TABLE TALK.

Otago Witness, Issue 3488, 18 January 1921, Page 47

TABLE TALK.

January 15. On Monday evening- Messrs J. C. Williamson’s English Comjiany concluded tlieir successful season at Ilis Majesty’s Theatre. The acting of the principals, Mr Tully and Miss Margaret Swallow, in the amusing comedy “The Man from Toronto” left nothing to be desired, and the other members of the company gave excellent support. I Among the audiences during- the short | season of four nights were Dr and Mrs | Fitchett, Mr and Mrs Gallawav, Mr and | Mrs J. Black, Miss Black, the Misses Scott : (,2), Mrs Shir as, Mrs Cheeseman, Miss Cheeseman, Mr Morton, Mr and Mrs Hilton, Mr and Mrs Galbraith. Dr Benharn, | Mrs Leech, the Misses Graham (2), Pro- | fessor and Mrs Thompson, Miss Lucy Ayre, Mrs Gilkison, Mrs Watson anil the Misses Watson, Mr and Mrs Acton-Adams, Rev. Bush King, Mr and Mrs G. R. Ritchie. Mr and Mrs W. H. Cow per, Mr C. W. Rattray, Mr P. C. Neill, Mr Leslie Wilson, Miss : Moodic, Mr Erlto-n Wilson, Dr Stanley ! Batchelor, Mr and Mrs Solomon, Mr and Mrs S. Neill, Miss Dakin, Mrs Stock, Mr ! and Mrs E. Macassey, Mr G. Roberts, Miss Roberts, Mr and Mrs F. Oldham, Miss Kempthorne, Mr and Mrs F. O. Bridgeman, Miss Bridgeman, Miss Laidlaw. Miss Callaway, Messrs Sinclair, Sise, Irvine, the Misses M‘Lean (2), Mrs Macintosh, and the Misses Macintosh (2), and Mrs Statliam. __ A pleasant little bridge tea was given on Tuesday afternoon by Miss Kathleen M‘Lean at her residence, Hazelwood, Elder street. Tables were arranged for bridge in the drawing room, and lea was served in the dining room where the table was charmingly arranged with sweet pea 3. Among the guests were Mesdames C. Campbell, Macdonald, Cheeseman, Black, Hiltcn, G. APLean, and Macmaster, and the Misses Graham (2), Neill, Sise, and Hoi me s. On Thursday afternoon Miss F. Cargill entertained some friends at tea at her residence, Musselburgh, to meet Miss Rankine and Miss Standring, who have recently come from England. Miss Cargill received her guests in the drawing room, and tea was served in the dining room, roses and sweet peas decorating both rooms. Among those present, were Lady Williams, Mesdames J. M. Ritchie, G. R. Ritchie, Du Croz, Petre, Macmaster, Callaway, Morris, Laidlaw, and the Misses 11. Williams, Hart (2), Petre, Cutten, Du Croz, Ritchie, M. Cargill. Mrs Petre contributed some charmingly-rendered pianoforte solos. Great interest is being taken in the aerial flights of the Canterbury Aviation and Aero Transport Companies’ aeroplanes, which have been kept busily employed during the ideal flying weather enjoyed during the week. Crowds line the foreshore daily to watch the ascent and descent of the machines. Miss Inez Aylmer (Gisborne) is the guest of the Misses Rattray at Craighall at present. Mi's Leslie Harris and her daughter arrived from England via Australia last week, and are staying at Wain’s Hotel. Mrs Galbraith lias returned from Welling-

Aliss Laidlaw, Miss Callaway, and Mis Kempthorne have returend from Sha Valley. Mrs Palmer, Miss Palmer, and Mis Tabart (Christchurch) are the guests cf Mr Elliston Orhell (Nevada) at present. Mrs Elliott and the Misses Ellioit (Mel bourne) are the guests cf Mrs Graham Hal four. Mr and Mrs Arthur Reeves have returneto Christchurch. Mrs J. M. Ritchie and Miss Ritchie hay returned from Moeraki. INVERCARGILL, January 14. Mr and Mrs Hall-Jones, after touring* th North Island, have returned home. Mr J. M‘C. Walson has been vis it in Pembroke, and returned back after a ver i enjoyable run. | Mr and Mrs Lillicrap and Miss Aitker : who have been motoring all round the Roc i burgh district, are now home again, j Mr and Mrs O’Bierne and family, wh ' motored to Kingston to do some fishing i have returned home. ■ Mrs and Miss Shirtcliffe (Wellington) ar staying at the Grand Hotel. ! Mr Field, Miss Field, and Mrs Ale: At'Caw, after a holiday at Hakatarame: have returned home. ; Miss Lis'or, cf St. John’s School is on : visit to Melbourne for her holidays. • Mrs E. Russell gave a very cujoyabl I little tea on Wednesday afternoon at lie | home (Gladstone). Some present were Mi . Bush, Mrs and Miss Bastinn, Mrs !i irri o ! (Hamilton), Mrs Hackworth, Mrs