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y' ' . NAPIER III. ‘ 'l'b vehicle covered the ground at t W. The driver doxed on the box end Hector, leaning beck inside end or:- M so to say, by the monotonous mo- tion. of the spring; gazed dreamily at the tranquil scenery of Tonraine. quite nnoouciOus Whether he were traveling (at or show. The landscape was pict- meequel'y diversified. At times the road shined the brow of a wooded hill Mid overlooked the Loire. and at other! l. mmma with serpentine curves. down new made hay. A little beyond. severâ€" al thoroughbred: were grazing in a carefully secured inclosure, and by and by at the end of a long, long avenue of chestnut trees, M. Aubanel's house ap- peared to view. It was not properly apoakinc a chateau. but one of those unpretentious. though massive coun- try houses. formed of a central build- ing with advanced wings. and which seem to have “hospitality" written shave their gates: an entire story be- in not unfrequently. solely devoted to [out chambers. A servant stood at the iron gate. and shielding his eyes from In sun with his hand. watched the Approaching vehicle as if it con- nyed some expected visitor. “What a nuisance" thought Hector; ”come one is evidently expected. and perhaps I shall be in the way." could be discerned. Some mowers were at work in a neighboring meadow. and the air was balmy “itb the scent of it wound. with serpentine curves, down into some cool valley, girt round about with sloping vineyards, At length the driver oonsiderately woke up, and turning his skinny horses into a side road. exclaimed; "We are getting near, sir." There were indeed ample signs of the proximity of some manorial dwelling- house. The hedges were well trimmed. the ditches properly banked up, and the trees pruned so as to afford shade with. out fostering dampness on the road- ong copses of young elms were passed in turn. and further off above the tree tops the conical roof of a pigeon-house “Come in." said be; “this is my bach- elor’s room. It won't long be tenant- od! We are to have a room of our own hard by. The upbobtarers are just putting the finishing touches. It will be ported. quite ; nest in lilac utinl But ammo m. nitâ€"take careâ€"I must and you c digit.” In the miwhile‘ Fevrdinand had opened theidoorr of a room on the first floor. find then in the same incoherent fashion. Ferdinand, whom Hector scar- cely fancied in his senses. summoned 83 his servants in turn. gave them enty contradictory orders. and set the whole house in motion. But in the meanwhile. he never let go of Hector's arm, which be pressed against his own In if he were afraid that his friend might escape him. And now dragging him across the ball. up the stairs, and tong the passages he resumed, still the same singular. broken fashion: “If I wrote it is because I “ant you to sign my contract. I “ant you to hemabestman. [amgoing to be married. my dear fellms; yes, married! A young girlâ€"not I mean an angel, so beautiful. so beautiful! You shall see herâ€"I love herâ€"I worship her. And the day after to-morrow she will be mine. At times Ialmost fancy it’s a dream. Yes the day afte‘ toâ€"morrow! Ah. how long to wait! And she loves me, yes old chap; she has told me so, and dle will repeat it to you. if you only ask her. 'Her name is Herminie. By and by we'll climl; to the loft and you shall see where she lives. You Qall see her. herself, this evening. but come. comeâ€"â€"" "It’s quite an e; idemiv.” thought Hec- tor: "every one Wants to get married. “fell. I've done right to warn my fu- ture fatherâ€"in-law. Perhaps there wouldn’t have been a wife left for me, H [had waited. Ah. my dead father, boy [admire your foresight." But as the fly drew nearer to the house he recognized the servant as the name who had accompanied his friend Ferdinand when the latter visited Bor- deaux. And the servant seemed to re- cognize him in turn, for he had al- ready taken off his cap, and was tele- graphing incomprehensible signals. At length the vehicle drew up in the courtâ€" yard and the valet eagerly exclaimed: “Why. my dear fellow, I left Bor- deaux two months ago. and I haven't Eoceived any letter at all from you. hance alonoâ€"-â€"" "Chance. eh! \Vell. let us bless it! And besides chance will be at my ord- k's in future. Ah. you don’t. know yet, but let me tell youâ€"I am the