Jo.—Perhaps you could receive some little pupils daily for two or three hours at your own home, and teach them the rudiments of an English education—reading, writing, arithmetic, grammar, geography, and needlework.
Mother of Six.—The Paddington Green Children’s Hospital might suit you, boys under twelve years of age and girls under fourteen being eligible, and no letters of recommendation being required. Write to the treasurer, George Hanbury, Esq. 21, Portman-square, W. There are also the Belgrave Hospital for Children, 77 and 79, Gloucester-street, S.W.—lady superintendent, Miss Munro; The Eveline Hospital for Sick Children, Southwark Bridge-road, S.E.;—secretary, T. H. Chapman, Esq. All three are free.
Sophia Falconer.—Cod-liver oil is specially beneficial to consumptive persons or those suffering from a severe cough, not from the stomach. In cases of atrophy we should think it would be of service. Many persons, strong or delicate, find a plunge or two in the sea of much benefit; but few comparatively could go into still, cold, fresh water. A cold sponge bath is quite a different thing, and cold salt-water sponging of the spine, throat, and chest is much to be recommended, or a good quick rubbing with a wet towel half wrung out, and drying with a rough one.
Curly and Fluffy.—Avoid meeting the men who try to force unwelcome attentions upon you. Speak to your mother about it, and let her direct you. She can put a stop to the persecution with authority. If she were to go out with you a few times she could dismiss them at once. Avoid seeing them, and go into a shop or turn a different way if they try to join you. It is an important part of her duty to protect and chaperone you.
An Old Girl of Poland.—In adopting a new country it is always wise to be provided with a passport, a copy of your certificate of baptism, and letters from your clergyman, and any leading men, magistrates or others; also your banker, if you have one. Such papers might prove very valuable as introductions into society, or to facilitate your obtaining employment. Besides this, they would be very essential in case of mistaken identity. No passport is needed in coming to England, yet it is wise to have one.
J. B.—To know the colour called primrose, you have only to look at the flower and at the enamelled or painted representations of it. Why ask anyone else when your own eyes could act better for you than any description by another person?
Clansman.—We should like to encourage you to write, as the lines speak well of the mind and the heart; but we think you would succeed better in prose than poetry.
“Eucharis Lily.”—We have no recollection of the MS. of which you speak, and regret you have waited so long for an opinion. The lines you enclose show good feeling, but lack originality. We thank you for your kind letter.
F. A. B.—We feel sincere sympathy for you, and scarcely know how to advise you. At your early age you are only eligible for the Children’s Hospital, Great Ormond Street, W.C. You might write for particulars to the lady superintendent. You would have to supply certificates both as to character and health.
Gertrude McKenzie.—No licence is required to enable you to keep a registry office for servants.