CLARRIE.—The author of “John Halifax, Gentleman,” is Mrs. Craik, _née_ Muloch. DEEPLY ANXIOUS.—Be at peace. You have confessed to God and a sister, and have truly repented and made restitution. There is no occasion for your telling anyone else, nor of doing more than making the little present you propose to give. Sin under all these circumstances is sin forgiven. POSSIE.—The edelweiss is an Alpine flower. It resembles a star, with irregular rays, cut out of frosted velvet, of a cream colour, and there is a pretty centre to it. So many travellers have carried away the roots of this plant, that the Swiss Government has issued an order prohibiting it under a penalty. STAR.—We have many times warned inquirers that those who advertise for used English postage stamps do so for nefarious purposes—that is to say, they obliterate the postmarks and defraud the Government by selling them for use a second time. For felony like this the severest punishment is due. Do not lend yourself to such evil doings. GWEN.—The little roll or piece of bread used at dinner is generally placed within the folds of the napkin or at the right of the plate. VENTNOR LASSIE.—You should take the prescription to a good chemist. He will understand all about it, and give further directions; but our advice is, leave nature alone, and do not mind the quizzing. If they saw you were quite indifferent to it they would desist. MARGARET.—There is a swimming club held in the Queen’s-road, Bayswater, just beyond Whiteley’s, besides at 309, Regent-street, W., and elsewhere. MAYFLY.—There is a Home of Rest at Malvern, where girls in business, ladies of small means, and servants may be received at from 7s. to £1 per week. Members of the Girls’ Friendly Society are taken at the lowest rate named, and any respectable girls recommended by two members or two associates of that society will be eligible and received, room permitting. GRANDPAPA’S WORRY.—1. We must refer you to advice already given in our pages respecting the constitutionally damp condition of either hands or feet. There is no such thing as “fate.” 2. There is a Divine Providence, and we are told that evils threatened, and even prophesied by God’s command, may be averted through repentance and prayer. Nothing happens by chance, and not only this world, but the whole universe, is ruled and sustained with a regularity and method like that of the most perfect clockwork. SMIKE.—The 29th of February, 1865, was a Wednesday. SCOTCH NELL.—We should prefer the Shetland pony, if well trained and sure-footed, for our own use. LUCY must take the pebbles to a lapidary and have them drilled. * * * * * [Transcriber’s note—the following changes have been made to this text. Page 176: Dittograph “not” corrected—“does not always merit”.]