EMMELINE'S " COSY CORNER CLUB."

Otago Witness, Issue 2669, 10 May 1905, Page 64

EMMELINE'S " COSY CORNER CLUB."

FIRST MEETING- SIXTH SESSION. TOPIC. — A Members' Meeting. — Emmeline leaves members free to choose -their own topics at this meeting, but would suggest as generally interesting a short account j ,©j the most enjoyable book -read since the 1904 session of -the club, or a brief sketch of your holiday trip. - My Dear Comrades, — I cannot tell you with •what genuine pleasure I meet you all to-day. tFinding so many old members in their -iaccustomed placea is delightful, and the j pleasure of disposing new members comfort- j ■»bly in our Cosy Corner is a cheerful sign ' jbf -the -popularity and vitality of the club [ 'which will appeal to every one of you. Once • an6re -expressing my pleasure at the capital , •jgttendan&e at the first meeting of our sixth ! jseßsion, and* commending to your good com- j Jcadeship our new members — Heartsease, ! J&uinevere, Madge, and Sally in our Alley, — 4 will ask you to settle down to the consideration of all those varied and pleasant contribuiions which I- have to lay before you. As you .r-ead, fancy that here is the voice of a ■friend and comrade speaking — one who pre- I -pently will listen in turn to you. • Dear Emmeline, — Unfortunately, tny genius (?) is of that erratic order that' generally re- ' fuses to be trammelled by the bonds of a pre- ' scribed subject. When a topic io announced it usually plants its feet, lays back its ears, and refuses to budge — just like any other "donkey. -But Emmeline. has graciously conside^ the convenience ef aucli " oamsteary.

;ions wl

critters " by providing an occasional members' meeting, at which they are free to wander in highways or byways as their fancy may direct. Availing myself of the privilege, I now propose to submit, for the consideration of the club, sundry reminiscences — guaranteed pari tially true — of days now long past, when, for ' a time, I sojourned in a farming district in 1 sweet Tipperary, before ever I was tempted to leave the shores of dear Ould Ireland. 1 will confine .myself at this time to a few words about one of nry former neighbours. I suppose it is necessary that he should have a name, so I may state that among his ac1 quaintances he was known as Barney — let us say Barney Pater, to distinguish him from Barney Filius, who may also appear to a small extent in these veracious chronicles, if you care to have any more of them. Barney Pater was as honest a fellow a.s there was any need for, with never a thought of taking advantage of others, unless it were just in a neighbourly kind of a way, as in selling a heifer or buying a pig ; but none of us thought j the worse of him for that, for, as Tim O'Rafj ferty remarked, " Sure, and wouldn't army of us do the same if we got the chance? " "With regard to personal appearance, Barney was as . fine a specimen of humanity as you could • wish to see, taking him lengthways — six-feet-two in his stockings, and thin in proportion. | He used to sometimes tell us of his brother in Cork, whom he always described as " a good bit taller than mesilf, but not quite so sthout," quite unconscious of the fact that ■ few indeed could have a better claim than ; himself to the decoration of the Most Noble | Order of the Lamp-post. I It is of no consequence whether Barney's j acres .numbered five or 500, but it was of j consequence to him that the greater number | of them were — like the miles of Kipling's j Himalayan king — on end. Once he patheti1 cally remarked to me, "How much aisier it would be to get up and down the hill if the \ ground was level." This seemed at first sight to be euch % self-evident proposition that I was on the point of giving it an unqualified j assent, for I make a practice of agreeing with a neighbour whenever possible, but I caught ' the bull just in time, and proceeded to demonstrate to my friend that if the ground were level, instead of being " aisier " it would be ahsloutely impossible to get either down or up. There were a few small tablelands between the highest and lowest points of Barney's estate, that afforded convenient restingplaces when making the ascent, and on one of these there at one time stood a small chaffcutter that it became desirable to remove to another field at a, lower level. Now its owner was great at expedients for saving labour, and the idea struck him that if he took off the fly-wheel, and started it rolling, it would assuredly Jind its own way downhill. And so it did. But he had forgotten that fly-wheels are made of cast metal, and when that wheel arrived at its destination it was in too many pieces to be of any further use. Barney, however, took the matter philosophically, and when relating the matter to me I ones evening found consolation in the reflect tion that "it was only an ould wan that be- ! longed to me cousin Larry afore he died wan time." This statement seemed to me to require consideration with regard to the matter of poor Larry's decease. The specific men- . tion of "wan time" was certainly an assertion by implication that there had been other times. I concluded that dt would be as well to inquire how long poor Larry usually re-, mained dead, and if he happened to be dead at the time of speaking? Then I reflected that some two years previously I had had the melancholy pleasure of attending Larry's wake and funeral. Possibly I did not keep quite as sharp an eye on the corpse as 1 would have .done had I been possessed of my present information,- but, to the best of my belief, we buried him securely, and I could ' not recollect having heard of any sxibsequent 1 reappearance on his part, so I was reluctantly i forced to tho conclusion that, this time at. least, poor Larry was permanently dead. KERANI. Tour Irish acquaintance is an acquisition, Kera-ni, and will, I hope, continue to contribute through you, when occasion offers, au element rare enough to be exceeding j precious in our Cosy Comer — humour. You will let us become better acquainted with him; and if I have been obliged to use the scissors somewhat unsparingly I hope you will agree that the shearing process has been carried out with discretion. Old members j have privileges on the one hand ; on the other they carry the somewhat onerous responsibility of " setting an example " to new members. It is one of the objections frequently urged against women occupying public positions that they would never merge personal sentiment in public feeling, is it not? So I hope you will appreciate the fact that as president of th.i C.C.C. I can rejoice that Lex has succeeded in Luring you back, when all the persuasions of Emmeline failed. The officebearer, you see, silences the slighted feminine, I and warmly welcomes Kerani to his old seat among us. — The Upward Climb. — Dear Emmeline, — The re-opening of the club marks another stage of the long journey. Let tis patise and look back by the way we have come. Have we mounted' any of the heights, or are we wandering idly in the pleasant valleys? No d'C'ubt we each look from a different standpoint. Some from the height attained look back with a glad heart at the thought that the woary climb has not to be experienced ao-ain, and a. feeling that strength for ■what is yet on ahead will be lortliconiing. The way to thu highest summit .may be shrouded m mist ; but still, was it not so before? and yet the guiding hand led them safely on. They mark the spot where they stood halting between two ways. Ah! how nearly they stayed there. Duty's path looked so grim and dark a<nd rugged. What an effort it was to leave that sunny path and plunge in among the shadows. But the full view and the end of the punny path is theirs now, and they shudder as they turn their eyes from it. After all, tho shadows were but fleeting and lefreshing after the hot glare of the sunshine. As they passed over one earn© into- the light, and it was stronger than before. Then ihere are others: how often we meet them wandering idly in the valleys. The view of the heights has been theirs, and they commenced the ascenit ; but they have grown weary. Her© are companions for us. They aie content to stray idly here ; here- let us mingle with them. At times a longing to ascend conies over them, and they try, but they sink bpekward again, realising that now it is impassible to bear the heat of such, a struggle, and. they finally give up. What are these heights ? Each one of us is surrounded by them. Sometimes wo hear it said 1 of one we have known, "How lovable she was." What a triumph for that one to have known that sh© had climbed so steadily and surely that evidence of the height reached was clear to all. Yet the steps wera so short, and so many had to be taken at the beginning ; but near the top she piogressed rapidly. Those little steps taken in learning self-control resulted in that calm bearing under all circumstances, which imparted a feeling of confidence to those who were led by the sympathetic touch to unburden their load of anxiety to her. It is so natural to pass judgment on others' actions viewed from our standpoint, but she took the steps which led her to look from their standpoint, and the xeault was she sympathised. WLcn gver-

