not be constantly harassed with fears lest his family expenses may
encroach upon public payments. Be independent; a young housekeeper
never needed greater moral courage than she does now to resist the
arrogance of fashion. Do not let the A.'s and B.'s decide what you
must have, neither let them hold the strings of your purse. You know
best what you can and ought to afford. It matters but little what
people think, provided you are true to yourself and family.


THE DARK FIRST.

Not first the glad and then the sorrowful--
But first the sorrowful, and then the glad;
Tears for a day--for earth of tears is full:
Then we forget that we were ever sad.

Not first the bright, and after that the dark--
But first the dark, and after that the bright;
First the thick cloud, and then the rainbow's arc:
First the dark grave, and then resurrection light.

--_Horatius Bonar_.




OUT OF THE WRONG POCKET


Mr. Taggard frowned as he observed the pile of bills by his plate,