B. E. M.—1. There are a number of reading societies you could join:—The National Home Reading Union, Surrey House, Victoria Embankment, London; “The Queen” Reading Club, Miss Isabel G. Kent, Lay Rectory, Little Abington, Cambridge; and one conducted by Mrs. Walker, Litlington Rectory, Berwick, Sussex, besides many others mentioned in this column from time to time.—2. You might consult Our Sketching Club: Letters and Studies in Landscape Art, by Rev. R. St. John Tyrwhitt, M.A. (Macmillan); Brushwork, first book, by Miss Yeats, published by Philip & Son, 32, Fleet Street; or Brushwork, or Painting without Pencil Outline, by D. Pearce, published by Charles Dible, 10, Paternoster Square. Two questions are our limit.
Peri.—We have pleasure in telling you that the poem you wish to find is called “The Man at the Gate,” and is contained in a small volume entitled “Ezekiel and other Poems, by B. M.” The book was published some time ago by Nelson & Sons at 3s. 6d., net price 2s. 7½d.
Nell Bell.—Dear girl, your letter is so disfigured by enormous blots and erasures that we really cannot ask a French girl to correspond with you. Your writing is good, and we are sure you could send us a neat letter if you liked.
Carnation (Australia).—Write direct to Mademoiselle Louise François, Anzin, Nord, France.
We have again much pleasure in noticing the Sketching and Copying Clubs of Miss H. E. Grace, 54, York Road, Brighton. The subjects for the fourteenth year, 1899-1900, seem chosen and named in a felicitous manner. We thank Miss Grace for her pleasant letter and enclosure.
Ancient Briton.—Will Carleton’s “The First Settler’s Story” is published in his book of Farm Ballads and also appeared in Our Own Gazette for February, 1893.
Amédée.—1. The building depicted in the frontispiece to The Girl’s Own Paper for February is, doubtless, the Parthenon (literally the virgin’s chamber), or temple to the Goddess Athênê on the Acropolis at Athens. This wonderful edifice was built under the superintendence of Phidias, who wrought in ivory and gold a colossal statue of the goddess for the interior. The temple consisted of an oblong central building flanked on all sides by a peristyle of pillars. It is a little difficult to say precisely what religious festival is here depicted; but all the Greek religious festivals were intermingled with the idea of gladness, procession, and public rejoicing. We observe the lyre (Greek, phorminx) as well as other instruments more familiar. You might be interested in consulting Smith’s Student’s Greece.—2. Without seeing the picture you name we cannot explain it. Art that makes the beauty of the past real to us has its own value, even without any precise lesson.
Daffodil.—Your sonnet, “The Soul’s Awakening,” is decidedly above the average of lines sent us for criticism. The thought is very good. There are a few defects in the working out; the last two lines do not rhyme with each other, or with any line, and the accent on “sepulchre” is forced. But we can on the whole give you sincere praise.
Sophia.—We fear your description is not full enough to enable us to help you as to the story you wish to find. Is it by any chance The Giant Killer; or, the Battle that all must Fight, by A. L. O. E.? That opens with the sons of a clergyman (Mr. Roby) quarrelling. Your outline reads rather like A. L. O. E.’s style. Thanks for your reply to Doubtful.
Mab (Scotland).—Your story is far too sentimental, and shows a lack of knowledge of real life. A complexion cannot be at once “tanned by exposure” and “delicately tinted as a pink wild rose.” At the same time your writing is not devoid of force, and it is quite possible that with time and study you might do better. There is no presumption whatever in your sending to us; we are always glad to advise our readers.