726 
OCT. @0 
“ I say so.” 
"You! Ah! my darling, how can you judge?” 
he said, with a faint smile, as he sank down on 
his knees before her, his hands clasping hers still, 
his eyes looking upward to tho beautiful averted 
face as if they would read her soul. “ Ah ! my 
love, answer me,” he said, hoarsely, “ Just one 
word to put me out of my pain 7” 
•• You know but Utile of me,” she said, in a low 
tone, its she bent towards him for a moment, 
wondering why his passionate words thrilled her 
with such Joy and pain—why his trust in her was 
so sweet with such a wondrous sweetness, and 
yet. bitter as gall. '• You cannot tell-” 
“ 1 love you 1” he said, simply, as he bowed his 
head on her hands, and silence fell upon them 
once more as he knealt. there. For a moment she 
bent towards him with a wonderful tenderness 
filling her lustrous eyes—then she drew back 
sllghuy, ihe beautiful face set and hardened until 
it was motionless, as it carved in stone, and she 
drew her haDds softly from his clasp. 
“ Rise r she said, in a chill, gentle voice. “ Do 
not kneel there ; l have something to say to you.” 
lie looked up quickly; there was a certain hesi¬ 
tation upon her race; her eyes were dark and 
troubled ; her mouth firm and set. Something In 
her manner chilled him. The glow faded from 
his face, as, in obedience to her request, he rose 
and stood before her. 
What was it she was about to answer him ? On 
that answer hung the joy or sorrow or her future 
life. 
For a moment there was a silence, and then 
Cecil spoke, and even as on her face the tender¬ 
ness had died away, even so the softness and 
sweetness had left her voice, and left It hard, and 
cold, and metallic. 
“ You say that you love me,” sue said, calmly; 
«< and I have no reason, neither do I wish, to doubt 
you. That you love me I believe; others have 
done so ere now—others whose love 1 have not 
striven to win; while for yours 1 have striven—I 
say It frankly. Nay. do not Interrupt me,” she 
added, quickly, as he was about to speak. “ You 
think It was to return your love that I strove to 
win It. You are mistaken.” 
“ M istaken!” There was a passion ate, wounded 
Incredulity In bis voice; an agony of doubt and 
fear In the great eyes that sought hers. “Mis¬ 
taken!” he repeated, passionately. “Cecil you 
are mocking me, are you not ? You are too noble 
to betray, and your own lips tell me that you 
tried to make me love you I” 
“ And 1 succeeded, did I not?” she said with a 
smile—a smile so chill, so cold, so mocking I 
“Succeeded! Great Heavens! could you fall?” 
he said, passionately. “ But you are mocking me 
now, Cfecll, are you not? Ah: love, forgive me 
that ever for one moment I doubted you. You love 
me a little, at least. Forgive me, I must havemls- 
taken your words. My brain seems on fire, I know 
not what 1 say or what I hear !” 
lie stooped over her, and tried to take her hands, 
but she prevented him, and rose from her 6eat. 
“ Wall—you are premature,” she said, coldly. 
“ You do me too much honor In deeming me too 
noble to trifle with a man's heart. You see I am 
capable even of such baseness at that.” 
He looked at her In dumb. Incredulous pain. 
Deep as his love had been, his faith in her truth 
and purity; and the wistful glance of his eyeB, the 
touch or his hand as he laid it for a moment over 
hers, prayed tor denial of the words she spoke. 
She shook oir his hand as if hts touch burned 
her, and lifted her eyes full on the colorless lace of 
the man who loved her with such a passionate love. 
“ When you were loving me,” she said, pressing 
her hands to her heart as If to repress Its passion¬ 
ate throbbing—*' when you were with me, did you 
ever think, or did you quite rorget, whose sister I 
was, and what was the name of the man who had 
hern the ruin of Reginald Lester ?” 
A low, hoarse cry broke from him, and he stag¬ 
gered hack from her, holding out his hand to ward 
off her blow, while his great frame shook and 
quivered as If her words stirred him with rear or 
dread, and his eyes ieil before her glance. 
Even as her words had effected him, so they 
moved the girl herself. She shrank back, white 
and trembling, reeling that now all hope was over. 
He could not deny the charge; and whatever lin¬ 
gering hope had been In Cecil's heart., It tiled away 
for ever.—To he continued. 
HEW PUBLICATIONS. 
Curiosities of Music. A collection of facts not 
generally known, reg-arding the music of ancient 
aivl of savage nations, by Louis C. Elson. Pub¬ 
lish *.-<1 by Oliver Diteon Ac Co. 