taken by this or that heavy trial the pi-ogress was slow, but faith conquered., the cairn spirit o\ tru=+ remained unshaken, and the ascent was perceptible to all. The dark clouds lowered, and the distant murmur of the storm was hesud as though to break in all itg fury; but through the clouds came the whisper of Hope, and before it the darkness fled. Height at far height was taken, until the summit w&a reached. Liet us, too, leave the valleys and win thorn l The view from the top is glorious enough tc repT,y the toil and trial of the chiub. " MARMEE.

You have chosen a topic which should appeal to all of us, llaimee, for whether we are busyidle in {he valley, or have taken the hiil road already, and even, as many of our members have, I know, climbed far ; yet the mountain air is keen, and we may faint by the wayside. It is good to be reminded that "ye must pit a stout heart till a sbas brae," and that the same beneficent sunshine which penetrated the mists before will do so again. Do you, know those lovely lines of Christina Rossetti's, entitled "Uphill." I can only Quote a few lines just now : " Does the road wend uphill all the way ?—? —

Yes, to the very end. Will tho day's journey take the whole long day ?— Ficon morn till night, my friend. Shall I rueet other wayfarers at night? —

Those who have gone before. Then must I knock or call when just in sight ?— Thej will not keep yoxx standing at that door." Dear Emmeline, — You suggest as our theme to- day the most interesting book read since our last session closed. I have read "The Vagabond," "The Millionaire," "The American Prisoner" — the last-named recalling vividly, at paits, my old favourite, "Lorna Doone." I visited that part of Devon many years ago, and the local colour seems both strong and true. However, the book that has engrossed me and given me the most keen pleasure is not a very new one. It was printed in 1901. Perhaps all our comrades, however, may not have made its acquaintance, so I will, without further preamble, hasten to introdiice them to the strong pure personality of David Rossi, or Leone, the hero of the book. He is described as being in person tall, dark, and distinguished, gieat ecstatic eyes, solemn expression, and deep, vibrating voice, tongue like a sword and pen like a dagger. To the question, "What is David Rossi?" the answer given by a young Roman was, "An Anarchist, a republican, a Nihilist, anything as old as the hills, only everything in a. new way." We first hear of Ros-si opposing tho Government on the subject of the bread tax, and in this way making sm open enemy of the Prime Minister, one Baron. Bonelli, a deep and crafty statesman, clever and cold, with apparently no drop of the milk of human kindness in his highly-polished person. Rossi wished to establish the Republic of Man, taking as his creed and charter nothing more or less than the Lord's Prayer. The cLarter he deduced from the Lord's Prayer was tlis:

"We believe that the source of all light and all power is God ;

"We believe that government exists to secure to all men equally the natural rights to which they are born as sons of God ;

"We believe that all governments must derive their power fro.ra the people governed ;

"We believe that no artificial differences an-ongst men can constitute a basis of good government ;

"We believe that when a government is destructive of th© natural rights of man it is mean's duty to destroy it;

"We believe that all forms of vioienoe are contrary to the spirit of God's law;

"We believe that prayer and protest are the only weapons of warfare which hiimanity may use — prayer addressed to God, protest addressed to man ;

"We believe that they are the most effectual v capons humanity has ever used against the evils of the world;

"We balieve that they are the only weapons used or countenanced by Christ ;

"We- believe that where they do not take effect in themselves, they take double effect in suffering;

"We believe it is the duty of all men to use the Lord's Prayer, to believe in it, to live according to its light, and to protest against everything which is opposed to its teaching ; "We believe that this is the only way. man can help to bring to pass the Kingdom of God, on earth as it is in heaven."

You will see from this" that Rossi was a Sc-cialist, but of the order founded close on 2COO years ago by no less a teacher than Jesus Christ the Son of God— the Divine Man. The beautiful Roma is the heroine of the story. She is lovely m person, and before we take our sad farewell of her sh6 has become equally beautiful in mind. There are many thrillingly diamatic situations throughottt the story, but it is the "bumanness" of it all that appeals to me most.

The Pope, recognising the deeply religious sertiment hovering in- the heart of David, sought an interview through one of his cardinals to see if he would be prepared to support the claim of the Pope to temporal power. Finding this was not what he desired either, the cardinal asked him where the Divine rule of the world was to come from, if not from Popes or Kings?

"From humanity," said David. "Humanity is -^he only thing divine in this world. It is orir O2ily proof of God, of immortality, aird- of right and of wrong. You cannot appeal to it as you can to King or Pope, or the ignoble side of the heart or 1 senses. It only answers to the true and the everlasting."

The story of the love and lives of Da-vid avid Roma must be read to be appreciated. Suffice it to say that in the end of the story, in spite of having effaced himself in expiation of his one mistake, when he returns to Rome, many years later, it is to find his heart's dearest hopes realised — the Republic has been established, and his name is being honoured as the initiator of the great International Federation. "There is a greater man than the great man — the man who is too great to be great " INCONNTJ.

I can quite believe that "The Eternal City" appealed very strongly to you. Inconmi, for I gathered long ago from your letters and contributions to ou.r club that you sympathise deeply in all questions of human ettScs. I think that in giving the gosp&l of Rossi, you have "picked the bone*" of the book far more effectively than had you devoted your space to a synopsis, no matter how well condensed, of the individual characters. The work of Marie Corelli has been a. favourite topic for criticism and discussion in the magazines lately, usually bracketed with the work of Hall Came, these two being- the most popular novelists of the present day. It is interesting — and shall we say cynically amusing? — to note the elaborate and singularly varied reasons given by writers for the overwhelming popularity of the two novelists in question. I wonder what yoxi think?

