Evening Star Newspaper, December 13, 1873, Page 3

Here in this leaty place, h Coid, gh Turned to the skies; Tis but another dead; Ail you can ray is saul. Carry bis body hen eis dim— over him. you touched, latched maybe— it and see. Words of « cuitd— uot hav A COUPON, himont was the g was mortifying andy b b that ev St. Gr arar Canon Perkes, fed Lady Back the cho! arlotte, from § fact is that [, who relate . Gran his narra- tive, am the only one w: thing like energy in the family. This is really signitied in my me Augusta, which might seem at the first Diush to belong to a person of languid tempera ment. but which my (wick, sharp ways long ago shortened into the more serviceable Gus. Ohar- jotte, always too dreamy, remained Charlotte; ro one would have dreamed of cutting her down Into Lotty . Papa and mamma were, indeed, sadly helpless, he being too gen- tle, always looking at everybody through his glasses with a wistful benevolence that is quite provoking. Those glasses I really believe to be at the bettom of his timorous, retiring way, delicate that the glasses seam preserving them in position. Canon Elowmat. (who takes the bass at St.Grundy’s, and gives out “The je that walk in darknes meowheredown bowels of the earth) says that this criti- knowledge of hu- It may be so, but the fact re- hree are altogether too nervous life, and that I ne with a spark of energy. » wanted to travel. Above all, I was ng to see Curebath. At St. Grandy’s one m ‘as wel! i in itsold crypt for ne suitable peo- or, Lhave no false modesty in saying it, able person that every young girl of ‘oper ambition desires to moe! helplessness fishness, and who do len and a charge on ston that one idea, any chance there ple the is bat a error of travelling weighed on my fam’ like a nightmare—Mr. Perkes, [ am sure, fan- ‘ojection, would cer- uld aever be able to brin, ater ir, when an event occarred wh tet difficulty. A maiden aunt =! she had been so leisurely in her attempts at ex- trication that it seemed likely that she would remain in astate of permanent entanglement. | ‘This worthy relative left me and Charlotte fifty I resolved, before the will was zd be spent in foreign travel a= Mr.Blowmn was fondot My plans were received with a sort of t Icould see that curiosity and imter- een awakened. I persevered,and bad ure of seeing that way waz mide. Bat there were appalling difficulties remaining. They shrank from the contlicts of travel, the aining, ticket taking, paying of bile, nin foreign t ing myself, us! some interferen saying: alarm, est bad the Pp ad been in town to who admired his under-g itowhom he paid @ visit regata ways came t ° On thisevening he 1. He was ctor had or: e spinster,” as Ia in the most libe Mr. Blowman behave: continued she will take . How I wish that we were all going organized members of the family looked at each other wi-tfuily. In their hearts they wished they were going to Curebath. But my father thought of the delicate balance of bis glasses, and shook his head. “The worry,” he murmured, “and the hurry, the paying the bills, and the fass at the railway offices! 1 never could get through it.” “Exactly my views,” said Mr. Blowman, eagerly have never traveled either, and should be 1 my spinster said. “And was » faintly. task"? Jid not give me a halfpenny, nothing that I could jingle on a tombstone, or even—for J have too much respect for my cloth to be seen gaged—upon some more becoming gaming- And— so very liberal?” said my Was it a handsome present, e, “Some Bank of England notes would save you trom employing your time insuch a pas. time,” said I, alittle smartly. ‘Her benefac n. I suppose, took that shape. Not got it yet,” said he humorously. ‘1 ‘0, I'm not to have any Yet she pays all expenses. See here,” he Z out two little books. * I said, scornfully. though Iam to give them They are the talismans, men. ney are coupons.’ “Coupons, what are they?” @ all looked at them with a mysterious curiosity, ax though ex- pecting [they would (sange suadenly into pre- crous metal tio “ You know,” he continued, “I am methodi- eal in my ways, and the moment I hear of the famous coupon system I hail it as being made forme. Infact the wkole of the haman life evght to be transacted In coupons. It would save & world of trouble and anxiety.” “ But,”’said my father, mildly, ‘you have not explained. What isa coupon? ‘What do these things in your hand mean’ “See hére. London to Dover; no money or ticke merely tear out and present coupon. ©. and P., that is, tear out au (labbreviate.) To Paris, pon. At hotel, breakfast; - Here you are, coupon. So with So with bed. Coupon here, coupon there. Coupons to the right of them, coupons to the lett of them. Fire ‘em off in all directions. And #80 you see you can travel, bourd and lodge for @ month, be taken away, kept and brought back, without putting your finger into your purse once the whole time.” ‘We were enormously interested. Was there not something piquant and engaging in this ia- genious supervision of all ordinary forms of hu- wan arrangement? There was, as he said, a beautiful simplicity in the system; and it was certainly the first successful attempt at doing without the root of all evil. The vulgar ele~ ment was eliminated, and one could at last travel without losing all sense of romance. How we wondered, as he explained how the director ar in- <= the system ae on Cy in town, whence itched, ev lay and e hour, scemaer anes TO) thee fends or the earth, furnishing each with nothing but his little of tracts. He then unfolded @ sort of pee sheet or pro, me of ments. in which, besides pring, information, founder chats agreeably with his patrons—rather was he not their patron’? tells them his prospects, what he is going to do, and what he has done. “So there is way it stands,” said Mr. Blowman, rising, ‘and | am to be transported to Curebath by and rail, maintained there St the Golden Stork a fortnight, and returned © my friends, without any expense or trouble beyond offering & little slip of paper