R. J. Gi ! mour. | Mrs Cnthbertson and Mr and Mrs D. Cut! ; bertson have returned from their visit t | Riverton. j Dr Hogg has returned from a little tri | to Stewart Island. TH i v, as great • xci * m n 1 in Ini oreargi i when the Timaru Do Jlaviland a '-oplan j paid a visit here, hut still more wh n ! flew to Stewart Island one morning, rcturr ! ing back in time for breakfast. The islandei | were delighted with the visit. The pa: son govs say the scenery from above wa beautiful. j Mr and Mrs Horace Macalisler have gon to Rotorua for their holidays. OAMARU, January IT Mr and Mrs Haines have returned froi | Kakanui. Mrs Haines has gone to epen j somo weeks with Mrs M‘ P her son (Sawyei ' Bay). Mrs Ronald Orbell and family left fc Waikouaiti « n Friday, where they will spen the remainder of the holidays. Mias D. Davies spent the week-end i H.amp-den with Miss Stronach. Miss M'Donald and Miss Shicln Cuthber son left for Stewart Island on Monday, whei they will be the guests of Mrs M'Donald. Mrs Sumpter gave a jolly little dance c

Friday night at her camp at the Willows, when several car loads motored cut ana thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Amongst those present besides Mrs and Miss and Mrs George Sumpter were Mr and Airs Dickson, Misses Darling, Wliitton, Davies, Humphries, and Ale pars Edwards, Lyall, Sumpter, Bannerinan, Saunders, and G. Sutton. Tlio Alisscs Gifford and Airs Williams are visiting Mrs Gifford (Wynd’ham). A team of Waimate tennis players motored down on Thursday and played a friendly game against the Oamaru Club. Many enjoyable games were played, but rain came on, so the match had to bo abandoned. Miss Rowe left for Wellington on Monday to join a concert party, being organised by Mr W. Lintz to tour New Zealand. Miss Piper has returned from Dunedin, where she spent the holidays with her sister, Mrs Scoullar. TIAIARU, January 14. Mrs Elworthy (Christchurch) and Aliss Elworthy are staying with Airs Bond (Claremont). Airs Howdcn (Park lane) is staying with Mrs Reid (Mornington). Aims Shcddan (Waiwera South), who was staying with Mrs Sterndalc, left to-day for Oamaru. Alias Ulrich (Dunedin) is the guest of Mrs Orbell at The Croft. Air and Mrs Nevill (Sumner) are spending the holidays in Timaru. Dr and Airs Gibson (Elizabeth street) have returned from Kakahu. Aliss Greason (Christchurch) is staying at The Bungalow. Air and Airs E. LeCren (Bidwill street) and Aliss LeCren have returned from Mount Cook. The Misses Farquhar (Dunedin) are spending some weeks in Timaru. Air and Airs Finch (Avenue, road) have returned from Temuka. CHRISTCHURCH, January 14. The Alisses M'Daren (Timaru) are spending a fortnight in Christchurch. Mrs Maurice Turrell has returned to Wellington. Air and Mrs Ronald Alacdonald have returned from Timaru, where they spent Christmas and New Year. Airs Morton (Te Kuiti) is the guest of her mother, Airs Frank Robinson. Mr and Airs Arthur Reeves are visiting Dunedin. Mrs Arkwright, who has been staying in Christchurch, has returned to Marton. Airs and Alias Elworthy, who were staying with Airs W. Bond in Timaru. returned oh Saturday. Much regret is felt in Christchurch that they have decided to make their future home in Timaru. Aliss Betty Cotterill has been the guest of Mrs P. H. Johnson (Alount Torlesse). Mrs D’Arcy Haggitt has returned to Dunedin. The marriage of Aliss Nan Rich to Mr John Alontgommerie is to take place on Saturday morning. Lady Sara Campbell is spending a few days in Christchurch, and is staying afe Warner’s Hotel. Mrs Coney is staying with Mrs Palmer Chapman in Timaru. Airs W. He 1 more is the guest of Mrs George Gerrard at Snowdon Airs Jim Alillion and Airs Cuthbert Harper have given tennis parties during the week. Airs Deans lias returned from the country. Mrs Elliston Orbell has returned to Dunedin. Airs Wesimacott, who was the guest of Major and Airs Wesimacott, has returned to Timaru. Air A. Hanna and Aliss Nancy Hanna (Auckland) are in Christchurch after a. visit south. Air and Airs C. Dalgety have returned from Dunedin, and are staying at Warner’s. The marriage cf Miss Phyllis Anderson, youngest daughter of All* and Airs John Anderson, of Armagh street, Christchurch, to