Dear Emmeline, — With the advent of another Cosy Corner session I have made a resolution which I trust all comrades have also made — namely, that of being present at each meeting, Cosy Corner being losiest when every seat is occupied. I fancy I see our dear Emmelin.© smile wher^ on the appointed day,,

a pile of miscellaneous literature — like ourselves, good, bad, and in different — lies on her table to be sorted up for the typist, spelling and grammar corrected, punctuation attended to, crude thotight touched with that delightful pen of hers till it almost becomes her own, and then setting the whole in a note so kindly as to repay all the trouble of the writer. Then if it be for nought else — and there are many other reasons — let each of us endeavour to keep the face of dear Emmeline lit up with that smile of satisfaction.

Talking about books, the last one I heard read (tho members of this particular Cosy Corner having come to the conclusion that polo reading in the home was selfish; but more of this anon perhaps) was " The Man From Glengarry." This will prove how how far we are behind the times, but you wish to know our opinion of the latest book we have read, and we must perforce be truthful. Ralph Connor's book was just the thing foi* a winter's night and % cosy fire, so we enjoyed "it. We fancied ourselves on the big laft on the Ottaway. Our hearts swelled wiih pride at the logging bee watching the forest giants fall beneath the axe of Alec M'Rae. There is something almost divine, is there not, in strength of limb? We were indignant and fearful in the shanty when the Glengarry boys were "walled" by their rivals, and our hearts re-echoed "Glengarry for ever! " when the door burst open and revealed Macdonald Dhu to the rescue. What a brutal, magnificent struggle it was 'twixt he and Le Noir! What an amount of human nature was there in the disappointment of the Macdonalds at the mercy of their chief. What a master stroke of genius it was to turn such bitter hate into the channels of love! Then there was Mrs Murray, the woman who left the ease and elegance of society to be — but one must needs recount the whole of the romance tot convey a true idea of what she was to those rough woodsmen. It is women like her that make men of Ranald's stamp out of the rough — and you cannot tell how they do it. Portions of "In the Matter of Prayar " recalled this character vividly to our minds. Her life was one prayer — not lip prayer ; the prayer of noble action, of love, of good example, of high ideal. "A little lifting up of the heart suffices," quotes dear Emmeline from Brother Lawrence, and the heart of this noble woman was forever lifted up. Nor is this character overdrawn ; many such are within the bounds of our own knowledge, and they make the stormy ways of life as the gates of Paradise. Mamie, too, was a well-thought-out character. In turn we loved and hated, hated and loved her, just as she seemed to return or coquette with Ranald's devotion, for we loved Ranald very much, he Swas so brave and straightforward and simple-minded. After all, however, Mamie turned out to be a dear good girl, and married exactly- as we intended her to; but the limit is already passed, and I am only giving .•you old news. So with kind greetings to all (comrades, I remain, dear Emmeline, your devoted BOY FRIEND.

As usual, Boy Friend, you inspire me to actioa. I never read any one of your letters or sketches without drinking the healthy stimulant of suggested thought or action. I must read '' The Man From Glengarry," for your book friends are sure to be mine in this case, I can .see. Members of Cosy Corner who have read the book will enjoy your appreciation of it, and unconsciously rivet another link in the sweet meshes of the Unknown Friends. Those who, like myself, are ignorant of its charms will find an added attraction, small and subtle, m the connection of ideas which will silently challenge .agreement or dissent from the verdict you have given us. But I note the " we," and I fancy a sweet and girlish presence, whose charm has turned life's solo into a duet. See, dear Girl Friend, will you not take this cosy little wicker chair beside Boy Friend, and let us feel that Cosy Corner has a welcome nook for you, where you will bring your work perhaps, or sit in grateful restfulness — a lenient listener.

Dear Emmeline, — During the summer holidlays my sister and I went for a trip to New Plymouth, and had stich a nice time. We had. good weather most of the trip, and managed to get there and back withoiit being seasiok, though I must confess we were trainsick. Imagine 13 hours in the train, the express 25 minutes late, and dashing along trying to catch lost time ! ! Two-thirds of the passengers were sick, but though nearly everyone looked gloomy there were some funny things. We tried to reach the dining car, and had quite an eventful though rather inglorious passage through the intervening carriages. One minute you tripped over a small urchin, the next sat down somewhat hurriedly on a fat man's knee; rising up suddenly you were hurled against an elderly dame, much to the detriment of her best bonnet. •Everyone took it in good part, and laughed at your graceful (?) flouiiderings. At 9.20 we reached our destination, glad to retire to Blanket Bay. Next day we set out to explore. Oh, those gardens ! As view after view of fairy loveliness met our gaze we exhausted all our ex- < clamations, and at last had the grace to be j silent. Down a side path we came on a little pond, covered with exquisite water lilies, spreading their broad leaves and white flowers on the surface of the water. We caught glimpses of snow-capped Mount Egmont as j we wandered on, not caring where we went, , all seemed so beautiful. We visited the Exhi- J bition and the model Maori village. If the latter "were a fajr tspecimen of Maori life, it i seemed to be " all play and no work," and the Maoris themselves seemed to enioy it as much as anyone. Most of them talked and laughed and danced, like so many children; but ihere was one old woman, with weird eyes and weirder cries, who gave one a chilly feeling up the spine. She seemed solemn enough, and looked as if she were about 100. j You could imagine her filled with all knowledge of the past, and even of the future. After leaving New Plymouth we had a few days at Wanganui, but that much-talked-of town and river I will say nothing about. Then "we had a nice quiet -week in the conn- ' try — at least it would have been quiet but for a ipretty severe earthquake. People's nerves hardly seemed to have recovered from the big shock, and they were all on the gui vive for another. Coming to Wellington we were interested in the way they pushed the train up the Rimutaka. We had three | engines tc only five carriages, but there ! seemed no difficulty in coming down. Two nice quiet nights on the water, with a few ! broiling days in Christchurch, and we were landed in good order and condition at Port j Chalmers, and soon entrained for home, sweet j home. — Yours truly, JACK.

Well, really, Jack, I think you had a charming holiday. I am one with you in all yoiir raptures on the beauty of New Plynnmth. I love it. Are not the great Datma's exquisite? swinging their -waxen white censers in the sunshine, and flooding the air with perfume? And the mountain — Egmont; — is it not splendid? How it dominates \he lan.ds,cape — and the people. Everyone looks towards " the mountain " for tokens of wind, and signs of weather, and joy of beauty. It used to seem to me as though one should pray there — you know the feeling I mean, Jack, don't you? And the puriri trees in the gardens — did you notice them? — foliage, lowers, and hei-iies, all in full beauty, at

once. But Egrnont ' I spoke of its dominating the landscape, Jack; but a sailor friend of mine tells me that over 200 miles out to sea he has seen that lovely summit just showing over the rim of the horizon. And the climb over the Rimutaka is very interesting-. I got some pretty sketches there as the train, climbed, and groaned, and panted upwards — • the peeps down at some mountain stream overhung with bush and ferns, and sun-glints shivering the white mists to light its rapid! waters ; and then for contrast the long miles of ghostly dead trees blasted by bush fires, and stripped by wind and weather. Like you, I enjoyed the run very nmch, Jack, as you can tell by my remembering so well a trip that is now seven years old.