as I come i# revelation made a impression. The ed was sown, the difficulties vanished of themselves. Thagsystem commended itself ranged, ait though my fatber er P w the fate of danger he felt was reduced e were to go with Mr. something almost evenin batur: ef cabs, ; Ourcdlves imp ising por =. give the thing fair play. @ coupon, thing but the coupon. — I aang or tee = foe cast, post ce order was itched dounder, who by return’ of ‘port's the coupon- Promptly re- perilous'y adjasted | mortal coil, though | 4 | cepted with ma a child among the foreigners. So | { :urned three stout little pamphlets, and one for leach of a smaller little tract, each having a portrait like an enlarged postage stamp, was to be in common fur the hotels. We set to work, got on packing, snd at last «tarted,"my father slightly tre majous ab at his glasses. But Mr. Blowman, #10 was to «ceompany as, Ilb- y guaranter. their safety. Everything «ss deligittal and worked al- mirably. Coupon here. coup m there; ap. down, everywhere, they were ail gracioasiy honored like cheques. It w aly agroed tinat it was the most char: y of traveling th hat is, f and Me. Blowmaa could be. We. heartily wished che princ:pie could, be iatro- | duced into all ine transactions of life. Dover, Ostend, Brassele, all wore strictly coaponized: then on the Cologne and the Khine, where cou- | pons were administered largely. The only Orawback was that oar small cash for cabs and so on, began to disappear with Tapidity, and we discovered with alarm that it would not hold out to the end of the journey. We were in great spirits, which we hestowed— | thats, land Mr. Blowman—liberally on a dry, aired Briton, one of the trae #,who who bus the air of taking ank abroad with him. hat sort of com- | mercial superiority is really ao lurabie, and | we noticed that he smiled contemptuously as guard came in and tor: You tind all sortsot t * he said. 3 oe 3: speaks for itself,” he sait, | only system, and, depe ; 0 come to it, whether we like it or |. 1 am fon! of the oid ways,” said the Britor “at least till the new ones’ are fairly est lished” That was what all the social Tories sa‘ when steam came in. We'd never have had a railway if th | Perhaps so. thing answered. tory?” | We had all the ardor of neophytes, an- | swered. Had we not gone in for the thing thoroughly ? d we show @ greater proof of ur confidence than having embarked so great a stake in the matter? «Look here, sir,” said Mr. Blowman, “‘w, couponed through, over and over again e this and this. B. breakfast, coffee or meat ditto, a sepa- rate or supp Dinner, bed, we are all coupon, sir. ith our fellow- man inno medium but coupons, and look here, Lsuppose the united contents of the purses of the whole party would not amount to the su of five shillings. What do you say to that, sir “ y Seems to me e principles Lad prevailed.” I only wish to know how the Have you tound it satisfac e that you have burned your boat, as the say is, @ed that you are determined to give the system its fullest trial. | Such faitn ought to move mountains.” ‘There are always sceptics in every age,” Mr. Blowman, with spirit. ‘This is an age epticism.” Not an age for putting all your eggs in one basket.” ‘On this we all set on this stuck-up Briton, and as Mr. Blowman said happily, “couponed ‘him with a will.” I must, however, think he was tolerably good-humored under our roasting. “Perhaps | am old-fashioned,” he said, ‘but, at all events, you cannot blame me fer waiting. z | oagne to tell you that Curebath is full to over- towing now.”” “We are independent, sir,” said Mr. Blow- man, “and are provided for. ‘The day passed over. Gradually our spirits began to fiag a little, for we were growing tir Papa and mamma both showed signs of weari- ness, and, I must say, pettishr ing that ‘‘she was back at St. wards ten o’clock we began to dr: Curebath. The starched Briton was asleep At last there we were! and the exiles of Grundy’s, as Mr. Blowman amusingly ca our party, found themselves set down in Cure- bath. It was very bewildering—the | the lights—the foreign language—tne ovid p: ple; and 1 own, for the tirst time, [felt n sink alittle, and wished myself, as mamma did, again in St. Grundy’s. Mr. Blowman, who had been appointed—rather he liad appointed him- seif—director-in-chief and coupon-he the party—seemed to exhibit signs ot « y, and was guite helpless and bew | A nomber of German porters were clamoring noisily round him, [suppose demanding pay ment for the luggage. He was quite cowed, ait came to us to the cab-door. for these fellows,”* h enny left, not as much stone.” vered with a ghastly “You know I haye none, Mr. Elowman,” I answered somewhat tartly. ‘You sould have | kept some for this occasion.” “How could 12” he answered “What am I to do with them?” Papa, in an agitated way, said: “Oner them the coupons—they are received everywhere, you kno “Stutt and nonsense,’ he answered roughly. “They wouldn't take ‘em, know nothing aboat ‘em. What are we to do It was embarrassing, and all his fault. Still it was really the only thing to be do 2 might accept them. So he drew oat a fast with meat” coupon, and tendered it. was received with a chatter and a how | ma suggested, what oddly enough prov the only sensible course, that we shoald bid them to accompany us to the hotel, where the host would satisfy them. This was explained te them by signs, and seemed to be cordially ac ya ‘ja! jal” and Mr. Blow- as tartly. a man astured them, in the same language, that at the Golden Stork they should be handsomely remunerated. | Strange to say, this was received with a cho- tus of rude laughter, and a roar of “Nein! nein!” It was growing intolerable. In a mo | ment of rage, and seeing that Bl6wman was tio more use than an old woman would be, I bade the coachman drive on quickly, which he did, | with @ loud crack of bis whip. | I felt that we were attended behind by our persecutors, but it wasa release. Inside in the dark interior, Mr. Blowman and I tairly qaar- relled. I said