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“Blanche and I don’t get on very well together. you know. I fancy she thinks I take up too much of Bruce's time. Ridiculous. isn’t it? I cannot help his being Hire and at- t‘mtive, can I? I don’t think she “At last !” she exclaimed, confid- entially. “I thought he was never going. I assure you, my dear, I have been most uncomfortable. He ought to have got up and gone round directly she came in.” ' Lady Betty laughed with a, little malimous enjoyment. “Of course. How well she is looking to‘night,” said Lady Betty, putting up her opera glasses. “She has got on one of Worth’s latest. Certainly I will say that Blanche knows how to dress. I don't know [my one who wears diamonds so well. Did you see her look across at us as §he came in, my dear?” “Yes, I saw her look acrossâ€" yes.” Neilsson was in a beautiful voice that night and Marguerite’s sweet, plaintive, soul-stirrmg death song rose and filled the house with it wonderful paflxetip sweetness. Gradually, Floris’ face grew pale, her lips quivered. the tears gath- ered in her eyes and tickled slowly, like great diamonds, down her cheeks. “Oh, there’s a ballet, isn’t there, Bruce?” asked Lady Betty. “Please let us stay for the ballet. One always goes home so very mis- emble after ‘Faust' without the ballet." “By all means,” he said; then he got his opera hat, and left the box without a, word ; and Floris felt that she had wounded mm by her cold repulse. ' Lady Pcndleton shrugged her shoulders. “Lady Blafiche Seymour, do you megB-i" asked Fly-is, indifieqently. “Hadn’t you better go across, Bruce ‘1” “Presently,” he answered. The opera proceeded, and pres~ enjlyhthe great scene arr‘irved. Never had she looked more loveâ€" ly, more heartâ€"moving; and as the blase man of the world watched. her, he felt an awlul longing to take her in his arms, to bend and kiss the tears from the starlike face; as it was, his own face went pale under the spell she was, all uncon- sciously, weaving round him, and the hand resting on the back of the chair, touching her dress, trembled. He could not resist the longing to speak to her, and bent over her, murmuring: “No, 1161 Do not! It is not even worth that! ’ Lord Norman stood behind her chair, calm, impassive. apparently deaf and blind to all round him, with than sag froid which his ad- mirers declare was unique and in- imitable. He had seen the flash of jealousy dart, across the theatre, had seen the hot flush on Floris’ face, but for any sign of recogniâ€" tion, he might have been indeed blind. Lady Pendleton, however, looked uneasy at his immovability, and began to fidget and cast glances at the opposite box. Presently she turned her head. “Enjoyng it! I have never been so happy in my life!” exclaimed Floris. A light shone in her eyes for a. moment. “You make me very happy," he said, in a. low voice. Instantly her manner changed, and the 01d, proud look came into her eyes. “Aie you going now?” she said turning to Lady Pendleton. “You see we have all of us seen it so many times,” said Lord Nor- man in his low voice, which seemed meant to reach her ears alone; “and we get hardened. But I am glad you _are_enjo_)'ing it.” Without moving her head, Floris turned her eyes toward him, with a half shamed-faced smile, and wiped her eyes. “I am glad, and yet so sorry“ so sorry it is over,” she murmured, as the curtain fell. “Who could help crying ’1” And she laughed tremulously. The expression of the fierce jeal- ousy which had flamed forth from Lady Blanche’s eyes passed and vanished in a. moment, and nothing but a calm, idolent. almost indif- ferent. gaze met Floris’ one of frank admiration. Right across the magnificent; opera. house the two women looked at each other. Fighting Life’s Battle; CHAPTER VI 0R, LADY BLANCIIE’S BITTER PUNISHMENT Then his joyous blue eyes turned to Floris, questioningly. She 1131 her face toward the stage, and Lord Norman made no offer of in- troduction, but Lady Betty leaned forward and tapped Floris on the arm. “My dear. let me make you ac~ quainted with an old friendâ€"I beg you pardon Bertie! A young friendâ€"" “From Canada," he replied. “Been out there for the big game, you kn0w. How well you are look« ing! I am so glad to see you! How lucky I dropped in to-night. And Bruce too!” and he released Lady Pendleton's hand at last and took Lord Nnrman’s, “So awfully glad to see you, Bruce! It; seems ages since we met! And how well you are looking! I am awfully lucky! Do you know I hesitated out-side for a. moment before I came in! Never expected to see you, you may be sure, or I should not have paused a. moment!” and he wrung Lord Norman’s hand again. Lord Norman got up and open- ed the door, and a young man, a very young man, entered. He was tall and graceful, with fair hair that clustered in curls on his brow; a soft fringe of goxd above