the action to the word.

"Don't be foolish, Tom,' she said, trying to appear quite calm and indifferent, but trembling uncommonly.

"Foolish!' I said. 'Oh, dear no, but whether I go along the ground or up in the air I like to go the pace, and so do you, Fanny, I know, and over went another sand-bag. "Why, you're mad, surely,' she whispered in utter terror, and tried to reach the bags, but I kept her back.

"Ouly with love, my dear,' I answered, smiling pleasantly; only with love for you. Ob, Fanny, I adore you! Say you will be my wife.'

"I gave you an answer the other day,' she replied; one which I should have thought you would have remembered,' she added, laughing a little, notwithstanding her terror. "I remember it perfectly,' I answered, but I intend to have a different reply to that. You see those five sand-bags, I shall ask you five times to become my wife. Every time you refuse I shall throw over a sand-bag-so lady fair, as the cabmen would say reconsider your decision, and become Mrs. Jenkyns.

"I won't,' she said; 'I never will! and let me tell you, you are acting in a very ungentlemanly way to press me thus.'

"You acted in a very lady-like way the other day, did you not,' I rejoined, when you knocked me out of the boat?' She laughed again, for she was a plucky girl, and no mistake a very plucky girl. However,' I went on, 'it's no good arguing about it-will you promise to give me your hand?'

64

Never,' she answered: I'll go to Ursa Major first, though I've got a big enough bear here, in all conscience. Stay! you'd prefer Aquarius, would'nt you?'

She looked so pretty that I was almost inclined to let her off (I was only trying to frighten her, of course I knew how high we could go safely well enough, and how valuable | the life of Jenkyns was to his country); but resolution is one of the strongest points of my character, and when I've begun a thing I like to carry it through, so I threw over another sand-bag, and whistled the Dead March in Saul.

Come Mr. Jenkyns,' she said, suddenly, 'come, Tom, let us descend now, and I'll promise to say nothing whatever about all this.'

"I continued the execution of the Dead March.

"But if you do not begin the descent at once I'll tell papa the moment I set foot upon the ground.'

"I laughed, seized another bag, and looking steadily at her, said:

"Will you promise to give me your hand?'

“I've answered you already, was the reply. "Over went the sand, and the solemn notes of the Dead March resounded through the

car.

"I thought you were a gentleman,' said Fanny, rising up in a terrible rage from the bottom of the car, where she had been sitting, and looking perfectly beautiful in her wrath; I thought you were a gentleman, but I find I was mistaken; why, a chimney-sweeper would not treat a lady in such a way. Do you know that you are risking your own life as well as mine by your madness.'

"I explained that I adored her so much that to die in her company would be perfect bliss, so that I begged she would not consider my feelings at all. She dashed her beautiful hair from her face, and, standing perfectly erect, looking like the Goddess of Anger or Boadicea, (if you can fancy that personage in a balloon,) she said,

"I command you to begin the descent this instant.'

666

"The Dead March, whistled in a manner essentially gay and lively, was the only response. After a few minutes silence I took up another bag, and said,

"We are getting rather high, and if you do not decide soon we shall have Mercury coming to tell us that we are trespassingwill you promise me your hand?"

"She sat in sulky silence in the bottom of the car. I threw over the sand. Then she tried another plan. Throwing herself upon her knees, and bursting into tears, she said,

"Oh, forgive me, forgive me, for what I did the other day! It was very wrong, and I am very sorry. Take me home, and I will be a sister to you!

666

Not a wife?' said I.

"I can't! I can't!' she answered.

"Over went the fourth saud bag, and I began to think she would beat me after all, for I did not like the idea of going much higher. I would not give in just yet, however. whistled for a few moments, to give her time for reflection, and then said,

1

"Fanny, they say that marriages are made in heaven; if you do not take care, ours will be solemnized there!'

"I took up the fifth bag.

"Come,' I said, my wife in life, or my companion in death! Which is it to be?' and I patted the sand bag in a cheerful manner. She hid her face in her hands but did not answer. I nursed the bag in my arms as if it had been a baby.

