MISCELLANEOUS.
Imperium et Libertas.—There is no question of etiquette in the matter of the Highland friends of the bridegroom appearing at the wedding in their national costume. It is only a matter for their own decision and their friends' permission.
V. D. V.—You were exceedingly wrong in taking walks with any man without your parents' permission, and you degraded yourself by enlisting the aid of a servant to get letters from him unknown to them, and so led her to do wrong and to act in an untrustworthy way to her master and mistress. You ought to tell her that you regret having so done, and will do so no more.
A Devonshire Dumpling says: "I would rather not drink vinegar or raw lemon-juice, if you do not mind, please." Dear little reader, pray do not feel uneasy on that score; nothing is further from our wishes! If your health be so good, leave yourself and your wholesome fat alone. If out of health, the case is otherwise. Dropsical puffing should be prescribed for by a doctor.
Ross-shire Lassie.—The 5th October, 1869, was a Tuesday; the 25th March, 1865, was a Saturday.
Lily.—The passage you quote may mean that the blessed ones who have attained to perfect purity in the kingdom of their Father above were greater than the greatest still on earth.
A Lively Girl is not likely to "get too stout." She inquires, "What is the best kind of a fiancé to have?" Judging of her suitability for assuming the responsibility of selecting one, and of leaving her mother's sheltering wing, we should reply—a gilt gingerbread man.
A Meteor.—The Rosicrucians were a mystic brotherhood, made known to the outer world in certain books published in 1614-15-16. The last book, published in 1616, was acknowledged by Johann Valentine Andreæ, and entitled "The Chymische Hochzeit Christiani Rosenkreuz." The former works are likewise described by him. From these we learn that one Christian Rosenkreuz, a German noble of the fourteenth century, founded a brotherhood of seven adepts on his return from the East, and that among their laws was one that they should each heal the sick gratis (or, at least, endeavour to do so), should meet annually at a certain secret place, and adopt the symbol of the Rose Crux, or rose springing from a cross, the device on Luther's seal. In 1622 societies of alchymists at The Hague and elsewhere assumed this title, and the tenets of the community were held by Cabalists, Freemasons, and Illuminati, and professed also by Cagliostro. It is said that a Lodge of Rosicrucians now exists in London.
Tumpy.—Our answers depend on the questions and style of the letters addressed to us. You were right in your surmise. Your writing is legible, but not sufficiently regular. If you write us a ridiculous letter we promise you a suitable answer. We are so sorry for your poor father. Could he not subscribe for Punch, or procure a few copies of the famous "Mrs. Brown" series?
Highland Mary inquires, "Who was the author of the first settler, and where is it?" How can we tell "where it is"? There have been "first settlers" in every part of the globe. The first part of your letter is better written than the concluding portion, and gives good promise for a good running hand by-and-by.
C. Horsell.—The lines you send us are very faulty; in fact, are only badly-rhymed prose; but if it amuses you to write such, do not desist, as outlets are useful to very young people, and it seems desirable for them to give vent to their feelings a little.
Nolens Volens.—Many people do not begin "My dear So-and-So," nor end with "Yours sincerely," etc., on a postcard, but merely write their address in full at the top, and the message signed beneath it, with initials only. But you can do as you like in the matter; there is no rule. We wonder that, having such suspicions of our honesty, you continued to read our paper.
Rousseau and Flossy.—We know of no cure for mere nervousness, unless, as sometimes happens, it passes into a disease, when a doctor should be consulted. Try to forget yourself in the pleasure of adding to the enjoyment of others.
Hope Atheling.—A.E.I. means "for ever." "I don't think" is a common colloquialism used by everyone, and is not more incorrect than such expressions generally are.
J. S. F.—
"Not even the tenderest heart, and next our own,
Knows half the reasons why we smile and sigh,"
is from Keble's "Christian Year," 24th Sunday after Trinity, verse 1.
Marie.—The quotation—
"A primrose by a river's brim
A yellow primrose was to him,
And it was nothing more,"
is from Wordsworth's poem, "Peter Bell," part i.; stanza 12.
Era.—The signification of the bee appearing on the monument of the Prince Imperial, is that the French royal mantle and standard were thickly sown with golden bees instead of "Louis flowers" or Fleurs de lys. The origin dates back to the time of the early Egyptians, who symbolised their kings under this emblem, the honey indicating the reward they gave to the well-doers, and the sting the punishment they inflicted on the evil. More than 300 golden bees were found in the tomb of Childeric, a.d. 1653. Offer your song to some composer. Sometimes they are in request; more frequently there are more offered than are required. All depends on the fancy of the composer. Only two questions are allowed, and the answers given at the discretion of the Editor. We regret that you have been disappointed.