he ought not to have taken on himself the direction of the party, if he felt that he could not be equal to ruch a little dimi- culty as that. He said that, if I hadn't inter tered, all would have gone well. It was not a pleasant drive. We were now passing throazh dark streets; every one seemed to be in hed. I Wished again that I was back in my own snug one at St. Grundy’s. ‘We had stopped in along dark street, before @ gloomy arch, with closed gates like a prison. ‘There was a gold stork over the door. “Here we are,” said I and Mr. Blowman, uttermg an undeniable truism at the same mo. ment. The coachman got down, and voiced some unintelligible sounds. «Tell him to ring the bell,”’ I said. Mr. Biowman pointed to that mode of attract- ing attention, uttering vehemently the words, “ Bell, bell 1” He did not, or would not, understand. “ Ring it yourself,” I said impatiently. He was becoming more and more stupid every instant, but he got out, and did so. The man stamped impatiently, and poured out a volley of gutturals. At the same time the porter per- secutors arrived, and, crowding around the wir- dow, ulated violently at the large gate, as if they were threatening the golden stork. “They are touts for the other hotels,” said Mr. Blowman, in his stupid way, “ and infuri- ated that we did not gowith them. What are we to do now ?”” : “Ring again, of course,” I said, thoroughly disgusted with him. Catch me take an underground bass abroad Again. OF all the spectacies of effete stupidity le tried to ring the bell, but they interposed, and gesticulated more furiously still. would not allow him to touch it even. They It was — serious. My mamma began to cry. uddenly a gentleman pushed through the | crowd. Istood at the window. With what joy T recognized him as our traveling companion, the starched Briton ! | “I saw you were in some difficulty,” he said, “so L followed. Can I assist yo “Oh do, kind sir,” I said in despair. “ Get rid of these wretches.” He spoke to them in German, and a dozen voices, including that of the Cabman, answered him. The wretches used their arms to point P| at the walls and gate, the coachman followed suit with his wip. “It seems,” he says. ‘that the proprietor of this hotel died last week, and it has shut up. His heirs are not carrying on the busiaess. It is going to be pulled down, and reopened as the Grand Hotel of the Golden Stork.” A eee broke from the interior of the cab. cupons! Fae again to the porters. Again gestic- ulations. “ Not a room te be had in the whole town,” = —_ oe == Kk A miggrt ir obi ing to open the new use. other hotels ar full to bursting.” - “ ee coupone, ‘Bay Mr. Blow- man. idiotic way. “ They are moi cheques; they ‘must take ws sal : oc “I fear not,” said he. net erating at ac We had coupons, bat farthi money; nothing that “ we eee S. a tombstone.”” _ “ Look »” said Mr Blowman, imbecile to the end. “ Here is a breakfast coupon, with or without meat; a dinner ditto, a bed ditto——" “* I fear they would be of no use to you,” said our rescuer. ‘The only thing that I can sug- es this. I telegraphed to fecure a room st » which is two ‘What Cg: the service of the it—was held, that le drafts ers promptiy honored by the proprietor of the We Be See agent wevely Rowerer, with Mr. on pronunciation of “dance” is LEONE’S ROMANCE, “ Mark, m: words, Leone, your beau ideal ind; your estimate of a m 13 too * No, is Duta great estin you have no right tojudge mo harshly, I will net throw my ‘hte away upou som: so- ciety man of to-day. [am young yet, dat wenty you know, and there is time enough et.” 7ec¥en, thme enough Leone; but I agree with Arthurthat you have too high a standard of manhood, @ romantic school-girl aimiration of ies that few, If auy, may pocsess.”? “ Complimentary, very, to 5 0ur husband, sis; but I wish for my husband strength either of soulor body, mind tar above tge average, and determination and purpose sufficient to raise him from the level of the huwan herd; and mark me, it I never find such a one, [ will ever 3 ¥ though ‘possessing character beyond her years stamped thereon, tadiant with lovelines ed in a dark-bluc riding habit, which clung gracefully aronnd her superb form, i the face half shaded by the taYing trom her jaunty cap, Leone Lighttos was indeed what she appeared—a surpassing love one who bad visitors by the she was rich as well as accomplished ul. re before she had been left death of her under the g of her only brother, some ten ping plumes . by the ardianship her senior arent thar Lightfoot, Leone, onversatio eld © cause thereot heart, hand, and pachelor neighbor. le: the old Judge would een the three, Ar’ Lig tw have made ood husband,” said Arthur Lightfoo (ter they had seen Leone mount y at full speed down the grand “Yes, she'll never marry, I fear,’ sighed Mrs. Lightfoot, who always echoed the senti- ments of ber husband. In the meantime, Leone rode on ata pace that chimbed in with her humor, and an elegant horsewoman, she held her steed well in rein, and enjoyed the spring’ after mile was cast behind. But suddenly her horse shied violently and gave a tremendous leap, almost unseating his fair rider, who, recovering herselt quickly, spoke soothingly to the frightened animal, and glanced backward to note the object that had to startled him. The color tied from her face as her eyes fell upen the form of a man lying by the roadside, and apparently lifeless; but werving herself by a hard-drawn sigh, the brave girl sprang-to the ground and approached the spot, glancing in- | tently down into the pale, upturned face. ‘The features were moulded with remarkable regularity, the partly opened mouth displayed even white teeth, and the dark brown hair moustache presente white face, from which every Dressed in a light Leone even then discovered it. was well and stylishly made, while the gauntlet gloves and riding whip proved that the stranger had been on horseback. nd doubtless, grant he ts not de as she k drew aside the coat to place ber hand upon his heart With a cry