MRS FLANNIGAN'S PARTY.

Otago Witness, Issue 2087, 22 February 1894, Page 40

MRS FLANNIGAN'S PARTY.

By Azblb.

A GOLDFIELD'S SKETCH.

A flourishing gold rainiDg township is Bellamy's Terrace. Its immense water races high in air like bridges, bringing water in from surroondicg higher terraces. From holes washed out by itß force rise huge black pipes, sometimes singly, sometimes in twos or threes, like ugly snakes trying to make an inspection of the country, and foaming ana hissing at the mouth at man's intrusion. They are decidedly useful, though not ornamental, and by the help of the water that gusheß through them men dig curious holes in old Mother Earth's bosom and rob her of the golden treasure which she has cherished there for countless ages.

Gold 1 Powerful word. What will men not do for gold? What hardships they suffer I What toil they perform ! Under a blazing bud, amongst frcst and snow. No matter what the climate is or bow unhealthy it is, only let it be known that gold is plentiful, and men will rush from afar, eager to share in the earth's spoliation. No thought of ruined health or of their bones being left in a distant land will defcer them— even old age will not prevent them, if they have followed the diggings for years. Each man thinks surely this time he will make that long looked-fcr pile. Alas for their hopes ! For one successful, how many fail^?

Great hills of gravel and stones have been washed down to the river that flows at the bottom of the bush-clad terrace, to be carried down to the sea by the floods, which in a rainy season carry all before them. How powerless man is when the rivers are In fhod. Flowing on in their resistless force, bearing all before them, their muddy, swiftflowing currents dotted with flax bushef, scrub, and immense trees torn up by the roots, as the river undermined the banks where they grew. Sweeping alocg in their might, spreading afar over vast shingle teds, flecked with foam wheie they strike a rocky bank, with roaricg. monotonous f>oucd the might yjjjrivers flow on in their unceasing toil. When looking upon them man realises how insignificant he really is — how hopeless tefore the wrath of the waters I Bellamy's T-iirace has been in existence for a considerable number of year 3. At one time there was a population of a good macy thousand?, but it has dwindled down of late years ; stjll therejare enough left to make quite a little town. The inhabitants thereof are wonderfully lively, and go in for all the amusement obtainable with great zest. Horse racing is a favourite amusement all over the West Coast. Every little township that thinks itself of any importance whatever mu3t have its horse races ; and Bellamy's Terrace being quite a large town in its own estimation, has just been holdiDg its annual race*. The whole town is lively and wide-awake looking; a great many strangers are mixed with the usual inhabitant?, for they gather from far and near, the fascinations of the racecourse ac'icg like a magnet on their susceptible bodies.

The races are pasr, and the people are gathering into the town, intent on having some more fun to wind up the day's sports properly. The lights are beginning to twiokle all over the town. Some of the hotels are quite illuminated from top to bottom, and are doing a roaring trade, especially in one or two favouiite ones, where 41 mine host " or " mine hostess," as the case

may be, has gained the good opinion of the general public. The Rising Star Hotel, kept by the buxom, good-looking, good-natured widow, Mrs Flannigan, was a blaze of light shining afar off — a welcome sight to the tired pleasure seekers. Mrs FJannigan, who had a wonderfully shrewd eye for business, had taken advantage of the races to give a large party in honour of her neice. Miss Mary Wilson whose birthday, fortunately, happened on the same day as the races. Miss Mary Wilson was popularly known as the 44 new chum," as she had only arrived some three months previously from the Emerald Isle. She was a pretty, unaffected girl, with a touch of the brogue, which sounded so sweetly from her rosy lips that all the " bhoys," young and old, were falling in love with her, and longing to break each other's beads for her sweet" sake ; so that since she had arrived Mrs Flannigan's hotel was in great repute amongst them. Every night you could see half a dozen or more surrounding Miss Mary like moths round a candle, each trying his level best to cut out the other fellows. There was old Tom M'Hardy, who was reputed rich, and who had also a share in one of the best claims on Bellamy's Terrace ; young Harry Sprigglnp, the horsey lawyer, whose services are in great request when a dispute arises amongst the miners ; Harry M Gil), another digger in a good claim ; PatMulvaney, a thriving farmer, who had a farm some miles from the town ; Phil Matthews, the general storekeeper, and some more, young and old ; but in particular Tom M'Hardy and young Spriggins were assiduous in their attentions, and were supposed to be in the race by the knowing ones of Bellamy's Terrace. But which Miss Mary preferred none knew.