"Come, Fanny, give me your promise!'

'I could hear her sobs. I'm the most soft hearted creature breathing, and would not pain any living thing, and I confess she had beaten me; I forgave her the ducking, I

forgave her for rejecting me. I was on the point of flinging the bag back into the car and saying, Dearest Fanny, forgive me for frightening you. Marry whomsoever you will. Give your lovely hand to the lowest groom in your stables, endow with your priceless beauty the Chief of the Panki-Wanki Indians. Whatever happens, Jenkyns is your slaveyour dog-your footstool. His duty henceforth, is to go whithersoever you shall order,-do whatever you shall command.' I was just on the point of saying this, I repeat, when Fanny suddenly looked up and said, with a queerish expression upon her face :

You need not throw that last bag over. I promise to give you my hand.'

With all your heart?' I asked quickly. "With all my heart,' she answered, with the same strange look.

I tossed the bag into the bottom of the car, and opened the valve. The balloon descended. "Gentlemen,' said Jenkyns, rising from his seat in the most solemn manner, and stretching out his hand, as if he were going to take an oath; Gentlemen, will you believe it? When we reached the ground, and the balloon had been given over to its recovered master, when I had helped Fanny tenderly to the earth, and turned towards her to receive anew the

promise of her affection and her hand,-will you believe it? she gave me a box on the ear that upset me against the car, and running to her father, who at that moment came up, she related to him and the assembled company what she called my disgraceful conduct in the balloon, and ended by informing me that all of her hand that I was likely to get had been already bestowed upon my ear, which she assured me had been given with all her heart.' "You Villain!' said Sir George, advancing towards me with a horsewhip in his hand. You Villain! I've a good mind to break this over your back.'

"Sir George,' said I, 'villain and Jenkyns must never be coupled in the same sentence; and as for the breaking of this whip, I'll relieve you of the trouble,' and snatching it from his hand, I broke it in two, and threw the pieces on the ground. And now I shall have the honour of wishing you a good morning. Miss P- —, I forgive you.' And I retired. 'Now I ask you, whether any specimen of female treachery equal to that has ever come within your experience, and whether any excuse can be made for such conduct?

66

"As I said before, its like the sex,' said the second marine.

"Yes, all mankind is sejuiced by woman,' said the third marine.

"Its just my case over again,' said the first marine. "After drawing me on in that way, after gaining my affections in that

ANCIENT ORDER OF FORESTERS.-The

eighth anniversary of "Court Robin Hood," No. 2629, was held at the Crown and Anchor, New Town, Bromley, on Tuesday, 22nd ult., being the inauguration Dinner and Ball at the new court house. A procession of the members in their regalia, headed by the 18th Kent Rifle Volunteer Band (by the kind permission of the Captain of the corps), paraded the town and neighbourhood in the afternoon; after which, nearly 90 members and friends sat down to an excellent dinner, provided by the host, brother John Myhill, in a large tent. The chair was taken by Mr F. J. Smith, who was supported on his right and left by several tradesmen of the town; the vice-chair was taken by the C. R. of the court, brother James Pocock. After dinner, the whole of the company retired to the large room. The chairman opened the proceedings with an appropriate address, and called upon the secretary, brother Edmund Mewett, P.C.R., for a report of the society. The secretary replied with a report of the numerical and financial position of the court, and the London United District (of which the court forms part), and the numerical strength of the order. After the usual loyal toasts, the chairman gave "Success to Court Robin Hood," "The Ancient Order of Foresters," "The London United District," coupled with the Widow and Orphan Fund. The health of the chairman, vice-chairman, and the secretary, was heartily drunk and responded to; other toasts followed. The chairman intimated his wish to join the Foresters by becoming an honorary member of the court. A ball took place in the tent, at which a large company took part, which was kept up with spirit till an early hour, when the company broke up after spending a pleasant evening, everything ending amicably.

