LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE FOLK.

Otago Witness, Issue 2600, 13 January 1904, Page 67

LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE FOLK.

Motto : — We write for the benefit of others, not for ouiselves. Dear Dot, — As it is 'Saturday, I am down seeing Jack's Pet, and. wa are having great fun. We were just outside, and we saw two cows getting into mdschief. One was in tho pats, the other in i!he garden. Off we scampered to pub them out, but, 10, when we reached them we noticed that one had ibroken the fence, and the other had jumped over another fence into the oat 3. We tackled the cow that was in the garden first. While Jack's Fet untwisted 1 the wire to let the cow Out I jumped! over another fence. When we had put that one out we fixed up the fence and started on to the other one, and got her out all right, after wading up to the waist in oats. — Yours truly, RED SNOWBEREY. [Bettor wade up to the waist in oats than in water, Rsd Snowbsrry. So you had not such a hard task, had you?" — DOT.] Dear Dot, — I am staying here for a holiday just now, and I like it all right. The valley is looking beautiful after that shower or two of rain we had a day or two ago. The crops aio coming on now with the rain, but a few of them are lying down. - The turnips won't bo long now before they will want thinning. Dear Dot, your page is increasing in interest every week, isn't it ? I know of two more L.F. who have started: writing lately. I was at the station the other night seeing tho evening train come in, and saw Margarette on her way for a holiday. She was going up north to stop with some of her relations. Bird-nesting is all the rago up here just now. The County Council are giving a. penny a nest and a shilling a hundred for the eggs. I have bsen gathering lately. I just sold 15 shillings' worth the other day. — Yours truly, DERBY. [That wa3 very good, Derby, but what a lot of. collocting yoa must have had to do to earn so much.— DOT.] Dear Dot, — We arc having five weeks' holiday, and I am enjoying myself very much. Our examination is over now, and* I am glad to say I passed. It is raining to-day. Don't the flowers look lovely, especially the Christmas lilies?. I have lead a good many books, including "The Happy Holidays," "The Lost Heir," and many others. My sister has a s&re foot, and she has to hobble about on her heel. I went for a walk one afterncon iound the cliffs, and, oh, what lovely ferns and daisies and buttons there were! — Yours truly, FOXGLOVE. [I hope your sister's foot will soon b3 better, Foxglove, and that she will not have to hobble about on her heel long. — DOT.] Dear Dot, — Will you allow me to become a correspondent to your page? I am only a covv, tut I enjoy reading the L.F. Page so muck, and I should dearly love to sea a letter of mir.o in the D.L.F. Page. One day, a long time ago, as I was feeding in the field the wind blew a pieoo of paper my way, which turned out to be the L.F. Page. You may be sure I road: every letter with great interest, aii3 row every time I see a piece of paper I have a good look to sea if there are any L.F. letters on it. Fiom the letters I havo read I judge that some of the writers live here; indeed, I may as well tell you that my mistress is a D.L.F. heiself. They keep a dog on this farm, and if we — my two mates and I — do not go home to be niilkecil when we aro called they set that horrid dog after us. And don't we go! Oh, dear* Dot, it reminds me of a girl running away fiom. a mouse. Dear Dot, one of my mates camo and asked me, what I was doing, and on. receiving an explanation she tolu me to send her love to you and all the L.F. I must clos3 now, as this letter is lorg enough, so with the compliments of the season and lovo to all, — Yours truly, KATE, THE KICKING COW. [It secm3 a pity that bo intelligent a cow should have such a reputation as Kate's name would indicate, c!loo3 it not, L.F.? I wonder what that "horrid dog" has to say in selfdefence ? Possibly we nray hear from him yet. —DOT.] Dear Dot, — We are having splendid weather here. Christmas is over again for another yc-ar. We had a picnic, and a dance at night. I was at both, aud enjoyed myself thoroughly. Did you hang ur> your stocking on Christmas Eve? I did, and I got a sunshade andl a string of pearl beads. The vegetable gardens about here are looking lovely. My sister has got her holidays from school, so I have a little more tima to write now. With love to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself,— Yours truly, SHAD Z AH. [You were fortunate to get such nice Christmas presents, Shadzah. I have no doubt they were exactly the things you wanted.— DOT.] Dear Dot, — An unexpected rave of sadness broke over the district to which I belong on Wednesday, December 23. The news quickly spiesd from the township to the country vil-lso-ea, leaving a quivering, ghastly feeling of fja- behind it. The meny hearts that weie erp'cr for tho happy day so close at hand were chilled by it, and the crisp, blight summer nioi-ni'ig seemed suddenly to condense itself into the damp air of a silent tomb. Such chorge3 were not for all. A sneering smile on the Una of some people as they spoke of it betrayed an inward fselirg of joy; pudo turned their' hearts to stone, and they lost all feeding towards their fellow-beings because they considered that then piophecies were fulfilled "Ha, ha! 1 told you so!" — such were the words printed o.i their quivering lips But their prophecies weio not fulfilled . even if they \\i.re, whai is there to boast of in predicting the death of a biave, fearless man? On rolls the sad, saol tidirgs. Dead! Peihipa the brpvest ad\enturer that has ever plrced his foot iipon New Zealand's shore. Dead! A soldier oi fortune, vho v%as one of the foremost at the famous charge at. Spiel Kop, whore many a brave man fell. Dead! A man who has scc-n the s-ilent icefield of the southern polo. Dcfd! A man who has braved the fcaiful hurricanes of coeans; dead — cut upon thi dreaiy ocen.ii far fiom thc c e ho held mor;t do-ar. Oi:v, aid lolls that wave of new ? around thvj little world! of cms. Death is its grim buiden! Dead! Dc^id l The whole wcrld know*? it, but fthe 'o^s of thai b.uve man viil be mourned by very, very few. It being holiday tav.e wo were or. our way to town to do cur Christens .shopping "We had not gone fac befoio we met a friend, who stopjped us «nd told us that the yacht Kia-Ora