"Sbure, M'Hardy's got the gould; but Harry's the good-looking boy that has kissed the Blarneystone. He's the one to touch the girl's heart," said Mrs Murphy, wife of a digger, to her particular gossip, Mrs O'Brien, who was the wife of a thriving butcher.

41 Yes, but handsome looks won't pay butcher's and baker's bills, and provide for a young family, and gould will. She'd be foolish to take Sprigging, who spinds most he makes on gambling and horse-racing, if she can get M'Hardy wid his mocey. Ha has a fine sthore of it by this time. Flimsilf says, that's known him for years, that he has been saving it all the time. More, be token, he niver spends a shilling foolish. She'll do well if she takes him, that's my opinion 1 " said Mrs O'Brien with emphasis.

l( Spinds, indade," said Mrs Mnrphy, with contempt. " He's as mane and near as iver he can be. Did you iver see him pub his hand willing in his pocket to help the poor widder and her orphans ? When others give pounds he'll give a paltry five shillings or so ; isn't that bo, Mrs O'Brien ? He's a regular ould skinflint ! The ould miser ain't a patoh on Harry Spriggins. I whonder at a sensible woman like you praising the likes of him — ould skinflint that he is."

44 Aisy now I Shure we won't fall out over thim," said Mrs O'Brien, with a jolly laugh. 11 It ain'fc worth our while. Perhaps she'll take neither ov them at all, at all, but some of the other fellows. Shure young Will Turpin aven was after talking quite lively to-day to her. She bewitches all the boys when aven he is getting swate on her. You're going to Mrs Fiannigan's party to-night, ain't you 1 I'll expect you to tay to-morrow night to give me all the news. Kape your weather oi opin and find out which she favours most. Faix, at one time the wldder hersilf stood a good chance of being Mrs M'Hardy, but since the naice came her nose is out of joint complately." 44 Och then I " said Mrs Murphy, "he prefers lamb to mutton — most ov thim do. I never yet saw an ould man take an ould woman unless he couldn't hilp himself. The younger the girl is, the better they are plascd wid her for a wife. The ould curmudgeon?, to be after thinking money makes tbim as good husbands as young smart fellows. Shure the girls have little thaste or gumption about them- to take an ould dried-up mummy whin they can git a young man like thirsilves. Mesilf has no patience wid thim." " Widder Flannigan is a foine-looking woman jit, and she does a foine thrade," said Mrs O'Brien. Il She's no nade to be after wantin' any man. She's well off, with no one to throuble htr .at all, at all, coming home drank and wanting to bate her as some we know ay doe?, God hilp thiai ! Poor crathurs, they do have a most miserable life ay it."

" Dade and they have 1" replied Mr 3 Murphy. " Slaves is well off by some ay thim. Just look at poor Mrs Anderson I He broko ivery bit of crockery in her house last night, and, faith, she dhursantsay one word or he'd have broken her head for her, the big lazy vagabond that ho is I

Such was the way the neighbours discussed Mrs Flannigan's and Miss Wilson's affiirs— just as neighbours all over tho world do, often knowing better than we do oursalves all ab">ut them, and the why an • the wherefore, and quite coufident that they could manage our affairs much better than they are managed by us.

In the cosiest room of the Rising Star Hotel Mrs Flannigan and Miss Mary Wilson are seated, having a refre3bing cup of tea and discussirjg the events of the day. Ms* Mary is in hfgci spirits, and looks charming. Her cheeks have a delicate pink flush, and her eyes are glowing.