of terror she sprang to her feet, her hand stained with blood, for from his side a small stream welled up slowly. ** He is dead, and has been murdered —” «XN It was almost a whisper, and the heavy lis raised from the dark eyes—eyes filled with an guish, but yet strangely dark and fascinating. ank God, there is yet hope; be quiet, sir plore you, and I will aid you all in my power,” exclaimed Leone, drawing her habit aronnd her, she paces down the road to. where by a adkerehie: small stream, and saturating her n returned, and wil t hesitation drew aside the lothing, and placed it upon the wound—a small bullet wound im the left side over the heart. + You must keep soon return,” she whether sh instant she was in her saddlé, dashing at her utmost speed towards the nearest. farm-hoase Dashing like the wind up to the door, and rtling quiet Farmer Jessop and his family ly out of their wits, Leone cried fr. Jessop, let your son ride at once to Dr. Wells, and teli him a gentleman lies danger ously wounded on the road near Hillside Spring; tell bim to come there at once, and you, Mr. Jessop, please come on with your carriage, and bring all that you think necessary.” ery oue in the county knew and loved Lightfoot, and rapidly her orders were d, which ‘observing, she wheeled her foaming horse, and again sped away upon her return to the Wounded stranger. There he Jay just as she had left him, but groaning slightly, and each instant dampening e andkerchief, the girl awaited perfectly quiet, and I will aid soitly, hardly knowing ? she thought; but at hours instead of min- of wheels broke on her ear, anit the surgeon drove up ata rapid utes, th 1: tant 1 are a noble woman, Miss Lightfoot, and he Pre e t will he live, Doctoi For some minute no reply was given by the man of science, who carefully probed and ex- examined the wound, but then “Ttis aserious injury—ha! here [ have th ball; yes, I Lope he will 1 and Dr. We 3 took from the wound a small bullet, while he he said slowly continued ++ Now he needs the most careful nursing.”” “He sh ve it. Thank God, here comes Jessop,” and tmmediately after the car- riage drove up, and telling th on with the wounded stranger to her brother's house, Leone again mounted her horse and rode on to have ali in readiness fur his arrival. It was weeks before the stranger was suffi- ciently recovered to tell bis story Fegarding the wound that had so nearly proven fatal to him, and then by careful nursing, he informed Leone, who had been untiring in ber devoted care of him, that his name was Clarence Ainslie—was an Englishman, who nearly a year before had come to America, and purchasing a few acres of land in the West made it his home. He also stated that business had called him to New York, and that while enjoying a horse- back ride he had been suddenly red upon, was thrown to the ground, and had an indistinct re- membrance that some one was engers J him, for his watch, poeket-book, and all valuables he bad about him were gone. ‘That Clarence Ainslie was no ordinary man Leone Lightfoot knew when she tirst saw him lying by the road: , but that he would ever possess the power to control her life she had not believed, But so it was, for each day proved to her that she had met her beau ideal; and yet was he tor her? Might he not already have loved? Might he not already be married? ‘The thoughit chilled her very heart; and yet, when she saw the dark fascinating eyes turned upon her with admiration, and read—or hoped she aid—therein a deeper, holier feeling, Leone felt happy, and longed to be a ve slave, and become a mere aatomaton to the ca- price of Clarence Ainslie. . Now, Arthur Lightfoot and his pretty wife looked ‘upon him as a poor English emigrant, a petty Western farmer, and did not like the idea that he should wholly control the heart of Leone, for they were not blind to her devotion to the wounded man, Still they couki not but admire the courteous manner of their stranger guest, when, after six weeks, he sufficiently recovered to join them in the parlor and at dinner. That he had been reared a gentleman was evident, and that he had travelied and seen something of the world was alsovevident, as was also that Mr, and Mrs. Lightfoot had never seen a handsomer man, they were compelled to ad- mit; but that Leone, the belle, the heiress, and most lovely woman of the day, sbould love an unknown and poor Knglisiman—bah! the thought, even, was ridiculous. When the trunk of Clarence Ainslie arrived, for he had sent for it as soon as he was able to speak, Mrs. Lightfoot paced around it for half an hour in the yain endeavonr to find some- thing plebeian about it: but the trunk was a ‘one, English make, and bore on it simply e letters *C. A., eae the With a disappointed look the inquisitive little ‘woman ordered it sent to the sick man’s room, and sought her chamber. “ Arthur, Leone really loves that wounded man, and what will become of it all#”” *Itis Leone's romance, little wife; she will recover from it; a few tears at it, Arthur, su) it should not be; sup- pose he should love oe; te know he’s poor ’s all.” And alone. With pale face but quiet manner, the you i omen eee Soa stepping forvard feelingly: - * Miss no can I im) Mind Sod to-migeel leave you. Shalt Tam un- fleet motion as mile | | more, where oyster boats do congregate. One | awaiting a customer. sheard or not, and then in an | doctor to come | “You will trust me: take me as I am, and be- come my wife?” “7 will.” No other word was spoken, but two hearts were perfect'y happy. Of course, Arthur Lightfoot and his wife ob- jected and decidediy refuse, bat Leone was | Wd termined. It wos no romance with her, and | | when she fatly tolt them she would marry | | Clarence without their consent, they made a& | virtue of @ necessity and gave it, consoling | themselves with the thought that, after all, his | being a stranger and a Poor man was really the | ouly tanits that they could find in him, At the request of ‘the parties most imterested it was a quiet