happiest. man on earth. Yes. indeed, so happy, that [fear Ishall go mad with joy. But come. come, I mustn’t leave you standing here. Come indoors. Ah! I need your advice. Come. but first would you like to take some refresh- ment ?” “Ab. thanks, thanks," exclaimed Fer- dinand Aubanel. "You are a true (dead. I know you would come, and I no that on receiving my letter you must have started immediately." Hector was about to express the won- der these words caused him when he felt flmselt caught by the arm, and on turning round, found himself fac- ed by his friend in person. _ - “Ah! sir. you'm come at East. My master was expecting you most, impa- tion-tly.” i At last the latter was free to retire and then it became necessary for Hect‘ .or to give his opinion on the marriage f-oorbeille which stood on the cable in lthe grand drawingvroom. The cor- :beille. so called by custom, was not in ,this case a basket. but a superb rose- . wood chest. adorned with incrustations . in rare woods of the Indies, and having 'a richly wrought silver lock and handles. Hector greatly admired it. famd mentally dyided to buy something of the same kind for Mademoiselle Biandureau. but Ferdinand declared that he was not satisfied. for he found ‘it. a great deal too small. At first ;Hector started back in surprise. but on glancing rouni the room he realized the truth of his friend's statement. For .on every side there was some marvel to admireâ€"cashmere shawls and yards lupon yards 01 lace. silks and satins, jewels and jewel caskets. gloves and glove boxes. fans and opera glasses, ev- ery kind of knick-knack that a woman 'might take a fancy to. and the whole representing a very considerable sum {of money indeed. i "Ruin rmself! oh that’s impossible. Before I knew Herminie I tried to do iso three times but on each occasion 5as soon as I began trifling with my capital. a relative died and left me a ifresh fortune. The money I've spent on these prwents cost me nothing; it lcame from one of my uncles. It’ 3 true iI've spent the whole of what he left â€"-..9- V- m‘v- V ‘Vhile speaking, Ferdinand divested himself of his coat and waistcoat and prepared for the ordeal. Ah. it was a singqu sight. M. Aubanel was ever complaining. Nothing seemed to suit him. and he did not merely complain of the clothes. but also of his own phy- sical imperfections. He wished to look distinguished and in his overwhelming anxiety he fancied that he looked gret- esque. The tailor, of course, was all satisfaction. He answered eaeh fresh complaint by declaring that the dis- paraged garment fitted his customer to a T, and whenever Ferdinand ques- tioned his own physique. he flattering- ly proclaimed that he had never before had the honour of dressing such an ad- mimbl-y proportioned gentleman as M. Aubane}. Hector was of course appeal- ed to by either side, but as he wished to get the business over, he almost in- variably decided in the tailor’s favor. for thin bachelor’s room won in a nut. M .W'C-vvâ€" â€" v ed with the boards which had covered the cues and the tools which htd serv- ed to open them. Near the window stood a. wellodresned man who held a yard tape in his hand. and who bowed most respectfully as the two friends enter “My tailor," exclaimed Ferdinand. two cases full of clothes. During the last month he has only been workinfl for me." “What! do you mean to try on all -m --'..°v “Of cowl-so I do and mind you, I mnt your advice. Aren't you on. o! the kings of taahion I"__ ' . 19___L_j miiév’fiâ€"{Tm'uinmedâ€" the bed. drawn“. the table and the chairs. huge m_ which h_a¢1_ just been ¢ edfocoupied most of the space usually left want. the remungiqr 13¢ng littfr; a league off, and if iyeu like we'll- walk. Tn tell the truth. I feel I need fresh air and locomotion." “What! (b you these things ?" 'Whether this was true or not, Ferdi- nnnd’s stomach certainly seemed to be in the right place. He ate enough for four men of decent appetites. and con- trived to talk the whole while. But. scarcely had he swallowed his last: mouthful than he precipitately arose from table and dragged Hector away. “I am guimg to visit my intended." he said. “This will make my third vis- it to-day. You see [must introduce youâ€"you are my best friend. and I've spoken of you so often that they are all anxietyto 88?