Musical history has hitherto been rather a dry 
field for research, but with this genial guide we 
suddenly find It full of flowers and pleasant pros¬ 
pects. Like other “ curiosities,” these stories In¬ 
dicate no little amount of research and hard labor 
and have been brought together arter consulting 
quite a multitude of books. Hindoo Music, An¬ 
cient Egyptian Music. Biblical and Hebrew Mu¬ 
sic. Music of Ancient Greece, of Rome, of China, 
of .Japan, ot Africa, and of Savage Nations gener¬ 
ally, are each described somewhat at length, and 
we are also treated to a very readable account of 
the music of the Middle Ages, and of the rise and 
progress of the opera. Mr. Elson chats pleasantly 
about the kings, or musical stones; the fancied 
virtues which Confucius and others attributed to 
tones, it will be seen that this is an appropriate 
hook to he oo the shelves of libraries and that It Is 
entertaining to the general reader as well as to 
musical people. 
8ea Air and f*ea HuiUiiitf By H Packard. M 
D erie« 6u cents. Philadelphia. Published by Pres¬ 
ley Biakiston. 
The Intention of the writer of this one of the 
Health Primers, has been to explain the beneficial 
results ot sea-air andsea-bathlng. Among the many 
points of Interest and Instruction are those treat¬ 
ing ot the time and manner ot bathing and also the 
means of treatment, in drowning accidents. The 
various kinds of baths are also described. To 
THE RURAL NEW-YORKER. 
touch upon all the striking features would require 
an extended notice that would tall to accomplish 
the benefit Imparted by a reading of the hook. 
Brnin-work uud Overwork. By Dr. H. 0. 
Wood. Price Sue. Philadelphia. Published by 
Presley BUkieton. 
The subject Is treated In so clear a manner that 
the Ideas can be readily grasped by nearly all 
grades of Intellect. It la, of course, particularly 
adapted to those engaged In brain work, ana a 
careful reading will reveal facts often unknown, 
and show the necessity of attention to symptoms 
heretofore unheeded. 
Air. Bodley Abroad. By the Author of " The Pod- 
leys Afoot.” “ The ITidley.“ on Wheels," Ate. Boston- 
Published by Houghton. Mitllin S: Co. 
This, the latest of the Bodley series, holds its 
reputation with as firm a grasp as any of Its 
predecessors. As a source of Instruction and en¬ 
tertainment to the juvenile community It. Is doubt¬ 
ful If It could be excelled. Children of older growth 
might also dwell on its pages with no slight Inter¬ 
est. Historical facts are treated throughout with 
much precision, but related In a style to captivate 
the lover of romance. 
Our Homes. By Hknky Hartshohne, M. D. Price 
ovc. ThiiudeJplan: Published by Presley Blaldstou. 
This one of the American Health Primer Se¬ 
ries, is devoted to the consideration of the necessi¬ 
ties of healthy homes. The author treats of the 
following topics: Situation; Construction ; Light; 
Warmth; Ventilation; Water Supply ; Drainage; 
Disinfection; Population; Workingmen’s Homes. 
Under these heads are shown the evils to be guard¬ 
ed against and the laws lo be complied with to In¬ 
sure health to the Inmates. 
-• » • 
BRIC-A-BRAC. 
A little girl In the public school the other day 
had occasion to parse the word “ angel,’ and be¬ 
fore deciding as to the gender asked her teacher if 
“ there were any men angels.” 
A SWARM OF BJBES. 
B patient. B prayerful, B humble, B mild; 
B wise as Solon, B meek as a child ; 
B studious, B thoughtful, B loving 1 , B kind; 
B sure you make matter subservient to mind; 
B cautious, 11 prudent. U trustful, B true, 
B temperate iu argument, pleasure and wine, 
B caretnl of conduct, ot money, ot time, 
B cheerful, B grateful, B hopeful. B firm, 
B peaceful, benevoleDt. willing to learn; 
B courageous, B gentle, B liberal, B Just, 
B aspiring, B humble, because thou art dust; 
B penitent, circumspect, sound in the faith, 
B active, devoted. B faithful till death, 
B honeet, B holy, transparent and pure: 
B dependent, B virtuous, and you'll B secure. 
She Changed her Mind.— a big good-natured 
doctor was desperately In love with, and had been 
twice refused by, a falr-halred little woman. But 
instead of the disappointment curing his love, it 
only made the passion grow more Intense. After 
tne last reiusal, he told her that it ever she 
changed her mind, to let him know, as his love for 
her was unchangeable, and he would be proud to 
be her husband. Some months later he was driv¬ 
ing home from seeing a patient, when he saw Ills 
lady-love riding m his direction. Supposing she 
would merely bow and pass on, as she had often 
done before, he did not pull up his horse. But the 
moment Miss Dixon came up to him, 6he reined In 
her horse, stopped, and called out: 
*• Won’t you stop, Dr. Hill?” 
