And then I heard--ah! ne'er was known Such judgment without malice, Nor queenlier council ever heard In senate, house or palace!-- "I should have failed there, I am sure, Don't be discouraged; try once more, And I will help you, Alice." "And I will help you." This is how To soften care and grieving; Life is made easier to bear By helping and by giving. Here was the answer I had sought, And I, the teacher, being taught The secret of true living. If "I will help you" were the rule. How changed beyond all measure Life would become! Each heavy load Would be a golden treasure; Pain and vexation be forgot; Hope would prevail in every lot, And life be only pleasure. --_Wolstan Dixey._ A CHAT ABOUT THE FASHIONS. Although the lady readers of THE PRAIRIE FARMER have probably by this time made up the heavier part of their winter wardrobe, still a few suggestions may not be out of place, for the "fashions" is a subject of which we seldom tire. In discussing the subject of silk and silk-culture at the late Woman's Congress, Mrs Julia Ward Howe said that "although silk is said to be depreciating in value, and is not quite as popular as formerly, yet we must confess it lies very near the feminine heart," at which statement an audible smile passed over the audience, as each one acknowledged to herself its truth. We are glad to see that wrappers are becoming quite "the thing" for afternoon home wear, and a lady now need not feel at all out of place receiving her callers in a pretty, gracefully made wrapper. The Watteau wrapper is made of either silk or brocaded woolen goods, conveniently short, the back cut square at the neck, and folded in a handsome Watteau plait at the center, with a full ruche effect. A yolk portion of silk fills in the open neck and is sewed flatly underneath to the back. The side seams are curved so that a clinging effect is produced at the sides. Jabbots of lace extending down the front, and a prettily bowed ribbon at the right shoulder, with a standing collar at the neck, and a linen choker collar give the finishing touches to the toilette.