Dear Emmeline,— lt is with great pleasure that I greet you and my comrades at the first meeting of the C.C.C, 1905. I have no holiday trip to amuse or entertain you with, so will try to give you a short account of the most interesting book I have read duiing the year. It is a book of travel by Dr Sven Hedin, " Through Asia," published in 1898. Added^ to the interest of its being a comparatively, new book of travel, it also describes a country little known or visited by Europeans — the Pamirs of Asia. The author spent threa years and a-half in the heart of Asia, with no companions save his native servants. His long, weary, and desperate march" through the d&sert, his sufferings from hunger and thirst, and the loss of his whole caravan ; how he manfully fought his waythrough the last part literally on his hands and knees, is told in the most graphic language, as is also his lonely wanderings amongst tho great Mongolian lakes. His description, too, of the Kirghiz people, thosa wandering tribes who inhabit Central Asia, living in tents and herding their flocks and cattle a3 did the patriarchs of old. So vivid! is the author's account of the.se people that ib needs little to imagine what they are like :! they ar9 almost as real as if one had actually seen them. Their national dish, "ash,"' has a, homely sound. We would call it a stew or hash in these days, but the old cookery books always spelt it "ash." And no doubt the recipe for making the dish was brought to us from the East by some traveller. Some of his word pictures are very fine; take this one for instance : " A low hill in the vicinity gave us a distant view of the Little Kara-kur, a beautiful Alpine lake embosomed in deep mountains, whose reflections played upon its surface from green to blue. The Ice was all gone except for a, small strip near the southern, shore. A fresh breeze was blowing off the lake, ruffling its surface with foam-tipped waves, which chased one another in endless succession, and finally broke against the shore with a rhythmical and harmonious murmur. That I should come back again to that lake I little dreamed at the time I first saw it; and yet I did come back, and its lovely shores grew dear to me ! " But it is Mus-tagh-ata-, 25,600 ft high, the highest mountain of the Pamirs, and one of the highest in the world, that will claim from the rea-der, I think, the most attention. " Mus-tagh-ata is," says the author, " a truly magnificent mountain. Wherever the Kirghiz pass it or first catch sight of it on the course of a journey, they; fall upon their knees and say their prayers. Mus-tagh-ata is invested with a halo of mystery, and made the centre of a tissue of legends and stories. The half-wild Kirghiz look upon is as a, holy mountain, and regard it with reverence and fear. No wonder, then, the European does not escape the magic glamour of its spell." And some of this " magic glamour" will fall upon the reader as ~he reads, and he will feel the spell of that great white mountain. Dr Sven Hedin made four attempts -at different seasons to reach the summit, biit failed through unfavourable weather and physical weakness after reaching an altitude of 20,660 ft.

The book is in two large volumes, and to each volume there is a most excellent map, showing the country and his route. Besides the3e there are a .great many interesting photographs taken by the author during his wanderings. I should like to say more about this interesting book, but not having it by me I have had to depend upon my memory and ai few notes for the quotations I have given from it.

Colonel Younghusband's expedition into Tibet and to Lha-ssa has taken place during the year, and much of the country he had to traverse would be the same as that travelled over and so well described by Dr Sven Hedin.

GERALDINE.

I congratulate you oh your choice of a book to share with us, Geraldine. I scarcely reinembsr reading any book -which was more absorbing of its kind. Especially did the various pictures of Mus-tagh-ata catch mj fancy. There is something weird and appealing about that strange Kirghiz legend of the ancient city of '' ferrardar " which crowns its di&tant summit. The City of Bliss^ — the simple paradise of a simple people, where the fruit treee bear all the year round (oh, the weariness of an eternal summer!), the flowers never wither, the beauty of the women never fades — death, cold, and darkness are banished from its walls for ever, because — and here is the poetry of this otherwise prosaic paradise — ferrardar was built in the days when universal peace and happiness reigned throughout the world — built, and forever isolated, so that no breath of sin or sorrow, no taint of corruption or of death, has risen to the city in the clouds. Did you read an article on Dr Sven. Hedin which appeared in one of the magazines a few months back, Geraldine? I was so taken with it. Th-& man himself, apart from his achievements, is evidently a most charming personality — such a son and brother! Can there be higher praise?

Dear Emmeline, — The last trip I had is sucK ancient history that I have almost forgotten it ; but the last holiday Billie and I had is still fresh in my memory. Billie declare™ the best place to enjoy a well-earned rest is at home, and made all the plans for a week of bliss and contentment. Billie had possessed! himself of a worn-out magic lantern, and proceeded to mend it. For hours Billie and I hammered and tinkered and soldered, and sM last all was ready, and we lit up. We lit up to such an extent we melted the solder, andi spent another half-day in repairing the damage, and then the tank leaked, and Bilhe and I were tired of soldering. Billie tried a. small lamp, and it worked a little better, but in trying to make it still better the globe broke. Three globes broke — they break very easily, and Billie and I found ourselves at a loss. We could get no more to fib. Bilhe'3 genius again made itself felt, and the burner of a big lamp set on a tin of kerosene did duty. We lit up again. Billie closed the door with a bang, and waited. It burned beautifully. Afc last we had a magic lantern, and only had to wait for darkness. It was an advantage to be at home. One could get all sorts of things handy. Some tilings were too handy, and a big basin of jelly juice was overturned byj Bilhe's foot. We did the b&st we oould under the circumstances, and managed to save quite a lot of it with the aid of a saw before anyone noticed it. We fastened a sheet to the wall with forks, the table was pulled into position, the machine box placed on top of it, and the lantern on top of all. " Now," said Billie, " we'll be ready in a minute. Tell all thoss who want to see it to be quick." The audi«

ence sat in silence and waited. Billie shifted and poked and placed and replaced the lantern; a faint light showed on the sheet. " Hurrah ! " said Billie. "It is going to be good when I get it focussed." "Why don't you focus it, then? " someone asked, and there was an ominous silence. Billie was focussing diligently, and still the light was the same. 1 "Turn up the light," commanded Billie. I turned it up.

■"Higher," said Billie grimly, and I turned it higher.