He raised his hat, and replied, “ 1 shall he happy 
to do so,” then waited for her to speak. 
Klie was gazing at the ground and blushing 
deeply, but, quickly looking up, she filled the doc¬ 
tor’s honest heart with surprise and gladness by 
saying: 
“ Dr. HU1, I have been closely watching you 
lately, and seeing nothing but goodness and 
noble-mindedness In your character, and believing 
you will make an excellent husband, 1 am willing 
to marry you.’’ 
A Turkish Joker.— Tne best known story of the 
traditional Joe Miller of Turkey Is that of his thrice 
fooling an assembly of true believers out of a 
sermon, by three successive Jocular replies. Tho 
first time he ascended the pulpit he said, “ Oh, 
true believers, do you know what I am going to 
say? They replied, “No;”whereupon he asked, 
“ Of what use is It to preach to such Ignora¬ 
muses?” and came down irom the pulpit. The 
next time, when he asked the same question, they 
answered, “ Yes, we knowwhereupon, he said, 
•* Then it ib useless for me to tell you,” and came 
down. The third time, having taken counsel to¬ 
gether, the congregation prepared an answer 
which they thought would corner their joker- 
preacher, and said, “ Some of us know and some of 
us don’t;” whereupon he promptly replied, u Let 
those wno know tell those who don’t, and once 
more came down. 
The worst cut up man of the hour, according to 
the Cleveland Voice, is that Western reporter who, 
In describing the appearance of the belle of the 
town at a local picnic intended to say that Blie 
looked au fait, but, of course, the types had to get 
It “ all feet.” 
I “Look here Matilda,” said a Galveston lady to 
the colored cook, “ you sleep .right close to the 
chicken house, and you must have heard those 
thieves stealing the chickens.” “ Yes, ma'am, I 
heerd de chickens holler, and heerd de woices ob 
de men.” 44 Why didn’t you get out then?” 
“Case, ma’am (burstingInto tears), case, ma’am, 
I knoveed my ole fodder was out dar, and 1 
wouldn’t hab him know I’se lost confidence in him 
roah all de chickens In the world, if I had gone 
out dar and kotched him It, would hah broke his 
ole heart, and he wot Id hab made me tote de 
chickens home roah him, besides. Hedonetole 
me de day before dat he’B gwlne to pull dem 
chickens dat night.”—Galveston News. 
#or SHamnt. 
CONDUCTED BY MISS RAY CLARK. 
REST . 
Knitting, busily knitting, 
The dear old grandmother sits, 
While through the window in sunBhine, 
The lazy butterfly flits. 
It lights on tho well worn Bible, 
And svvayB on its beautiful wings, 
While tbe good old grandmother ponders 
And sweetly, but feebly Bings. 
The hollyhocks, tall and slender. 
Stand close by the open door, 
Like BQDtiuels, watchful and tender, 
Their shadow s thrown on the floor. 
The blossoms tempt bees by their sweetness, 
And blush in tile light of the sun. 
While birds, in their neats 'mid the tree-tops, 
Cease carroliug one by one. 
And now she has finished tbe knitting, 
And thinking of far-away lands. 
She watches tbe butterfly flitting, 
And folded are grandmother's hands. 
She dreams she hears little feet coming, 
And all her faint pulses are stirred, 
For loud o’er tbe sound of beeB humming, 
The voices of children are heard. 
They troop up the garden path gayly. 
And rush through the doorway iu glee; 
But soon, in demure satisfaction. 
Are seated on grandmother’s knee, 
Bhe tells them the old-time stories 
And presses them each to her breast, 
Calls them grandmother’s dear morning-glories, 
And no one knows which she loves best. 
Her dreams change slowly to others, 
More sad, and yet they are bright. 
For three little heads are all shining 
Above her,like augels of light; 
And six little fair hands are beckoning 
And a bright golden gate opens wide. 
Where her dear old husband stands waiting, 
And gladly she walks by his side. 
And, thus sweetly resting, they found her 
That day at the setting Af sun 
With a halo of glory around 
For grandmother’s work was dene. 
-- • A- 
AUTUMN LEAVES. 
Autumn leaves In these days are so plentiful 
that one cannot walk In country lane or village 
street, or anywhere that the maple grows without 
the most perfect beauties fluttering at one’s feet, 
as it asking to be picked up and allowed to be use¬ 
ful yet a little longer, by helping to make the 
home bright and cheerful through the cold Winter 
days. 