had returned, and that Mr Buokordge haclt been killed. "When we reached town flag 1 ? ■were flying at half-mast fiom ovary pole, and. we knew that the sacf ncw3 was too tiue. At first I chotished the hope that there was no tiuth in the report; but the town showed it, the people showed it, and the solcmness of tho fluttering flags gave the impression that tho nation his lo&i a great man. So it real 1 }' has, although ib httlo thinks it. As I saw nobody I knew in town I wont down to the whaif to satisfy myself that the Kia-Ora had really returned. She had*, and she, v»ith her httlo flag flying at half-mast, made a sa-d, sad picture for those ■who cculd realise the tearfulness of the disaster. I spent a long tima looking at her, and I felt vpry miserable as I pictured to- myself the scene that had taken placo aboard of her. The Saturday before she sailed I was in, town, and I visited her, and Mr Bnckeridge showed mo his little cabin and all his nautical instruments. Ho wa,s a, man of medium height, very broad, and from all appearances very strong. His face was the most determined face that I have ever seen. His eyes were bright, arid his coarse cheeks, although heavily tanned, were rosy beneath with health, while a happy, contented smile played merrily upon his hp 3. He set out on a voyage- which none have ever performed in, bo frail a craft. Ho feared nothing, and looked forward only to success, little thinking that he was on a living journey to hia grava How true the saying, "England's brave he scattered! o'er tho world." There i 3 no credit gained in calling Mr Buckeridge a foolhardy man, as some, people do. He waa nothing nioro than a brave, fearless nian, who laughed at the thought of death, and defied the grip of the grave. Ho possessed a spirit that- was only happy while dabbling in the jaws '_f Death; but Death, like a sneaking assassin, struck him, down from an unguarded roacli. and claimed him! for her own. She has found for him a last 1 eating-place in the mighty grave that God has made, for his brave sailors — a grave over which, none may wsep, nor tender hand lay a spray of summer's bloomi in token of remembrance. In the mighty deep hia body rests in silence — his spirit in the kingdom of his God. "With, fondest love, — Yours truly, SILAS WEGG. [It is all very sad, Silas "Wegg, and I do not wonder at your feeling so depressed when you were looking over the little craft which you had seen such ~»- short time previously under such different circumstances. — DO'f.s Dear Dot, — Since the last time I wrote to you I have bsen staying down at Invercargill foi eight months. 1 went down for the purposo of studying music. One of the girls with whom I was staying was a professor of music, so I learnt from her. I practised between two a,ud throe houis every day, besides studying theory. I went in for two pxa-mina-tions — a practical a-nd a theoretical; the practical on November 22, and the theoretical on December 5. I passed very well in tho practical, and tho examiner seemed pleased with me, but I shall not know the result of the theoretical examination for about two months. I enjoyed myself very mnch. in Invercargill, but I felt very homesick sometimes, and was very pleased: to get homo. I returned home on Y/ednesday, the 23rd ult. I have had the pleasure of hearing a great dsal of the graphaphone lately. We have a very large one in our house at present, owned by a, gentleman fiom Dimedm. What a wonderful invention it is! If you heaidl it playing "The lion-tanier'' you would never forget* it, it is so amusing. It ii a record from the circus. My brother (aged 13) got an air-gun as a Christmas present. 1 can now shoot very well, and secured first 1-rizo in a ahooling match the other iday. Theie wcro 10 of us in the nitatoh. I went for three picnic-j to the beach last week. At one of the picuica we spent a good lot of our lime gathering epperculums,. I have gathered such a number. The bqsb tima to get them is when the tido is very 'iow. I think epperculuma would 1 make, very pretty biooches. I have a great collection of different kinds of nholJs and curios. I have some lovely shells from Niagara, Palls ?nd Fiji, which are worth keeping. With, love to yourself and the L.F., — Yours truly, TASMA. [You must havo had a very interesting day in collecting 3'our specimens, Tasma. I wish you had told us something ebout epperculums, for I must admit thai I am quite unfamiliar with 'them, and probably most of the LF. aie at quite as great a disadvantage. However, next time you write you may see your way to givo us a slight description of them. — DOT. 3 Deal Dot, — I hop© you spent a very happy Christmas, for mine was a ihappy one. I was up tho town en Christmas Eve, and the a to the sports on Boxing- Day, and at the concert that same night. The concert, however, tips not up to much,, but I think the one on New Year'e night should be better. My brother does not write to you, but he always looks to see if he can find out my name. I did not hang up my stocking on Christmas Eve, as I thought I was too big for that. I have only had one week's holiday. Mother is away to-day, and sho ha 3 left me to look after the house. One of my uncles has just come inland he gave mo sorno lollies. Bicycles are all the go now. They go pa-st here every evening. One night after tea I saw about a dozen going down the road one after the other. I have, not got one myself yet, but I sometimes get a ride on one owned by one of my frienda. The evenings are splendid and cool— just fit for bicycle rides, so I only wish I had a bike or a horse, and I could go for a rida when I liked. I often see girlo writing about their flower gardens. I have not got one to look after, bub I would like one if I had time to look after it; but I haven't, so it can't be helped. Ova" vegetable gaiden is not lookirg bad", though. I suppose, Dot, jou have not timo to think of going to picmc3. I am going to have a proper holiday while I can, for we have only got one month's holidays. All the strawberries are dono now. I haven't seen ary for a good while. There wasn't any for C'uistni-as even. With love to you, Dot, the editor, and' all the D.L.F., — Yours truly, QUEECHY MACAEIA. [The strawberries seemed to be in a veiy short time this summer, and they appear to have a habit of getting scarce at Chustrnas — just tho time they are wanted most. — DOT.] Dear Dot, — I did not spend a very happy Christmas, as I was travelling most of my time. I was very tired when I r^acTted ray destination, which wps 175 miles off the place I started from "We are having very close weather just now. lam very fond of reading, and I have read near'y all the books m tho bookcase. We have tnly one month's holiday, which I think is not long enough. I am 'learning to ridi a pony and to play tho piano, in both of which I am succeeding rcry^well. I went for a ride the ether day, end I lode about three miles, and I thought tho I^o v.as a very pleasant one. Our garden is locking splendid just r.ow. AYe had a very v.mtei last year — 3ft of snow, while tho f:csfc also was vciy hard. A good deal of skatiirg and curling was c\oim last yeir. Most of the boys and girls have skates iound our district. I am very fond of ska-ting myself. Are you, Dot? Nest time mother fcoes to town I shsll nsk her to take me, as I want to tro to Dune-din for a change. lam in tho Fifth Stanclaid at school, and I hope I pass thi r5r 5 iear. Theie weie not mauv failures