Mr Harry Kit son, onl}* son of the late Air Walter Kitson and Airs Kitson, cf ALurray place, was solemnised at St. Luke’s Church on Tuesday. The church was beautifully decorated with pink and white flowers. The Rev. Philip Carrington performed the ceremony. Mr John Anderson gave away his daughter, who was charmingly frocked in pale cameo-pink crepe georgette inset with wide bands of filet lace. Her train was of pink silk net, and her veil wass arranged with a circlet of orange blossoms. She carried o sheaf of lilies. The two little bridesmaids. Pamela Price and Anno Morris, wore dainty frocks of creme frilled net, and wreaths of pale pink rose buds adorned their sweet curls. Mr Roderick Anderson was best man. After the ceremony Air and Airs Anderson held a reception at tlieir residence, the guests including Mrs Morris, Airs Wrev Nolan, Air and Airs S. Lawrence, Air and Airs Andrew Anderson and Aliss Anderson, Air and Airs Cooke, Air and Airs G, 11. Merton, Aliss Kitson, Air and Airs W O. Campbell, Aliss B. Wood, Aliss Pi att, Air and Airs. Fred Anderson, Airs Wigram, Airs Vernon. Mr and Airs Thornton. The bride’s travelling dress was of brown stockinette with white collar and cuffs, and she wore a brown hat with a bunch of fruit and flowers. At St. Alary’s Church, Alerivalo, on Wednesday, the marriage was celebrated of Aiisa Jessie Weymss Syme, daughter of Airs Wo y mss Syme, of London, and Bracmar, Scotland, to Air Frank Yesey Robinson, Hlor son cf Airs Frank Robinson, Papauui. The ceremony was performed by the Yen. Archdeacon Gossett, and the church was beautifully decorated. The bride was given away by her uncle, Mr J. 11. Penhy 'England), and was exqi. sitely gowned in white sou pie satin, the skirt being slightly pannicred and the corsage having a collar of lovely old rose point lace. Her long tulle -wedding veil was hemmed with pearls and embroidered in one corner with a Scotch thi-stle and in the other with a truelover’s knot. A bouquet of dee}? red roses was carried. The bridesmaids, Aliss Alarcia Robinson, sister of the bridegroom, and Aliss Molly Aliddlcbrook, cousin of the bride, were fro'ked in rose-red channelise partially veiled with tulle in the same colour. Their bla.Mb finJV hats wo*x> ornamented with buck plumage, and thev carried b piquets r< v 1 sweet peas. Air Justin Wcstenra was best man. Af'cr the ceremony a large number of guests adjourned to Riccarton H'g m lent by Airs Doans for the reception. Air Weymss Syme wore an elegant gown of fine black marquisette with wide insertions of black clunv lace; her hat cf black mohair vis lined with mauve and finished with Paradise plume. Airs Robinson (molhi ” ' : the bridegroom) wore an artistic gown of silver-grey crepe de chine with touches o.f old rose, and her hat of grey was * rimmed with old rose osf nrh plumes. Airs 0. Broad (sister 01 the bridegroom) wore ivory georgette inset with filet lnee. and nrettv floral toque. Another sister, Mrs ATnrfon, of To Kuiti, wore amethyst crepe de chine and a black hat trimmed with lemony.dlovr ;«r«8-bh plumes. The bride’s travel-

ling gown was of fuchsia goorgctto mountod on black satin, the skirt accordeon pleated, and a wide embroidered sash. Her black Lisere hat was adorned with Paradise plumWELLINGTON, January 12. Hi=s J. B. Iteid (of Dundee, Scotland), u member of the Queen Alexandra Imperial Nursing Service, is at present visiting friends in Carterton, Wairarapa. Miss Reid was attached during the earlier part of the war to the Scottish Women’s Hospital Unit, of which the late Dr Elsie Inglis was in command, and she was included among the nurses (about half a dozen) who were awarded the Serbian Samaritan Cross for distinguished services rendered during the typhus outbreak. This decoration was presented by tbe King of Serbia after the signing of the armistice, and was accompanied by an autograph letter from the King himself. Miss Richmond (Nelson) has been spending a few days in Wellington. Mies Molly Strang (Gladstone) has been elected a member of the Masterton Agricultural and Pastoral Association. Mr and Mrs W. Rap ley and family, of Palmerston North, are spending a- few weeks at Muritai. Mrs Groves (Tinui) is