J. J.—We do not think that Di Vernon was an historical character. Rob Roy, of course, was such, as it was a nickname given to Robert McGrigor, who assumed the name of Campbell, when the Clan Macgregor was outlawed by the Scotch Parliament in 1662. He has been called the Scottish Robin Hood.
Topsy should certainly offer to pay for herself; but if the person she accompanies wishes to do so, she can accept the offer with thanks, of course.
Nine Years’ Constant Reader.—All engravings by Bartolozzi are of value, but we could not say of how much, unless we knew in what condition they were. You had better have them valued by someone near at hand.
Rita.—The year of The Girl’s Own Paper ends with the month of September. You would begin with the first number of October.
Kuden.—The shillings and sixpences coined in the reign of Queen Anne are said to be worth 2s. to 3s. You do not describe it, so we cannot tell you further. If there be an “E.” under the Queen’s bust, it was coined in Edinburgh.
Dragon-fly.—In the first issue of threepenny, twopenny, and penny-pieces in Charles II.’s reign, the edges were not milled, but there is no reason given for the fact. In the reign of Elizabeth there was an issue of hammered, and one of milled, threepenny-pieces. It was probably a matter of convenience, as we can find no explanation of it.
Barge.—1. The term “Limited,” or “Ld.,” as generally written, is a legal way of announcing the way in which that business is conducted. There can be no question of politeness nor good manners about it, so you can add it to your address without interfering with either.—2. The word “therefor” is used in law works. “Therefore” means “for this (previously mentioned) reason.” “Therefor” means “for this (previously mentioned) thing.”
Mercia.—The book is not of any monetary value, we regret to say.
Stencil Ware.—The origin of the family of Este was in Italy. The first we hear of it is Alberto I., a Tuscan prince, who died about 972 A.D. They were rulers of Tuscany, Milan, Genoa, Padua, Modena, and Ferrara. The last ruler of this State, Alfonso II., died without issue, 1597, and Pope Clement VIII. seized on his estates. The descendants, however, of his brother Cesare ruled in Modena till 1801, when the male line became extinct, and it passed through the female line to Austria. The last duke, Francesco V., was driven from his dominions in 1859, and the duchy was soon afterwards incorporated into the kingdom of Italy. The House of Este was (in 1060) divided into two branches; John Guelf was invested with the Duchy of Bavaria, and Fulco remained at Modena and Ferrara. The former is the ancestor of the House of Hanover.
A Widow.—A widow does not change the style of her address on the death of her husband. If she were previously Mrs. John Thompson, she remains the same, and uses it on her cards and letters. Mrs. Mary Thompson is a form of address that is purely legal, and used by lawyers or other men of business. It is not used in society. The methods of addressing an aunt differ in different families. Aunt Mary, or Aunt Thompson, are both correct. The latter is, however, rather old-fashioned. We know a family in which there are three Aunt Marys. One is Aunt Mary, the second is Aunt Mary John (the name of her husband superadded), and the third is Aunt Mary Scott. These distinguishing names are only used when their owners are spoken of. When spoken to, they are all Aunt Marys.