.Rob Roy.—One of the largest organs in the world is, we believe, that which you may see in the Royal Albert Hall, South Kensington. It is by Willis. It contains 111 sounding stops, and nearly 8,000 pipes. Next to it is the organ in St. George’s Hall, Liverpool, which has 5,739 pipes; and the Crystal Palace organ has 4,568 pipes. The organ may be splendidly played by a woman, but, on account of the foot pedals, it is by no means suitable for her. The strain upon the back and lower part of the frame is very apt to result in physical injury.Mary Bird.—There is no reason why you should not play the flute, if you have one, excepting that it distorts the shape of the mouth—at least, for the time—and it is, we suppose, on this account unusual as an instrument for female culture. The clarionette would be equally objectionable for some faces, yet it is not unfrequently adopted by women. The oldest tune or piece of music in existence is of Hebrew origin—i.e., the “Blessing of the Priests,” which is used in the Spanish and Portuguese synagogues, and was sung in the Temple at Jerusalem from very remote times.

Rob Roy.—One of the largest organs in the world is, we believe, that which you may see in the Royal Albert Hall, South Kensington. It is by Willis. It contains 111 sounding stops, and nearly 8,000 pipes. Next to it is the organ in St. George’s Hall, Liverpool, which has 5,739 pipes; and the Crystal Palace organ has 4,568 pipes. The organ may be splendidly played by a woman, but, on account of the foot pedals, it is by no means suitable for her. The strain upon the back and lower part of the frame is very apt to result in physical injury.

Mary Bird.—There is no reason why you should not play the flute, if you have one, excepting that it distorts the shape of the mouth—at least, for the time—and it is, we suppose, on this account unusual as an instrument for female culture. The clarionette would be equally objectionable for some faces, yet it is not unfrequently adopted by women. The oldest tune or piece of music in existence is of Hebrew origin—i.e., the “Blessing of the Priests,” which is used in the Spanish and Portuguese synagogues, and was sung in the Temple at Jerusalem from very remote times.