staying with her sister, Mrs S. Wheeler, at Day's Bay. Mrs Maurice Denniston and her children * are spending the holidays at Pigeon Bay. Miss N. K. Coad, M.A., is spending a lay vi Dunedin. Sister Kathleen Kentish arrived by the Paparoa. from Don don last week. Dr and Mrs Herbert have r turned from a visit to Christchurch. Mrs Beere and Miss Estelle Be ere are visiting Sydney. There are not many residential women’s clubs in New Zealand —possibty not more than two or three at the outside. It is therefore somewhat interesting to learn that Hawke’s Bay women are bestirring themselves, and have taken a two years’ lease of a building on The Parade, Napier, to be turned into a women’s olub. Tbe probabilities are that it will be residential for the benefit of country members. Masterton for * g<*> d number of years has had a resi-

t nil tm I IBBMBMBMMWftBWftBBgraBEiIBIjMBBgggggEBSifiSBSgSgErarei dential club, and it is hard to imagine what country women would do without it. The golden wedding anniversary of the Hon. C. H. Milts and Mrs Mills takes place on the 24tli of this month. Mr Mills has had a long political career, dating from the old Provincial Council days, and many old friends will be interested in the event. There are four daughters—Mrs Vivian Donald (Masterton), Mrs Har bottle (Wellington), Miss Mills, and Miss Grace Mills; also two sons —Mr Claud Mills, solicitor, of Blenheim, and Mr Irvine Mills, of Pelorus Sound. In addition, there are 18 grandchildren. , Mr and Mrs Skerrett have returned to Wellington from a visit to Taupo and N apier. The engagement is announced of Mr A. C. j Turnbull, secretary to the Public Service j Commissioner, and Miss G. Monerieff, j daughter of Mr and Mrs W. Monerieff, of I Salamanca road. Early Denniston has returned to Christ- ! J church fiom paying a round of visits in the . North Island. I The great event in Wellington this week ! has been the Dominion Bowling Tournament, which opened on Monday. Bowlers are con- I I gratulating themselves upon the weather, I j which up to the time of writing has been i J perfect, and it is said that never in the 1 ! history of bowling, so far as Wellington is , | concerned, have there been so many bowlers j taking part. General satisfaction has been j • expressed at the state of the greens, and ; everyone appears to be m thorough holiday ! I mood. AU CKLAND, J ann ary 12. In spite of the abnormal heat, the dunce I j given by Mrs Austin (Remuera) on Wed- ; j nesday evening of last week was thoroughly ; i enjoyed by all present. A novel idea was > ! tliat of serving supper at small tables in the i ‘ garden, a xrortion of which was screened off , | with bunting for the purpose. A number - i of the visiting tennis players were present, j > | The hostess was wearing a smart frock of > j black channelise end georgette; Miss Austin, j - , on uncommon shade of pink char mouse; ! > j Miss Marion Macfarlane, black with flame- j * I coloured tulle; Miss Phyllis Bloomfield, jade • green and silver tissue; Miss Katie Lott was

also in jade green ; Miss L’Estrange Nolan, vieux rose char mouse; Miss Fisher, black georgette; Miss G. Porter, id ale blue charmeuse with touches of gold, and Mrs Pindar Thompson brown charmeuse and gold embroideries. Following closely on the Davis Cup matches, those in connection with the New Zealand championship have proved unusually interesting, due, of course, to the participation of the Davis Cup players in the games as well as the fact of there being a large number of tennis enthusiasts in Auckland from all parts o f the Dominion. The i Governor-general and Lady JelFooe and their family have been in constant attendance, and at the conclusion of the tournament Lord Jellicoe presented the trophies. Tire winner of the ladies’ championship, Miss 'Nancy Curtis, of Pet-one, early in the tournament defeated Mrs S. C. Hodges (last year’s champion) and Miss Marjory Macfarlane (the runner-up of last year). These two pl-ayers won the ladies’ championship doubles, and Miss Curtis and Dr Allison (Wellington) wen the combined doubles over Mrs Hodges and Mr O’Hara Wood (Australia). The junior championship was won by Miss A. Howe, who also hails from Wellington. Dr