wedding, justsix months after the meeting of the lovers, and Dr. Wells and Far- mer Jessop’s family were only Invited, and to this day the good old Indy has not ceased to ostip about the magnificent tronsseaa the frice bad. and the quict happiness that shone | im the eyes of the young couple. Tt bad been decked that the bridal tour should be to Europe, as Clarence Ainslie said that business would call him there soon, and Mr. and Mrs. Lightfoot had been persuaded to accor them, so the day after the wedding the New York steamer bore a happy quartet frem the land of free America. Arriving safely in England, a few days were parsed quietly at the hotel, and then, by an in- Vitation frem Clarence ’ Ainstie, party | started out to visit the spot where be had passed his boyhood days. Through meadow lands and loxely country the currage drove, until snddenly Clarence, who was driving, wheeled into a grand gateway leading to the super’ country seat of some man of wealth, A few moments more, and the carriage drew up before the marble steps of an elegant man- sion—one of those old rambling structures often found in England—and springing lightly to the round, the Englishman said, while a merry fight twinkied tn his eye * Leore, | welcome you to your home. Lightfoot, Lord Clarence Ainst that you will accept the hospitality of Ainslie Castie. | Tears filled the beautitul eyes of Leone. Arthur Lightfoot’s cheek colored, but he was t, while, atter a second’s hesitation, his xclaizocd: Why, I ‘armer——" all the land I owned in America. I purchased it, and built a shooting box there- | on, because I was fond of your Western sports, and in America I was simply Mr. Ainslie; here lam Lord Clarence, of Ainslie Castle. Am I forgiven?” Keader, we all have too much human nature now adays, to fora moment suppose the «de- ception practised was not pardoned by one and all; in fact, Mrs. Lightfoot says she likes to be deceived, and in this case Arthur echoes the opinion of his wife. —<_-0e ____ “I Would Eat Some Oysters.” [From Forest and Stream.} There is a weird story of an oyster-eater, which still floats around the wharves at Balti- morning, "twas years ago, the sloop Martha | Mary came from some oyster bed on the Chesa- peake, laden gunnel deep with prime oysters, and was moored safely alongside of a Baltimore whart. ‘The skipper, pleaced with the pros: pects of the voyage, lounged on the wharf, ‘There came to this captain a lean, lank, and sallow-taced man, who said, with a cavernous voice, ‘I would eat some oysters.” « Plenty on board, there!” was the bluff re- | 1 I But I would pay for what I eat,” interposed the stranger. “All, right, go aboard; eat your fill tor a quarter,” cheerily replied the skipper, for in those early times oysters were worth not more than fifteen cents a bushel, **Willingly,” said the thin man, producing with alacrity the old Spanish quarter with the pillars on it, the coin of that time, and drawing a large rusty oyster knife from his pocket. Then | the thin man opencd the hatch of the little ves- | sel and dived below. ‘The captain went to his breakfast. The meal over, he returned to his sloop. Below he heard j the measured chuk of an oyster knife. He thonght little about it, only said, “* He has a | good appetite.” Oysters were not rapid of sale | that day, as two more oyster smacks had come in, and ‘purchasers were slack. akes no matter,” said the captain; “the weather is cold, them oysters is sound, and they will keep in ime order for a week.”” captain went todinner. Againhe paced le vessel's deck, and still he heard the monotonous, incessant ‘“elink,” ‘‘clink,” from | below, working away with mechanical regular- ity. Anxiously, then, that eaptain strode along, and was fullot fear. As the sun set, still the clinck of the oyster kuife was heard. In terror | the captain fled from bis smack. Next morning carly. as he approached the wharf, still his af- frighted ear heard the click. He could stand it no longer. Rushing below, scattering aside whole heaps of empty shells, he found the lean, lank and cadaverous man st'!l opening away at the very bottom of the vessel. | “They are good,” said the cadaverous man, wallowing with artistic tlirt a singularly Jarge | oyster, But scarce as salty as I like ‘em; ef I | Nad bad aeracker, or just a dash of vinegar, | mebbe I mibgt have engyed ‘em more. $ here, Capting, it’s justa case of knife with me This 'ere oyster knife,” and he held up the at- tenuated blade, worn now to the sizeof a pen- | | knife, wasn't good steel, or I might have had my fill," and saying this he slowly and deliber- | ately climbed up the hatchway, and still lanic | and lean disappeared in the distance. | A Strapping Joke. A French musician has been creating consid- erable social and public disturbance by his in veterate disposition to play practical jokes. His chief object in life seems to be to worry custom-house officials. Arriving at a place on | the frontier, provided with a quantity of lug | £8ge, he would pretend to conceal a huge trunk und a smaller one from the eyes ef the officials, only the more to excite their curiosity. At last ) the larger tronk would be opened. It would be found to contain thousands of second-hand trouser straps—an appendix of trousers now perfectly obsolete—which had evidently been packed ‘by hydraulic pressure, for the most ‘rantic efforts on the part of the employes could | | not put them back again into the trunk. In the meantime hundreds of passengers storm at the detention, while the practical joker calmly looks on at the Dother he is causing. But the second and smaller trunk has now to be exam- ined, and}the custom-house pear hope there to find him in default. They ask for the keys. ‘The practical joker draws bunches of pondeér- ous keys from every one of his pockets; none will fit, until, at last, their patience exhausted, the custom-house officer threaten to burst the trunk open. Then the possessor of the trunk calmly asks the officer if he is married. “What business is that of yours?” is the surly reply. Beas | this: that be! — open that nk T would advise you to go home, shake hands with your wife, kiss your little children, write your will, and call at an undertaker’s as you come back. ‘There are rattle-snakes in that trunk. 