in our school Jiz\ yer.r. I see by some cf tho L.F.s letteis that brothers are regarded a's teases, and I think they are. I have one, and lie is an avful tor&a With !cve to Zeala'icMa, Pat Sneezer, Da:s\. Go 1 den JL-o^ks, CmcLciclla, Star of the South, and Qusochy, not forgetting youiso'.i ard the editor, — Yours truly, JESSAMINE. ["We no'-er get a char.ca to skate in Dunedm, Jessamine, so I cannot say. However, I havo no doubt it is a most enjoyr.ble amusement once jou have leornt. — DOT] Dear Dot,— l hear that the L.F. of Miller's Flat sue giving a picnic on January 2, and I think I should go if it vws not for the coming home at night. My mate, Dicudonmo, aril I took some htUe chikuen for a picnic today. At about 2 o'clock I went up to Dieudoanio's home, and she acrcrnparued me and. tha little ones to our destination, where v,o had :i heaity gams end a good lunch. Befoio we returned home wo want up a steep hul and tiimmed our hats with weeping willow. Do you like going for picnics, Dot? Ido I was at the Boxing Day sports, and I enjoyed myself immensely, but the ■neather was not very fine. A number of girls aie going for a picnic next "Wednesday, the (sth of January. I was advising my smaller brother to wnte to you, but he only said that he would write later on, but not just now. He and myself aie getting on well at school consideung that wa have been away a geed deal. I like going to school. Did you, when you were small, Dot? My broth oi is a regular tease. Ho keeps teasing me about being a D.L.F. He i 3 now telling me who failed and who passed!. — Ycuro tiuly, SWEETHEART. [I hope ycu will 'be able to attend, school more regularly this year, Sweetheart. v It is not fair to the teacher for you to absent yourself nu.eh, you know. — DOT.] Dear Dot, — I am very glad that the holidays are nearly over, as I am quite sick of them. I have been away for a tiip to Waircate, and I have just got back. It is a pretty little spot the place m which I live. It is on tho banks of the Mo'yneu" R:ver, with hills all around, and a beautiful bush full of ferns and all kin-us of troas. There fre a number of picnickers away up tho. bush to-day, and I hope they have a jolly good time. I have been at all the sports in the sui rounding districts, as lam a bit of a sport myself. I hope Disgusted D.L.F. will not object to my v.nting pboui sports, as he seems to be a particular soit of a chap.' With love to all D.L.F. and ycursclf. — Yours tiuly, JET. [It is a good thing to bo foncli of sport, Je{, so long as it is not carried too far. Some boys make it the main end of life, and then it is very bad, for they are inclined to neglect their lessons and think them a bore. — DOT.] Dear Dot, — As I am going away to the backblocks I thought I would vrite yon a few lines before I leave home. Since I last wiote I have been working at the foot of Mount Ida. From a distance the mountain looks veiy bairen, with only a few rocks projecting; but on going up the side one is stiuck by the beautiful fern-clad gullies and the shrubcovered sides. Many varieties of flowers may also be obs-eived. On a clear day you can obtain a grand view of Mount Cook Irom the top of the mountain. One clay while we were out in camp my bi other and I went out fishing. We caught eight nice big trout and two eels. It is great fun catching eels. My brother and I shore our sheep this year. I think it is fine fun shcaiing. We did not cut the sheep very much, and father said we did well. I hr.ye two pet lambs — one called Dick nnd the other Dolly. I have been feeding them ever since they were wee things. Texa3 Jack was working here for a white. I often v, ent shooting with him.' He was such a nice boy. Although I had the mumps I spent a most enjoyable Christmas. I was away all day, and when I got home they were all in bed. All ths fruit is ripo now, and I am .glad' I shall not have to pick any. Next time I write I shall give you a description oi my journey to the back country, and I shall follow it up with a few notes on camp life. With love to all, — Yours truly, MINE'S A BETTER ONE THAN TOURS. [We shall all be gla-d to hear how M.A.8.0.T.Y gets on when he arrives at his destination in the back-blocks. lam sure he will have plenty oi interest to tell us. — DOT.] Dear Doi, — We are having lovely weather now. lam housekeeper to-day, as mother is away. lam very fond of housework, and I am always learning something new to bake or cook. I must tell rou how I spent Christmas. After having dinner we ipl-nyed for some time. Mother told us we cculd make Eome tea and have it outside. My sister then took out her little tea-set, ondl we ha-d tea. in it. My httle brother handed rcuad our tea. Little Dorrit and I are collecting auto 3, but we ha.-c not many yet. My sister sent some autos nway, but she has not get any in return. — Yours truly, LILY. [No doubt they will come m time, Lily. Starnpa are not always to be had. — DOT.] Dear Dot, — It is a, long -time since I last v.rote, so I hope you will spare a little space for this in your well-filled columns. I have spent a veiy enjoyable holiday so far, and I hope you, the editor, and all the L.F. did the same. On Chr'fitnaas Day I went for a long walk after dnmar, and returned with a good appetite foi tea. On Boxing Day I went to tho circus with three of your correspondents who are. a little slowei than '1 am at writing to ihe Witness. I have left school new, and I am tokil to behave myself, as I hava grown to bo a young lsdy. lam going for a holiday aitei the New Year holidays, and if it is to the country I die.'