Mizpah.—The word “Mizpah” means a watch-tower. On a ring it would mean, “The Lord watch between thee and me, when we are absent from each other,” a solemn pledge of faithfulness and truth in a betrothal. It was used as a solemn warning to one suspected, not trusted, in the original case.
I. H. B.—“Ban” is an Irish prefix, and means “white.” We cannot find any other clue to the word, and we think you should have written “Wenham,” which is the name of a lake near Boston, U.S.A., from which the ice derives its name.
Omega.—The only way to be comfortable is to prevent the chilblains from coming at first, by rubbing the place you feel affected with a little dry mustard and flour very gently, which will generally put the chilblains back. When a chilblain has broken, a decoction of poppy-heads with hot water may be soothing, and bread poultices are used by many people, but we are doubtful of their expediency. When the inflammation has subsided, a little creosote ointment may be used, but when so bad it would be well to consult a doctor.
R. A. A.—The editor declines, with thanks.
Dum Spiro Spero.—The words are French, and are used when picking the leaves from a daisy. They mean, “He loves me a little, much, passionately, not at all.” This is one of the many ancient charms, or really auguries, which we have obtained from unknown ancestry.
F. A. H. B.—We regret that we can make no use of your essay.
Daddy Longlegs should send her locket to a jeweller’s to be cleaned and repolished.
Lady Godiva.—Probably digestion. Ask your doctor about it.
Esther Black.—The notice of the marriage in the different newspapers is a sufficient announcement to friends at a distance. Neither cards nor wedding-cake are sent now.
Florence Moore.—Does your sister wish to look like a balloon, tied in at the middle with a string? or, still worse, does she wish to cut her liver in two? Her other plan, “to drink vinegar,” would so thin her blood that she would exchange her wholesome fat for dropsy, and become blown out like a skin-bag used for water in the deserts. For your own infirmity you should wear a backboard and faceboard daily while at your studies. We have often described and prescribed them already.