says missus, laughing; "only mind, Cook, whoever is right is to have her way next time." Well, this mornin', milk's turned; as o' course it would be after such a night as that, so she got the laugh on her side. But how did she know a storm was coming any more than me or Proby?-why she didn't; she guessed it, as a baby might-and o' course Providence couldn't go out of its way to show her she were wrong. Why what's the matter with the man -are you struck?'

"Well, yes; John has even for a moment forgotten the small beer, as he listens; with the bit of cheese stuck on the point of his knife, remaining midway betwixt the plate and the open mouth. And Meggy, too, what is it that makes those little eyes of hers grow bigger than one might have supposed it was possible for them to become? Even Cook, though she does rage inwardly to see Meggy's trembly red hands for a moment doing nothing, cannot find it in her heart to let her own voice jar upon that sweet, springlike, bird-like music, that comes bubbling towards them.

Like the breaking of a merry little wave among the rushes, her voice had risen, and then stopped, as the doors opened, and Mrs. Dell came in; and after telling Mr. Short, who stood up, with knife, cheese, and mouth all precisely in the same relative attitude to each other as before, to sit still, she paused; with one little foot perched on the fender, looking gravely down upon Meggy; who dithered and fidgetted about, more than ever, as she felt those bright, beautiful, sunny eyes glowing, as it were, upon her red hands and awkward body."

We purposely do not quote the more effective scenes and situations of the book, as they would of necessity lose their force apart from the story and characters.

The book is written with wonderful care; the personages are all distinct, lifelike, and original. Mrs. Cairn, Jean, and Archibald, although occupying quite a subordinate place, are touched in with a master hand; even Mr. Payne Croft, who might have been left a mere walking gentleman, is a real individual.

But the scenery and descriptions are also, without undue elaboration, delicately and carefully written. Here is a slight but pretty opening to Mrs. Dell's introduction into the world :—

“‘Oh dear, Oh dear!—was there ever such wretched weather for August? What, no fire!" And up went Mrs. Addersley's yellow jewelled hands and black eyes, whilst her sharp chin disappeared in her swan's-down wrapper, as she stood shivering at the door of the great drawing-room which had been prepared for the reception of the few relations and neighbors to whom it was necessary for Mr. Dell to introduce his wife. The chandeliers were not yet lit, either in this or in the 'long room' beyond, the folding doors of which were thrown open; and the two wax candles burning dimly on the broad mantelpiece, made only a kind of twilight, in which gilded-mirrors, picture-frames, and cornices, shone out with a rich subdued splendor. The window blinds were drawn down as low as the boxes of flowers. The waving shadows from the plants were thrown by the moonlight on the white and beautiful carpet. In the 'long room,' which was left almost empty for dancing, the windows were wide open, and revealed the clear summer sky with its full moon and stars. It was the light breeze from these windows that met Mrs. Addersley as she opened the door, and that called forth her exclamation about the weather. Presently, finding no one hurried forth to lead her to a chair, and to wrap her up, she stretched out her long yellow neck, and peered into the room,

VOL. VI.

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wondering if there was really no one there, when her eyes fell upon a white figure in a veil standing at a mirror (which was opposite to another mirror), and apparently engaged in gazing down the long vista of chandeliers formed by the reflections. It was so statue-like and still, that Mrs. Addersley had some difficulty in persuading herself that it was that young romp,' as she called Winny and her voice was a little uncertain when she said, putting her foot on the threshold, Is that you, Mrs. Dell?' But it soon found its usual sharp tone as Winny sighed, then laughed, and then came to meet her. "Some people have strange fancies, to like to stand here in such a dress as that, with all the windows open, letting in the nasty damp night air,—all in the dark too!' Mrs. Addersley then seated herself in a large arm-chair, by Winny, and chatted away to her; who, on her part, soon forgot her annoyance at being disturbed in the dreamy enjoyment of the mirror vista, the evening breeze, the silence, and the odours of the flowers she had herself gathered and arranged amongst the quaint old furniture."

There are some things so good and so striking in the book, that we have been led to notice blemishes which might pass in a less artistic work; but we cannot conclude without recommending our readers to see and judge for themselves. They cannot fail to be interested, and there are some scenes so forcible, and some touches which show so true and deep a knowledge of human nature—the saving of Winny's life by Grace, for example that they raise the book to something beyond a mere interesting novel; and yet that last epithet is enough praise to procure it many readers.

British Butterflies, Sea-Weeds, &c. Published under the Direction of the Committee of General Literature and Education, appointed by the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge.

WE are glad to see this Society taking up such useful and interesting subjects-leading the mind "to look through nature to nature's God." These tiny pocket volumes are beautifully got up: the illustrations and letter-press are excellent; and we heartily commend them to old and young, as at once instructive and ornamental.

XLIII.-OPEN COUNCIL.

