The Staffordshire and Potteries Examiner. — 1881-02-26 (Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, England)

CHAPTER XXXI. LOVE AND BEAUTY.  The Countess of Dunmore, in the opinion of most people, gave the best balls in London—she had the happy knack of knowing whom to ask. On this pecial night the rooms began to fill early. Sir Hulbert Estmere was one of the earliest arrivals, and he was followed by his most intimate friend, Colonel Gordon. "vve are to have quite a galaxy of beauty toaight," said the colonel, delightedly; "Lady Dunmore excels in the art of gathering beautiful faces round her. We are to have the world-renowned Miss Clayton." "That's the new beauty," said Sir Hulbert. "I have been longing to see her." Then through the ball-room there was a subdued murmur of admiration, and all eyes were turned to the grand entrance. Lady Lira Gerant, with her chaperon, Mrs. Corbett—a blonde, queenly woman, whose great delight was the rare loveliness of her young charge. "Therey cried Colonel Gordon; "there is a truly beautiful woman! I always maintain that Lady Lira Gerant is the beauty par excellence." "She is very beautiful," said Sir Hulbert, quietly. "If I were seeking through the world for Mrs. Colonel Gordon,"‘ Said the Colonel earnestly, "Lady Lira would be my choice." And he did not Fee how darkly Sir Hulbert's face clouded over.  "That is rather a free way of speaking of ladies, colonel," he said. . "Yes, but one speaks freely of beauties," he replied. "I do certainly consider that Lady Lira is the most beautiful, woman in England. At the same time, she is a professional beauty; you must admit that."  "I admit nothing of the kind. What do you mean by a professional beauty, Colonel ?" "She would be nothing without beauty; it is her personal beauty that has made her reputation." "She is a great heiress and a clever girl," cried Sir Halbert.  "I grant you that; but, above all things, she is a professional beauty." Lady Lira was surrounded by a crowd of admirers, all seeking a word, a smile, a sign of favour, a look, a dance, anything, if it were but some slight notice from the queen of the ball. Lady Lira was not easily flattered; she ruled her crowd of, admirers with wonderful ease and skill; with a look she accepted, and with a look she dismiKed.  She held out a lovely jewelled hand to Sir Hulbert. "You will give me how many dances?' asked "Sir Hulbert.  "As many as you like to take," she replied. "That would probably be all," he ,said, "and then my life would be in danger; as it i I see foea on all sides of me—dark looks and frowning faces. lam a brave man, but I dare not monopolise you so entirely; give me two waltzes and I shall be happy." "It does not takelnuch to make you happy, Sir Hulbert," she said. "Will you give me your arm? [see Lady Lea there. and I want to Rueak to her." (To he continued).  't is reported in Berlin that Uairet, the new antiEnglish journal for Indian perusal, is sent and Persia in large quantities. At Coustautinoide, too, it has become the favourite paper of the literate classes acquainted with Persian.  A Glasgow paper announces the death of Mrs. Mary M‘Groggan, at the age of 107 years, having been born in 1774. She was a native of county Derry, and possessed all her senses to the last, and was able to do her domestic duties.  A Sheriff's bailiff, named Thomas Boyd, who was sentenced to nine months'iiruprisonment, a week ago. for larceny, has committed suicide in Belfast Gaol, by hanging himself with his suspenders, which he fastened to the window bars of his cell.