his upper lip promised a. mustache; his eyes were blue, and full of life and joy~ ousness; and his lips were curved in a smile which almOSt made Floris smile to look at them. “Why, Bertie, whpre have you sprung from?” demanded Lady Betty, Iaughingly. ” “Yes, of course. I know she was angry, because she smiled at me so sweetly while you were going round, and avoided us so completely when you got there.” ~ “YBu have wouflf‘rful intuition Betty,” hq said, calmly, and turn ed to Florls instantly. “Guilty, my lady!” answered the voice, so pleasant and merry a. one that Floris turned her head. “Bruce ,open the door!” exclaim- ed Lady Betty. “It is Bertie Clifforde.” " “Well?” he said, and if he had been offended he had regained his temper, r“notr so good as :Faustfl’j: “Blanche, do yvou méan?" 7 he asked, coldly, as if reluctant to answer. Floris looked across and saw Lord Bruce standing beside Lady Blanche's chair. He was talking, but not bending over her as he had bent over Floris; and Lady Blanche was speaking to him with her face turned almost completely away. The orchestra. began the overture to the ballet. “I wonder whether he means to remain there for the rest of the evening l” said Lady Betty, with the pettishness of a. spoiled child. “I suppose he will deign to come and see us home 7” The curtain drew up, and Floris turned to the stage and gazed at the magnificent Joene spellbound. So enwrapt was she that she did not hear the box door open, and it was not until she felt his hand upon her chair that she knew Lord Norman had returned. “No, but it, is very beautiful} More beautiful than I dreamed it could be!” said Floris. “They seem to float on air; how they must enjoy it!" “Was she very angry, Bruce?" Floris heard Lady Betty whisper. “Can you make the story out?" he stud. “They are dancing an opera, instead of singing it, you know.” He drew a, chair near to her, and leaning forward, explained the ac- tion of the ballet with a patience and earnestness which would have astonished many who knew him, his eyes fixed on her face with grave intentness the while. As he was speaking, there came a. knock at the door, and a. voice said: Lady Betty started, and uttered a birdlike cry of delight and surâ€" prise. _ “Why it is Bemel Is it; o BertieT’: y u, “May I dome in, Lady Pendle ton 7” “I think I can,” said Floris, “but I am not sure.” liked seeing him here with me; she considers that she has the monoâ€" poly in poor Bruce. Look! There he is. How handsome he is! Really I don’t think there is another man in the house with such a, figure and to gay nothifig of his face.” “Now, Lady Pendieton!” mur- Then he went to put on Floris’ cloak, but Bertie, with hands almost trembled in his eagerness and de- light, had got the cloak in his hand, and was reverent-1y arranging it, on her shoulders; then he offered her his arm, and Lord Bruce was left to escort. Lady Betcy. The two men “What have I done to be sum- marily dismissed?” he said. “I was thinking for your own good, Bruce,” she whispered. “Pray let me think for myself,” he said “Don’t you wait, Bruce,” she said, with a. singnficant glance at the opposite box. “Bertie will take charge of us.” A frown gathered for a. moment on Lord Norman’s brow. “Miss Carlisle! I shall work aW« fully hard ! There are lots of things I can do. You will see! We’ll make a. big success of it.” The curtain fell amid a thunder of applause, and Lady Betty, with a. little yawn, shut up her fan and looked around. Bertie, came back to her chair, as she spoke, flushed and radiant. “I am accepted, Miss~” he stopped. 7“I don’t think I should say that he is not spoiled,” said Floris, w1th a. smile. “Carlisle,” put in Lord Nor man. “Very much,” replied Floris. “He has gone to ask Lady Betty to allow him to help her at the fancy fair.” “She will be delighted. Bertie is what is called in theatrical circles, ‘23, safed raw.’ He is the pet of society; it, is a wonder he is not spelled.” “Really »! A fancy fair! How jolly! I wonder whether she would let me help. I’ll ask her!” he said. resolutely, and he got up and went to_La(lyflbetty. , Lord Norman came forward, as if he had been waitmg. “How do you like my friend Bér- tie, Miss Cavrlisle?” he asked. “Oh, yes; we were at Eton to- gether; that is, I was there a. couple of terms before he left, and we have seen a. great deal of each other sinc. He has been awfully kind to me ,ta-ken me about, and put me up at his clubs. I am very proud of being his friend; there are so few fellows he is really intimate with. It is just good luck my meet- ing him here toâ€"night. I heard at the club that he had sailed in his yacht.” “Lord Norman is staying in Lon- don to help Lady Pendleton at; a. fancy fair,” said Floris. But when he had seated himself close to her, he did not seem to know what to 58". “Have you been long in Lon- don?” he asked, almost