Sister to “Caged Beauty.”—Your request will be considered. We have a special interest in our girls and other readers scattered over our far-off colonies. Your letter is well expressed, and your handwriting is legible and fairly good.“A Bothering Girl.”—The books of Esdras are in the collection called the “Apocrypha,” and this may be had from any library. These books are not inspired, though much that is good is to be found in them, together with curious fables and traditions. The books of the Maccabees are much thought of as historical works of great antiquity. A list of the canonical books of both the Old and the New Testaments is to be found in all Bibles, and that of the Lamentations of the Prophet Jeremiah is included amongst them.Emma.—The reason that some words are printed in italics in the Bible is simply this: that there are no corresponding words in the original language from which the translation was made; but the English words supplied were necessary to give the meaning, which could not be understood without them. Perhaps when we give the following example you will understand what we mean. We all know what is meant when people say, “How do you do?” but translate it into French, word for word, and the meaning would be lost.Dearieshould learn to spell better. She speaks of the word “desert,” which denotes a barren, uncultivated waste of arid sandy land, but by which she says she means the last course at dinner, that of fruit, ice, and sweetmeats. Now this course is called “dessert,” and the emphasis in its pronunciation is placed on the second syllable, and as if spelt with a “z” (“de-zert”), whereas in the word “desert” it is on the first, as “dez-ert.” “Bivouac” is pronounced as “biv-oo-ak.” Her writing is very pretty, and we thank her for her kind letter.Anglican Catholic.—We do not give private addresses. St. Augustine was sent over to this country by Pope Gregory the Great as a missionary, Christianity having been nearly exterminated by the invasions with which it was so terribly harassed. He found a Christian church at Canterbury (St. Martin’s), where Queen Bertha worshipped, having Luithard as her priest and director. She was a French princess, and brought him over with her. At that early time the Roman Church had not evolved nor promulgated many of her modern dogmas.Mary M.—It is not essential that you should send your address in writing to the Editor, as in many cases it might hinder the expression, feelings, and difficulties with the full freedom necessary to ensure satisfactory advice.Edmunda Yorke.—You had better write and tell him that, having so forgotten himself and taken undue advantage of the intimacy involved in the relations between a doctor and his patient on the occasion of your last visit, your self-respect compelled you, with much regret, to forego the benefit of his treatment, and you would be obliged if he would return your book and send in his account.E. M. Trill.—You will receive what you require by attending to the directions given at the end of every article by the “Lady Dressmaker.” The Editor cannot attend to that department.One Seeking Light.—1. We recommend you to join the Odd Minutes Society, of which the secretary is Miss Powell, of Luctons, Buckhurst-hill, Essex. She will send you all particulars about it, and we think it is exactly the useful work that you require. 2. Read Isaiah i. 16, 17, 18, lv. 7, and Ezekiel xxxiii. compared with St. John vi. 37, and Hebrews vii. 25.Violet.—1. Place the steel ornaments in oil, and leave them there for some time to soak off the rust, and then rub well with a soft toothbrush and chamois-leather. 2. Your handwriting is not formed. Spell “truly” without the “e.” Final “e’s” in adjectives are dropped when they are formed into adverbs.Allegro,Mab,Gipsy.—There is Miss Mason’s Home of Rest for Christian Workers, 7 and 8, Cambridge-gardens, Kilburn, N.W.; seaside branch, Burlington-place, Eastbourne. Terms, from 7s. to £1 per week. There is also The Cottage Home of Rest, 2, Tilsey Villas, King’s-road, Norbiton (close to Richmond Park). Apply for form of admission to Mrs. J. M. Pearson, The Grange, Kingston-hill. Also see our answer to “Daisy.” We think that Cobham, Surrey, would suit you.Idalia(Demerara).—We read your nice letter with interest, and tried to realise the sketch you give of your surroundings. How we wish we could see the “pink and red morning glory,” the “Hushfalia,” “Waxplant,” and Stephanotis “running all up to the banisters on both sides,” etc. Accept our thanks for the kind wish expressed to send us some of them. We do “take the will for the deed.” By some means your silver bracelet has become oxidised, and your only plan will be to send it to a silversmith. Your writing, if sloped a little from right to left, would be excellent.Omnia Vincit Amor.