1 never travel without then Of course the man leayes the trunk instant y, and a messen- ger has to be sent to the head director, who is sbrewd enough to be aware that be has to deal with some practical joker. Presently the ofti- cial returns and asks Pompously, “How many snakes have you, sir?” Only six, is the i ‘ook for yourself.” Oh! only six. ‘The head of the department says six snakes can pass, but that seven would have to duty. Iam also directed to state to you that if you do not leave this office—trouser ‘straps, snakes, and all—in tive minutes, you will be forcibly ejected.” “And who is'to repack my precious straps, a collection unequaled in the history of the world’? ‘The law entitles me to all my goods. You took them out; put them back again. The best pe- riod of my life is being devoted to finding pairs for these straps.”” ROMANCE IN Rat Lire.—a singular libel suit bas recently been occupying the attention ot a New York Court, the particulars of which make up aromance in real life. Many years ago the young ype of a disreputable woman mar- ried a gambler, but upon her mother’s refusing to receive him the daughter received a divorce from her burband and married a wealthy New York tay ‘The secret of her birth was care- from the world. The mother became , and the married pair were happy and ‘The wife at one time tried to played for afew weeks houses. Since that unfortunate ep- 8 ay has not attracted public attention until recently, when she and her husband re ntiffe in asuit against her di- le that he had de- as vorced Busband, who had attempted to ars ivorced wife prec ht blackmailon them. It appet | enthusiasm is attested be swindler, robber He’s not likely to be removed for itor made the critic sa) SIR EDWIN LANDSEBR, What a Woman Says of [Celia Logan in the New York @: icted on bythe pablist food, and 4 on a 5 asinthe chee ‘of the late Sir Edwin Landseer, he 1s invested with all the noble qualities which should accom} nius. I was personall, Acquainted with Sir " ‘4 exce! win and his two broth- ers-- Charles, lent and most conssien- tious painter, and Thomas, the engraver of nearly all Sir Edwin's pictures. Sir Edwin, however the English through national pride may ay to the contrary, was not witty, nor ge- nial, nor He was a hypocrite, ' toady | to the great; but for his extreme ugliness he would bave been @ libertine; and he was a spendthrift, being nearly all the time “in the bands of the Jews.” Moreover, he was not so gocd a painter as he ig credited with being. I do not know if there is any of his original patnt- ings in our country to bear out what I say, bat his originals fail tar beneath the engravings of them asou that “Tom Landseer,” in engraving, corrects their taults of dra’ and the bidcons coloring peculiar to the | | | ern English school is uot, of evurse, seen in the | engraved works. Sir Edwin was incapable of painting animals in the grand and spirited manner of Rosa Bon- heur, aud of many other French artists. He fo have a stufied model of every animal he w.andthere are few pictures of his extant in which there is an animal in motion. He was & stili-lite painter, if such a term could be ap: ee to an artist who painted living creatan 1ix stuffed models were painted in his studio, and, ot course, remained immovable for months aud months white he plodded on their likeness, for he was a slow painter. He could not and never has painted such a picture as Bonheur's “Horse Fair,” with men tugging at the brid es of rearing, kicking, plunging horses. In his “Dignity and Impudence” a large and smail dog gaze motionless at the spectator. In one ot his best pietures, two King Charles spaniels lie still on @ table beside their master’s hat and gloves. In another famons painting—a carica- ture of a body of men in consultation, Parlia- mentary or otherwise I do not now remember— & Tow of dogs sit motionless. In “The Old Shepherd’s Chief Mourner” the dog sits mo- tionless, with his head on the coffin, and so on through almost the whole list ot his works. Sir Edwin was, no doubt, an excellent painter; but his brother Charles was as good a one, and he is but little known. Sir Edwin was fortunate. He came to the fore with his still-life dogs ata time when England had no first-class animal painter; when Prince Albert, who preferred this style of art, was at the zenith of his power, though he was never popular until he died Without possessing any talent, the Qaeen also much affected art, and Sir Edwin was not only content but happy to dance attendance on an! toady to the great. He got his reward in fi and knighthood, which attained, this crusty Biggard ly old bachelor became so ‘stuck up” as to be unendurable to people who despised “‘crooking the pregnant hinges of the knee that thrift may follow fawning.” Of a different =e the family, Thomas 1. refusals he was at length induced to answer the | summons of Her Majesty to present himself at Windsor Castle to teach her some easy branch of his art. Windsor was some distance from London, and the engraver’s time was gold. He was kept waiting in an ante-chamber for two | hours after the appointed time for reception, was the true genius of | 66] andseer. After repeated | ALSO, CHEMIS! Same P 5 dccit tin” MR MEER, 713 Marke Bbace, H4sDsomxsr Re ) eat ASSOBT- LADIES' CLOAKS AND SUITS in the City FRENOH CORSETS AT REDUCED PRICES. BEST Panis KID GLOVES s Pair. HAIB SWITCHES AT $6, WORTH 912 declo-Im 8. HELLER. 715 Market Space. Me SELMA RUPPERT, 614 9th Street, Opposite Patent OMicey Calls the attention of the Ladiesto her large and elegant assortment of FANCY AND WORSTED GOODS, SUITABLE FOR BOLIDAY GIFTS, perially Embroitered CCSHIONS. 8 ASES. L1G SCREENS. 