Mrs. Rogers did not for a moment lose her presence of mind, and by her activity many women were saved who would in all probability never have reached the deck. The ladies' saloon was long, but the door was somewhat narrow, and being round an awkward corner there would have been a fearful struggle to get through it, had a panic arisen. But Mrs. Rogers, by her calmness and promptitude, prevented anything approaching a panic, and got her passengers quickly on deck. To all who had not provided themselves with them she gave life-belts, and then assisted them into the boats. The last boat was nearly full--there was room for only one more--and the sailors in charge of it called to Mrs. Rogers to come into it. Before attempting to do so she took a last look round, to see that all the ladies were gone, and saw that there was one still there, and without a life-belt. Instantly Mrs. Rogers took off her own, placed it upon her, led her to the boat, and gave up her last chance of escape. But the sailors who had witnessed her heroism did not wish to pull away without her. 'Jump, Mrs. Rogers, jump!' they shouted. 'No, no,' she replied, 'if I get in, the boat will sink. Good-bye, good-bye.' Then raising her hands to heaven she cried, 'Lord, have me!' and almost immediately the ship sank beneath her. Seventy lives were lost in the wreck of the Stella, and the news of the terrible calamity cast a gloom over the Easter holidays. An inquiry was held to determine the cause of the ship getting out of her course, but the result need not be mentioned here. One thing that soon came to light was the story of Mary Rogers' heroism, which sent a thrill of admiration through all who heard it. Her well-spent life had been crowned with an act of heroism, and her memory is deserving of more than the tablet which has been placed in the Postmen's Park. MADELEINE BLANCHET THE HEROINE OF BUZANCAIS The Red Republicans had risen. The factories and private residences of the wealthy inhabitants of Buzancais were in flames, and owners of property, irrespective of age and sex, were being dragged from their hiding-places and murdered. For some months it had been rumoured that the Red Republicans, aggrieved at the high price of bread, intended to rise and kill all who possessed wealth; but the people of Buzancais paid no attention to these rumours, and were consequently unprepared to defend themselves when, on January 14, 1853, the rising occurred. Had they banded themselves together, they could have quelled the riot, but, taken by the surprise, the majority sought safety in hiding. Meeting with no resistance, the Red Republicans pushed through the town, leaving behind them a trail of fire and blood, and came at last to a big house where lived Madame Chambert and her son.