Dearie should learn to spell better. She speaks of the word “desert,” which denotes a barren, uncultivated waste of arid sandy land, but by which she says she means the last course at dinner, that of fruit, ice, and sweetmeats. Now this course is called “dessert,” and the emphasis in its pronunciation is placed on the second syllable, and as if spelt with a “z” (“de-zert”), whereas in the word “desert” it is on the first, as “dez-ert.” “Bivouac” is pronounced as “biv-oo-ak.” Her writing is very pretty, and we thank her for her kind letter.
Anglican Catholic.—We do not give private addresses. St. Augustine was sent over to this country by Pope Gregory the Great as a missionary, Christianity having been nearly exterminated by the invasions with which it was so terribly harassed. He found a Christian church at Canterbury (St. Martin’s), where Queen Bertha worshipped, having Luithard as her priest and director. She was a French princess, and brought him over with her. At that early time the Roman Church had not evolved nor promulgated many of her modern dogmas.
Mary M.—It is not essential that you should send your address in writing to the Editor, as in many cases it might hinder the expression, feelings, and difficulties with the full freedom necessary to ensure satisfactory advice.
Edmunda Yorke.—You had better write and tell him that, having so forgotten himself and taken undue advantage of the intimacy involved in the relations between a doctor and his patient on the occasion of your last visit, your self-respect compelled you, with much regret, to forego the benefit of his treatment, and you would be obliged if he would return your book and send in his account.
E. M. Trill.—You will receive what you require by attending to the directions given at the end of every article by the “Lady Dressmaker.” The Editor cannot attend to that department.
One Seeking Light.—1. We recommend you to join the Odd Minutes Society, of which the secretary is Miss Powell, of Luctons, Buckhurst-hill, Essex. She will send you all particulars about it, and we think it is exactly the useful work that you require. 2. Read Isaiah i. 16, 17, 18, lv. 7, and Ezekiel xxxiii. compared with St. John vi. 37, and Hebrews vii. 25.
Violet.—1. Place the steel ornaments in oil, and leave them there for some time to soak off the rust, and then rub well with a soft toothbrush and chamois-leather. 2. Your handwriting is not formed. Spell “truly” without the “e.” Final “e’s” in adjectives are dropped when they are formed into adverbs.
Allegro, Mab, Gipsy.—There is Miss Mason’s Home of Rest for Christian Workers, 7 and 8, Cambridge-gardens, Kilburn, N.W.; seaside branch, Burlington-place, Eastbourne. Terms, from 7s. to £1 per week. There is also The Cottage Home of Rest, 2, Tilsey Villas, King’s-road, Norbiton (close to Richmond Park). Apply for form of admission to Mrs. J. M. Pearson, The Grange, Kingston-hill. Also see our answer to “Daisy.” We think that Cobham, Surrey, would suit you.
Idalia (Demerara).—We read your nice letter with interest, and tried to realise the sketch you give of your surroundings. How we wish we could see the “pink and red morning glory,” the “Hushfalia,” “Waxplant,” and Stephanotis “running all up to the banisters on both sides,” etc. Accept our thanks for the kind wish expressed to send us some of them. We do “take the will for the deed.” By some means your silver bracelet has become oxidised, and your only plan will be to send it to a silversmith. Your writing, if sloped a little from right to left, would be excellent.
Omnia Vincit Amor.—The form of speech, in such common use, to which you refer, is perfectly understood (in the real meaning assigned to it) by the visitors to whom it is addressed. Thus it is not a deception. There are “at home days,” and “not at home days.” On the former your mistress will be found in her reception-room; on the latter, she will not be found awaiting visitors there. If persons in society agree together to adopt a certain phrase to signify a certain thing, and not as a deception, you may use that phrase, at the orders of your mistress, in the sense in which she meant, and her visitors will receive it. Your letter and the verses, though incorrect in composition, do you credit, and we wish you God-speed!