and Mrs Gould (Dnnnevirke), who have been staying with Mrs S. Hirst, of Remuera, have returned home. Mrs and Miss Don nor, who spent a few weeks in Auckland at Christmas time, have returned to Gisborne. Mrs Alfred Nathan and her two youngest daughters are passengers ri the s.s. Naldera, and are due in Auckland at the c-nd of this month. Miss D. Crichton, of Christchurch, is the guest of Mrs R. A. Barstow, of Remuera, for some weeks. Mr and Mrs J. M. Carpenter are visiting in the *So\ilh Island. Mr and Mrs E. D-argavillo (Remuera) are leaving cn a xdeasure trip to England next month. gW Descriptions of balls, &0., must be ea* dorsed by either the Witness correspondent for the district or by the secretary of the baJl committee. The MS. of any correspondents who do not comply ’ with this rule will be sent to the secretary fo’ j endorsemeat prior to appearing. I WEDDING AT ST. PAUL’S CATIIEDdAL. ■ A pretty wedding was solemnised towards the close of the year at St. Paul’s Cathedral, Dunedin, by the Rev. Canon Nevill, the contracting partics being Mr James H. Wardrop, A.R.1.8.A. (London), A.R.V.1.A., Col- ! lins House, Collins street, Melbourne, eldest I son of Mrs and the late Colin Wardrop, of | Melbourne, and Miss Lucia Hankinson, , Dunedin. The bride, who entered the j church on the arm of her father, looked charming in a bridal robe of georgette and ! ivory satin, the train being trimmed with silk Limerick lace. The veil, which was | richly embroidered, was held in place by a i coronet of orange blossoms. She carried a | lovely shower bouquet of orchids and maiden- : hair fern. The bridesmaids were Miss Alary Wardrop, cousin of the bridegroom, and Miss : Billie Hankinson, youngest sister of the bride. They were attired in dainty frocks of white mouselline witli overdress of silk marquisette not, and wore dainty veils with wreaths of cameo pink and helio. rosebuds, their bouquets being of pink tulips and i anemones with pink streamers and yellow tulips and anemones with cream streamers. I They also wore gold bracelets, the xiresents ; of the bridegroom. The bridegroom was ably | supported by Colin. Wardrop as Lest man, * and Master Bert Hankinson as groomsman. After the ceremony the numerous guoste

were entertained by Mr and Mrs Hank in - son at a breakfast in the Overseas Club rooms. The rooms were beautifully decorated for the occasion, and a very enjoyable time was spent by everyone. Mr anti Airs Wardrop left a fortnight later for their home in Melbourne. WEDDING AT AUCKLAND. A very pretty wedding was celebrated at the Ih'tt Street Alethodist Church, Auckland, bn Wednesday, December 22, when Alias M. B. Dunstan, youngest daughter of Mr and Airs R. Dunstan, of Ponsonby, was married to Air W. A. Ure, eldest son of Air and Airs W. Ure. of Bowling avenue, Ei>som, late of .Maori Hill, Dunedin. The bride, who was given away by her brother, Air P. Dunstan, of Wellington, looked, charming in a frock of white crepe de chine with trimmings of white georgette, and wore the usual veil and orange blossoms. She also carried a bouquet of white sweet peas and Christmas lilies. The bridesmaids, Aliss E. Dunstan and Aliss M. Coupland, wore heliotrope crepe de chine with trimmings of heliotrope georgette, and black hats, and carried bouquets of heliotrope and pink sweet peas. . The bride’s mother was gowned in black silk. The bridegroom’s mother was dressed in mole palette. Air L. Ure officiated as best man and Mr A. Stevens as groomsman. After the ceremony a receptios was held at the residence of the bridegroom’s parents, where an orchestra played delightini music to the many friends of the bride and bridegroom. The officiating minister was •he Rev. William AC‘Don a Id, also late of Alaori Hill Presbyterian Church. SOAIE FRENCH LETTERS. I have had several letters during the ■past twelve months from my Parisian correspondent. They are concerned largely with her literary studies and with discussions of books, English and French, but the portions descriptive of present conditions of life in France, with some of her comments on industrial difficulties and on Englisn books may be of interest to New Zealand readers; so I have made some selections. My French