-l be more likely to run wild than to appeal- like a modest young lady. I saw Griselda last Labour Day, v hen she was on her way to the spoits, but I don't suppose she knew me. I am glad that Clotilda, was nowhere near me when I iias Irving to llde a bicycle, or else she might have shown me up as she did Scapegic.ee. I can sympathise with him, because I know how easy it is to make mistakes. I know how you feel when, after trying to keep clear of a -pool of water, you ride into the middle of it, and then come off the machine quicker than you mounted. I hope there is nothing hero to anger Clotilda, for I have heord that she is a lively sort, and I do not wish to hurt her feelings. This letter does not seem very interesting, but I shall tiy to do better next tune. I should like to remind Anuah that she lirs not yet sent me her photo in reiturn for one I sent her. I shall stop now, with love to Pretoria, Clydeite, Infanella, and Cassivel. — Yours truly, TOMATO. [I hope Tomato's holiday proved to be in ■Ihe ccuntiy, and that she "ran wild" to her heait's content. She will have all the year to practise being a young lady, and I am sure a real good romp m the country will do her a world of good, and l give her something to think about for the greater part of the ytar.— DOT.] Dear Dot, — Our school concert was held on Decembei ]P, and was a great success. I was c fairy and a street-crier. The people say that the latter wj.» tno best item on the progiamme. My «ister was a'so in it. and was a Jap and scveial ot'ie: things. I was at tho lardsmen's carnival yesterday, and enjoyed n,y«elf immensity, although it v>as a bitterly cold afternoon. I uoti:ei tv/c D.L.F. there

from. Mosgiel, but ns I had rot a brd~e \ I c"i'T ici, hko to s_;cak. Xhry were staying at ; tin boaic'mg-hoii'-c. I ha\e been ie?,di,:g a fevr | boors rccer.t'y, iiicludirg "Dns,;, '<; J^ikiamas ' | (an excellent bock), • Ths Camp rt Wor/lc ! ni'.-'g," <- At tho Bc-il of ihe Cieok, ' "Ccn.i,' "Old Christie', Cab.n, ' r.i.d n, geed mji-j lncio. I love /oadirgr, I>o>., and r.t evciy Foais mii.nee I have r book m mv June's. l" 'e« thrt D.L.F. Cr-.s, Alys, a-.d s-.eral otho- old Miilcis liii\ c left tha pt.oc- lacy all -ec-m o gc ot once. I suppose town wi.l bo pietly bu^y now wi'h (he- lrair"vi/o a'ld other thing*-". I have a few autos, but i ot one L.F. m Lrwic: cc dc 1 know. Have jou n?. 7 wntjng fiom aero, Dot? If co, I shall have a. tiy to fhui out who they f>re How quickly tha jea> hs3 fkn 11 by. "Christmas and New"Ye£a 1 i've gone. 1 got a b.T.ylc as a Chriitinai.-b-x £.nd other things. I h; L vc not wiitteu fri-ce Juj», b.it now ih&l I lieu-c stailci again 1 1.1 ?a a to write icgulra-'y; but I eonnot bo ceitain. for "con tancy cVwe'ls 111 tha lealm above." Winter will soo.i hi here with ltg Liicw and frost— indeed, people are bpginni.ig to put, on then \»jnt<v raiments a'repdy. With kind legaidj to all, —Yours truly, CDKLY LOCI: 3. [I fancy these who are putUrg 311 their v mix* clothes are a httlc too jn-c-ipit itc, Cur'y Locks, loh it!.3ttnding the spell of icu-, 1 ] ucsthcwo nave just gone through. Ii should i.ol be vi iy cold bofore the end oi Apul -DOT.] Dcpi Dot,— As thi3 12 New Year's Day I anj at hoD'e on my holidays— lieecV.oss tc sry, hay Jr.g a good time after my thiee u.o.iths' trip up covntiy. We finished the school ot Jlo a Cicek obcul a month ago, and had a three weeks' slay at Rough R'd^e. The morning I -or, ra-thei, we— 'eit Ivlor." CrreL the teacher sa:d to me, ''How, Ho conic down to the school and say "G cod-bye 1 beioie you go." I went down about 10 o'c.ock, and knocked at tha door. The teacher (.a lady, by the way), caid, "Coma in," so I entered, anci she at one? said, "Childien, this is one of ths carpenters Now, I v !>nt you to give him three cheers for building such a nice new schcol for you." Theieupon the children ga\-c three lording cheers, whilst 1 bowed, pncl murmured "Thank you." Very fey object to being cheered, Co they, Dot/ But her next remark " knocked m? intc a heap." "Now you must write a letter to Dot as soon as you get to Rough Ridge, and let us hea.r how jou sre getting on. They all know you are Texas Jack, and they do like rending your letters." By this time I thought I vrra needed elsewhere, so I lrarriecT.y sa-d "Goodbye, all, and bolted. We diove down to Rough Ridge in a. waggonette drawn by a pair of good horses. Whoa ncanrg the school, I saw a D L.F whom I rightly guessed to be A Mother's Lpss. I hod great times there talking to her at dinner time. I used to shy at washing the dishes, and let nry mates da them instead; and one ejay ths boss got wild and said, "For goodness sake s*vop autO3 and; refc done with it, or }!se A.M.L. had Lettei* ccme and help Texas to w?sh up." He used; to bariack us a good bit, but I told A.MI. that he was born that wa;", and couldn't help it. Rough Ridge is a nico place, *ut terriblyj blowy, and 1 was not sorry t9 see the last of it. I was at a Blue Ribbon picnic oa the 29th ul . It was helel by the Loveli's Flat brigade at Tp.ralu Bush, which is a lovely spoL Reta gr.ve me an invitation to it, so I rod>3 down to her home on our old whit? horse. Ladelie. Shortly after I left home it started to rain. heavily, and till I was nearly at Lakeside ifc mined continuously. However, I had an overcoat on, and cild -not g/c very wet. I left tha horse at Reta's home, and she, Ophir, Currant Duff, and I went down to the r.icle of the Taratit lino tc wait for the Flying Dutchman, which was to take us lo the chosen spot. After tho usual solemn wait the- tir.in c~me along, and we embarkeel in tho «r>me truck as Jcs3ro, who is also a Blue Ribbonitc. We 1ia»l a lovely day, although the bssii -v»as terribly wet. There were about a dozen L.F. thsre altc-gether, so I had no lack of fiienefe. Fire of vs — Jessica, Rcta, Ophir, Hilda, and myse-ii— went' up the bush ri c-^Veh of mistletoe, and succeeded in getting both t and a drenching, 49 the least shafee of ?. tree brought down show«s of raindrops. Afterwvida wo had games till Lei-tirae, and a 'be:*ty tea, followed by a ridn back m the iisun, brought p most successful 1 icflic to a closs. Reta, Ophir, Current Duff, ar.d I wa'kadl up to then home, v;here I got; my hor&e, and sta'-tcd off o.i the 10-mile ride, for home. When I was vrithin about a, mile of home I came io a bit of newly-metalkd! load, 'io T pu^ed the, horse on to the side so that -•'■ V.OIIH not hurt 1119 Tect. I hail no v gcii<> b quai'-ai 01 a niilf when siiddenl> I ws2 shot forward, and landed with <v .jrash. that loosened cveiy bono in my boSy. lam used io falls off horst.bc.ck. Dot, as I hava h9d 18 without being, hurt; so I just jumped to my feel and grabbed at, the ••&*ns in case he bolted and left me to walk home. But he was not on his feet , he was lying perfectly still, co I pulled his heed up snd slapped bin. Ac which he rrvo a slight gurgle in his ihioafc and closed his ej"es I ran ihcrne and got help? Eu.d a light, but ho was getting stiff wheu ii got back, =0 vre removed the saddle arc! bridle and left him. I had the mournful 30b of burying him yesterday, r.n-d thus ended aaf good artd quiet a riding horse rs I have evp". :idcien. His only failing- was a bad temper, and it was almost invoossible to get a, sadcKo on him. Poor old moke! he has carried me many a long mile! Before another yeai het, run its course I shall have passed the age barner, so I intend making up for lost time between this and then. With love to A Mother's Lass, Rose-a-Bud, Mira, Gitana, yourself, and the cditoi.