The flame came out of the chimney. Billie grabbed the tray (our best one) the lantern was reposing on, and carried it all out. The globe did not break, but we had to solder again, and the tray is black in patches now. Worst of all, when the lantern went out the light on the sheet was still the same. It was the moon shining through the window. Billie and I made that lantern work, and Lad the pleasure of giving the family a truly pleasant and instructive entertainment. Billie made his own lantern slides and his own .speeches. He always had his own picture , put- in first. Somehow it always went in upside down. Billie allowed me to work the elides, but never again, was I asked to turn up the light. I was also allowed to fasten the sheet, and put things in their places when the entertainment was over. For a week we had a magic lantern every night, and often through "the day. Once we had three " shows " in one day, but that meant much blocking out of light, and even Billie tired of that. It was; really very 'good; everyone said so, .even after the sixth time of seeing, and one -soon got used tq the smell of kerosene. A ~ .-visitor is always here, but when the .lantern -was the., rage they were received with -open arms at atiy time of the day. As soon as he decently could, Billie would say, ' '' Would ~ ' like to see our . magic lantern ? " Our .vistibrs are always polite, and we always had .» show. Billie,. would block up cracks, windows, keyholes, etc., and once more the odour of burning kerosene would fill the room. That is how we spent our week, and Billie and I are both ready to declare there is no place like home if you want a good holiday.

TAFFY.

"I can see the magic lantern entertainment perfectly, Taffy, perhaps because a younger member of our- own family had a magic lantern and gave entertainments in the bathroom, the price of admission being an ■apple. At first any apple was accepted, but -atjout the same time that the proprietor of the show became hypercritical about the kind of apple that passed as currency the housemother grew restive .on- the subject of sheets, all -of which combined to " close the season." .1 am delighted to see you in your old place, and hope it will never be vacant at this session's meetings. — Sympathy. —

"We all have our disappointments and sorrows. .In most of our lives they outnumber the joys. We each of us secretly feel that our lot, is harder than that .of our neighbour, that - it is we ourselves who most need sympathy. And yet, perhaps, if we only knew, we are walking side by side with one whose heart is racked with bitter pain, or sick with weary longing for that which never conies. We grow^tired and discontented, brooding over our own -small crosses, till life seems a burden •too heavy to be borne. But if we only" knew /what some are suffering — some whom we deem .peevish, and irritable, or who, maybe, seem careless and happy-go-lucky in their effort to hide their hurt from the curious eyes of a coldhearted world — we surely would, turn our thoughts from self to the needs of those around ais. A little -honest love' and sympathy will do more than we dream towards brightening "saddened lives. A word, even a look, may, unknown to us, change a whole life, and, according as it -was given — in love or hatred, in the spirit of the loving Christ or in the selfish spirit of this world, — may wield a mighty influence for weal or woe right down through the ages. But the full magnitude of our influence is almost too great for finite minds to realise. We are more touched by the immediate effect of our actions on the lives of those who come into close contact with us, especially our nearest and dearest. We are seldom as kind to these as we should be. We reprove them enough when they disappoint us or do us discredit. Why, then, are we so sparing in our expressions of appreciation for Service rendered? And then there are those whom we meet in our daily path. Too proud, it may be, to admit the fact, yet hungering for sympathy, just longing for a few kindly words or a. warm hearty handshake. How often, alas! we turn coldly away, heedless of their loneliness ; and so' the heart that hoped for encouragement from us is embittered, and we ourselves are the poorer for our sin of omission. " Scorn not the slightest word or deed, Nor deem it void of power; There's fruit in each wind-wafted seed, Waiting its natal .hour. A whispered word may touch the heart, And bring it back to life ; A look of love bid sin depart, And still unholy strife. 2fo act falls fruitless; none can tell How vast its power may be; Jf or' what results enfolded dwell Within it silently." • • " MADGE. In"sympathy" and "encouragement" you have selected two daily, hourly needs of every-day life, Madge; something that comes home to ■ns all, from 16 to 60; and I think you have given us all a gentle reminder which cannot come amiss. Encouragement should be carried much farther than it generally is, I am sure; but too much sympathy, like too much charity, is not good for him who gives or he who takes.

Dear Ernmeline, — I have always enjoyed leading your Cosy Corner notes, and always longed to be a member, so I thought this year I would make up niy mind and join. I have Ueen very interested in reading Winston Churchill's books, also Gertrude Atherton's. These books, although light, are instructive, giving you an insight into the ways of the people of olden times, also the history and politics of America, France, and England, making one wish to read deeper books, and take an interest in great men's lives that are spoken of in their works; and I think it would be a great help to young people if they read these sort of books. I am sure they would get a taste for something deeper; but to try to read a deep book'right off after being used to light literature is a great taslc. If Jjooks like these were read in schools it would make history very much more interesting. And then the lives of those men — the Presidents of America, — what hardships they endured in those days to gain their rights! "And the soldiers, how •willingly they gave up all for their country, like- the Japs are doing now, and with very much the same cause. And then take the •women of that day. Take Polly Ann (of the "Crossing") for an example. What she endured for love's sake! Can you wonder at the men being so brave, with wives and mothers such as she. And now take the beautiful descriptions of the country both in Gertrude Atherton's and Winston Churchill's works. How well they bring it all before your eyes. How you go with them on each day's march through the forest and down the mighty rivers,

Canadian fall pales at the approach of winter ; the birds fly south, frost lies white in the shadows, ice lingers by the water's edge ; and amid the drifting leaves move ever the human forms, arming themselves against the relentless foe they are going forth to meet. Of the siient, Aurora-lit North, in its grim whit© .shroud,, a few words only will not suffice. Realisation comes following the footsteps of those who trod the barren grounds. Of all this; of'Bolton and Herron; of their canine servants, among whom the great hound, Mack, stands human even as they ; and of May-may-gwan, the Ojibway girl, whose life held naught but the man who " filled the doorway of her heart and blotted out the light" — who drank her love-potion to the dregs, yet -from whom the one great ingredient which glorifies was withheld — if you -wmild read, go to " The Silent Places." GABRIELLE. As I certainly shall, dear Gabrielle, following your footsteps while yet the trail is fresh m your convincing words. Strange, I have had the book some -time now, always intending to read it, placing it even xipon the little stack of " Good-night books," but something has always come between me and '" The Silent Places." You have done me a service, I feel sure, and doubtless many others of our little company also. Dp3.t Emmeline, — Soon after Christmas, on a beautiful day, I drove with some friends through the pretty little town of Winton and for some miles up the North road. We had a grand view of the Moonlight ranges and the Dipton Hills, with the Bastian standing out in relief. The air was very clear and invigorating. Wo then drove oast, facing the Hokonuis and Forest Hill, and camped on a &teep rise of gicund, whore we had a fine view of the country round. We boi'ed our billy, and ha-d our lunch in tho shade of senre trees ; a.nd, dear Emmeline, if you would , enjoy a cup of tea, drive some distance along ; the country roads, and then nave seme tea ' made in the billy, and if you have never tasted it, you will scarcely believe how gocd it is without trying it. After our horse, as well as we ourselves, had had a good lunch and rest, we went on to a friend's home, nestling iv a beautiful valley beside a clear stream of water, in which the tiout play and hide in its depths^" There we had afternoon tea and a fiiendly chat, and also music and singing. We intended returning home another way, but we had such an enjoyable time at our friend's that we stayed there too long, so had to return by the way we went. Now, dear~ Emmeline, .