timidly, but his eyes showed the interest he took in her. "Only a. day or two,’ said Floris. “This ,s the first opera, I had ever seen." i n “Thank you, said Floris, look- ing round at him, and reading in his eves the direct, obvious desire to speak to her, sne slowly moved her chair so that he might draw his near, Bertie responded with a smile and a laugh ,and began to tell them some of his adventures. Floris scarcely listened, but the clear, fresh voice reached her ears and chimed in not inharmoniously with the music. All the while he was talking, the young viscount’s eyes were wandering toward her, and in a. pause of the conversation he drew near Lady 'Betty and leaned down to whis'ier' “Who is she, Lady Pendleton '2” “My companion, Bertie. Isn’t she beautiful 1” “Hush!” he Whispered. with a “Hush!” he Whispered, with a bright blush that many a woman in the theatre would have given her s11i_te_ of_ diamopds to possess. He drew nearer to Floris, and seeing her opera cloak had slipped to the floor of the box, stooped and’ picking it up, put; it on the back of her chair mured Lord lSlifiorde, with meek reproach. “Lord Clifforde Miss Carlisle." Floris turned her head and bowed, and Bertie, as Viscount Clifforde was usually called, started slight- ly, flushed, and then bowed. Lady Betty laughed with pleasant mali- ciousness. She saw the effect gloris’ beauty had made upon the oy. "And so you have just come from Canada, Bertie?” said Lord Norâ€" man. “Hush, she m'll hear youl‘ She is lovely!” 9. First pick out the winner of the class ; tnen use it as your stand- ard in placing second and third. 10. When first is placed, briefly sum up its strong points. 11. Look for characteristics and most common breed defects. 12. Pay no attention to either the men with you or the crowd 8. In handling always work from front to rear. With cattle work on the right side, approaching the ani- mal from behind. 7. Never be sattsfied without usâ€" ing your hand in addition to your eyes. Appearances are often de- ceitful. 6. Then pass slowly clear around the ring inspecting each animal from front and rear. 3. Do hot hurry. TaEe {I'm-e to decide. Having done so stick to it. “Be sure you are right, then go ahead.” 5. Take a. minute to look over the line from as near the centre as possible in order to get a general idea. on conformation. 4. If possible, watch the class as it comes int-0 the ring. There is often something about the style and carriage of the winner which marks him out as he walks. 1. H3159 confidence in your own powers. 7 2. Conoentrate your thoughts on the breed and breed type of the animgls you are working upon. Stock judging is a. skill naturally possessed by some and it is a sc1~ enoe that the breeder and feeder should understand. The agriculturâ€" al colleges are giving practical in- structions in judging live stock that is one of the most fascinating studies of the college, as it includes the knowledge of improved stock breeding. The students visit many prominent breeders of the different breeds and at the Chicago Inter- national they test their judgment and skill. Professor Ferguson of the Michi- gan Agricultural College gives the follovyjng rules to his students: R+++++++¢4+oo++++v>+v+ “Yes, yes; Clo,” said Lady Bettfy, putting out her hand. “And make haste back! You have no hat on, and will catch cold I” He laughed his frank, boyish laugh, and, as if in echo, Floris laughed, too, and held out her hand. hH+H~+++++¢o¢++§¢++++t JUDGING LIVE STOCK. conducted the ladies from the box into the crowded foyer, and Bertie dashed off to find the carriage, which he managed, by dint of hard work and the bribe of a. sovereign {:0 bring to the door just five minutes before its time. Then he went back to the saloon, looking superbly handsome, with his fair face flush- ed with his exertions. As he enâ€" tered he saw Lord Norman, as he thonght, standing by the door. “Goodâ€"night,” he said, in his low, musical voice, and speaking to Floris. “I hope you will not be tire-d in the morning.” “Thanks,” she said, calmly. The carriage moved on very slowly, and Bertie seized the oppor- tunity to press forward. They went down without another word, but as they descended the stairs he looked from right to left, searchingly. Lord Norman and he put them inâ€" to the carriage, and Lord Norman stood by the window a moment after he had shut the door. :‘I may icnme and talk about the falr, toâ€"morrow’l” he said eagerly. “What's the matter, Bertie? Has the carriage flown away?” “Why-how did you get in here again so soon, and without your overcoat?” asked Bertie, openâ€" eyed. “But I saw you outside here a minuteâ€"a, secondâ€"ago!” retorted Bertie. Lady Betty laughed. “What nonsense you talk Berâ€" tie!” she exclaimed. “Bruce has not; left, us; how could he rI” Bertie colored. “I have made a stupid mistake" he said, penitently. “I