—The form of speech, in such common use, to which you refer, is perfectly understood (in the real meaning assigned to it) by the visitors to whom it is addressed. Thus it is not a deception. There are “at home days,” and “not at home days.” On the former your mistress will be found in her reception-room; on the latter, she will not be found awaiting visitors there. If persons in society agree together to adopt a certain phrase to signify a certain thing, and not as a deception, you may use that phrase, at the orders of your mistress, in the sense in which she meant, and her visitors will receive it. Your letter and the verses, though incorrect in composition, do you credit, and we wish you God-speed!Hope.—We recommend you to get a small sixpenny manual on canaries and their treatment. Your bird has probably been in a draught. See our article at page 775, vol. iii. Our correspondents are as numerous as ever, and the difficulty is to find space for all the answers written. Your handwriting is not formed.Marian.—The Jewish year begins with Tisri, which month follows immediately after the new moon following the autumnal equinox; but the ecclesiastical year begins with the seventh month—viz., Nizan or Abib. The following is the entire list:—Tisri, Marchesvan, Chislev, Thebet, Sebat, Adar, Nisan, Tjar, Givan, Thammuz, Ab, and Elal.Miscel.—When reading or reciting to a public audience, it is usual to stand, unless the piece to be read be very long. You should (or might) hold the letter. “If you were to see So-and-so painted by so poor a painter, and badat that” (bad event for a bad attempt). This is the meaning of the Americanism.Inquirer.—Chemists have signs of their trade like other tradesmen. The hairdresser has a striped pole, the publican chequers, or a bush, etc. Divide your ancient from your modern coins, and let each of these be sub-divided according to size and age. Have little trays with a succession of shallow circular cells lined with coloured paper to receive them, deep enough to preserve them from any touch of the tray that lies on it.Ignoramus.—You could clean the large white skin hearthrug by means of powdered plaster of Paris. There is no difficulty in making a small copy of a large picture; the difficulty would be in enlarging.SHE STRETCHETH OUT HER HAND TO THE POOR;YEA, SHE REACHETH FORTH HER HANDS TO THE NEEDY.PROV. XXXI, 20.M. W. A.—On a liberal computation, the cost of keeping a pony varies from £10 to £20 per annum. The grazing will cost less than that of a cow, and £4 or £5 would cover it. You may give him turnips and carrots, and scraps from the house of vegetables and bread. Oats would cost about 10s. a month; but they are really quite unnecessary. A cartload of hay at a corn-merchant’s price would be about £5, more or less, and this should last one pony from the end of a summer’s grass (about the end of October) till the beginning of May next year, when grass would be resumed. But unless the animal were groomed and harnessed by yourself, you must also take the expense of a groom into your account, and the cost and repair of a trap.Kathleen.—Rest your foot for a couple of days, and if inflamed poultice it a few times; then cut the nail quite straight at the top, and scrape (with a penknife or scrap of glass) down the centre to thin the nail in the middle, and so dispose the sides to rise up instead of bending downwards and inwards, from the convex (or rounded) shape of the nail. It might be best at first to cut the nail rather in a “u” or “v” shape in the middle, instead of quite straight across, as you may do afterwards.Perplexed One.—The only wrong we see about the whole matter is that you did not confide all to your mother. A girl should keep no secret of her own from her. She is the adviser and the protector of her daughter, and if desirable that you should renew your acquaintance with him, she will know best what steps to take. Never let her find out by chance what concerns you so seriously, more especially when anyone else has been made a confidant.Guinevere.—1. The term “furniture” is too vague to enable us to give you advice. You do not even say whether it be wood, stuff, or leather. It is very hard to remove inkstains, but if you refer to our indexes you will find more than one recipe for removing them. The probability is that in taking them out you extract the dye of the material likewise. 2. Break up a small stick of chocolate into a cup, and pour the least drop of boiling water upon it. When dissolved, pour boiling milk upon it, stirring all the time.Lange.