friend resides with her hus band in Paris, and during the winter hail of the year attends literary classes at ihe Sorbonne, and also classes conducted by “Les Societes Savantes, ' for one of the examinations of which I think she intends to enter. PARIS, September 6, 1920. I am afraid you will think me very unkind for postponing such a long time my answer to your last letter of June the 2\L<h. Pleads excuse me; your letter reached me when I was taking my holidays at Sologne with my sister and my six little nieces. We had a good time there with these joyous children, but - we had also some work, for my sister had no maid-servant, and she has not been able to find one up to this time. It gets more and more difficult. And now, since 1 have been here, my servant, who had come to help me for two years, has left me to be employed the whole day in one house. As she is a widow of the war and has a little girl to bring up, I cannot bear a grudge against her; so I had to try another ygp.e, who came only for a week, and left me as soon as she could procure work in a factory. Just now I have no one to help me, and I feel rather tired. A good many women are employed in factories or in offices; a few are still on the tramways and in railway business. It is l'eally a hard time. So I am completely engrossed in housework. I had to make jam ; I have still to preserve butter for winter use. Our summer was not too hot on ino whole; so much the better. Now we often have grey days, and the sun does not appear very often. It is quite autumn now and the foliage is russet brown. As for English, I have only read “Under the Greenwood Tree,” by Hardy. It is rather pleasant, and the moral tone is more wholesome than in “Jude the Obscure." (In a previous letter she speaks of the latter book as interesting and moving, but “not admirable!” —The style is fine, but as for the novel itself, it is beyond probability. So many misfortunes are not likely to occur in a man’s life—l don't think so. I should not advise a young girl nor a discouraged person to read ‘Jude.’ The heroes have no energy for good ; they are always wavering in front of duty. The book contains false ideas about marriage and its indissolubility. Hardy seems rather to advise free union—- \ to take or leave one’s mate at will. It is not a moral novel.” . Now I am beginning to read “Loneliness,” by Hugh Henson, and I am studying a little more thoroughly “The Traveller” and “The Deserted Village,” by Goldsmith. I have met with an American lady, who helps me with this last reading. She seems clever and learned, and it gives me a chance to talk English. She is to come twice a week, and I feel very glad of it. Please tell me the names of the books you appreciate, as you have so many opportunities >f becoming acquainted with new literature. The Bolshevists are trying to conquer the world, but 1 am confident they will not invade France either with their ideas or with their cruelties. I sincerely hope tns miners’ strike in England will not take place, and that a good understanding will be concluded with Ireland. The Mayor of Cork, who tries wilfully to starve himself, seems to me a real madman. His death will prove nothing; it will do no good. I never understood why Lloyd George tried to negotiate with the Russian Soviets, Lt is neither a good nor an enduring government ; they are simply rascals and knaves who have ruined their country, and made no one happy except themselves. Now, the English Government seems to understand tilings better. . . . What do I you think "of France helping Poland to conquer its liberty? T do feel proud of my country and of our generals—not like the Huns who despise every other people 1 I am very glad that France and England are doing their best to remain united. Now I must end, wishing you good health and prosperity. September 26, 1920. . . . I agree with your remarks qbout Wells’ and Hardy’s hooks. As for vo-tr ideas on sociology, I also think that workers should become capitalists. It