have got the carriage.” The man he addressed looked at him for a moment, then turned, instantly swallowed up in the bril- liant, crowd thronging the corridor. Bertie looked after him with aston- ishment, then mechanically made his way to where he had left the three, and found them standing in the same spot, waiting for him. He stared at Brace with amaze- ment, and in silence, for a. moment. “‘1 have not left the saloon since you went, of course,” returned Lord Norman. “Why! WheEe rare Bruce ‘1” he exclaimed mm the Farm (To be continued.) WheEe rare the ladies, The question of a successor to Sigowath is already being discuss- ed. Sisowath himself desires to be succeeded by his young son Sonphâ€". anovong; the Bonzes and the Miva istcrs, however, favor the eld , Sun of tht; King, Monivong, an 2111' King Sisowath is also troubled on religious matters. He sent for a. French missionary, and, it is said, asked what he would have to do to become a Catholic. The popu- lace is ignorant of these facts, but the King’s entourage is aware of it. and views the situation with un- easiness. The Bonzes are opposed to the conversion of Sisowath, and declare that if need be they will shut him up in one of their con- "vents. of his palace no longer dance as they used to; that the elephants of the palace die one after the otherâ€"a. bad omenâ€"and that the workers in the royal art palace do not work with good will. The mom. arch flies into temper at the slight- est provocation, or Without any at all. The Paris Journal learns from Cambodia that all is not well with King Sisowath, whose health is being undermined by rheumatism and other ills. He is a. difficult pa.- tient with whom to deal, and the "french Resident is somewhat un- easy with regard to him. The King has become neurasthe- nic; he complains that the dancers 'IIIIS KING IN BAD HEALTH. Cambodia‘s Ruler Making Things Uncomfortable. Hard work never has been and never will be entirely eliminated from tilling the soil. Thorns and thistles and weeds it produces as it always has done, and it is still in the sweat of his brow that the soil tiller eats his bread. But we have relieved the farmer from more toil than would have once been thought possible, only it opeartes pretty impartially upon farmers of all classes. The better farming now needed must be the individual work and thought of the farmer himself. If he cannot plan, calculate and judge about the details of his busiâ€" ness, he is in no better shape for success than his unskilled competi- tors, who, perhaps, work harder and for less wages than he. Do not place too much reliance upon the seeds you may get from the Agricultural Department, ei- ther as to breed or fertility. Very often they are any old variety un- der 3, new name. A wise man has said that that which costs nothing is worth nothing. Coal ashes, while not so valuable as wood ashes, are, nevertheless, worth saving. Coal ashes contain some fertility, but the principal be- nefit derived from their use is in loosening the soil. Many people do not appreciate the necessity of keeping the soil porus so that it will readily admit water and air. Potato-es require a, rich, thorough- ly prepared soil. Stable manure tends to produce scab, and for this reason, it should not be used on potatoes. A complete fertilizer rich in potash, applied broadcast at the rate of 1,000 pounds per acre will usually give good results. In many localities scab is a. source of serious Loss to potato-growers. One of the best and safest remedies for it is to soak the seed for two hours in a solution made by mixing one- half pint of formalin with fifteen gallons of cold water. In the construction of roads, the attempt should be made to get a. smooth surface as free as possible from mud and dust; and these re- sults should be maintained as cheaply as possible. Such results, however, can be had only by selectâ€" ing the materials and methods of construction best suited to the con- ditions, and by continuous repair. The success of a beekeeper is not measured by the number of colo- nies kept, but by the surplus se- cured. Twenty-five hives, giving a surplus of 50 pounds each, are more profitable than 300 hives and no surplus. One of the best lines of equipment which any form can have is a, good workshop well supplied with tools and machinery for needed repairs. Breakage and loss of bolts and nuts are of constant occurrence, and there is frequently mucll loss .;f time (for such accidents usually happen in the busy season), in not having the needed things at hand with which to make repairs. around you. Your business 18 with the annuals. The quicker stable manure ii thrown and spread upon the field the less the waste, whether the sea.- son is summer or winter. the F Pnom FARM NOTES. Lg, Momvong, an eni rnnch army, at pre-l Penh. who is known. ,cd inwards France. 1e other