- you. _It's only half As they followed the road which leads from La Fresnaie to Cormes-Ecluse. where Mademoiselle Herminie's family resided Hector noticed that his friend' 3 gayety gradually waned. and when at last they entered the dram. tug-ruom he had become all anxiety and nervous- “What she lent a hand in such pno- digaiity? Have you become a king, than. or do you mean to ruin your- ”! ’09 - me. but that's not too much to repay one of Herminie’s smiles. My only worry is that the oorbeil-le will be too small. But after all. that’s my aunt’s affair. She will be here early toâ€"mor- row morning; for in the afternoon I must send it to Herminie. Now let's go to dinner.” ness. ‘V'ith flushed cheeks and a wavering glance he just managed to stammer out an introduction, and Hector could not help muttering to himself. “The deuce! it seems lh'it iL's serious.” 'At the same time he glanced in the direction of Made- moiselle Horminie. who. after turning as red as a peony. just rose from her seat to make a timid little courtesy. and then pretended to devote all her attention to some embroidery she held in her hand. However. Hector noticed that her hands trembled so acutely that she could scarcely direct her needle, and then although she had bent her head over her work. he was able to surprise the glance she darted at Ferdinand. All her soul had passed in that soft. moist glance, full of in- nocent confessions and candid prom. “\Iy aunt and I spent a fortnight buving all these things." said Ferdin- "I wasn't mistaken.” thought Hect~ or: “the poor fellow has fairly lost his head." And then. whilst Ferdinand ap- proached his lady love. he engaged in conversation with her father and moth- er. talking of all kinds of indifferent things, of Switzerland. which he had “She loves him." said Hector to him- self; “well, so much the better. for he’s a good fellow and he deserves it.” scarcely seen. and of Bordeaux. with Which at course he was well acquainted. At times when he paused in his talk .er. usu'slly ed and jingled like the cracked chimes of the village church. The old stair- case groaned under the weight of an army of work-people; upholsterers were hanging velvet-backed benches round an improvised ball-room. and there was a din of hammering as they nailed the hangings to the walls. Soon above the tumult Ferdinand's loud voice could be heard, calling everybody at once, men and women alike, so that well nigh every name in the calendar in turn escaped his lips. His aunt, old Mademoiselle Aubanel, had just arrived. and Hector now took an heroic resolution. He sprang out of bed, hastily dressed, and went down stairs. Ferdinand was decidedly los- ing his wits and sadly needed a sub- stitute. so that Hector offered to act as Mademoiselle Aubanel's aide.de- camp. and under her orders proceed- ed to control the undisciplined army of servants and work-people. As for M. Aubanel. his aunt suggested that he had better go and visit his intend- ed. and he did not ask her to repeat her advice. At length. under the joint control of the old lady and Hec- tor. all the preparations were complet- ed, and, then it was necessary for them to hurry in their turn to Cormes-Ec- lose. where the “contract dinner" was waiting. ha ventured to 'plead in favor of rest and sleep. But Ferdinand had al- ways something more to say. and It was alread five o'clock when. spring- tng out of . Hector was at last able to get rid of his friend by the em- 10Yment of a little personal violence. t W38. however. too late to think of ”9086. for the rest of the house was already astir. !A new carriageâ€"to be used at the wedding for the first time “Md just arrived. and the stable men were running and shouting across the courtyard. In the passages there was a olattering of wooden shoes. the ordi- nary servant girls having been. rein- forced for the occasion 'by all the avail- able peasant women living on the estate. Then the glacier and pastry cook arrived from Tours with his tin and copper molds. pans and pails, and other sonorous utensils. which clang- It was one of those COpious repasts for which Turaine is so famous. The table almost staggered under the weight of the dishes. bottles and glass- es. There were thirty-eight diners ranged round the board. and fully sixty dishes were served. Every one knew each other, and indeed every one was more or less nearly related to his neighbor. Hector was indeed