— Youis tiuly, TEXAS JACK P. S.— Whole's my manners? I almost forgot that it is the festive season, so I'll wish' you, the editoi, and all the L.F. s> bright, pros porous, and happy New Year. — T.J. [Thank you, Texas Jack; we r.'» reciprocata your good wishes, I aiv sure You were certainly m an embaiTKo t_\g position in th« Rough Ridge School, and no doubt tho L.l*< among the pupils will L?va a hearty Laugh wLen they see your letter. What a sudden death jour pcoi old horse had. However, you have the consolation that it could not havo been a very painful one. I suppose you will hpvo to top the- half-cei;tuvy befeie you era dene with falls. I hop& tke other two will be no more serious than +he preceding 48. T should think you Vave established a record in this respect already. — DOT.] Dear Dot, — T'lis is the first time that I haA 1^ wiitteu to sou, and as I ana not very ges.-cl at composing letters I shall write you a little story, the title of which it — " Left In Charge." — Mount Pleasant might once have been a little hill of delight, but, it so. it has long since lost the sweet significance of its name. A nai/ow turning off a poor and shabby, thoroughfare, dark enough in daylight when the sun 3hines, on a grey winter's morning, when the London fog hangs over everything, Mount Pleasant is wretched incised. The poor, dingy, houses, with lines across from, window to window, upon which tattered yellow linen ragg hung like flags of truce, gave little sign or sound of life. At No. 9e, dim light was ohm* ing in the top window. "Chris, has Joe como home?" It was the voice of i tiny »irl half as'eep on some straw on the fiooi. Her little brother, whe had be-en watching her sleeping restlese'.y, answered softly: "Not yet, Nellie, but, he will soon. Is yom bad better^"- " ~ ' *

"Just a Ji.lic, ht'.'io L.t. You see, it" iher's bec-a tailing to v\~ and !o\ *ng r e ill 1 Jig v im l ; my €\ss, \\_ie siiv.i,. Iv. r.=> c\ cr so so;i\ to v. vka up.' hcor ihe closed L.r eyes c;:ce ir.o.e, and dins k-.oit, sli.l tlunkng. For n.caths row \'icy liacl been alorc, thc^o thiee, tn; moihcr havi. g ijl;!1 taken to Lea.v_ii and. ths father far awry ai_ioss tho sea — ihry did net know wh<-:e — for yens snj< jc rz. Iho li'.t'e lass hid brcn left in chri^o cl I er biotlicis, and th^y h->d faithfully kept t'ist beds.de picini ,0 111 their povcity and loneliness. But really, as Chris thought, it secned quito tha other vay abcut, foe X^i'ie was mibticss of that UlIIo room, aii'i -ic;k c?i;e ef them. Now she wrs ill, pr.d the wi.id was coll, whistling up tho dark street. A footstep heard o.i the st.i.r, and the door softly opened. It was Jco. "Hor.-'s XclLe? lias she had her medicine, Chris?" "She's been drcamirg, Joe, and I think she's a bit cold." Joe, who had been working hard all day, forgot his weariness, ard, taking off hia ccat, loid it tenderly o.er his litt'e lister, who woke up and looked her thanks. Then he produced a scrpp of chocolate for her to tas f o, av'dkfs^d the little hct check. So through the r.ight the tvo boys watched and piav^jl fcr jSTclhe. A poor, rcugh woraaii, who slept in the room below, brought he.' a cup of tea and a piece of soft br' ad. "Don't you fret, boys; my Annie was worse than her, and «he pulled through." When the doctor called in tha morning lie praised tho ]acls fcr their care of the little girl, and in a fe-w days shs giew better, and to the joy of Ohris and Joe she was providentially pparcd to take- charge of them again. Dear Dot, — If you would like to hear of ray trip to the country, next timo I write I will tell you all about it. I know two D.L.F. Their initials r.re M.B. and D.B. M.B. wci in my class p.t school. When I get my badge I hope to know mere. With love to the D.L.F., yourcelf, and the editor, — Yours truly, VALLEYITE. [Yes, Valleyitc, I should like you to tell us •about your trip to the country. I am very glad that Nellie got bstter, and should like. to hava hcaid a little more about the fortunes of the sister and brothers.— DOT.] Dear Dot, — I am' away in ihe country for any .holidays, and I like it fa.r better than in town, as you can get far moxo freedom. I know a great number of D.L.F., but I have only got oils auto. Ido think brothers are a ttaso, but ss 1 have not got many I can't grumble. I saw a good many D.L.F. on Ne™ Year's Day. but as I had no badge I did not speak to them. I have road a number of books, andl the one I liked best was "The Three Homes." Did ycu geb many caids .this Christmas? I got a geed many. I was goxng to send you one, but it is too late now. I went in bathing the- other day, and greacly enjoyed my dip. With love to Clover, Il^chel, Milhcent, Sparkle, Maria, and all the other D.L.F., not forgetting the editor and yourself. — Yours truly, GREEN GEASrf. [Yes, Green Grass, I got a gieat number of pretty cards from, my kind and thoughtful friends of tho page, and some from dear old' chums who have outgrown their D.L.F. days, but have, not outgrown their interest in our page, and that -was very pleasant to me, for there is novhing- I so much rejoice 111 as to find that an old D.L.F. is still one of -1.13 at heart. — DOT.] Dear Dot, — At present I am staying in the country with three D.L.F. I like living 111 the country better than in Dunedin. I was at a picnic at Port Molyneux, and I saw five D.L.F. During- my stay here 1 have- learnt -to lido a bicycle, and it is great fun. I have two brothers, and I think they are teases, and I must say I am, glad to get awoy for awhile. I have read a number of books, and the 0113 I like best is "The Sister of Iho Red Cress." With love to Rollo, Ratty, Mag, Gieen Glass, and all the other D.L.F., not forgetting yourself and tho dear old editor, — Ycnrs truly, CLOVER [Town L.F. usnally learn to r.de a horse when they go fo.