3 CIGAR CASES, ang SLIFPE and Veivet. Ale. dren's We Leggings, etc., and © SLIPPER CASE ROARDS, HAT and TO RACKS, handeomely carved sn wood deantifal selection rated Ho of Ladies and Chit WEL ‘tr 905 Penny. AveNce (up stairs) A large snd elegant assoriment of IMPOKTED BONNETS and constantiy on hand. Orders for DRESSES, &¢ w York city, HOUSE BOUND HATs, + filled by Miss GED- oF INDUSTRY DRESSMAKING. Ladies’ TROSSEAUS, Children’s SUITS com. pli test notice : ce , between 20th and 2st B.& MME. LP. JEANNERET st M i & MME. L, PD. JEANNERET have just sortmen! aris with achoice as- of Bonnets and Hats. Latest no eities in millinery goods. Show room Washington, 410 lth street, one door f) Penn. avenue; Baltimore, S$ N. Charles street; New Vork, i7th st., near Broadway. Par- icular attention paid to bridal and mourning or- Also, dressmaking {n ail its branches, novil ders. FANCY GOODS: HUSIERY.” se MEBINO UNDERWEAR, and NOTIONS, 2 iad all. ENTH N ie RENCH STABOH ENAMEL | tg the best article in the world for doing ap Linen or when Prince Albert made his appearance, say- | ing that the Queen did not feel like taking les- sons that day, but she would send for him when she did. He thereupon commenced haggling about terms, although the engraver bh: viously stated his price, which [ think, was £10 a@ lesson. Thomas Landseer retired,’ so filled pt for the great that no royal com ever intluence him to go near the He was never knighted. ‘This incident Court. Was told me by Thomas Landseer himself, who said he conld éarn all be required without royat patronag d not even a Queen should keep ¢ like a servant in an ante-chamber. Sooner than submit to s pect he would starve. So incensed was Sir Edwin at Tom's attitude, which he vainly endeavored to that » ness arose between the brothers. Sir Edwin obtained the commission to model the great lions of Trafalgar Square, not that he was a sculptor or knew anything about model- ing, buthe had a great name and friends at Court. He induced Baron Marochetti, then a famous Italian sculptor in London, to make them for him privately, Sir Edwin dropping into the baron’s studio’ once in every three months so as to see how they were progressing. Having received an enormous sum down, Sir Edwin was in no particular harry to have them finished, nor was the baron, whe had plenty of paying orders. It was some ten years that the patient English public waited for the lions, awed by Sir Edwin’s greatness; but at last the English worm turned; the press handed Sir Edwin without gloves; as nearly as possible ac- cused bim of deirauding the public; protested loudly against the commission having been given te a painter instead of to a sc’ and Tnised such a storm a ns bout his ears that the liv yuickly ti ed. Revival Needed. were comparative! An Educatioi kK ly as the number of scholars has of late adva in the best endowed universities, it seems to me to bear no adequate relation to the increasing demand of the times and the growth of the population. AmI extravagant if I esti- mate tke should be fitting themselves for the great work, at this university alone, (Harvard) at no less thanten thousand? 1n ‘order to meet the exi- gencies of the times, there should spring np an enthusiasm for learning such as of yore burat forth in the great institutions 0’ Europe. Quite six centuries ago, when Great Britain had noth- ing like its present aggregate of populatio} even that now falls below ours, it is affirmed in the books that at Oxford there were no less at one time than thirty thousand scholars. at the university in Paris at about the same time there there were twenty-five thousand. At Bologna. pre- | | alter, | proper proportion of scholars who | the students of law alone numbered ten thou- | | sand. Coneeding any measure of exaggeration in these figures, the fact of the existence of this ‘youd reasonable «lis- ute. And we can only explain it by assuming a degree of zealin the youthful generation of that day, which is the condition precedent ofall true national advancement anywhere. | be- lieved the great want of the time among us in Aerica is a litte more of this enthusiasm. We are apt to measure education not so much by its excellence as by its price. Hence the multi- tude of minor Institutions spread abroad over the country, which are doubtless good as far as they go, but they cannot go very far. At such places enthusiasm becomes difficult, if not im- | porsible. If lighted at all, the fire must be spread by the teacher among numbers workin; together. In the days of my youth at this uni- versity Icapnot disguise iny impression that the method was formal, mechanical, and cold. No scholar dreamed of sympathy with him in his difficulties, or regarded his’ exercise other- wise than a task, which be lost credit, or at best won a step over his comrades by success. In either event the teacher locked like Minos or Rhadamanthus.— Charles Francis Adams. Tue Lonpon Artists.—There is a popular delusion that artists rages! | haye a picturesque appearance—something er the fashion of re- fined ony gam but any one who had seen the academy in procession at the funeral of Land- seer, the other day, might have taken them for steady-going professional or commercial men. Many were shaved, with spectacles and high stick-up collars, and had the shrewd, solid looks ofa = merchant. There were beards, but not fantastic beards,nor long, disheveled hair. [n- deed, as far as hair goes, they were much as other men. Millis’s aes ad brow and smooth cheeks,Tom Faed's broad,raddy, -humored face, Calderon’s close biack beard and Spanish features, and Woolner’s head, were easi tinguished in the throng. By a sort of tacit un- derstanding at warriors and artists are bu- ried in St. Peter's, while great statesmen and men of letters are buried in Westminster abby, and it is well, no doubt, that there should be this understanding, (to which, however, there are occasional exceptions,) in order to prevent unseemly touting and wrangling between the dignitaries of the rival cathedrals for the bones of deceased worthies.