all stand out vividly in the story, and as vividly stand the scenes. From the shipbuilding yards, with their noise of clanging barnmers, the author takes us to the lonely marshes, the re-d house on the cliff, or the Ifttle cottage where Bess anct the apprentice meet, and every soene lives. All through the book there is the charm of outside things, the smell of the sea wind, and the sight of blue water, as the apprentice works in his drawing shed with the open sea- doors ; the sound of the sea across the marsh at night ; the garden upon the cliff; the picture of the day in the English woods, and the return of the barges at night; Foy's rido to the sea, and the description of the glorious day, which ends in the thunderstorm at night — all are adniiiable. And to me it seems that in this blending of poetry and power, of the peace of land and sea. and the passions of men lies much of the fascination of the book. It is a book that holds more than the mere story, for thought must come into the reading of it, and with the ending it is not forgotten, nor does interest die. I came to the ending, aend closed its pages, perhaps not quite satisfied, perhaps seeing some tL ings that I could wish, altered, but nevertheless realising all tho pleasure that it had bi ought me, and' that it would in future lank high among the books I love. EVE. Your sketch is provokingly alluring, Eve, dear — provokingly so becaiise — am I hopelessly ignorant, or are you unpractical for once ?—? — you do not tell us who wrote a book you have already mads me wish to read, and I am sure 1 shall not be the only one! The shipbuilding- yard, the sound of the swinging hammers, — I hear them, — the smell of the boiling pitch, the glow of the low fires, the sough of the sea that cannot be far away, go to my heart, Eve, dear. Who wiote "The Apprentice"? Do tell. Perhaps I should be ashamed to confess I don't know. Should I? j _ Dear Emmeline, — I think one of the most ' interesting books I have read si^ice 190 i session is "God's Good Man." The Rev. John Waldren, a bachelor of 40, is the pastor of an English country village. He is very fond of his books and garden, and beloved of his parishioners. He is not pleased at the return of Miss Vancourt to the manor. She has been leading a fashionable life, and Waldren thinks her mfluonce will not be for good. The villageis aievery indignant because her agent, Oliver Leech, oiders five ancio-nt beech trees, called the Five Sisters, to ba cut down. Miss Vancourt sends Leech word not to touch the trees, and Iho strikes her messenger. She dismisses Leech

moral, which many of our books lack. I do, indeed, admire some of Maryllia Vancourt's opinions. She was a good, pure-hearted woman, declining to be in the ranks of society such as she had mixed with while in the care of her aunt, Mrs Fred. Vancourt. . Maryllia Vancourt, although rather spoilt as being the only child, had grown to womanhood with some splendid ideas, not derived at all from her aunt's teachings, I am sure. She does not want to make a good marriage, such as her aunt has brought her up to believe is the only thing for her — a good marriage meaning plenty of money and a grand sounding title, but without the greatest blessing of all — true love. Maryllia simply wants the love of a good, honest man, one whom she knows loves her for herself alone. I admire Maryllia. When her guests were going to play a game of cards on Sunday she objected, and announced that that should not happen in her father's house. On being remonstrated with, and reminded that she used to do so herself, she- replies, " In my aunt's house I did as she wished; in my own home I please myself." If everyone had the courage to speak so, how much better the world would be, would it not? The Rev. "Waldren is, truly, a grand character. His ideas are so good and high. He is splendid when he expresses his opinion on the subject of smoking, that "he had always been under the impression that ladies never smoked." I quite agree with him, for I think it is a disgusting habit, and anything but ladylike. I see that I have extended over the limited number of words. I will conclude with saying that I think the truest saying of all is, "An honest man or woman is the noblest work of God," and I think the Rev. Waklron and Maryllia Vancourt are two of these.

HEARTSEASE

As I have not read the book, Heaitsease, I cannot compare notes with you, but I will do something -jxueh more to the point : tell you that I am glad to welcome you, and hox^e that you will take a pride and pleasure in the Cosy Corner Club, and always try your very hardest to make your contribution worthy a place there.

In the pleasant vaiiety of to-day's topics you will all, my comrades, have found something which claims your sympathy and interest — something, too, I daresay, to invite to healthy difference of opinion, which is as stimulating as that dash of cayenne in the soup. To such dear and valued members as Ted, Lex, Country Mouse, Val, and Gnib, I know that one and all of you wish, to join.

me in niy expression of regret at their absence aiid hearty hope that next month' 3 meeting may find each well-worn seat occupied. " EMMELINfi,

LATE-COMERS

I>ear Enimeline, — Although I have been watching 1 for the opening again of the C.C.C, I am afraid my contribution for this month will appear a very short one. I have accepted ycur suggestion re a book, and am sending vcm two sonnets from "Sonnets of This Contury," which I got at Christmas time, and with which I pni really pleased Here is one from Eugene Lee-Hamilton, called "The Phantom Ship" : "We touch Life's shoie as swinunjrs from a. wreck. Who shudder at the cheerless land they reach. And find their comrades gathered on the beach, Watching a fading sail, a small, white speck—. The phantom ship, — upon whose ample deck There seemed awhile a homeward place for 1 each: The crowd still wring iheir hands, %a& stall beseech ; But see, it fades, in spite ci pi aver and beck. Let those who hope for brighter shores nd more, Not mourn, but, turning inland, bravely seek What hidden wealth, redeems the shapeless shore. Tho strong must build stout cabins for tha weak ; Must, plan and stint ; must sow and reap and store, For grain takes root though all seems bare and black"

The other is from Dante Gabriel Rossetti, and is considered the most beautiful sonnet he has written, as well as one of the most beautiful in the language.

— For a Venetian Pastoral. — (By G-iorgione.) "Water, for anguish of the solstice: — nay, But dip the vessel slowly, — nay, but lean And hark how at its verge the wava sighs in Reluctant. Hush ! beyond all depth away The heat lies silent at the break of day. Now the hand trails upon the viol string-, That sobs, and the brown faces cease to sing-, Sad with the whole of pleasure. Whithez stray Her eyes now from whose mouth the slim pipe 3

creep, And leave it pouting, while the shadowed grass Is cool against her naked side? Let be; Say nothing now unto her lest she weep, Nor name this ever. Be it as it was — Life touching iips with Immortality."

