We take great pleasure in presenting to our readers this month the first installment of a serial story by the famous Spanish novelist, D. Ramon Ortega y Frias. The translation is the work of Mr. L. Solyom, of Washington, whose ability as a linguist is well known and of a very high order. “Elena’s Daughters,” a romance full of the charm of movement and color, depicts, with unusual skill, the life of the Spanish people in the early part of the Seventeenth Century, when Philip IV was king, and when love was won by the sword and honor was held to be a priceless thing. The manners and customs, the superstitions and ignorance, the desperate bravery and cunning of the times are made to contribute to the absorbing interest of the story, an interest that is fully maintained to the concluding sentence of the last chapter. D. Ramon Ortega y Frias was born in 1825. Long sickness and family misfortunes compelled him to give up studies and to devote his life to literary pursuits. He is one of the most popular Spanish novelists—in fact, he may be considered the father of the Spanish novel, being the first to replace the numerous French translations which were almost exclusively read before he wrote his original compositions. His subjects are drawn from Spanish history and give true pictures of the manners and customs of the country. He has also translated some works from the French, and has written poetry and numerous critical literary articles. * * * * * Through the courtesy of Mr. Hugh Nicholson, the well-known English miniaturist, we are enabled to reproduce one of his most important miniatures. It is called “An Eighteenth Century Beauty,” and was given the place of honor in the inaugural exhibition of the London Society of Miniature Painters, held in 1896. Mr. Nicholson has been engaged in painting little portraits of prominent Baltimoreans for the past two seasons, and his recent return to Baltimore from abroad proves the continuance of his well-merited popularity. His work is distinguished by exquisitely delicate coloring and technique, and never lacks the strength necessary to the successful portrayal of character. * * * * *