— Correspondence New York ‘ime. —<—<—<$_______. Tax Licut Curx.—There has been, certain- ly, talk enough on “curative properties of light” going the rounds of our Lip ory for some time, andthe matter has been duly bandied about from mouth to mouth among our physicians; buthave we Teally given the e subject the careful study that i tance , OF made the practical applications that secure the desired happy results? We cannot honestly answer the qui with af- or ‘or the failure to perform | dis- | & beautifal gloss +61 IS:A street near @, bas just returned from New York with the fail styles of HUMAN HATR, cheaper than ever. ‘All shade braids, 38 inc = 3 ‘One yard long. Bingleand banc Gi RLS je rs Cail and examine our large stock. seps-tr STATEN ISLAND. N.Y. DYEING ESTAD S™ TUNE T RSTABLIGGED 1a18" The oldest and largest of ite Kind tn the country; may be inthe world. A. FISHER, Agent, 8 Sh street, between N. B —Gnarantee given that no color robe of; bring your articles soon, to get them back in time. a GREE, 1aSt Chage gars, ie Patent SPECIALTIES UF fis BOLE PROL ESS. Ladies Dresses cleaned without taking them apart Gentlemen's Clothes clothes cleaned without shrink- Ing. Grease spots removed effectually, so that they ever show again. Kid Gloves cleaned on short notice. Prices mod- erate; punctuality guaranteed seplly DRY GOODS. ¥ GueoDs D HOLIDAY PRESENTS! Linen Cambric HANDKERCHIEFS; Lnitial Handkerchiets, in all letters, by the half dozen or singly, as low as 40, 90 snd 7S cents each, A:T Liven Haudkerchicfs from 75 cents pet dozen upto €1 ac! GLOVES. HOSIERY and NOTIONS. Also. complete lines of Staple aud Fancy DRY GOUDS, at the very lowest cash prices, —- ONE PRICE TO ALL. BOGAN & WYLIE. declo-tr 101% and 1020 7th st. worthwest. REDUCTION EXTRAORDINARY! PRINTS, 6% conts. BEST PRINTS, 10 conte. BEST PAPER GaMBRIC, 10 cents. BEST FLAT CAMBRIC, 9 conts. ELEGANT PARIS KIDS, 69 cents, QOBBETS, 37% conte COTTONS end DRESS GOODS exnaliy tow. RODHEAD & CO... nov36-tr 1205 F streot, bet. 12th and 13th. Ca AND EXAMINE FOB YOURSELVES. Alpacas and other Dress Goods at popular prices, Blankets, Comforts, Flannels, Shectings aud Linens at greatly reduced figures, Dry Goods of all kinds at right prices, Bargains in Gent's and Ladies’ Linen Bandker- chiel EMORY BAXTER, 1920 Pennsylvania avenue, BANKERS. NATIONAL, BANK OF THE GEPUBLIO, UNITED STATES DEPOSITORY, Southwest cor. of 7th and D sts., Was ns D. 0. ‘Collections made on ali parts of the Uuited States, Prompt attention given to all business before the Departments of the Government. Capital pn aoe: Sa Fund, . WT CHAS. BRADLEY, Gasitee. (sctit-tr] GESMANAMERICAN i¢ oct30-tr AVIN 616 Snaeareeee = Orposits THE Post Orrick DEPARTMENT. Bark hours: m. tos ‘es “AE m™. Shape vi deposit Sites JON BIES Predaent, A. RBERLY, V. Prove, WF MATTINGLY, Bec 0B. PRENTISS,Oash’r. (REEDMAN’S SAVINGS AND TRUST COMPANY BANKING HOUSE, 1607 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUB, (Opposite U = Treasury.) ALL PROFITS EPOSITORS, ss inte- rest, Bok eupeodlng T sor ont hee eee at on Ong DoLLaR and upwards, pen frees toap. m. Saturdepe, (deposite only, Oi tod. B4A*kine wouse oF J. H. SQUIRE & CO., 1446 PENNSYLVANIA AVEN! Orrositz Wittaky’s Hors, WASHINGTON, D.O © per cent. interest paid on deposits. ol made ev: ‘here, Pay of offcors in tho Army osahod in advance. and jyi-tr o™ BIGELow, Bankor, 643 D STREET, near Seventh, Pays INTEREST ON DEPOSITS, makes OOL- BASE FOR THE FERT. DE. waite. CuiRnoropist, No 535 1th street, opposite the Treasury, removes Gorns without pain, 80 the shoe can be worn with ¥ thy treats Bunio e Nailst vascular Ex: crescences, > and disorders of the oe, His is by. nen at ‘AY, CORN, Horr se ta erally, TS, 001 “CoUWEST "PRODUCE ge 41 WHOLBSALB, BY. An &@ ERVIN noch get Beer Alexandria Ferry Wharf, [EXAMINE THE GOLD SPECTACLE, ONLY 96, A. H. HEMPLER, Optician, Pennsylvania avenue, near 4% strest. DISCOUNT FOR CASH! DISCOUNT FOR CASH! DISCOUNT FOR CASH! 10 PER CENT. DISCOUNT! 10 PER CENT. MISS FE. A. meconick iy | DISCOUNT! 10 PER CENT. DISCOUNT! Unt ary 1, 1874. LOCKWOOD, HUFTY & TAYLOR, 3, 23, PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE, Have concluded to continue te offer their entire stock of LADIES’ AND GENTLEMEN'S FINE FURNISHING GOODS AT DISCOUNT OF 10 PE CENT. ON ALL CASH SALES UNTIL JANUARY 2, as On ecconnt of the continued unsettied fnancial condition, and the temporary decline in prices of some goods Onr stock is now complete in all ite detaile, comprises full lines of — | LADIES’ COTTON HOSIERY, LADIES’ MERINO HOSIEBY, | LADIES’ SILK HOSIERY, LADIES’ MERINO UNDERWEAR, LADIES’ CLOTH GLOVES, LADIES’ DOGSKIN GLOVES, LADIES’ CASTOR GLOVES, LADIES’ CASTOR GAUNTLETS, LADIES’ BUCK GAUNTLETS, LADIES’ DOGSKIN GAUNTLETS, And an Immenge Stock of the CELEBRATED AMLESS KID GLOVES In one, two, and three buttons, MISSES’ COTTON HOSIERY, MISSES’ MERINO HOSIERY, MISSES MERINO UNDERW MISSES’ CLOTH GLOVES, MISSES’ KID GLOVES, Anda iarge and handsome stock of WATER-PROOF CLOAKS AND ENG- LISH WALKING JACKETS FOR LADIES, MEN'S WEAR: We have just opened an elegant stock of CLOTH GLOVES, CASTOR GLOVES, DOGSKIN GLOVES, BUCK GAUNTLETS, KID GLOVES, In one and two buttons, and in all shades a: sizes Extraordinary Inducements To Gentlemen OFFERED BY LOCKWOOD, HUFTY & TAYLOR, 3 PENNSYLVANIA AVEN! befkepe Fanning i fall force tain wears wad ie mning it ter, our body empityeds ‘tod have therefore to offer as au TO ALL OCR CUSTOMERS WHO WILL F. VOR US WITH THEIR ORDERS NOW WE WILL MAKE A Discount of 10 Per Cent. FOR CASH On All Special Orders for Shirts, WE MAKE FOUR QUALITIES. OUR PRICES FOR SIX SHIRTS ARE $15.00, $18.00, 621.00, $24.00, Spo Sees te pret. 's ‘make six cost 913.50, 816.20, g18.90, 921.60.% ‘This discount is an inducement never offered by ‘any manufacture on special orders, Consider the saving of 61.60, 6159, 68.10, e840 On every one-half dozen shirts, which ts sufficient to purchase many other mecemary articles. — We make the celebrated PALMER'S PATENT DOUBLE-YOKE SACQUE SHIRTS,