*■ Why, Mary," said Mrs Flannigan, 4< you are looking prettier than ever I caw you before. " You'll be after breaking some more hearts to-night, I'm afraid."

14 Och ! they're not quite so brittle as all that, aun< ie. Don't be poking fun at poor me," laughed Miss Mary, with a mischievous glance. 4< You look that well yoursilf in that iligant brown satin that you are likely to break more hearts than me." At which Mrs Fiannigan laughed and shook her head.

41 1 wouldn't wonder 'if you had some proposals yoursilf before to - morrow morning."

" Faith, then," said Mrs Flannigan, " I don't know who it would be at all, at all."

" Djn't you belave it ; I know better nor that," said Miss Mary. "I whonder what Mr Gibson, the commercial traveller, kept poking round us all day for 1 It wasn't me, anyway — and M'Hardy, too."

"Miss Mary, aisy there; didn't M'Hardy propose to yoursilf 7 " asked Mrs Flannigan. " I'm sartin he intended to." " Jlalinding and doing are two different

things intoirely, aunt. What he Intinded I can't say, but what he did I know, and he'll never propose to me," said Miss Mary with a ringing laugh. 4t It was as good as a play if you had only seen him," and Miss Mary laughed so heartily that her aunt was fain to join in.

"Why, whatever did you do to him, Mary ? " she asked with curiosity. " Tell me quick, before the people come." 44 Well, you know, annt, he would follow me abont, no matter where I wint, and would persist in poking his nose in wbinever I was spaking to anyone else. He was determined nobody but himsilf should spake civilly to me. Well, you know, Will Turpin came up and was spaking to me quite nice, and tbe ould wretch would scarcely let me answer him ; he always answered iverything I said to Will as if I was spaking to him. My timper began to rise at that, and just then, as luck would have it, who should pass by us but the newly-married couple, Mr and Mrs White. You know, he is over 30 years older than she is, and I turned to Will laughing and said, " Did you ever see two such fools ? Tbe idea of a girl marrying a man oulder than her own father. I'd die an ould maid fifty times over rather than marry an ould man like that.' Will Turpin laughed as I niver saw him laugh before, and then he said, • But perhaps she's in love with him.' 4 Lo?e with him I' said I ; ' faith, and it's his money she's in love with, I'm doubting, not him. What do you think, Mr M'Hardy ?'and I turned to him. How he did look at me. He was that angry I belave he couldn'c spake. He only said ' Humph 1 ' and walked off and niver came near me again. How Will and I did laugh over it. 4 It's evident you don't want an old man, Miss Mary, even if he has money,' he said. 4 Dade and I don't ; I like young ones best,' I answered. That's how it was, aunt. He was kaping very close to you all day after, and looking very swate. You may be prepared for a proposal from him to-night," and Miss Mary and Mrs Flannigan both laughed most heartily over Mr M'Hardy's discomfiture. " He may sphare himsilf the trouble," said Mrs Flannigan, when she could speak for laughing. 4l Oob, Mary, but I would like to have Been him. How mad he would be. How did you get on with Harry Spriggins, Mary ? " 14 He was so much intirested in the horses he'd scarce time to think of me," and Miss Mary's face had a look of contempt that boded ill for the success of Mr Spriggins's love making. 