Jack Frost does a wonderful work for the Autumn 
leaves, such rare combinations of colors are seen. 
I have just been getting In my Winter stock of 
leaves and my thoughts run so decidedly to this 
subject that at the risk of telling my Rural sis¬ 
ters what they already know, I shall tell what I 
have done and what I intend to do with my leaves. 
1 have long ago ceased to varnish leaves, it gives 
them a bright look, but I t-lre ot the unnatural 
shine, besides they curl badly when varnished. 
I have tried many ways of preserving leaves.. 
and thluk waxing the best. I take the leaves as 
soon as gathered and if damp wipe tnem with a 
soft cloth, then lay as many of them as I cau upon 
an old paper and scrape a little wax (common yel¬ 
low beeswax is as good as any) upon each leaf. 
I then take a flat-iron Just warm enough to melt 
the wax, a very slight warmth will do It, and any 
approach to heat will fade the leaf. I am particu¬ 
lar that every part ot the rl;ht side of the leaf 
shall be covered with tho wax. As soon as the 
wax hardens on the edges 1 put them to press, and 
when I am ready to use them I find them looking 
as bright as the day they were gathered. 
Leaves carod for In this way will not curl, and 
they have a more natural look than any other, 
while at the same time the color is preserved. 
No doubt the maple Is the most attractive of 
the leaves, but I have learned not to allow myBelf 
to be so dazzled by its attractiveness that I shall 
slight the little beach leaf which may be arranged 
quite as effectively as the maple. 
These leaves (of the beach) while thev are yet 
a fresh green are spotted with bright red, yellow 
and brown and are very beautiful. 1 have gat.hei- 
ed a large quantity this year, and shall arrange 
them thus; I shall take a long piece of thread wire 
and fasten leaves to either side of It by short pieces 
of wire. I can bend It In any shape that I wish 
and, as the wire is Invisible I have a vine which 
surpasses any wax flxlng and almost rivals nature; 
it can be trailed over white curtains around pic. 
tures, or wherever wanted. 
Surely there is no excuse for blank unornamenl- 
ed walls when nature has so bountifully furnished 
material, out of which such a variety ot pretty 
ornaments may be so easily made. August, 
-A » » ~ 
HOW TO SWEEP AND DUST. 
To sweep and dust a room properly is an art, 
and like all flue arts has a right method. Well 
done, It renovates the entire room, and the occu¬ 
pant takes possession feeling that “ all things 
have become new.” 
It Is not merely a performance to be done by the 
hand, but a work into which taste and Judgement 
—In other words, brains—must enter. Are these 
closets opening luto a room to be swept ? Arrange 
tne shelves, drawers or clothlog, preparatory to 
sweeping day, then let this be the first to be 
swept. Cover the bed with soiled sheets, as also 
all heavy articles that cannot be removed, flint, 
however, having carefully dusted and brushed 
them. Remove all the furniture that can easily 
be sec in the hall or adjoining room, having first 
dusted It; then take a step-ladder, begin to sweep 
or brush, or wipe the cornice and picture cords 
and pictures. Draw the shades lo the top ox the 
window, or if there are Inside blinds, dust them 
carefully, open the windows. All the dust left 
In the room now Is in the carpet or air, and the 
windows will Boon settle It, 
Now begin to sweep, not toward a door or corner, 
but from the outer edge of the room toward the 
center, where the dust will be taken up with a 
small brash and dust-pan. Go over the room 
once more ; this time with a dampened broom ; 
that removes the bit. of dust and gives the carpet 
anew, bright appearance. Replace the articles 
of furniture as soon as the air Is entirely free 
from dust, uncover the rest, and the room is new 
and clean. All this seemsan easy thing to do, hut 
there Is not one In a hundred who will follow out 
the detail. Some will sweep the dust Into the hall 
or from one ro-.m to another, and then wonder 
why their house Is so duaty again, Others for¬ 
get cornice and pictures, and thus leave a seed of 
future annoyance; while a third class w ill do all 
hut using the damp broom, which is as the finish¬ 
ing touches to a picture.—Farm and Fireside. 
THE HYGIENE OF THE FACE AND EYES. 
It is a mistake to believe that a good com¬ 
plexion depends upon the use of such and such 
cosmetics. It really depends upon digestion, 
which itself depends upon our mode of life. Per¬ 
sons who rise early and go to bed regularly at ten, 
who take plenty ot air and exercise, eat with 
moderation at regular hours, having their meals 
at Intervals long enough for the digestion of one 
to be thoroughly accomplished before they begin 
the next-these persons are sure to digest well, 
and In consequence have clear, healthy com¬ 
plexions, which will require no other cosmetics 
hut plenty ot soft water and good toilet soap. 
