From Edinburgh comes this very useful pattern. It can be hung permanently in one’s bedroom to preserve parasols, etc., from dust, in which case we suggest the use of two nails, eight inches apart, instead of one as in A, Fig. 3; it can be rolled up when travelling, and when unpacked suspended from any hook in the wardrobe. One yard of strong art serge or any other suitable material not less than forty-two inches wide will make two. The back part is cut according to Fig. 1. Fig. 2 represents the front portion which has two box pleats at the lower edge to make the necessary fulness and should be so folded as to fit exactly on to the back part. There is a line of stitching through back and front from C to D, thus making two pockets. Tack the corners AA and BB together and continue round each side to D. The whole case must be neatly bound with ribbon or braid, and the loop added for hanging. The front of the pocket (Fig. 2) should be bound from A to B before fixing it in position. “COUSIN LIL.” [Illustration: _FIG 1_] [Illustration: _FIG 2_] [Illustration: _FIG 3_] “AFTERNOON TEA;” A CHAT OVER THE TEACUPS. BY AMY S. WOODS. Within the last twenty years the simple but most popular meal known by the name of “afternoon tea” has become a prominent feature in domestic and social life. “Afternoon tea!” The very words suggest to our minds pleasant visions of cosy fireside tea and talk on winter afternoons, or lazy enjoyment of the “cup that cheers” under the welcome shade of some spreading tree in drowsy summer-time. True, the institution of this meal has been much condemned of late. We are told that women drink far more tea than is good for them and are growing more nervous in consequence; while the sterner sex complain that the enjoyment of their dinner is spoiled by their previous indulgence in the dainties of the tea-table. Nevertheless, I think even those who cavil most at the evil influence of tea and its accompanying delicacies would, in their hearts, be sorry to witness the abolition of a meal which has won the support of so large a section of English society, from royalty downwards. [Illustration: AFTERNOON TEA.] To those who are weary of formal entertainments, it comes as a boon and a blessing, while to those whose love of social pleasures is larger than their purse it is even more welcome, as it enables them to entertain their friends more frequently, with but little of the cost and trouble which more elaborate social gatherings involve. And it is to this latter class of afternoon-tea devotees that I dedicate the following recipes and suggestions.