- a visit tc the ccuntiy, Clover, but you have reversed the usual order of things and mastered a bicycle. — DOT.] Dear Dot, — I thought aa it is a year next week since I last wrote, and as we aie standing on the threshold 1 of another year, I would writ© to wish you health, wealth, prosperity during all the years to come, especially the 0110 we have just entered. Dear Dot, I shall now attempt to tell you of a day's outing which I haci not long ago. It was November 9, and 1 ouch a. beautiful day, when i party of six cf us (in two trr.ps) set out for Outram. We arrived there at 11 o'clock, and after putting our horses in the stable we went for a stroll to see what was to be seen; then, acting on tho advice if our driver, wo started out for Outram, Glen. The scene that met our eyes was perfect — a lovely green valley, with a small stream passing through its ceirtie. The stream, which is shaded by willows, presented a picture of beauty and peace. We sat down and had lunch, after which we visited the electric powerhouse, which is away to the right of the stream and at the foot of the hill. Wo scarcely noticed the flight of time, but on getting a renrin'ciar we hastened to decorate the traps, and set off for home at a much quicker pace than wo came. We arrived home- at & o'clock, well pleased with the way wo had passed the day. Again wishing yourself, the editor, Cornelln, Ocean Wave, and Emmohne a prosperous and happy year, — Yoitrs titily, ADRIENNIE. [No prcttiei place for a picnic could be found than the Outram Glen, Adriennie. The only pity is that it 13 not neaier town. — DOT.] Dear Dot, — I am a constant reader of the columns in the Witness devoted to Dot's little folk, and ha7e always intended to b<j cne of tho "little follt," but something or othd has cJatcrred me from writing to you. 1 knowone or two of tho L.F., but I do not know their Eoms do plume. I ami in the Seventh Standard at school, and last year — let me thinkof course it is last year, although it is only last month — I went up for a junior scholarship, the result of which is likely to be known before the end of this week. Wishing all the littlo folk, tho editor, and last btiit not least yourself, Dot, a happy and prosp&ious New Year, — Yours truly, THS ADMIRABLE CRICHTON. [I wonder if tins Admirable Crichton of ours ■will be such a leader of men as tho butler in the play fromi which he takes his name? If so, thero is certainly a great career m front of him. Ho has made a good beginning in getting into the Seventh Standard at so early «n age. Yes, ths name and adcltcss should accompany each letter, T A.C., and only one side of the paper should be written on. — DOT.] Dear Dot, — Just a few lines to tell you how I have been enjoying the holidays. On Chri&tmao Day Ur and Mrs Edie, of this district, celebrated their silver wedding, and many friends were present. In the afternoon the ceremony was gone through, and after partaking of refreshments and fruit the guests retired io play games and enjoy themselves until night. I didn't go until the evening, so I can't give an account of the afternoon's amusements. In the evening the yong people assembled! in the barn, -where we enjoyed singing and dancing until about 10 o'clock, when fruit ajiA refreshments ;were handed. iound.

[ £ ftcr. that the dano-? was again staitod, and ] rpt up for a fc.v niO' - o Jicurj, i.JiCji we icl\u..cd to tlie hor.se to sing "Au^d biig sjne" f-d tal:c cur dcpfiturc pftcr Li\.u^, r. gocd -coin's enjoymsnt. The &lieuherdc£s'3 F<my and I v,d3 the o'ilj- iwo D.L.Jb'. present fiat night, and we had c gra w"l time to~ether. On Boeing Day 1 wa-5 at spot s at Her.ot, but I didn't t-.,ijoy r.iyse f veiy wel l , as it was a. t-'ribly cjld day, ard there wps no shelter in the piddock. Tha i.ext ely my sis'e;s and I dio\e to Millei's Fiat spcrts— a distance of 20 miles. I enjojed 111} self capitally there. It was a lo^-cay day, ar.d the ground was crowded! with visioors. "We stiyed to the Jq-.ics at night, r.nd it vas a success We d:dn't get ony sleep thr.t morning aftci the dance was over, for we went to cur sisttr's place, ami l"y the time wo hid somo tea ard weie ready fo/ the load v vis day'ught. Just rs we were leaving for Lov.e it stalled to rr.r>. and kept on veiy lic.imlj until v,e weie haL'-w-a), but wo cSidn'ti get wet, as we were well v,-rappcd up, a.:d two of us were urder the nig. One time on the io?cl my Sister gave me the reins, and told ni2 to dilve for a few minutes tritil aho had a sleep. I h?d rot driven far wLen I fell asleep too. ard when I v. c\c my sifter was holding -the reins, and l the whip, which I i l.ad been holding, wasjoat, and, my word, didn't I get a owing' On 2\ew Yeat's Day we went to Eae's Junction spoils, and tliey weie veiy stale, but the dance at night %?."« just "tho glassy maiblc."' We st?yc-! until the finish after 2 o'clock, — and by the time we got home j it was daylight. I went to bed for two hours, j and then I had to get up ai:d mii't my cows. 1 I managed to stay up until after dinvei, when '■ I went to bed and slept ti.l milking time again, j That was the end of my holidays, and so fir i I don't know whether I shal' get any more or j not. With love to all my D.L F. iVienda, — Yours truly, AInTIIEA [''Just the glassy mrrble," Ar.'Jica ; what a quaint expression! I nci-er had it b^foid; but it is veiy €:-.prcc-sive, and not very ob- j jet-tionable, e\en though it is a piece of I slang.