The hygiene of the eyes Is very simple. For 
them, as well as for the complexion, good diges¬ 
tion Is equally necessary; more so, for no cos¬ 
metic could attenuate the yellow tinge which bil¬ 
iousness imparts to them; and If some mysterious 
pencils can supply the Insufficient shadow of rare 
eyelashes, good health alone can give them that 
brightness which Is tbelr principal beauty. 
Never read In bed or In a reclining attitude ; It 
provokes a tension of the optic nerve very fa¬ 
tiguing to the eyesight. 
Bathe your eyes dally In salt water; not salt 
enough, though, to cause a smarting sensation. 
Nothing lsmoreslreuthenlng, and we have known 
several persons, who, alter using this simple tonic 
for a tew weeks, had put aside the spectacles they 
had used for years, and did not resume them, con¬ 
tinuing, of course, the oft-repeated dally use of 
salt water. Never force your eyesight to read or 
work in Insufficient or too broad light. Reading 
with the sun upon one’s book is mortally injurious 
to the eyes. 
--- 
FOR “OLD MAID NO- 2." 
I have been a reader of the Rural since Janu¬ 
ary. Ih the Issue ot Oct. 2nd, an article over the 
signature of “ Old Maid No. 2,” Miss Irene’s idea 
considered, was read with much Interest, and I 
answer the old maid. She states that she has 
been an old maid nearly thirty years, and never 
had an offer, and yet she is cheerful and hopeful. 
1 am a bachelor ol nearly 24 years, and as such I 
answer the old maid.*" 
In regard to crabbed men I say that all are not 
crabbed; as to myself; I am pleasant and always 
meet the ladles with a smile, and try to do what 
Is right In regard to the ladles’ welfare. I have 
never offered my heart and hand to any lady, but 
I have a strong desire to do so to some maid, for I 
am faithful and kind. I think “ old maids ” really 
need kind words. 
As for Miss Irene, I hope she has found a nice 
young man she can love by this time. “ Old 
maid No. 2," will find one if she writes to the 
Rural New-Yorker often, for It Is read by many 
farmers, and they all want a wife to help make 
tomato cat-sup. <fcc. 
“ old maid No. 2 ,” Is probably correct in mis¬ 
trusting Just a little that Miss Irene at this late 
day (Ushe had an opportunity) would take a chance 
rather than wrestle alone with her dear self. 
I hope to hear again from “ Old maid No. 2.” 
Accept my warmest wishes tor the welfare ot the 
old and young maids and the editor of the Rural 
New-Yokkkk. 1 remain your friend, db. a. e. s. 
-- — 
ABOUT WOMEN. 
Sara Bernhardt has sailed for America. Her 
arrival la looked forward to,with Interest by many, 
but the productions and not the producer should 
receive applause. 
Thk Princess of Wales, when at Sandringham, 
has Hole tea parries for which she herself makes 
the butter In a silver churn, and she spreads it on 
slices of bread which she cuts wit h her o ivn hands. 
While she Is at her work she wears a chintz dress, 
and a little white apron. 
A toung Japanese lady of sixteen, MlneiYuba, 
daughter or an official in the Emperor’s house¬ 
hold, has arrived In the East from San Francisco. 
She 1 b a graduate of the English school In Toklo, 
and will remain tUree years la America to perfect 
her education. She is a poet and a landscape 
painter, and l-idescribed as being extremely polite. 
She has a fight complexion, fascinating black 
eyes, and a bright, cheerrul countenance. 
Mrs, Yoakam, ot Poos River, Oregon, aided by 
her daughter and one hired man, carries on her 
farm, and she has thlR Bummer already laid down 
1,800 pounds of butter, for which she expects to 
realize 50 cents per pound in Winter, and besides 
sufficient hay tor her stock, she has 40 tons to sell. 
Fanny Davenport pays 12.400 to Anna Dickin¬ 
son for her new play, and $50 a night tor every 
performance after it has run three weeks. 
Mrs. E. D. Gillkbfie, who Is kindly remem¬ 
bered as the efficient President of the Woman’s 
Branch of the Centennial Management, Is wilting 
Interesting letters Horn Swltzeiland to Andrew’s 
American queen, 
Mrs. Lydia Mountly Roosevelt died at New 
York, aged 86 years. She waB the widow of Nich¬ 
olas J. Roosevelt, the inventor of the Western 