A CURE FOR RHEUMATICS.-One fine evening in the early part of June a respectable tradesman of an adjoining village, in an alarming state of excitement, hailed us in the high-street, and taking a piece of sulphur from his pocket, wrapped up in a scrap of paper much the worse for wear, and not any whiter for being carried in the blacksmith's pocket, commenced as follows to give an account of his troubles, which, judging from his appearance, were of a very serious nature. "This is what done the mischief, but I didn't know it. I never thought when Í

INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD FELLOWS, Manchester Unity Friendly Society, enrolled pursuant to Act of Parliament, 18 & 19 Vic. cap. 63. The twenty-second anniversary of the "Loyal Pride of Kent Lodge," No. 2764, was celebrated at the lodge house "Commercial Inn," on Wednesday 16th ult. The members joined in procession at one o'clock, and proceeded to Orpington, for the purpose of escorting the vicar, the Rev. W. Falcon to St. Mary Cray Church, where a very ap propriate sermon was preached by the abovenamed gentleman. The procession was headed by the celebrated Birling band, and accompanied by the Regalia of the order. After leaving the church, they proceeded to Kevington, the mansion of R. B. Berens, Esq., where the members were kindly regaled with a good supply of rich brown ale, the band playing that popular air, "The fine old English Gentleman.' The procession then returned to the lodge house, where a sumptuous dinner was provided by host Whomes. After which, a public meeting was convened, when T. H. Smith, Esq., the medical officer of the lodge, presided. After the health of Her gracious majesty the Queen, had been given and drunk, with other loyal and popular toasts, the chairman enlarged upon the benefits that accrue to the working classes from societies like this, and the vast celebrity to which the order had attained, numbering 350,000 members, with a capital of two millions of money at their command. After which, prosperity to the "Pride of Kent Lodge," was drunk, which was responded to by the secretary, Mr W. Epsom, P.G. Then came the financial statement, which showed the lodge to be in a flourishing condition, pos

sessing a capital of nearly £1100, and after meeting the current expenses of the year (£278 5s. 9d.) for sickness and distress, they had effected a saving of £116 8s. 8d., and augmented their number of members from 176 to 198. The health of R. B. Berens, Esq. was then given, to which that gentleman responded, stating, that as a justice of the peace and a member of the Board of Guardians, he could with pleasure, state, that societies like this were of vast benefit to the community at large, in arresting the progress of crime, and relieving the country of pauperism. Other toasts having been given, and responded to by Revs. W. Falcon, and A. Welsh, and P.G. Thomas Petty, the healty and prosperity of court "Foresters' Glory " of the Ancient order of Foresters was given, and responded to by Mr Tovey, a P. C. N. of that order. Thus, in edifying speeches, in which much instruction was imparted, and joyous conviviality, the proceedings terminated at eleven o'clock. The youug

EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTE.

people and children of the Sabbath School, held their annual treat on Tuesday the 22nd, in Mr Joynson's meadow, where games of various kinds were provided. At half-past three the children formed in procession and walked to the Rookery, where they sung on the lawn, and gave three hearty cheers for Mrs Joynson, who refreshed them with fruit. After which, they proceeded to the meadow, where they partook of a bountiful repast provided for them. Tea was provided at the Institute for the mothers and elder scholars, who assembled at five o'clock. After which they joined the children in the meadow, where a very happy evening was spent.

CONGREGATIONAL CHAPEL Bromley.— On Sunday, July 13th, this place of worship was re-opened, after being closed several sabbaths for the purpose of making certain alterations. The ground area of the chapel has been much extended and re-fitted with modern pews. A new vestry has been erected and every part of the building thoroughly renovated. The alterations made are of such a character as must secure the approval of all who have good taste in chapel accommodation. A new mode of gas lighting has been adopted with marked success, and, in the various details, elegance, combined with comfort and usefulness, has evidently been the aim. At a public meeting, held in the chapel on Tuesday the 15th, the Deacons stated the circumstances which had led them to undertake and persevere in the effort, which had thus far been highly successful. They stated further, that 143 additional sit