Do you not think it very beautiful? Thera are a number of most beautiful sonnets in, the book. Indeed, it was hard to make » choice. Hoping you will have a large gathering for this your first meeting of the session. VAL.

Dear Ernmeline, — I regret owing to various circumstances my paper will bs brief and below my usual standard this time. I feel I must be present at the opening meeting of the C.C.C. at all costs. The best book I have read since our last meeting is "The Scarlet Letter," by Nathaniel Hawthorne. It deals solely with the tragedy of a single sin, a book in many respects not unlike "Tess of the D'UrberviUos" and "The Silence of Dean Maitland." The book receives its name owing to the chief character, Hester Prynne, always wearing the letter "A" on the dress. She is left to live alcne, and recognised by none. These were the early days of Puritans m New England 1 , Diid the social laws were very severe in thosa days. The other characters in the book are Pearl, the R-ev. Mr Dimmsdale, a- young clergyman, and a detestable character; Roger Ohillingworth, a deformed old figure, with a face that haunted men's memories longer than they hked. He gathered here and thrre a herb or grubbed up a root and put it into the basket on his arm. His grey beard almost touched the ground as he crept onward. And whither was he now going? Would he not suddenly sink into the earth, leaving a barren and. blotted spot, where, in due course of time, would be Eeen deadly nightshade, dogvood, henbane, and whatever else of vegetable wickedness the climate could produce, adr flourishing with hideous luxuriance ? Or would he spread bats' wings and flee away, lookingso much the uglier the higher he rose towards heaven? The book is a fine one, and has a happy ending. All the members of the C.C.C. should read the same the first opportunity. LEX.

Club meets JUNE 14. Papers must be in bj May 24. TOPIC.

— A Shakespearian Meeting. —

Members are requested to name their favourite Shakespearian character — man or woman, — play in which they appear, and part they take in working out the plot. Quote, if possible, one or more of their finest speeches, or describe the situation which you most admire.

Club meets JULY 12. Papers must be in by June 28. — A Travellers' Meeting. —

Emmeline desires to mnke up parties v* travel in Tibet and in India. Though Tibef has been much written about since the Br : tish Expedition to Lhassa last year, travelling there is rough and difficult (i.e., there may b« many members who are out of the track of new books and magazines). India, on th<* other hand, is so vast an empire, and in rnai-.y parts so familiar in its historical associations and geographical interests, that members wb.;r find themselves unable to travel in Tibet willit is hoped, form a pleasant party for Indian travel. With the heaity co-operation of the club. Emmeline thinks this should be one of the most successful meetings of the session.

C. C. C. CORRESPONDENCE. Mar-mee. — I am glad you -joined us to-day, Marmee, even if you were but following out your train of thought in your paper, for it is a good train of thought — the uphill road, so steep sometimes that we almost faint by the wayside, yet presently, catching sights

of those beyond us in some bend of the

load still climbing upwaids, take heart of grace again. Believe me, I sympathise very sinceiely in the personal sorrow which tinctures your strain of reflection, and hope that as a healthy mental stimulant you will re-

member your present intention to "join

later on in the discussion of some definite subject." I have much pleasure in passing on your kind greetings a.nd good wishes to your comrades of the C.C.C. Alpha writes — "I am glad to sea the an? nouncement of the Cosy Club Corner meetings, and think your selection of topics for discussion is excellent. No doubt you will have new members <.nis season, while most of the old ones will reappear; we may expect many interesting papers. I was pleased to receive a, pictorial postcard with Christmas greetings from Lex. I have read some of your own papers with, much interest. I thought 'Summer Worries' a particularly good one. Your saying, 'We might be balloons with, a button, head as far as ths»

enjoying the scenery and the grandeur of it all. Of course there are many other good novels of the day, but taking them all round I think these are my favourites, being both interesting and instructive. SALLY IN OUR ALLEY.

You are quite right, I am sure, in your conclusion that the reading of historical novels is better than the reading of novels pure and simple. Many people express themselves as tired of the American novel; perhaps it is a little overdone, or seems so to us, because we have not the vital interest in American heroes that the descendants of those heroes must have. It is a gTeat thing for a country to possess in her own past a standard to which the present may look with confidence for an example, and I think American authors are benefiting their country and their nation iii keeping alive the memory of the nation's pioneers. To be truly patriotic we must breathe the honest pride that justifies our patriotism.

Dear Emmeline, — Who amongst those meeting together to-day has travelled since last session to "' The Silent Places " ? Hasten, ye who have not already gone, through the door that Stewart White has opened. To describe tho book without encroaching upon the pleasure in store for those who have yet to read it is not an easy task, for the essence of the story lies not in intricate plot nor great delineation of character ; but in the very air of the mighty woods and soul-subduing pitiless North, against which two men unquestioningly pit their strength, because they will not acoept defeat. That lives in every page. From the moment Sam Bolton and Dick Herron start upon their quest for the defaulting Indian one must- also take the trail. Even as these men never look behind them, there is no turning back. From the early summer, when the canoes glide through the waters of the river, amid the days of heat and changing glories of the autumn, the countless voices of the forest are heard. Then, little by little, almost unperoeived, the flaming mantle., of the

if you had a good horse an-d nice companions that is the way to have a very -mjoyable holiday, and it docs not take miich out of yourself nor out of your pocket.

SWEETBRIAR.

Indeed, you are very right, Sweetbriar. Such a holiday as you describe is pleasant in the extreme. A good horse and nice companions might well be "open sesame" to the treasures of many a happy day. And billy tea! — why, you have just reminded me that though I have lately invited you all to "a cup of tea," and, finding that instifficdent, to "a second cup of tea." thcugh I whisked you away up the Yang-tse-kiang, and hurried you hither and tLither through the streets of Hankow, to see brick tea made, and watch the tea-taster at his delicate and onerous task, I never paid the tribute of one grateful word to cur ow.n billy tea. Ah, well, dear Sweetbriar, you have helped me again — just in your own sweet, quiet way, as often before!