(As these pages are intended for general discussion, the Editors do not hold themselves responsible for the opinions expressed.)

To the Editor of the English Woman's Journal.

DEAR MADAM,

Your correspondent "Z," in the September number of the Journal, has asked for information on many points relating to the condition and treatment of the insane, especially those of the female sex. In reply to the inquiry, "Are the female insane in any case tended by Sisters of Charity ?" I can perhaps supply a word or two of satisfactory answer, having, no longer ago than last month, spent two or three days in an establishment for the insane in Belgium, which is entirely under the care of a sisterhood, founded for the purpose not many years since.

I formed one of a party of three who went expressly to see one of the pensionnaires. We were so kindly welcomed by the Sisters, and were received by the reverend director, whom we had the advantage of previously knowing, with such genuine Belgian hospitality, that a mere call was lengthened

out into a tolerably long visit. I now regret that I did not make use of the opportunity thus afforded of acquiring a knowledge of facts and statistics which might be of use to your correspondent. But thus much I can say, that the impression made on me by what I saw of the working of the system adopted was beyond measure gratifying. It would not be easy to describe the effect of seeing the cheerful, busy Sisters going about the house in every direction. The balance of sanity is thus preserved-no trifling consideration in an establishment wherein most of the inmates have more or less "something the matter with them," and moreover, the consciousness that here no hireling rule nor menial tending afflicts the already sufficiently troubled, is in itself a great relief. In the kitchen and in the laundry a Sister is always to be found directing the operations of the poor inmates, who in their lucid intervals do the rough work of the department. In the pharmacie a Sister compounds and distributes the medicines; in the bureau another sits, writing letters and keeping elaborate accounts. Where the malades are knitting or making lace, or hanging their heads in, despondency, a Sister is invariably in the midst; even of the "furious" there is none in charge but a gentle delicate looking Sister. To crown all, the Sisters sleep in the wards with the insane. In the quarter where the higher order of patients are classed, a Sister is sometimes obliged to remain day and night with one helpless senseless individual.

Theirs is a noble mission-full of trials and difficulties-yet full also of consolation. I have more than once been told that in the majority of cases a gleam of reason visits the poor sufferer at the approach of death. It is at such moments these ministering angels have a foretaste of their reward, in the joy of pouring words of peace and Christian hope into the ear of the dying, and smoothing the way into eternity for souls which otherwise might be scared out of life by the surrounding sights and sounds of madness, or abandoned in their extremest need to the cold charity of the hireling. Again, in many cases which might be pronounced incurable, lucid intervals constantly occur. These periods of relief are anxiously watched, and the patient is at once transferred to another class, where greater freedom may be enjoyed and suitable occupation is provided. Of the average number of recoveries I can give no positive information. I have casually heard of many instances of patients being sent home in health of mind and body to their friends; and two or three instances have come under my own observation of patients having been wonderfully restored after a not very long course of treatment in this establishment.

The quarter which I naturally saw most of during my visit was what may be called the convalescent division. It is, in fact, more like a boarding-house than anything else. Here reside ladies who are sufficiently well to dine in company, and spend the evening in the saloon, reading, working, talking, playing, or singing. Many of them are merely what would be called "nervous" at home, but who are much better placed here than retained in the domestic circle. Some have been patients, who, on being restored to health, have chosen to remain here; and there is also an intermixture of residents who have never required treatment in their lives, but who have come here with invalid mother, or child, or friend, and who like to know they are living under the same roof with the afflicted ones who are dear to them. Every lady in this quarter has a nice private apartment, and of course enjoys perfect liberty. Even some who could not be pronounced "quite right," are accustomed to go for a day's shopping or pleasuring to the neighboring cities. Some of our countrywomen are to be found among the Sisters, and many among the patients.

The house of which I have been speaking is one of the newly-established branches of the now well-known hospital of St. Julian, at Bruges. It has many advantages over the parent house. The situation is convenient, pleasant, and particularly healthful, and the accommodation is better for the higher class of patients.

At Bruges I had the gratification of seeing the Superioress, several of the Sisters, and the founder, Canon Maas. He indeed may be justly regarded as the head and heart of the whole. He is an enthusiast of the noblest kind; and I only wish your correspondent "Z" had heard him give his opinion, and enlarge on his plans and hopes. The whole system of treatment has been changed since St. Julian's came into his hands. The former proprietor, who was a man of kindly feelings, had become utterly disgusted with the hopelessness of the attempt to manage properly an establishment of the kind, by means of irresponsible underlings, and suggested to Canon Maas that he himself should take the house, put his sound theories into practice, and get a Sisterhood to carry out his views. This was done. The Superioress of one of the Belgian religious communities gladly consented, on the Canon's invitation, to inaugurate the good work; she came to St. Julian's, and was soon joined by other true-hearted women, ready to devote their lives to the care of the most terribly afflicted of all God's creatures. The Canon lives in the hospital. Also in the other house the Director, who is indeed a worthy disciple of the founder, resides on the premises. One can readily understand how invaluable is the aid thus afforded to the Sisters, by the zeal and wise counsel of such men. The poor in these establishments are supported by their respective parishes, and there is a regular inspection by Government officers. In other parts of Belgium, hospitals for the insane are likewise, I believe, under the care of Sisterhoods. At Caen, in Normandy, is a very large establishment of the kind. Even now, within a few hundred yards of my home, a building is in course of erection, which, before many months are about, will be known as an hospital for the insane, under the care of the world-famous Sisters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul.

