Perplexed One.—The only wrong we see about the whole matter is that you did not confide all to your mother. A girl should keep no secret of her own from her. She is the adviser and the protector of her daughter, and if desirable that you should renew your acquaintance with him, she will know best what steps to take. Never let her find out by chance what concerns you so seriously, more especially when anyone else has been made a confidant.
Guinevere.—1. The term “furniture” is too vague to enable us to give you advice. You do not even say whether it be wood, stuff, or leather. It is very hard to remove inkstains, but if you refer to our indexes you will find more than one recipe for removing them. The probability is that in taking them out you extract the dye of the material likewise. 2. Break up a small stick of chocolate into a cup, and pour the least drop of boiling water upon it. When dissolved, pour boiling milk upon it, stirring all the time.
Lange.—Sponge the oil-cloths with milk and water, and rub them dry; then rub over with beeswax, dissolved in a little linseed oil. We “thing” your handwriting is not formed, but promises well. We think little girls ought to be “shy.” It will wear off quite as much and as soon as it will be desirable for you to get rid of it.
Christabel.—Probably the letter may be returned to your friend through the Dead Letter Office. You write a curious hand, but it is very legible, which is the great object to be gained.
Sharp does not always merit her nickname. She says: “A gentleman said I have dreamy Southern eyes. I am as a rule treated kindly. Perhaps it is because I have such pure blue orbs.” Now, little lady, you have made a blunder—sharp as you may be—for Southern eyes are black, not blue. 2. Weymouth is a very nice place, and while there we advise you to write copies and learn the correct spelling of what you call “Wensday.” For all particulars respecting clerkships in the Telegraph Department, you must apply to the Civil Service Commissioners, in Cannon-row, W.C.
A. M. H.—Gainsborough’s “Duchess” was at Agnew’s when it disappeared.
R. S. V. P.—Clean your white wool shawl with flour, or rinse it in a lather of soft tepid water and curd-soap, or in bran and water. We are glad that you found our recipe for apple pickle so satisfactory. We congratulate you on your writing.
T. C. S.—Have you consulted your mother’s wishes respecting your leaving home to be a missionary? Remember that however excellent a profession may be, your first duty is to your parents. You are only in your teens, and, even were you of age, God’s providence might have other work for you to do. Your prayer should be “Lord, what wouldst Thou have me to do?” and He will probably answer you through the voice of your parents. “Requite” them; and if they approve of your desire, write to Miss Lloyd, 143, Clapham-road, S.W., secretary of the Mission Training House for Ladies, The Poplars, Addlestone, Surrey.
Clarrie.—The author of “John Halifax, Gentleman,” is Mrs. Craik, née Muloch.
Deeply Anxious.—Be at peace. You have confessed to God and a sister, and have truly repented and made restitution. There is no occasion for your telling anyone else, nor of doing more than making the little present you propose to give. Sin under all these circumstances is sin forgiven.