44 All tbe rest were flatthering round you, Mary. Which one is't to be?" asked Mrs Flannigan. 41 None of thim I " replied Miss Mary with emphasis. " Shure, Mary, you don't want to die an old maid afther all, do ye ? I'll belave that whin I Bee it," laughed Mrs Flannigan. 44 Will Turpin and you seemed very friendly to-day. Is he swate on you next ? " 44 How should I know, aunt 1 he niver tould me," and Miss Mary blushed as she spoke. 41 Oh, Mary, Mary," laughed her aunt; 4< to purtind you don't know. Did he look swate at ye ? " "Well, then, I think he did a little," said Miss Mary, rosier than ever. "But that's nothing, aunt. Plinty look swate without meaning anything." 44 He ain't that sort, Mary. He's a nice young man — very different from most of tbe other fellows. They laugh at him because be won't go with them in their foolishness. He's more sinse. Don't you make fun of him, Mary. Make as much as you like of the other fellows — their consate wants taking down apeg— but let Will alone; he's a great favourite of mine. How good he used to be to bis poor ould mother. She was sick for years before she died, and be worked for her, and nursed her, and did iverything he possibly could. He is a kind-hearted boy, Will," and Mrs Flannigan said it with an emphasis which showed how she appreciated him. "Yes," said Miss Mary; "he has lovely, kind-looking eyes, and whin he smiles, how nice be looks I " 41 Oh loh I " t hough t Mrs Flannigan to herself "is that the way 1 She does like him. I'll help Will if I get a chance." Aloud she said : 4 * She'll be a lucky girl that gets Will. Mary, I do belave there's the first comers ; let's go and welcome thim." The Rising Star Hotel bad a very large dining room, and this bad been cleared for dancing. It was ornamented with wreaths of ferns and flowars, arid looked very tasteful. A broad table at the end farthest from the door served as a stage for the two fiddlers who played for the dancci'3. They sometimes themselves had a dance, for there was also a good concertina player present. Refreshments were laid in a smaller room opening out of ir, and hot tea and coffee and all kisds of cakes were dispensed between the dances, those who preferred something stronger making their way to the bar. About 11 o'clock it was a very animated scene. The principal part of the youth and beauty of Bellamy's Terrace, and a sprinkling that had neither youth nor beauty, were assembled, dancing with vigour to the strains of the fiddles. There were a good few who were not residents of Bellamy's Terrace, but belonged to the larger townp. There were Mr Brown and Mr Sparks, two bank clerks ; Mr Jones, who bandied drapery in the rising firm of Clyde and Hanson ; Mr Wake, a coach proprietor, who had been running bis racehorse; Mr Philips and Mr Farley, who ran hotels in the town of Greytown, &c. Some of them had their wives, and some fine-looking girls, daughters of Mr Farley, were causing quite a sensation among the youth of Bellamy's Terrace — even some of Miss Mary's beaus were hovering round them, much to her relief. They were lively girls, and had plenty to say for themselyes. They were dressed far more stylishly than any of the other girls, and were quite eDJoying the commotion they were causing in the breasts of the young men of Bellamy's Terrace.