would be the best way of inciting them t» economy and sensible ideas; but to take from the bourgeoisie the capital which was acquired, as a rule, by the work and the savings of their fathers or ancestors would not be just. Mist of our parents an l grand parents were very simple people, indeed, either peasants or small trades men, who made money bv working hard and saving much. They were proud to leave their sons large sums when they died ; and if they had worked and suffered much for their children in their yout.i and maturity, they were happy to be able to give them a better education and help them to a higher grade in society. Was not this right? And so by degrees the following generation gets a little more comfort than the preceding one, and so onwards. Workmen would like to get at once what was acquired by years and years of self-denial , and work. It is not just, and it is not possib’e. More than before can be done to help them to secure ■ better situation in life, but they must not forget that eifort and work is always necessary to obtain anything in this world. No one prevents them from doing as our fore-fathers did. They never went to theatres; they had very simple food, and only ate roast meat for" great feasts ; they worked hard and were thrifty, and those of the “petite bourgeoisie” who want to be quiet and secure in their old age do the same. They do not take much enjoyment even in their youth, and they are not unhappy, since they are used to it. For the next programme of the Certificat Second a ire at the Sorbonne we have a number of Whitman's works; “Roderic< Hudson” (Henry James) ; some pieces of Addison’s Spectator; Lope’s Essay on Criticism and Windsor Forest; Kipling's j.Tve Nations, The Recessional, and Ode to France. Please let me know what you think about these works. If I have no more domestic troubles I am resolved to study English very accurately and thoroughly this year. October 29, 1920. . . . I hope that the coal strike will not be extended to means of communication—railways and ships—in England. It is very sad, and I much sympathise with the English people, who will, perhaps, suffer from hunger if it lasts a long time—and poor people are always the most miserable in such circumstances. What do you think of Mr MacSwiney’s hunger strike? It seems to me very foolish, since it does not alter the resolves of the Englisn Government. It is a kind of self-murder, and should not be approved by religious law. Living has never been so high as it is now, but a lowering being expected soon enough, people do not buy much my husband has a very dull markbt at present. I am fairly busy, for the classes of the Societies Savantes were resumed on the 11th, and in November I shall be admitted to the Sorbonne lectures again. I have resolved not to begin any new language this year, but to extend my knowledge of Italian, and, above all, of English. (Then follows a list of books to be studied, some not mentioned before being Robinson Crusoe, The Ancient Mariner, Henry Esmond, and Kipling’s Diversities of Creatures). I am sure you know all these books, since nearly all of them are classics. Please tell me what you think about tliegn. I have read “The Traveller,” and I am reading “The Deserted Village," which I prize very much. What strikes me the most is the frequent use of abstract nouns. It makes it the harder to translate into French. Have you heard of our new president, M. Miileraud? He is very popular in France among all reasonable and sensible people. We had a splendid autumn, especially in September and the first fortnight in October. Sometimes t was as hot as in summer, but it has changed suddenly, and having not yet tho central heating here I have got a cold, the first present of winter. I hope that when this letter reaches you summer will not spare you its finest days with bright sunshine without too strong heat. Christmas will soon be near then. So let me offer you m.y most sincere and affectionate washes for this festivity and for the New Year. —Yours sincerely, S. G. This will be a hard winter in France for all whose means are small. But the country is gradually recovering from the ravages and the economic unsettlement of the war, and before long it may be hoped that the old plenty will be restored. The peasantry and the "petite bourgeoisie” form a powerful bulwark against Bolshevism and all rash revolutionary schemes.