bags had been secured by the alteration, and hat the total cost would be about £460, toyards which £310 had been contributed up that date, leaving a balance of £150 still so be dealt with. Addresses were delivered y the Revs. J. Kennedy, M.A., H. Baker, S. D. Hillman, and W. H. Smith, in which he improved appearance of the chapel, and be happy manner in which it had been effeced were duly recognized. In the course of he meeting, a gentleman who had already contributed liberally, spoke of the desiraility of removing the remaining balance of £150, and very generously offered to contriyute half the sum ( £75 ) if the congregation would raise the other half by the end of the

fear.

The deacons at once accepted this challenge on behalf of the congregation, and several gentlemen present, promised sums of £10, £5, &c., &c., which, together with subsequent contributions, now reach the sum of 50, leaving only £25, which the deacons hope soon to receive from such as may be able and disposed still to help them in this matter. The friends of the voluntary principle, must rejoice in this, as another instance of its success and efficiency, when rightly applied to religious purposes. It should be added that the alterations have been carried out according to the plans, and under the supervision of Mr C. G. Searle, Architect, being contracted for, by Mr C. Brown, of London, with the exception of the gas fitting, which does great credit to Mr Walter, of this

town.

18th KENT RIFLE CORPS FETE. The Fete in aid of the Band Fund came off on Tuesday the 29th, in the park and grounds of G. W. Norman, Esq., Bromley Common, kindly lent for the occasion. Nearly all the shops in Bromley were closed at one o'clock, and a half holiday was taken by the neighbourhood generally. The road from the town to the fete, began to show signs of something more than everyday life, soon after one o'clock, by the continuous roll of light vehicles, and by the happy countenances and gay attire of the holiday folk. The fete was announced to commence at two o'clock, and the visitors on arriving, found themselves in a paradise of pretty flowers, surrounded by sweet fragrance, and feasted with harmony by the Rifle Corps Band. The flower show continued to engage the attention of the fair sex, long after the giddy throng had gone to an entertainment given by punch and judy, whose presence on the ground was

hailed with delight by the juveniles, and we may add, by many of the "old boys." Those respected old ladies, the "Aunts Sally," were paid due (we wont say polite) attention to, and contributed largely to the feast of good fun. The various performances of the Beckenham Fife and Drum Band, conferred great credit on the performers, and gave proof of much perseverance on their part. The volunteers mustered strongly at the call of the bugle, and went through numerous evolutions in a most satisfactory manner, the volley and file firing being very good. After which, commenced the athletic sports; these were well contested, and were sources of great amusement to the lookers on. The fun had by this time grown "fast and furious." Punch and Judy were again entertaining a large audience, whilst others were amusing themselves by throwing sticks at the black faced effigy in short petticoats, called "Aunt Sally," of which there were two, one under the able superintendence of Mr Acton, assisted occasionally by Messrs. Archer and Nash; the other, no less ably conducted, by Mr F. J. Smith, who caused considerable merriment by offering al fresco dolls, whistles, &c., to those who were successful in "putting aunt sally's pipe out," all very harmless pastime, and contributing much to the gratification of the majority of the visitors.

Such is a bird's eye view of the day's arrangements, all which gave general satisfaction, especially the Flower Show, which was very successful, and if we may judge from the crowds which continually surrounded it, one of the most attractive of the day's amusements. The tent in which it was held was 100 feet in length and the exhibition was divided into four classes; the 1st class was for bouquets from gentlemen's gardeners and florists. The successful exhibitors were Mr Stacy, gardener to S. Forster, Esq., Southend, Mr Horwood, gardener to R. Turnbull, Esq,, Down, Mr Holgate, gardener to the Misses Telford, Widmore, and Mr Buster, Florist, St. Mary Cray. There were several others highly commended, among which, one shown by Mr Early, gardener to F. J. Edlmann, Esq., stood pre-eminent. In the second class, the competitors were ladies, the first prize being awarded to Mrs Boyd,