In tbe bar parlour and bar, the scene was quite as lively, but in a different way. The smart, handsome barmaid, Miss Flaherty, was kept dispensing all kinds of drinkables, jokes, and sweet looks as fast as she could — and she could look sweet — and every man in the crowd thought they were meant for him In particular and shouted accordingly. The races formed the staple theme of conversation, How this one won, and this one

should have won and didn't ; how that one was not run straight — it was a put-up job ; how Dandy Dick's jock pulled him— it was a shame, a regular swindle— and so on were the remarks flying about, one taking one side and another the other, till there was every likelihood of blows being exchanged. Miss Flaherty was nearly at her wit's end to keep the peace amongst them, but she managed to persuade some of tbe most vehement to go and have a dance or look on. All Miss Mary's beans were there, and each one when he got the chance was doing the agreeable to Miss Mary, and trying hia level best to cut out all the other fellows. When they couldoootget near Miss Mary, the three Misses Farley proved a great attraction. Even Mr Spriggins was not above making himself very amiable to the eldest Miss Farley, who accepted his attentions with manifest pleasure. Only Mr M'Hardy was paying no attention to Mies Mary or any of the other young ladies. He was hovering round Mrs Fiannigan, much to her amusement, and to the astonishment of the other fellows, who couldn't understand it at all. 44 Has she refused him 1 " Mr Spriggins thought to himself. " I'm blest if that isn't it, and now he wants to make up to the widow again. Great Scott I vhat a sell. I've a good mind to propose myself. None of them have a chance against me now M'Hardy's money is out of the way. She's a sensible girl, and will jump at a goodlooking, smart, young fellow like me. She won't get such another chance in a hurry." From wbiob it will be seen that Mr Spriggins had a high opinion of his own good looks and abilities. "Wonder what that confounded fool of a fellow means? She'd never give him a thought. He has no pmartness in him, the carrotfcy - headed 4 donkey.'" Will Turpin's hair was inclined to red, but he certainly did not ' deserve the name carrotty headed which Mr Spriggins applied to him in his wrath, for he saw Miss Mary send him a sweet smile, much to his disgust. 11 Why, whatever are you frowning at ? " asked Miss Mary, for they were dancing a quadrille at the time. " Did any one tread on your corns ? " with a mischievous smile on her face. "Or are you after thinking of the money you lost to-day." 44 Neither, Miss Mary. Ton my soul 1 I made a lump of money to-day — enough to furnish a house. I'm thinking of getting one," said he in a confidential whisper close to Miss Mary'd ear. 41 Take care, it's our turn now," replied Miss MaTy sharply, and off they went, stopping for that time Mr Spriggins's attempt at serious love making. Will Turpin was in the same set as Miss Mary and Mr Spriggins. Whenever he caught Miss Mary's eye they both smiled as they thought of the laughable scene when Miss Mary snubbed Mr M 4 Hardy. Mr Spriggins could not understand this at all, and kept getting angrier. 44 She's trying to make me jealous," thought he— - 4< that's it." 44 That fellow Turpin can't dance a bit," said he to Miss Mary, with great contempt ; 44 just spoiling the dance with his stupidness." 41 He has never tried to dance much," said Miss Mary, 4I but he promised me to try to-night. He'll learn fast," and abe looked across at him with a smile, and Mr Spriggins felt as if he could annihilate him on the spot. Mr Gibson, the genial traveller for a hardware house, was making himself very agreeable to all he oame near. Whatever part of the room be was in there was sure to be some one laughing heartily. He was a big, jolly-looking man, very ready with a joke, and his hearty laugh was contagious. Mrs Flannigan was kept in a constant ripple of laughter whenever she came near him, for he bad a store of laughable anecdotes, gathered In his many journeys by sea and land, and he related them with great glee. Those who knew him liked nothing belter than to get him seb agoing, for they were sure of a hearty laugh before ho finished. "Did I ever tell you abont how Mike Rafferty astonished the new chum 1 " he said to Mrs Flannigan and those about him. "No ? Well, I will. It was this way. It was in Hokitika nearly twenty years ago. I was travelling for a Dunedin firm then, and things were pretty lively In those days down ,tliere. A good half-dozen of us that were on the road had happened to meet, and were (pending a jolly night in Johnny Doolan's hotel. There bad been some amusements going on— l forget what, 'tis so long ago — so there was nearly a score of jolly diggers gathered in, and the dance room and bar were in full swing. There was a real raw new chum staying at Johnny's. I forget hig name, but he was making a tour of New Zealand an,d seeicg all that was to be seen. He wasn't a bad sort, but had a very stuckup, haw-haw kind of manner, and an inclination to look on the jolly diggers as curious sp(cimene of humanity. We had a little trouble to convince him that their endeavours to make him urank whether he would or not was all pure friendliness on their part. The climax cams when the singing began. One of the girls was a fine singer, and she gave 4 Oome back to Erin' in capital style, and some of the bojs' feelings were inclined to be rather demonstrative. Mike, who was sitting near v?, was pretty far gone by this time, and was in a melting mood. ' Ocb, for tbe ould country — shure if me eyes could only behould it agin," he muttered to himself, wiping away a tear that was stealing down his cheek. 'Poor fellow; look at him,' said the new chum ; •he is fretting for home ; I pity him,' at which we smiled very broadly indeed. Just then Annie, as the girl was called, stood up and began another song, ' The wearing of tbe green.' Mike stopped muttering, straightened himself up, put his hand up to hi? bead, feeling for his bat that wasn't there, suddenly made a grab at tbe new chum's fine hat ; threw it on the floor with a wild whoop, and begun a regular war dance on it, much to tbe amusement of tbe rest of us and the astonishment of the new chum, who thought he'd gone suddenly crazy. His face was a picture to behold, and every one fairly yelled when Mike, giving a whoop at tbe end of tbe verse, made as if to catch him. He dodged behind me. 4 Don't let him touch me,' he said, white with fear. 'Whatever kind of lunatio is he ? ' he asked. There was sucb an uproar of laughter that tbe song was quite drowned. 4 Sing it again, Annie,' said Mike with drunken gravity. "It relaves me falings ; sing it agin," and Annie Bang it again. Tbe new