the only stranger, but then Ferdinand had sounded his praises so highly. their in- timacy was so apparent. and the old aunt darted her aide-de-camp such grateful looks. that he was at once treated as one of the family. An old cousin parodied the Count d’Artois' famous saying. and exclaimed, ‘There is only a relative the more.’ where- upon everybody laughed. That e en- ing. indeed, the least thing seemed to provoke merriment. Hector was witty, or at least he appeared so. which is the more important point, and he contrived to keep every one in such good humor that Ferdinand at times turned his eyes away from his ina- morata to smile his thanks across the table. At the end of the repast. two elderly gentlemen. solemnly attired in black. and with very stiff shirt collars. abruptly rose to their feet. and with- out a word passed into the drawing- room. Every one at once followed the reâ€" presentatives of the law. A number of chairs had already been diSposed in a circle round the reception-100m. where on the central table stood a heavy silver gilt inkstand. flanked by several immaculate quill-pens. The elder of the two notatries who had assumed his gold spectacles remained standing holding the mar1iage contract in his hand. The silence w as so pro- found that on listening attentixely one might have heard the bridegroom’s heart beating. At last when every one was seated the perusal of the co tract began. In a monotonous voice t e old notary enumerated the surnames and Christian names of the affianced pair and the various clauses and conditions slurring over the technical terms. and losing himself at times in the midst of the interminable phrases. The old cousin. who was of an apOpletic tem- perament. grumbled between his teeth. Such an ordeal after a dinner necessi- tating a laborious digestion was hard to bear indeed. Hector on his side al- most dozed off to sleep. whilst Ferdin- and twitched and turned on his chair like Guatimozin on his gridiron. At. last the perusal came to an end.~ the notary laid the contract on the table. and the interested parties rose to their feet. ready ‘to sign it. “Those gentlemen are the notaries." said a lady. seated beside Hector, in angwer to his inquirieg. f_ Hector, who was but half awake. fol- lowed the general example. He was waiting for his turn. glancing careâ€" lessly round the room. when all of a sudden his eyes lighted on the table. and he started with surprise. for the pen at that moment was held by such a beautiful. dainty. feminine hand that he thought he had never seen such a gthe. care of two physiciansJ was given up to die. I wasted to ahuman ekelo eton; nothing mom than a crippled ,shadow. [ lost the use of my limbs Sentirely and food “as given me by a spoon. Life was not worth living and {me-h an existence was indeed miser- iahle. Thus I awaited the end to come ‘ â€"an end of human suffering too awful eto depict. As .a last resort I was per- 2811:3de by my friends to try medical gtreatment in the General Hostlital in ’Toronto, and after spending several weeks there came home disheartened “Why. where can I have had my eyeg." muttered Hector, “not to 'have noticed such a charming gifl asfitgat?" -"'vâ€" w-v- vâ€" '____,.7 And, lost in ecstacy. he did not hear the notary inviting him to take the pen and sign the contract in his turn. As soon as this part of the ceremony was over, the whole party started for the village mairie. only a few hundred yards distant. Hector offered his arm to old Mademoiselle Aubenel. and. quite regardless of her age and infirm- ities, drew her along almost at a run. for he was so anxious to overtake the beautiful girl with the golden hair. When he and Ferdinand’s aunt reach- ed ths mairie she was already there. leaning on the old cousin's arm in an easy. graceful manner, and evidently quite unconscious of her own fascinat- ing loveliness. The old cousin was talking. and she smiled as she listened to him Innocent maliciousness sparkled in her big blue eyes. and at some remark more amusing than the others. she burst out laughing, so that Slrlckcn Wllh Rheum-ll": Ila Wand to a PI“- Slrlckez Shadow - Doctor- and llospllal Trent-om Pulled In Help ll. â€"lbr. Wllllnm' I’lnl Pills Realm lull. and Slunzlh. Proof upon proof accumuiatcs that Dr. \Viliiams’ Pink Pills is the great- est medical discovery of the 19th cen- tury, and