— DOT.] Dear Dot, — The weather is very w?rm up this pait of tho country, and tho grass 13 all dried up for wont of lain. I was at the spoits en Bcxmg Day, a^di I enjoyed myself immensely. I saw Pat Sneezer, Zcalaaidia, end Dieudonnie : there. A selitol concert was held ujd here at '■■ the annual break-up of tho local schcol, bat it was not up to .much — only three or four items being- done well. I found out who A Kilted J-raddio wao ; ho rave himself away when he said he w?s -working 011 a dredge. Well, Dot, thrt dredge ha 3 pasced through this ni serable little distuct also, and quite a scare she gave everyont when passing J-cwn the river. When she was coming' down Lh-e Teviot an 1 JubiJee dredges began to whistle, and the people stax-teel to mn foi the river bank, expecting to sec an accident ; but they were very much relieved when they fcand that it was the parting salut? tc the Long Valley dredge. With 10/e to Pat Sneezer, Dieudomiie, Zealandia, pud 1 Olive, ret forgettii:^ the editoi and yourself, — Yotiis truly, TEVIOTITE. [It must have been a great sight seeing the Lo.jg Valley dredge sailing <sown to her new claim, Teviotite. It is to be hoped slie will be more successful than 111 her old one. — DOT.] Dear Dec, — I have not written to jcu since I was a httie boj, when I asked you to name a small white kitten. lam now 15 year 3 old, ard have been in the Seventh Standard fci a. while. We are milking a few :ows, and vo send tha milk to tii3 creamery, which is pretty "near us. Ido ,not like milking Tevy much, but I have to do it. 1 am thinning Turnips at present. I often have some fun it. fis'lung, and the last day I went out I cavght aw e<s\. I know a few D L.F. aboiit j here, bur I don't think they will know me ! when I write. With best wishes to all the D.L.F., the edito-, ancS yourself, — Yours truly, SAXOTA. [It is quite pleasant to see a writer coming back to us "after long years," and you aie hcaitiiy welcome, Sanota.— DOT.] Deal Dot, — Yon will notice by the heading of this that I have shifted sinco last wilting to you. There pre a mimbei of L.I . about here, iand I know x good many, mcludii g Sweetheart, QueccJiy ilacain, Jecoamin<?, Izerica, Teviotite, Six Eyes, Mis. Poppy Crimson, Pat Sneezei, and Zcalan-dlia. I saw a letter non\ Maple Tree 11, ski one fiom. Stop Short, a £ew weeks ego Inm trying to ; get two of toy mates to write to you, and. 1 one is going t' write on Saturday, but the other is between "two minis," as the saying goes. Hildcghar is leaving here soon, and she says sl.fa is not going to write any more. T liavo got my sistei to write at last, but I was just going tc give it up, because every tune I asked her she would say, "Don't bother; I'll write some day." I suppose yon will be thinking I am rather a frequent writer, but tho more I wnte the Jiore interested I feel. At first I just u&ed to read a few of the letters, but now I can't put down the Witness without reading them all, 50 yoti see how it is I write so often. lam very sorry that I cannot go to the D.L.F. picnic at Millci's Fiat, the rcascn. being that the day named (January 2^ is thr- one fixed Icr our Sunday jchool picnir, and father oaul I had bettei go to the S.S. picnic. Iheio was a cone-art iv the hall on Boxing Xight, and I did not thuik it much: but, you know there :s always- a difference cf opinion, to I hacll battei hold Uuy to.igue. I had tha pleasure of scenic, my last letter to you cut out of the Witness and posted upon a telegraph post, with a slip of paper beuecth bearing the following iusciiption • — "This is a veiy good letter from a Bald Hill Flat co:respondent. If ycu guess who it is I'll give you half-a^crown." Then a confused jumble of letters followed, that looked like G. W C. I was very nearly going to clainn the halfciown, but on sccon-d 1 thoughts I produced my pocket knife and scraped it off. I didn't venture to wnte another, su. I was -i bit "afeered' of seeing it take a like prominent place. Well, Dot, it is .my bhthday today, so, you see, lam a l\ T rw Year's gift. I am just 14, so 1 have six precious more years to write tc th© page. How soiry I shall be to Bend 111 my farewell letter. I take such an interest in our page that I couldn t rethe befoie the retincg age comes, noi even if I tried to. lam not good at describing, >r I would try to describe this place, fo. I think it is siuJi ci dear little place. I like, to be down near the river, for I just lore the watei. The L.F. about lieve can't pronounce my X.D.P. properly. Some call me "Demdonme," "Duedonme," and on© actually jailed me "Judyjormie," or something veiy like it. I feel half inclined to be insulted, but I "conquer my feelings," and try to take insults as :cmphments. lam writing this on the vmdow-sill — my favourite resort foi letterwriting. My sister ha 3 taken a fancy to that j place too, which is very condescending on her I part, as she very seldom deigna tc copy ] my foolish habits. 1 did not g< anywhere for my holidays this year, but I vmi enjoying myself (or, rather, the holidays), foi a' that. I don't think that many L.F. will be going to the picnic, as evexyorte> I've asked said ] they -were going to tho S.S. picnic. It is I rather awkward) both, picnics being held! the same day, isnt it? What a pity the L.F. ! picnics wasn't January 3 instead of Jannarj 2. J am "main" Borry I cannot go, but it is too late to change the date now. I sent my auto. _tg Madame iMelba such & i«ne tinje. agOj jam}

have not received hers yet, but, like the poetf, I "'s'lil hve in hones" of geHmg it some day. Oh, clc. 1 I vhat's that- 9 I hrd better go and pci, ny Lrcakfast nov, for t 1 ,:c's that sister of n.iiie, "Conio ar.d g,cb \cur breakfast at one, or you rh?. It got any" at cW" ard if I j don't co — ah, well ! thi. house might tumble , dov.-.i ; Lou- 1 , my c-ar = , ai.d Tnv quite sure I wouldn't like tLat, so gocd-h-e. — Yours truly DIECJDOA"\ T IE. LTonr sister has cMdentlj- torus trouble la | gotting you to go to jcur m?a:=, Dieuckxm^c, 1 or sho wo.ild not ho:d out that throat to you.— DOT.] Dear Dot,— Sinco lsst v/ntirg to you I hava left dear old H\de, and I can't say I v,a<s sorry, lalthoa^h I heve spent all my happy school days there, and a good lr.aisy >th?r joyous seasons. I like ihe p ] ace Inn at nc-w. ! vfry much. lam 15 wiles awaj flora Hjdfj There are a gcel m.ir.y D.L.F. up here, andl 1 I think they all have badges. (3f coarse, a. ! riny haict'y gars by th.\t_ I <k> rot have a bis of fun with some of them Sii:co I hava been hers I have had' a jjC-od tinis gnrcg iouac& I ell the plain. It is a, very pretty place, end j they are such nice people up here. I did r.os I gst off at Christmas timo, but £ot my hoL-d-a^s at. Xew Year. I -went to Alidd'cmarc I.*1 .* to tho sports, and Arsia, Yzct^rn, a,nd I went all over the couiso, cr.d we *&\v about ! \v:o dczon D L.V. I spoke to tv.-o 01 them, but I ca'i't remembar their n-oma do plum-e-We met a gocd many friends, who tried veiy; hard to persuade us to step to the ball in tha evening. We tued tc clcse our esrs, as it was vciy tempting, cncS we knew v:a couldn't stay, as had piomi=<c-d to be hom^ that evening. I was at the sports at Wa.p:ata on Boxing Diy, but thy v. ere veiy slov/, a'i it Avas such bad weathsr, but they had a fairly good dc'ico m the evening. On New Year's live there vms a veiy enjoyable) e\ ening spent licre— "Hcgmansy" night. At 12 o'clock the Waipiata Brr-s Band and bagpipe pla\'ers march ?