Dear Emmeline, — Enjoyment and fascination alike have lain for me in the reading of "The Apprentice." From first to last it grips one with a, charm that lies m many tilings. The plot of the story, enthralling from the opening description of Rye to the tragedy of the end, holds strength, and impresses one with the author's pkill in the drawing of both character and incident, and m weaving through aIJ her pages such touches of description as make her people and her scpnes spring into life before the eyes of her readers. It is this strong combination of things that gives the story its charm, and makes it all so real and vivid. We live with the people of the book — with William Malines, the grim master builder of ships ; with Bess Glaswaye and Peter Bease. We live with Foy, the heroine ; even when her love and her desires go crookedly to our eyes we can only wonder a>t her, but the story does not lose its charm. We see and know her rival lovers, both of them : Jack Oswald, gay and debonair, and Sterne Wildish, the apprentice, with his dreams, his prid^, and his humility, his clean, straight, manly life. They

from her service. Waldren falls in love with her, but determines never to tell her. She leaves the manor roi some months because of the v i welcome attent ons of Lord Roxburgh, who wishes to marry her. After her return Leech is the cause a" her meeting with an accident in the huntinj; field and injuring her spine. Ihe English doctors give no hope of her walking again, and when Waldren tells her of his love she th.-t.nks God that she is a cripple as otherwise he would not have let her know how dear she is to him. A great Italian specialist in diseases of the spine cures Miss Vancnurt, but while she is undergoing tha operation WalCren suffers fearfully from suspense, and faints when he hears of her recovery. She becomes his wife shortly afterwards, and on her wedcLng day remarks on the happy looks of those around them. Waldren replies that, perhaps, l.'ke him, they arj convinced that the greatest of things m heaven and^on earth is love.

GUINEVERE

I have not read "God's Good Man,' Guinevere, but it has been one of the most \ opular books of the past season, sharing the honours with Hall Caine's "Prodigal Son." Yoi. 'will see that Heartsease — also a new member- -has made the same choice as yourself, so you two girls at. your very first meeting discover a taste in common — Town Mouse and Country Mouse both of one mmd. There is also another point which you agree upon — the desire to keep within tho specified number of words, and in this you set us all a very good example, many of the old members having transgressed deeply in this direction to-day. However, the first meeting of the session claims some indulgence. I congratulate you on your first eSorfc.

Dear Emmeline, — I think my latest favourite Look is " God's Good Man." Taking it altogether, it is a book that should, I think, be well liked, and it must be so judging by the many comments one hears about it, for if a thing is worth discussing it must be some good. " God's Good Man " also has a good

relative amount of time and trouble we |rpend on body and brain is concerned,' ex- ': " -presses- 1 very v aptly what I have often thought. "I hope to be present at your first < taeeting,-but being extremely busy just now, I may-not .find "time .for even a -short paper. \ -wish you every satisfaction in the coming "jession." 1 am so sorry you could not be Srith u§ to-day, but hope to have the pleasure of your company and the benefit of excellent papers very often this ses--fiion. 'So glad you like the choice of topics. "JFaffy sends -kindly greetings to our comrades, who -will in turn heartily welcome

-iim, I know — there is sure to be humour and fun in 'Taffy 'b neighbourhood,' and we are inclined to a too_ serious consideration of — ourselves especially. 3£ek,ani, too, has "a pretty gift of humour," as we all know, and many "a smile in solitude" has paid my tribute of appreciation to his whimsical fancies. In his last letter lie- affects a desire for information on our age -limit — and we are mostly feminine! " " May .1 ask -at what period you have fixed the retiring age of members? As it is SO for Dot's page, I should imagine that 40 years longer would give a liberal allowance' for yours. ... Or do you keep »pen doprs for all who take an interest in -their neighbours — not merely in their neighbours' affairs: there are plenty who do that?" And, again, in deprecating the length of his -paper and appealing to me to use the shears in the cutting-down process, he says, "I incline myself to the opinion that the operation should be performed on the principle of cntting off a dog's tail close behind its •ears." ' At anyrate, Eerani, I am charmed that Lex's friendly Christmas greeting h?tJ the happy effect of bringing you back, and trust it may go farther still and bring me sometimes one of those delightful letter on. men and books, and things in general, which always find me appreciative. j3wbetbbiab, with kindly greetings to us all, writes thus: — "I hope this session of the C.CLC. will be a grand success, and that this ■will be a large meeting, also that you have enoyed the rest." xes, thank you, my dear friend. I don't think I would like the strain of oiir club-meeting work all the fcPSL*. 2>Ut I always cfimA ><vcls to it as keen

as any of you, and so glad to meet all my friends again. Jack writes thus: — "How quickly our summer has passed! But winter, if it brings much that is unpleasant, brings also the long leisure evenings for music, work, and chat ; and last, but not least, brings cur Cosy Corner once more. I hope all our old friends of the C.C.C. will meet us there, besides many new ones. With all good wishes for the coming session." Boy Friend, on such a pretty picture postcard of-the wharf, Invercargill, sends "Love and best wishes to Cosy Corner." Mabge- — I must thank you very sincerely for your nice letter, my unknown friend. I suppose that nothing so touches, cheers, and stimulates writers so much as to receive such kindly words of appreciation as you have sent me. I am the richer for them — braver for them, stronger for them. So many other readers have also asked that the article "In the Background" should be reprinted, that I will see if it is possible to comply with your wislt, Madge. Violet. — I know you will be reading here, dear Violet, so accept my love and kindest thoughts with thanks for your letters, and a promise to answer them ere long — all in one breath. Lex, -whom I fully expected to see among us to-day, wrote some time since expressing his pleasure at the opening of the '05 session in these words — "Lex greets all old friends and comrades with, Hail ! comrades ; well met aga -, -with our president at our head, for the feast of reason and the flow of soul. ... I hope, indeed, that we shall .all have a happy and profitable session to members and readers of the Witness- at home a>nd abroad:" G-abbiel-le writes: — "My dear Emmeline, — I cannot let my club paper reach you without a few words of greeting after so many weeks of silence, and to express my pleasure that the president is able to take up her place as usual. It is nice to have you bring us all together once more, and I hope the meetings will be well attended. I shall join as often as possible, though at some I shall be but one of Emmeline's listeners. You have whetted our curiosity with regard to youi last meeting, Emmeline. I send kind remembrances to all the comrades, and many affectionate ones to yourself." Thank you, dear Gabrielle, for your friendly greeting; indeed, I am a very happy person to meet with so much kindly appreciation. I hope you will be able to join us often, and, moreover, I know well enough that _in saying so I only voioe the unanimous wish of all our circle. lam so sorry that neither Ted nor Gnib are with us to-day. Eve. — Yes, my dear girl, I did receive the letter quite safely, and congratulate you sincerely. I'm ashamed that I did not answer your note, as I quite meant to do. Please forgive me, and believe that I am not so indifferent as I must seem: we do all forget sometimes, dear. I shall send •your greeting to our friends in your own words: — "It is with pleasure that I am sending you my paper for the opening meeting of the C.C.C. I hope we shall have a full company, and that many old friends may meet again."