chum, who by this time had got over his fright, laughed a3 heartily as any of us at Mike's fantastic capers on his fine hat. The other fellows, seeing ho wasn't a bad sort, made him a present of the best bat they could buy in the town next day, and before he left he was on quite friendly terms even with Mike Rafferty. It was a standing joke against Mike for many a day how he was taken for a lunatic. Poor Mike 1 he's under the sod thesa many years. Do you remember him, Mrs Flannigan ? " "Shure and I do," said Mrs Fiannigan with a sigh. "He wasn't a bad sort, Mike." Mr Gibson had had a very kindly regard for Mrs Flannigan ever since he had been laid up with a bad cold at her place for a month over a year ago. He thought if she would only marry him he would give over travelling and settle down. He had saved some money, and she bad some property, so he thought they could not do better, if she would only have him. He was enough in love to make tbe thought of a refusal hard to bear. He had never been able to get a quiet word with her since he came, the day before, for ahe was so busy, and there was always some one in the way. He was wondering about Mr M'Hardy, and feeling very jealous when he saw him keeping so close to Mrs Flannigan. " Is tLat old, dried-up skinflint after Mrs Flannigan now instead of Miss Mary?" he asked Will Turpin, who was standing near him after the next dance was finished.

" Yep," said Will, "or her money " ; and he told him how Mies Mary had snubbed him, at which Mr Gibson was highly diverted, and laughed till everyone within hearing was laughing, and wanting to know what the joke was. " It will keep till to-morrow," he said, and laughed again most heartily. Mr M'Hardy, who had seen Will talking to him, was wild, for he was sure what it was that was amusing him so much. He determined to propose to Mrs Flannigan at once, for he had a very shrewd guess that Mr Gibson was his rival in that direction. " She will never refuse £5000 in the bank and a share in the be3t claim on Bellamy's," he thought to himself. "She's a sensible woman, and knows the value of money, and a quiet man along with it — very different from that egregious' donkey braying 'Hal ha 1 ' all. the time. Miss Mary will be sorry she missed me yet. Mr Spriggins won't make as good a husband, with his gambling and horse-racing, as I would have done, old and all as I am. She'll be to be pltiei ere long if she marries him. Will Turpin hasn't a penny to bless himself with. She'd never think of him surely," as he saw Will making his way to her side and talking pleasantly to her.

Mrs Flannigan left the room to look after getting some more tea made, as she did not want to disturb her cook, who was having a good time of it with her favourite beau. Mr M'Htrdy, who was watching her, guessed where she was going, end resolved to follow her, as there was not likely to be anyone in the kitchen, and it would be a good chance to get her alone, so in a few minutes he slipped out unnoticed by anyone but Mr Gibson, who was watching him.

" Did you see that old skinflint slip after your aunt, Miss Mary 1 " he whispered. "No," said Miss Mary; "where has she gone to 1 " "To the kitchen, and the old buffer went after her." And Mr Gibson lcoked as if he would feel it a pleasant operation to scalp Mr M'Hardy of his few remaining grey hairs. "Oh 1 " said Miss Mary witha laugh, for her sympathies were all for Mr Gibson's success, " aunt does not like him. He needn't trouble himself running after her."