<?! round the t-ov>'n, and! I pity aayono that v,-?s in Leci. After they, weio satisfied they had roused everyone xii> thc-y cams back to tho hall ar.d began, dancing ■v\ith the others pg-ain, ]:espirig it uri till sbcxu 4 o'clock. In lfx>kiug over th^ D.L.F. Psga a v.-cek tgo I saw a lettc; signed "Excelsior,'' from Hycls. The writer seems to be unknown, and no one has heard of tho picnio ■ he sperV> abovt, or of the sprai:if-d ankle. I We aro ha\ir>g glorious weather here just now, ar.d I have been helping m the hay field. All tha faimcrs are wishirg for ram, and I Ihinlc thpy will soon ha-s it by the appearance of ! tho sky this evening. Tv^th jcvo to Ag-.tT, ! Victoria, Geneva, Uncle's Auntie, As.ita'a I Lo'-e, and a'l thr D.L.F., a::d to ilr Ed/or I and to voursslf, Dot, — Yours tiuly, ! " EV\XGELINF. [I hope Escekior will bo nbls to ■show n.ii he is a gomune writer, E\-a"gohne, end I phall wait anxiously for his explanation. — DOT.] Dear Dot, — It is such a 10-g, lo.ig tiue— rhnost thies ycar=— si-jCO 1 Irst wroto to you that I -wonder if you will take me back s-s die of your correspondent's and not punish nis> as fi deserter. Ido net know whrt the D.L.F. punishment fox such offends* s is, but I havei decided to risk it. It appears as 11 I am r.oi to writ" this letter without nuenuption. loj I have just reuu-iied frcm two journeys to tha house. The ffitr = t -was in search of a nib; thj second — wsll. when I returnpd I imindl a bigb!ot (that's the one thriv, Dot, I did my be=^ to scrape it out, but with what success I leave ycu to judge) — could sca/resly be called; a journey — it would be better k:-.cr.-n as a flying ■visit on purpose to tang out some blottingpaper. You will sea by this thit this letteis being wnltcii vi tho garden. I don't Know why it is, but I would always nuicb. rather write outside than m. Very likely that i 9 the way with. mc;t of us. Dear Dot, I waa vist going to wish ycu a happy Chii-tmcs, -when. I rsn-.ombeied it was past, hcwe\er, I hcp3 you had 011 a How the time decs fly! Only yesterday — Xew Yeir's Djj"— we had oai annual picnic, and it seams t!o nma smca the o.ies bcfoie it. Aiil'i that ikji :d» mo- also thau yesterday two of my six -wceki' holidnys expired. Only ar.ctb.ei io-ur weeks, and I shall bo bidding good-bye to homo ai,d all its su- - lrundings for jerhaps six months, for I shall the-u bs going back to en Jure the trials ard! herdsliips of school. "What is sha taikirt; about?" 1 think I hear someone ssj-: "Whoever hcaid ar.yon6 think schcol york hard? 1 ' As for the first question, I really don't thir; z th.ey would be far wrong, ps I jv.st lovo schco , and can't think -nhat por^-ssed me to put in those worc'3 about "trials, ' etc. Certainly I don't consider school a trial o-r a haidslup — rathe- the reverse. They say, "Think before you speak"; I think the same woids may a!sc» be applied to writing, don't you, Dot' At least thot is generally the. way 111 my cas-e. I just "slaj)' (if you will plepse excuse the slang) it down, and then thi.,k of whao I might have paid afterwards, when it is, of course, too late. Then there is Santa C'aus I don'i; know how often I unintentionally sacrificed tha tiuth that I might preserve this illusion in the minds of my yo-anger biorhers and sister. Peihpps it was not light, but I remember my great disappointment whc.i I disco ,-cred the ldeutitv of thj^ impctor. Then, what qussfiOiis thoss chilfrcn do Rr-kR r -k about him! But row he has gore- 101 another year, and _rnnyba when ire, lehutis they wi'l ha\c received, so.m enlightenment from =-cmc kind peison or other. Talking about impostors reminds m^-that even tha little folk have not beeu frcs from such an xndesirable class of people. But I may bo going toe far. St'll, I never hc-arJ an;r rnoie abcut Lamb, the melancholy L.F. I wonder was she (or he) am-orig the nbovenamed number. I see that Iheo-c'ora is r.ob an auto, collector; neither am I. I one > thought I rtmst be a very slow sort of person, as all the other L.F. seem to take such an interest in auto -hunting, but now I have company I dc not mind it so much. I daresay if I were to start it I might take more interest; in. it. It is like all other things, I suppose — - requires only a beginning, su<"h as reading. I often hava not the slightest desira to start a book, but when I once begi'.i there is no stopping me. Most little folk <=eemi to be fond >f this amusement. That id^a. o_T Pater's in last week's Witness is, I think, juss ? splendid o:ie, andl the. Canadian founder deserves credit and three hearty cheers (1 wis-h ha were here to get them) for promoting, it. How nice it would be to write to a person' miles ovt>r the- sea, and Teceive answers bac's. r.nd thcu the (I might say) slight .mystery thai; knowing nothing at all about yout correspondent, -would lend tc the affair. It 13 just » splendid idea, but, oh, I forgot; perhaps th'si coriespo.idijncc is intended for boys only, and. those poor -unlucky mortals known rs girls fro excluded. I sincerely hope not, fot - happen to belong to the latter class Bu . I suppose all who wish may wii*e. Up heicj it has lately been quite ti^ fashion to gei married, thevo having been tw. or three weddings celebrated lately, and all the signs and symbols that foretell an approachir.g marriages have also, in two or tlnee quarters, lately beera much in evidence. And there 13 good ground 1 for such a statement too, tor what is more calcalatcd in a country district like this toi arouse one's suspicions than the sight of four loving couples leisurely meandering up and down the shady lanes? Then again, when one sees a pair quietly surveying a neighbouring padidock, presumably witli the- intention of picking the site, who will choose but oiaw such. |L conclusion as I have already dona

end who will blamo him fear doing so? But I fancy I tear you in a disgusted ton-e say, "What sickening talk!" e» I sball now, after sending my love to all the L.F., not forgetVfcing their loader, Dot, the dearest Dot (dot) in the -world (pleaso excuse tbe familiarity), ■ and with deepest sympathy to Portia,, close this, I cm sadly afraid, uninterssting letter. — .Yours truly, ' TWIN. CAnything but as uninteresting letter, Twin, • though I am not quite sure of your Sherlock lock Holmes conclusions about the prospective weddings. I think I caii. answer for it that "Pater" would bo only too pleased) for girls to adopt his suggestion as -well a& boys, dear, and I it'ope you will see ycur way to do so before you go back to school.— DOT.]