—Sponge the oil-cloths with milk and water, and rub them dry; then rub over with beeswax, dissolved in a little linseed oil. We “thing” your handwriting is not formed, but promises well. We think little girls ought to be “shy.” It will wear off quite as much and as soon as it will be desirable for you to get rid of it.Christabel.—Probably the letter may be returned to your friend through the Dead Letter Office. You write a curious hand, but it is very legible, which is the great object to be gained.Sharpdoes not always merit her nickname. She says: “A gentleman said I have dreamy Southern eyes. I am as a rule treated kindly. Perhaps it is because I have such pure blue orbs.” Now, little lady, you have made a blunder—sharp as you may be—for Southern eyes are black, not blue. 2. Weymouth is a very nice place, and while there we advise you to write copies and learn the correct spelling of what you call “Wensday.” For all particulars respecting clerkships in the Telegraph Department, you must apply to the Civil Service Commissioners, in Cannon-row, W.C.A. M. H.—Gainsborough’s “Duchess” was at Agnew’s when it disappeared.R. S. V. P.—Clean your white wool shawl with flour, or rinse it in a lather of soft tepid water and curd-soap, or in bran and water. We are glad that you found our recipe for apple pickle so satisfactory. We congratulate you on your writing.T. C. S.—Have you consulted your mother’s wishes respecting your leaving home to be a missionary? Remember that however excellent a profession may be, your first duty is to your parents. You are only in your teens, and, even were you of age, God’s providence might have other work for you to do. Your prayer should be “Lord, what wouldst Thou have me to do?” and He will probably answer you through the voice of your parents. “Requite” them; and if they approve of your desire, write to Miss Lloyd, 143, Clapham-road, S.W., secretary of the Mission Training House for Ladies, The Poplars, Addlestone, Surrey.Clarrie.—The author of “John Halifax, Gentleman,” is Mrs. Craik,néeMuloch.Deeply Anxious.—Be at peace. You have confessed to God and a sister, and have truly repented and made restitution. There is no occasion for your telling anyone else, nor of doing more than making the little present you propose to give. Sin under all these circumstances is sin forgiven.Possie.—The edelweiss is an Alpine flower. It resembles a star, with irregular rays, cut out of frosted velvet, of a cream colour, and there is a pretty centre to it. So many travellers have carried away the roots of this plant, that the Swiss Government has issued an order prohibiting it under a penalty.Star.—We have many times warned inquirers that those who advertise for used English postage stamps do so for nefarious purposes—that is to say, they obliterate the postmarks and defraud the Government by selling them for use a second time. For felony like this the severest punishment is due. Do not lend yourself to such evil doings.Gwen.—The little roll or piece of bread used at dinner is generally placed within the folds of the napkin or at the right of the plate.Ventnor Lassie.—You should take the prescription to a good chemist. He will understand all about it, and give further directions; but our advice is, leave nature alone, and do not mind the quizzing. If they saw you were quite indifferent to it they would desist.Margaret.—There is a swimming club held in the Queen’s-road, Bayswater, just beyond Whiteley’s, besides at 309, Regent-street, W., and elsewhere.Mayfly.—There is a Home of Rest at Malvern, where girls in business, ladies of small means, and servants may be received at from 7s. to £1 per week. Members of the Girls’ Friendly Society are taken at the lowest rate named, and any respectable girls recommended by two members or two associates of that society will be eligible and received, room permitting.Grandpapa’s Worry.—1. We must refer you to advice already given in our pages respecting the constitutionally damp condition of either hands or feet. There is no such thing as “fate.” 2. There is a Divine Providence, and we are told that evils threatened, and even prophesied by God’s command, may be averted through repentance and prayer. Nothing happens by chance, and not only this world, but the whole universe, is ruled and sustained with a regularity and method like that of the most perfect clockwork.Smike.—The 29th of February, 1865, was a Wednesday.Scotch Nell.—We should prefer the Shetland pony, if well trained and sure-footed, for our own use.Lucymust take the pebbles to a lapidary and have them drilled.