" Are you sure— quite sure 1 " said Mr Gibson eagerly. "They say he has a pile of money." " Yes, I belave he has, but that won't make much difference to aunt. She has no nade to marry any man for his money." " I'm very fond of your aunt, Mary, as I think you know. I would like to tell her so, but can't get the chance. Do you think I have any show ? " And he looked at Miss Mary very earnestly.

" I know she likes you very well, but whether she'll marry you or not I don't know. You'll have to find that out for yourself," and Bhe looked up in his face with a very arch look.

" I wish I could get a chance to speak to her quietly. I'll have to leave to-morrow to catch tho steamer," he said, with a sigh.

" I'll take you through to the kitchen in a littl-3, but let Mr M'Hardy get hU chance." And Miss Mary laughed mischievously, acd Mr Gibson looked rather glum. "You needn't disturb youreilf over him," she added, seeing his serious face. " What is it, Will? " to Will Turpin as he came up. " This is our danee — you have not forgotten 1 " he paid, with an anxious look as he saw Mr Spriggins coming up with a very conceited air.

" Oh, no." said Miss Mary, with a blush ; "bub you'll excuse me this time, won't you?" At which Will's bright face clouded over, and he looked daggers afc Mr Spriggins, who smiled sarcastically. Miss Mary paw this and felt angry, for Mr Spriggins's flirtation with the eldest Miss Farley had been noted, and had increased her already roused contempt. " Thinks he has only to hould out his hand, does he?" she thought to herself. "I'jl teach him different." And she turned to Will and whispered in his ear. Will's smiles returned, and Mr Spriggins bit his lip with ill-nature, but tried to appear quite unconcerned and at his ease.

" May I come too ? They won't need you," said Will eagerly to Miss Mary after the whi3per, and he looked wistfully at her. Miss Mary flushed rosier than ever and hesitated, but seeing Mr Spriggins looking quite contemptuously at them, Bhe said, " Yes, I'll be very pleased to have your company." And Will looked radiant, and Mr Spriggins as if something had disagreed with him sadly. " Can I have the pleasure of this dance, Miss Mary?" he said, with what was meant for a killing look, but which only made Miss Mary feel it would be a pleasure to box his ears.

"No," she replied shoitly, "I'm engaged for every dance."

" Come, and I'll show you," to Mr Gibson. And she went off, escorted by Mr Gibson and Will Turpin, and left Mr Sprigginß vowing ?engeance.

