Most of us have gone through the triste era of our girl-life, when we were obliged to confess to ourselves that we had “grown too big for dolls.”
Vol. I. of Alfred Scott Gatty’s well-known plantation songs (Boosey) are now published for guitar, and they “go” capitally.
There are some duets for two guitars by Madame Pratten, and their effect is quite charming; we think too that Messrs. Schott still have the old but delightful Opus 87, by Joseph Küffner, namely, twelve (short) duos for two guitars for the use of beginners.
To those who wish to add the many Spanish graces there are to their guitar playing, we thoroughly recommend a really clever little 3s. book, particularly dealing with this difficult subject for description. It is entitled “Brilliant Effects on the Guitar,” by Edith Feilden (J. Blockley). Most teaching photographs show the hands in different positions on the guitar, and its dainty exterior is so gaily and well coloured by a representation of the Spanish flag, that it is attractive for a gift book. It is to be obtained of Miss Feilden, Feniscowles House, Scarborough.
Mary Augusta Salmond.
[A VICE-REGAL DINNER-PARTY.]
By A MAJOR’S DAUGHTER.
It was not because I am a major’s daughter that an invitation came to me one bright autumn morning, but because I was the curate’s wife. We were seated at breakfast when the “command” to meet their Excellencies was handed up. Just like the proverbial curate’s family we were laying in a foundation of stirabout, only our porridge was swimming in thick yellow cream, and was daintily served. On the table, besides, was the purest heather honey, a few golden peaches, and hot rolls of crispy bread.
“Thank goodness! a clergyman is always in full dress!” quoth the dear curate, as he pulled down his silk M.B. waistcoat. “But you, my dear Eileen, had better meditate on chiffons.”