“A Bothering Girl.”—The books of Esdras are in the collection called the “Apocrypha,” and this may be had from any library. These books are not inspired, though much that is good is to be found in them, together with curious fables and traditions. The books of the Maccabees are much thought of as historical works of great antiquity. A list of the canonical books of both the Old and the New Testaments is to be found in all Bibles, and that of the Lamentations of the Prophet Jeremiah is included amongst them.

Emma.—The reason that some words are printed in italics in the Bible is simply this: that there are no corresponding words in the original language from which the translation was made; but the English words supplied were necessary to give the meaning, which could not be understood without them. Perhaps when we give the following example you will understand what we mean. We all know what is meant when people say, “How do you do?” but translate it into French, word for word, and the meaning would be lost.

Dearieshould learn to spell better. She speaks of the word “desert,” which denotes a barren, uncultivated waste of arid sandy land, but by which she says she means the last course at dinner, that of fruit, ice, and sweetmeats. Now this course is called “dessert,” and the emphasis in its pronunciation is placed on the second syllable, and as if spelt with a “z” (“de-zert”), whereas in the word “desert” it is on the first, as “dez-ert.” “Bivouac” is pronounced as “biv-oo-ak.” Her writing is very pretty, and we thank her for her kind letter.

Anglican Catholic.—We do not give private addresses. St. Augustine was sent over to this country by Pope Gregory the Great as a missionary, Christianity having been nearly exterminated by the invasions with which it was so terribly harassed. He found a Christian church at Canterbury (St. Martin’s), where Queen Bertha worshipped, having Luithard as her priest and director. She was a French princess, and brought him over with her. At that early time the Roman Church had not evolved nor promulgated many of her modern dogmas.

Mary M.—It is not essential that you should send your address in writing to the Editor, as in many cases it might hinder the expression, feelings, and difficulties with the full freedom necessary to ensure satisfactory advice.

Edmunda Yorke.—You had better write and tell him that, having so forgotten himself and taken undue advantage of the intimacy involved in the relations between a doctor and his patient on the occasion of your last visit, your self-respect compelled you, with much regret, to forego the benefit of his treatment, and you would be obliged if he would return your book and send in his account.

E. M. Trill.—You will receive what you require by attending to the directions given at the end of every article by the “Lady Dressmaker.” The Editor cannot attend to that department.

One Seeking Light.—1. We recommend you to join the Odd Minutes Society, of which the secretary is Miss Powell, of Luctons, Buckhurst-hill, Essex. She will send you all particulars about it, and we think it is exactly the useful work that you require. 2. Read Isaiah i. 16, 17, 18, lv. 7, and Ezekiel xxxiii. compared with St. John vi. 37, and Hebrews vii. 25.

Violet.—1. Place the steel ornaments in oil, and leave them there for some time to soak off the rust, and then rub well with a soft toothbrush and chamois-leather. 2. Your handwriting is not formed. Spell “truly” without the “e.” Final “e’s” in adjectives are dropped when they are formed into adverbs.

Allegro,Mab,Gipsy.—There is Miss Mason’s Home of Rest for Christian Workers, 7 and 8, Cambridge-gardens, Kilburn, N.W.; seaside branch, Burlington-place, Eastbourne. Terms, from 7s. to £1 per week. There is also The Cottage Home of Rest, 2, Tilsey Villas, King’s-road, Norbiton (close to Richmond Park). Apply for form of admission to Mrs. J. M. Pearson, The Grange, Kingston-hill. Also see our answer to “Daisy.” We think that Cobham, Surrey, would suit you.

Idalia(Demerara).—We read your nice letter with interest, and tried to realise the sketch you give of your surroundings. How we wish we could see the “pink and red morning glory,” the “Hushfalia,” “Waxplant,” and Stephanotis “running all up to the banisters on both sides,” etc. Accept our thanks for the kind wish expressed to send us some of them. We do “take the will for the deed.” By some means your silver bracelet has become oxidised, and your only plan will be to send it to a silversmith. Your writing, if sloped a little from right to left, would be excellent.

Omnia Vincit Amor.—The form of speech, in such common use, to which you refer, is perfectly understood (in the real meaning assigned to it) by the visitors to whom it is addressed. Thus it is not a deception. There are “at home days,” and “not at home days.” On the former your mistress will be found in her reception-room; on the latter, she will not be found awaiting visitors there. If persons in society agree together to adopt a certain phrase to signify a certain thing, and not as a deception, you may use that phrase, at the orders of your mistress, in the sense in which she meant, and her visitors will receive it. Your letter and the verses, though incorrect in composition, do you credit, and we wish you God-speed!

Hope.—We recommend you to get a small sixpenny manual on canaries and their treatment. Your bird has probably been in a draught. See our article at page 775, vol. iii. Our correspondents are as numerous as ever, and the difficulty is to find space for all the answers written. Your handwriting is not formed.

Marian.—The Jewish year begins with Tisri, which month follows immediately after the new moon following the autumnal equinox; but the ecclesiastical year begins with the seventh month—viz., Nizan or Abib. The following is the entire list:—Tisri, Marchesvan, Chislev, Thebet, Sebat, Adar, Nisan, Tjar, Givan, Thammuz, Ab, and Elal.