Mrs Flannigan, in the kitchen, was poking the fire vigorously, when she was startled by Mr M'Hardy speaking at her elbow. " Let me do that for you, and don't be after spoilitg your white hands and pretty dress with the cmls " And Mr MHardy managed to give the widows plump hand a tender squeeze as he took possession of the poker and began to use ie recklest-ly on the fire. " Why, you'll pub the fire out. Take care, I want tay in a hurry," said Mrs Flannigan. " Dlvil a fear of the fire ; I haven't been a bachelor all these years aud not know how to make a fire burn," retorted Mr M'Hardy. " But it is a lonesome life a bachelor's, and I wouldn't mind altering that same." And he looked up into her face with a meaning look. " Yes," said she, " we've seen that for some time. Have you proposed to her yet ? " And she looked at him so innocently that he was puzzled to know if Miss Mary had told her how she snubbed him. " No, then, I haven't, nor don't intend to. I want a woman liker myself — a young girl always wanting to go gadding about to every dance and amusement wouldn't suit me at all. One like you would be better." And he looked most lovingly at her. " Dade, then, yu're different from most of the ould men. I'm donbting it's a case of tour grapes." And Mrs Flannighan laughed heartily. " No, it isn't," said he, " there's plenty of young girls would jump at the chance, if I told them I have £5000 in the bank, and putting more to it." " Faix," said the widow, " I belave they would. It's a nice little sum, and I hope you'll find somebody suitable to share it wid." " It's yourailf I want. I always was fond of you — that was the way I thought so much of Miss Mary. 'Twas the likeness to you," and he relinquished the poker with which he had been tormenting the fire to grasp Mrs Flannigan's hand. Before she could get out a word he went on, " I'm old, but not that dead old -60 la«t month — but as strong as many a one of 50; and if anything happened to me, just look how well off my widow would be. I'd leave you everything. Ddu'c speak in a hurry, think of it," as Mrs Flannigan dragged her band away from him. "It doesn't need thinking about," she said, " I won't marry you." And she gave a half sigh as she thought of the thousands she was refusing. If it bad been Mr Gibson instead of Mr M'Hardy she would have jumped at the offer. Mr M'Hardy, who was anxiously watching her, thought she only wanted a little more pressing. He had a great belief in the power of the £5000. " Don't say that, and break my heart. I'd do everything you wanted, and make you as happy as the day is long. I never saw a woman to compare with you. I never was as fond of any woman before." ••Not even Mary?" said she, with a sarcastic laugh. " No, not even Mary," he replied. " She will be very like you 20 years henca, but I can't afford to wait till then," and be emiled and caught her round the waist before sbe knew. " Say yes, like the darling that you are," for he thought it was onlY jealousy of Mary that was making her say no. He had no idea she positively disliked him. Disiike him ! — a man that had £5000, and making more fast ! Hfcw could she dislike him 1 Where would she find another so clever and smart 7 And he fancied himself not bad-looking either, for all his age, so it never entered his mind that dislike had anything to do with her answer. "Let me go, I detest you," said Mrs Flannigan, struggling vainly to get away. "I will when you say yep," replied Mr M'Hardy. " Don't be so contrairy." " Contrairy, is it ? " said she. " Yon ould miserly skinflint take that, and that, and that," and she boxed his ears with great vigour till he was glad to let her go, for sbe had a teaaper of her own had Mrs Flannigan. "You're the manest ould rasoal on the Terrace ; get out of me sight 1 " and Mr M'Hardy went in a hurry out of the back door just as Mary with Mr Gibson and Will Turpin entered at the other. " Why, aunt, how hot you are 1 " said Mary. " What made Mr M'Hardyjrun away in such a hnrry ? " Mrs Flannigan looked at them, and then, with a comical twinkle in her eye, said, " Nothing, I only boxed his ears for his imprudence," at which they all laughed heartily, and Mrs Flannigan, who was fast regaining her usual good temper, joined in. "Let Mr Gibson take you into the garden, aunt, till you get cool a little I'll do what's naded here." " And I'll help," said Will Turpin, with a look which made Miss Mary turn away her head. " You'll scarce belave if," said Mrs Murphy to Mrs O'Brien next day, " the widow is going to marry Mr Gibson soor, no less. They say M'Hardy proposed to her, and she boxed his ears, for all his money. And Mr Spngglne, tbe wretch, made up to Miss Farley, and they're engaged. And from what I saw whin I went to the kitchen to get some more tay, Miss Mary won't break her heart over aither of thim. Will Turpin is the wan for her." " Well I niver, are you shure ? " said- Mrs O'Brien. " Quite," said Mrs Murphy, " there's no mistake at all, at all."

— The Eiffel Tower is Bin shorter in winte r than in summer.

— The last instance of boiling to death took place in Persia in 1890. The offender was guilty of stealing State revenues, was put inte a large cauldron of cold water, which was slowly heated to the boiling point. His bones were distributed as a warning among the provincial tax collectors.

— M. Zola is not a musical man, but some British patriot should send him (says a Home paper) a spare copy of " God save the Queen." The popular entertainer, Mr Corney Grain, avers that the illustrious French novelist, who visited London while the "Daisy, Daisy" fever was at its height, left the English capital fully under the impression that the "Bicycle built for two" song, hummed by every other person in the street, was our national anthem.

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