the foiLowing story told in the grateful latient‘s own words again sulstantiates the claim that they cure when other medivines fail. ably hand. with tapering flpgem roportlonod. than “WV“ But he was mistaken. for it belong- ed to a young girl. barely eighteen years old. and so poetically beautiful that even a prosy stock broker might have developed lyric faculties at mere sight of her. Her hair was of that warm. luminous. golden hue which the Titian had so marvelously rendered in his portraits of Venetian beauties. Un- Pretentiously caught up, and scarcely secured at all by a simple tortoise- shell comb, these wavy. golden locks were so flexible and so abundant. that at each moment it seemed as if they would free themselves. uncoil and Spread like some gorgeous mantle over their possessor's shouldersâ€"shoul- ders, the dainty curves of which could be divined under a pretty “guimpe ‘e ”I“ “u mVâ€"v- â€" skin. of the finest texture. one could follow the course of the pale blue veins. Hector was so struck thst he instincâ€" giroly olbowed his way past the people In front of him so as to ascertain who it was that pass-sewed this admirable hand. “Unfortunately."“he mut_t_ered. "only â€" -_--L her rosy lips v wrted and disclosed her glistening p9 v teeth. That night. although HeCLuI was not disturbed by Ferdinand, he had some difficulty in getting to sleep. for do what he would his mind was haunted by a celestial vision. "AIL" he murmured. “if Mademoi- Belle Aurelie could only be like her." To Be Continued. “Knowing that I am a living monu- ment of the wonderful curing proper- ties of Dr. Williams” Pink Pills, l deem it my duty as a grateful man to give my testimony fur the aid of such as are afflicted as I was. lam a resident of the village of Vittoria. Ont.. and have lived in the town or neighbor- hood all my life and am therefore well known and what I say can be easily proved. Three years ago [was strick- en with and Lartially paralyzed by rheumatism, and after 'being under la. vierge." finished 'roudd the thh a ruohe of lace. and even worse than l‘efore. While writhing in the pangs of pain. dis- couraged and ready to die. I heard of Dr. “'iiliams’ Pink Pills and of the marvellous cures they effected. While doubting that they would cure me I was prevailed upon to take. them. The effect was marvelous. For two long yearsIhad not enjoyed asingle night's rest and I then slept a sweet sleep which seemed like heaven to me. I re- vived, could eat and gradually grew stronger and as Igained strength my hope ofliving increased. I have taken forty-one boxes. which may seem a large quantity to some, but be it re- membered I had taken many times their value in other medicines and had been declared incurable by doctors The result is I am now able to undergo hard physical exercise. All my large. circle of friends and acquaintances welcomed me back in their midst and life seem real again. The fact is he- yond all question that Dr. Williams' Pink Pills as a last: and only medicine proved successful in reaching the germs of my disease and saved me from a life of misery and pain. Again 7--.. -_- _4_ Single Manâ€"Poor George! He fell in love with a beautiful girl who car- ed nothing for himmnd he has finally gone crazy. Married Manâ€"Tho fool! A Crippled Shadow. I say as s grateful man that I cannot. too strongly recommend this remark- able medicine to all fellow beings who are afflicted with this terrible malady. JAMES DAVIS, The above testimony is signed in presence of EARNEST WEBSTER MAYBEE. THE REMARKABLE STATEMENT OF JAS. DAVIS. 01’ VITTORIA. woman of thirty- TW'O POINTS OF VIEW'. that." THE FASB IONA BLE 9” A DE. A very immrtant question in tho mind of the nverage \mman iust it PM! in the new spring shade “ill it ho humming or otheruise. ’ 'lo the “marl who in tubion s slave the an mr to this question is a vital one; to the Vital lenoible enough to M :u neu .- possible to the fashionable color and yet hove it becoming it i! not of so much immrtamo “him to tho mom“ who «ears the color uhivl Slit. her best. irrespective of ‘1)? "'30 ill mode. it is o matter of indiffer- % “\Vlll I hurt: to M ids iI come hem next time ;Jugwty. "No. sir." rep‘. cashier. “Not unless ynu lthe mtime. I shoulfi. ;nooe min among a mill “Oh. oh I" moaned Mrs. \Veaka. girl. Guttering from a devayed n " Why sun't peeple born u ;th0ut1 I'd like to know!" “ \Vhy my I examined the husband, “do you 931! to know any one that wasn‘t Mikk" How old are- you. Pat? '- "Thirty-shin next mom M f"Yea must be older Hum 1113? ‘ were yez bornfi' Patâ€" 11111-61.