Miscel.—When reading or reciting to a public audience, it is usual to stand, unless the piece to be read be very long. You should (or might) hold the letter. “If you were to see So-and-so painted by so poor a painter, and badat that” (bad event for a bad attempt). This is the meaning of the Americanism.

Inquirer.—Chemists have signs of their trade like other tradesmen. The hairdresser has a striped pole, the publican chequers, or a bush, etc. Divide your ancient from your modern coins, and let each of these be sub-divided according to size and age. Have little trays with a succession of shallow circular cells lined with coloured paper to receive them, deep enough to preserve them from any touch of the tray that lies on it.

Ignoramus.—You could clean the large white skin hearthrug by means of powdered plaster of Paris. There is no difficulty in making a small copy of a large picture; the difficulty would be in enlarging.

SHE STRETCHETH OUT HER HAND TO THE POOR;YEA, SHE REACHETH FORTH HER HANDS TO THE NEEDY.PROV. XXXI, 20.

SHE STRETCHETH OUT HER HAND TO THE POOR;YEA, SHE REACHETH FORTH HER HANDS TO THE NEEDY.

PROV. XXXI, 20.

M. W. A.—On a liberal computation, the cost of keeping a pony varies from £10 to £20 per annum. The grazing will cost less than that of a cow, and £4 or £5 would cover it. You may give him turnips and carrots, and scraps from the house of vegetables and bread. Oats would cost about 10s. a month; but they are really quite unnecessary. A cartload of hay at a corn-merchant’s price would be about £5, more or less, and this should last one pony from the end of a summer’s grass (about the end of October) till the beginning of May next year, when grass would be resumed. But unless the animal were groomed and harnessed by yourself, you must also take the expense of a groom into your account, and the cost and repair of a trap.

Kathleen.—Rest your foot for a couple of days, and if inflamed poultice it a few times; then cut the nail quite straight at the top, and scrape (with a penknife or scrap of glass) down the centre to thin the nail in the middle, and so dispose the sides to rise up instead of bending downwards and inwards, from the convex (or rounded) shape of the nail. It might be best at first to cut the nail rather in a “u” or “v” shape in the middle, instead of quite straight across, as you may do afterwards.

Perplexed One.—The only wrong we see about the whole matter is that you did not confide all to your mother. A girl should keep no secret of her own from her. She is the adviser and the protector of her daughter, and if desirable that you should renew your acquaintance with him, she will know best what steps to take. Never let her find out by chance what concerns you so seriously, more especially when anyone else has been made a confidant.

Guinevere.—1. The term “furniture” is too vague to enable us to give you advice. You do not even say whether it be wood, stuff, or leather. It is very hard to remove inkstains, but if you refer to our indexes you will find more than one recipe for removing them. The probability is that in taking them out you extract the dye of the material likewise. 2. Break up a small stick of chocolate into a cup, and pour the least drop of boiling water upon it. When dissolved, pour boiling milk upon it, stirring all the time.

Lange.—Sponge the oil-cloths with milk and water, and rub them dry; then rub over with beeswax, dissolved in a little linseed oil. We “thing” your handwriting is not formed, but promises well. We think little girls ought to be “shy.” It will wear off quite as much and as soon as it will be desirable for you to get rid of it.

Christabel.—Probably the letter may be returned to your friend through the Dead Letter Office. You write a curious hand, but it is very legible, which is the great object to be gained.

Sharpdoes not always merit her nickname. She says: “A gentleman said I have dreamy Southern eyes. I am as a rule treated kindly. Perhaps it is because I have such pure blue orbs.” Now, little lady, you have made a blunder—sharp as you may be—for Southern eyes are black, not blue. 2. Weymouth is a very nice place, and while there we advise you to write copies and learn the correct spelling of what you call “Wensday.” For all particulars respecting clerkships in the Telegraph Department, you must apply to the Civil Service Commissioners, in Cannon-row, W.C.