I remain, dear Madam, yours very sincerely,

Dublin, October 19th, 1860.

MADAM,

To the Editor of the English Woman's Journal.

S. A.

It is most gratifying to all who are interested in the great question to which your admirable Journal is devoted, to note how surely and steadily public opinion is breaking down the stiff barriers of prejudice and injustice which have so long restricted the exertions of women to a few overcrowded employments. And yet, thankfully as we acknowledge that the shadows are fading away from our path, and that, hard and stony as it may be, we can now tread it in the light of day, undeterred by obsolete spectres, one must note now and then strange, out-of-the-way corners where the sun has not yet pierced, and where in more than middle-aged darkness certain goblin forms are seen waving back the "weaker sex" as if their approach would be profa

nation.

In how many country churches do we see the wife of the clergyman officiating as organist-and who ever dreamed of objecting to it as an unfit occupation for a lady? and yet, where the same office is undertaken for pay, (and poor pay it is in most cases,) there are many parishes where women are deliberately excluded from competition.

I know nothing of the concerns of the parish of West Hackney except the following advertisement, which I quote from the Times.

"Organist wanted for the Parish Church of West Hackney.-The duties will be morning, afternoon, and evening attendance on Sundays, Christmasday, Good Friday, on Thursday evenings, and on public festivals and fasts. The organist will be required to give instruction in psalmody to the school children attending the church. The committee reserve to themselves, under professional advice, the right of making the selection among the candidates. Salary, £40 per annum. Applications to be sent to the Rev. West Hackney, not later than the 25th of June. Ladies are not eligible."

I am informed that this is by no means an exceptional case, and that many vestries have come to the same resolution. We do not expect parish officials to take the initiative, or to be beyond their age in progress and enlightenment, but knowing, as they have special and ample means of doing, what the dearth of employment for women is, and what is too often the pitiable result, it appears to me that pressure from without might be advantageously applied, and perhaps even a vestryman might in time see so obvious a truth if the press would but flash its dark lantern often and close enough to his eyes. I trust the subject will plead my excuse for taking up so much of your space, and I am, Madam, yours very truly,

To the Editor of the English Woman's Journal.

M. C.

"Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them."-2 PET. i. 12.

MADAM,

It is earnestly hoped that all ladies occupied in tuition will give their serious consideration to the following letter, which appeared in the Times of the 10th November, 1859.

GOVERNESSES.

To the Editor of the Times.

SIR,-Your deeply interesting article in the Times of to-day, on the subject 'of female labor, induces me to offer the following suggestion. You say there are 15,000 governesses in England; now if each of these ladies would make it a point of conscience to subscribe 5s. a year to their Benevolent Institution, I am sure almost every lady employing a governess would do the same, if the subject were only properly presented to her notice, and the governess herself took charge of the subscription; for hundreds will subscribe a small sum if it can be done without trouble, though few reflect on what may be accomplished by co-operation. Could this scheme be really carried out, £7000 annually would be added to the funds of a most valuable Institution, and would probably furnish in time as many annuities as are required. Will any one refuse so small a sum, when it might at once do away with a reproach to our sex? In conclusion, I would suggest, that every father who is bringing up his daughter to this arduous profession should go and do likewise.

X. Y. Z.

Those ladies who are never likely to want an annuity are intreated to subscribe 5s. annually to the Governesses Benevolent Institution, for the sake of their less prosperous sisters; and those who have little or no hope of making a provision for old age are requested to do so for their own sakes. Should a sufficient number of new subscribers be obtained, annuities of £25 each will be granted to 5s. Governess Subscribers, subject to the rules of the Society. No governess to be considered eligible for one who has not subscribed 5s. annually for ten years, or given £5 to the Society in one payment: such annuity to be granted without votes, and the candidate who has subscribed for the longest period to have the preference. Seven thousand pounds would enable the Society to grant eight new annuities yearly. In 10 years they would amount to 80 in 20 years to 160. Payments can be made or Post Office orders sent for the X.Y. Z. fund to Wm. Gilpin, Esq., at the office of the Society, 32, Sackville Street, London, W.

N.B.-It is necessary to call attention to the fact, that the proposed plan was not originated by the Governesses' Benevolent Institution, though it . meets with the approbation of the Committee.

X. Y. Z.