“Indeed, mamma,” answered Arminell with energy, “time does not hang heavy on my hands. I have, of course, my dear husband to consider first of all, but I have plenty to occupy me besides—duties thoroughly humdrum. I visit the old women, I read to the sick, I am an active patroness of the Girls’ Friendly Society, and I teach every Sunday in the school.” “You do! Why, Armie, you used to hate Sunday School.” “Dear mamma, I wish you could hear my class of girls, they have just acquired the list of apocryphal books which are not to be applied to establish doctrine. And, till I find some positive truth to teach, I content myself with making them repeat the names of all the homilies which no one has read, and which never are likely to be read. They have also been taught the meaning of Quinquagesima, Sexagesima, and Septuagesima.” “And you think you are really doing good, Armie?” “I am using all my energies to teach my girls to grow up humdrum women.” THE END. -------------- _S. Cowan & Co., Printers, Perth._ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ _BY THE SAME AUTHOR._ -------------- S. BARING GOULD, M.A. -------------- =HISTORIC ODDITIES AND STRANGE EVENTS.= Demy 8vo, 10s. 6d. [Now Ready. “Striking into the dark side-paths of history, we have a collection of exciting and entertaining chapters. The volume is delightful reading.”—_Times._ “The entire contents are stimulating and delightful.”—_Notes and Queries._ =OLD COUNTRY LIFE.= With numerous Illustrations and Initial Letters by W. PARKINSON, F. D. BEDFORD, and F. MASEY. Large Crown 8vo, 10s. 6d. A limited number of copies on large paper will also be printed. [_On November 18._ -------------- _CONTENTS._ CHAP. I. OLD COUNTY FAMILIES. II. THE LAST SQUIRE. III. COUNTRY HOUSES. IV. THE OLD GARDEN. V. THE COUNTRY PARSON. VI. THE HUNTING PARSON. VII. COUNTRY DANCES. VIII. OLD ROADS. IX. FAMILY PORTRAITS. X. THE VILLAGE MUSICIANS. XI. THE VILLAGE BARD. XII. OLD SERVANTS. XIII. THE HUNT. XIV. THE COUNTY TOWN. =JAEL AND OTHER STORIES. (In February.)= =YORKSHIRE ODDITIES. New and Cheaper Edition. (In the Press.)=