A. M. H.—Gainsborough’s “Duchess” was at Agnew’s when it disappeared.

R. S. V. P.—Clean your white wool shawl with flour, or rinse it in a lather of soft tepid water and curd-soap, or in bran and water. We are glad that you found our recipe for apple pickle so satisfactory. We congratulate you on your writing.

T. C. S.—Have you consulted your mother’s wishes respecting your leaving home to be a missionary? Remember that however excellent a profession may be, your first duty is to your parents. You are only in your teens, and, even were you of age, God’s providence might have other work for you to do. Your prayer should be “Lord, what wouldst Thou have me to do?” and He will probably answer you through the voice of your parents. “Requite” them; and if they approve of your desire, write to Miss Lloyd, 143, Clapham-road, S.W., secretary of the Mission Training House for Ladies, The Poplars, Addlestone, Surrey.

Clarrie.—The author of “John Halifax, Gentleman,” is Mrs. Craik,néeMuloch.

Deeply Anxious.—Be at peace. You have confessed to God and a sister, and have truly repented and made restitution. There is no occasion for your telling anyone else, nor of doing more than making the little present you propose to give. Sin under all these circumstances is sin forgiven.

Possie.—The edelweiss is an Alpine flower. It resembles a star, with irregular rays, cut out of frosted velvet, of a cream colour, and there is a pretty centre to it. So many travellers have carried away the roots of this plant, that the Swiss Government has issued an order prohibiting it under a penalty.

Star.—We have many times warned inquirers that those who advertise for used English postage stamps do so for nefarious purposes—that is to say, they obliterate the postmarks and defraud the Government by selling them for use a second time. For felony like this the severest punishment is due. Do not lend yourself to such evil doings.

Gwen.—The little roll or piece of bread used at dinner is generally placed within the folds of the napkin or at the right of the plate.

Ventnor Lassie.—You should take the prescription to a good chemist. He will understand all about it, and give further directions; but our advice is, leave nature alone, and do not mind the quizzing. If they saw you were quite indifferent to it they would desist.

Margaret.—There is a swimming club held in the Queen’s-road, Bayswater, just beyond Whiteley’s, besides at 309, Regent-street, W., and elsewhere.

Mayfly.—There is a Home of Rest at Malvern, where girls in business, ladies of small means, and servants may be received at from 7s. to £1 per week. Members of the Girls’ Friendly Society are taken at the lowest rate named, and any respectable girls recommended by two members or two associates of that society will be eligible and received, room permitting.

Grandpapa’s Worry.—1. We must refer you to advice already given in our pages respecting the constitutionally damp condition of either hands or feet. There is no such thing as “fate.” 2. There is a Divine Providence, and we are told that evils threatened, and even prophesied by God’s command, may be averted through repentance and prayer. Nothing happens by chance, and not only this world, but the whole universe, is ruled and sustained with a regularity and method like that of the most perfect clockwork.

Smike.—The 29th of February, 1865, was a Wednesday.

Scotch Nell.—We should prefer the Shetland pony, if well trained and sure-footed, for our own use.

Lucymust take the pebbles to a lapidary and have them drilled.

FOOTNOTES:[1]Born by Lake Tritonis.[2]Chrysos: gold. Elephantus: ivory.[3]Mountains between Saxony and Bohemia.[4]These wives and daughters of the miners had always worked at point lace, but this was a quieter and easier work which Frau Barbara taught them.

FOOTNOTES:

[1]Born by Lake Tritonis.

[2]Chrysos: gold. Elephantus: ivory.

[3]Mountains between Saxony and Bohemia.

[4]These wives and daughters of the miners had always worked at point lace, but this was a quieter and easier work which Frau Barbara taught them.

[Transcriber’s note—the following changes have been made to this text.

Page 176: Dittograph “not” corrected—“does not always merit”.]

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