“ --" I hum yez DOW. Sure. 3'97 W the same date tin years ago 3" Time 2.30 A.M.â€"Admir hther any objection to :1 visits. Mia Man! 3" Ms; mâ€"butâ€"erâ€"I think that you plid them in insfa ‘“ I don’t think the memzers of} church would he Willing to Mi 3" have and give to the goat" H4: They might be persnaim to sell thcy burn and invest the pro m3 something else." Mtgibtnte. who has latOIy take him-011 a. wigâ€""I think he mu here before on a simiLar :harga" orderly Prisonorâ€""No. yrr v.3..- The ltd ‘ luk' I was up aforv \\ btldobeadod old cove." Harold has a pair of m who look and dress so exaz-tfy it is difficult to Dell th Mtry and which Miss Mar day a lady laid to Harold see how you. can tell yuur z apart." "Oh. that‘s easy 91 plied Hurold. ‘ ‘for Auntie I a great dad more alike t‘u Mtrtht." 61108 As the majority of “whom to the (albino of the moment at to be tble to renew 11 of the satin of uncerta'n Though decidedly a w! :a llld 1897 the colors shmxx: Spring certainly are. eit‘zrr "3w! or in combinatiun. \ tie in their coneption Hm. yellow Promise to be wry |« Sat. varying ‘11 the \x :1} Ghtde known as paLlle. throu. femnt tones Which “ere pr us last [111. only under differ the deepest being a burn! HI “510d ooq de roche. It is yrx “90111136 (”its “ill be use {lid stripe effects for H19 11 311k: and ribbons. “ Poverty ” aid I'mie E‘en like riches in one res; w}; \\' it' a any disgrace or an 319.er _.‘ a: how you happen tn g . a." . The old saying that " There 18 new under the sun " u: t verified as one looks O‘Jer an! r the different shades of Um xw Pcheur. and of the fiftyâ€"six ~‘t water blue. that ranks :n we Grim. “as immensfly populzi “VB!“ 3931'3 ‘80 under (Le pectmur. and ofthe fifty-six s} fared to u. from which “v 1 Choice only eight. are mm. :m then are blue; so it can 68-1 ferrod from this um blue :~ h9__the primo favorite. the present moment it has been cult to late with any degree 01 “int! just what color “n11"! h PNPU' thing this sprmg. i'ut mingled thtt first in prefrnnce a . The guys known as argvn? mum. any platine are shown PT? a. guy I: u: unusuauy tryin: thou papulu'ity is not likely very considerate. [in Gulhmgtonâ€"“ I too. Her: 3“ erki. Chould like tr» 1".»me ‘8‘} 7101mm. “'hat is the first {king ‘0‘ do I" Bet! Slevewskiâ€"" I: .‘ ' _ Lon One Another.-" Fannie mud a sweat new Easter Loam-t." '- Fun'n bu charming turn: to; m in: things over.” Innovutionâ€"“Ah! me «fear of ")3" you did not have your 5m ng £35. to-dty. when it. was s 5" m:- r' '(h you. Edwin. deuest. \\ .. ; 4,1 g r». . . phone.” . The others have somethin: w! 1H Db COS-t. though by no mun» ( minnows order. hearing rativr toward on. blue. These arv P“ 90 form a combination “ml the ton-bl? yellows. an! 33 Hwy art mm to women they Hum be; very mpulur. Geranium reds are the 3m .-~ 9010!. starting with coral am “In! .and next comes an eanl-‘J 31.111113 known as nourpre \VW pull! and rose pink are alm qum Ill-Ont. Is Well as a couple of rit plush reds and three or {our tints. Reine and Jacqueminut 9.9“”? the two Les: shmies n “unfit?! 3m and hlgvk.” Purple effects are prominvm ?. in ehedea of pansy and dahlin. .' mer known as clematite an! : the letter u orchids-e. an 0t“ 1 “399". Md ophel'a and dulfli'} Another Question moment. it is Pl?" ieve their min. aertainty. UP a it has heel diffi' But g. l the M «our 0“ i know an quired Ix, )l an Aunt: 90 kn. Va Di 3‘ 9M“ .“3’ ‘°“ and at '11 aunflo IS r15 t tee‘ l‘OI i don! mum rh. rt v looll mo ‘ l Miko- \" ha ms t ”I! Yb"! hear. coll‘ itil this .er. I' ‘q ‘ .M" Piddnn in ”I“ (to England is relic [015.000 s year i! not death! at 5 Jim and of VII bird in aural-ion rho was Sir Sta pceivod the pens“ bninsulu war. Ir'ollingtqg die? I mmo will and. ill be nved to th I' the present hol iacount Hudi ,byuinin). l’els' air: of the ”l Villltm Ill}: Gen! accession of Lord ll to :11 to whit)! 'elao-n shall deal-q I paid indefinite 'v’oloeley and the Sir Frederick H. um: {or their mill , was understnod pug-continuing I nded. 1 ME Tr. James Put nultod by a ‘0! Disease (‘IIIII â€" In a stat-d lid-9y Pills. ‘1 aloe - low I Ever I SOME Bl Dov... ”Pine