Page 32 Advertisements Column 2

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXIII, Issue IX, 26 August 1899, Page 32

“On the Edge of the Precipice.” OUR NEW SERIAL STORY. COMMENCES NEXT WEEK. We have secured for our readers the rights of a new tale by that wellknown authoress AIARY ANGELA DICKENS, grand-daughter of the great novelist, and author of such standard novels as “Prisoners of Silence,” “Against the Tide,” “Cross Currents,” “A Alere Cypher," etc., etc. In construction of plot, in method of treatment, and in style of diction Aliss Dickens’ stories exhibit characteristics peculiar to their and prove her to be a writer of marked individuality'. She manifests g-reat skill in the manipulation of incidents; has a keen perception of the dramatic possibilities of a situation; brings to her work a vivid imagination and a fine insight into the hidden springs of human action; and welds all these qualities into a harmonious whole by excellent craftmanship and a dexterous and facile pen. OUTLINE OF THE STORY. Cecil and Rachel Cochrane are the ostracised nephew and niece of >a well-to-do country clergyman whose sister has contracted a mesalliance. The rev. gentleman is careful to shield his only' child, Violet, from contaminating contact with her cousins, and hopes to wed her to his curate. But, as if in very irony, fortune plays into Cecil’s hands. Whilst cycling in a London . suburb Violet Drummond meets with an accident near to where the Cochranes live, and Cecil takes her to his sister’s rooms. When site regains consciousness Violet has lost all memory of past, events and Is quite helpless. Circumstances have favoured the Cochranes, and Ceeil matures a scheme for securing a handsome reward from the distracted father. He is about to put his plan into execution when a startling - discovery' male by Rachel puts another complexion on the matter. Rachel Cochrane has the soul of an actress. She is, in fact, a histrionic genius, but her plain face and plainer figure have effectually stifled any hopes of success on the stage. One day she discovers that although the past is a blank Violet has a peculiarly tenacious memory for new impressions and can reproduce every word, every accent, every gesture she hears or sees. Raehel perceives that herein is a splendid source of gain, especially in view of the fact that Violet is a very' beautiful woman. The author does not fail to realise, .and to take advantage of, the possibilities of this new situation. There are many dramatic scenes in the course of the story,, which contains a stirring love element. The whole work is pervaded by subtle, indefinable qualities which attract the reader’s interest with growing and compelling power. WILL APPEAR IN NEXT WEEK’S ISSUE, AND BE CONTINUED WEEKLY. ON THE EDGE OF THE PRECIPICE.

THE DOOM OF THE CURLING TONGS. The curling tongs (says “M.A.P.”) are doomed, and straight-haired women, who never submitted to the process of having their hair undulated to increase their charms will find themselves once more in the fashion. The rebellion against the crimping which has been popular for several years will probably' be enduring. Wigs have suddenly' grown fashionable, as the result of the excessive use of the crimping iron on women's heads in recent years. The fashion of having the hair crimped from the roots right down to the ends made its appearance first about ten years ago, and immediately' became-popular. It. was becoming to most women, and for once women who possessed beautifully waving and curly hair were equalled by artificial devices. Once a woman had submitted herself to the process and then looked into the glass she was a victim of the habit.