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.