Cissie.—You cannot interfere with the laudable work of the rector in building a school-house for the use of his parishioners; it is his duty. But the parents of the children will have the right of choice between this school and your private one. Mourning for a parent lasts a year; but you are free to wear it longer if you like.
Winnie E. L.—You should consult a doctor. We cannot usurp his place, though we are always willing to give sensible advice on hygienic and sanitary matters.
Polly and Others.—The measurements of a classic figure, as given on authority, are: height, 5 feet 4½ inches; bust, 32 inches; waist, 24 inches; 9 inches from under the arm to the waist, with long arms and neck. The proportions of a larger and more stately woman or girl would be: height, 5 feet 5 or 6 inches; bust, 36 inches; waist 26½ inches; hips 35 inches; thick part of arm, 11½ inches; wrist, 6½ inches. The hands and feet should not be too small. "Polly" will see that no arrangements are made by judges of true beauty and its lines for waists of 15 or 16 inches. They are simply deformities.
Buddie.—The book was published anonymously.
C. B. Gloucester.—Easter Day fell on the 25th March, in 1546, 1641, 1736, 1886, and will fall next time in 1943. Tram, used as a prefix to way and road, is the last syllable of the name of their inventor, Mr. Benjamin Outram, who in 1800 made improvements in the system of railways for common roads, then in use in the North of England. The first iron tramroad from Croydon to Wandsworth was completed July 24th, 1801. Mr. Outram was the father of the celebrated Indian general, Sir James Outram.
Wild Hyacinth.—We know of nothing save to benefit your general health. The intense perspiration is evidently an effort of nature. Do you take a tepid bath every morning, and as much exercise as possible? You have doubtless received your book.
R. H. P.—We do not think cold and haughty people are at all nice, nor do we think they could be happy themselves, or make others happy. The Christian ideal is neither coldness nor haughtiness, but sympathy and love. You must take care of those long tails at the end of your words in writing. Better tie them up as the Dutch farmers do the tails of their cows. They are in writing ugly and useless appendages.
Nannie B. and Fiddlesticks have our best thanks for their letters.
Isis.—We are much obliged for the account of your visit to the Temple, and we regret we can make no use of it. You will acquire more ease in writing by constant practice.
Gertrude.—We think the first year you must take what is offered to you in the way of salary.
A Field Officer's Daughter.—We have perused the two poems, and consider that they hold some promise of better things, though both are faulty in construction and rhyme.
Inconsistency's paper is too much like a schoolgirl's composition for our pages; but she evidently tries to think, which is more than many people do.
Elsie.—We never heard any more of the saying about Brighton, than "a country without trees and a sea without ships," and we have looked for the original authorship in vain.
Sweet Violets.—We know of nothing but constant rubbing and the practice of gymnastics to do your shoulders good. You probably have some trick of standing crookedly that has helped to make it grow out, such as standing on one leg, or giving down on one side.
Forever and Ever writes English very well, though her writing is rather too pointed to suit English tastes. But at 16 she has plenty of time to alter it if she likes.
B. H. M. W.—The lines show much good feeling and affection, but no poetic talent.
A Well Wisher.—Rydal and Loughrigg, a township of England, Co. Westmoreland, on the Leven, two miles N.W. of Ambleside, celebrated for its beautiful lake, on the banks of which stands Rydal Mount, long the residence of the poet Wordsworth.
Madge.—We think "Madge" must not worry herself, as she certainly cannot help people who will not allow themselves to be helped, in her way at least of assisting them; good advice is generally unpalatable. She must look on the best side of the matter, and hope that her friend may be happy and comfortable in her own way. We doubt that you could have prevented the marriage, as your friend is very likely tired of the trouble of earning her living, and thinks of marriage as a way of escape. You must commend both her and her affairs to God, and cease worrying yourself.
Nell.—Your mother's brother is your uncle, no matter whether by the father or the mother. To put the case in another way, your grandfather's son is your uncle by whatever wife he had, first or fourth. Of course you could not marry him. See the "table of degrees of affinity" in the Book of Common Prayer.
One of our Girls.—We think that men not much exposed to cold and damp, and night work, such as sailors and soldiers, do not need the warmth nor stimulant obtained by smoking any more than women do. Nevertheless, a single cigar or pipe daily would not be injurious to a grown man, though much so to a young lad in his teens. Men are so careless about cleansing their pipes from that poisonous nicotine, that multitudes have found their habit of excessive smoking a highly provoking cause of cancer in the mouth.
Hebridean.—We think some foolish person has been worrying you with nonsensical fault-finding. We can not see that you were wrong in any way. You were with other girls and with your brothers, and that should be sufficient protection, whoever you were walking with. Do not allow yourself to be teased.