decorated with Orders and honorary medals, the air 'See the Conquering Hero Comes' is whispered on the

organ.

"At their re-entrance into the chapel all three Knights bow down very low and solemnly towards the east; then, advancing by three regular military steps commencing with the right foot, turn themselves so far to the right as to be able to make obeisance in the direction of the Sovereign's stall (probably occupied by the Dean); they next complete the movement, when all march slowly towards the communion rails, stopping opposite the intended stall of the new Knight, when they again in solemn form, facing the east, bend reverently.

"The junior Knight is now conducted by the introducing Knights to his future stall, when the Patent and Seal, contained in a suitable case, are handed to him; and the senior Knight, in a very low tone, wishes him, in the names of the Governor and his companions, all happiness long to enjoy the honour thus conferred. The new Knight, on receiving his diploma, acknowledges the attention thus paid to him by politely bending his neck.

"The Knights resume their stalls, and the Minor Canon for the time proceeds with the remainder of the Morning Service.

"This ceremony, Captain Goddard observes, is as ancient as it is universal and simple, and is full of meaning; but he did not enlighten me with the meaning.

"The

"The observances of old ceremonies may meet with ridicule from some persons, and derision, or even contempt, from others; yet in the extinction of all external forms an insipid listlessness, and not unfrequently a total forgetfulness, or maybe wilful concealment of the benefits intended, might be the result.

"It is the manner of conferring an honour or a favour which dignifies the donation; and whether the noble and illustrious Order of the Garter be solemnly bestowed by the Sovereign, surrounded by all the splendour of Royalty, supported by 'brave pillars of the State,' in St. George's Hall; or the Jewel and Clasps presented to the warrior, in the Castle quadrangle, in the presence of renowned heroes and loyal companions in arms; or the humble Medal to the child of the peasant, attended by many an anxious parent or relative-poor, yet honest, whose existence seems bound up in that of their offspring; or the simple, yet expressive, Certificate-testimonial for cleanliness to the cottage labourer, instituted by the good Prince Albert,—it is the ceremony observed, and the dignified demeanour of the distinguished personage presiding on the occasion, that add value to the gift, and therefore we would not deviate one jot or one iota from the public ordinances and ceremonies which have been handed down to us from time immemorial; and the record of this antique usage, even in these intellectual times, may serve to keep alive and record to posterity the time-honoured method of bestowing additional dignity and reverence on merit attached to the

honourable

honourable Institution of the Military Knights of Windsor."

The editor, on giving a cursory account of the treatment which he was then undergoing at Presneitz House, Paddington, received the following letter in reply:

66

XII.

"Windsor Castle, 8th Nov., 1867.

My Dear Cousin,-What in the world are you about? It cannot be that you are become subaqueous. Hydro est-you terrify me-how is the word to be completed? Hydrophobia or hydropathic-may it be hydrogenic? What are you there for? Has Dr. F. given you up since he married-or you him? I am comforted by the P.S. of your note, which shows you have an eye to business. Were you wholly hydro'd (whatever it may be) I am sure you would not be writing cheerfully from 'Birchin Lane.' I am now in residence, and get up to London on rare occasions. But I'll try and call at your hydraulic place, and I pray you to return my call before I have made it; and if you have time, and are

otherwise

otherwise not unable, go to my town house! opposite Arabella Row, Pimlico, thus:

Victoria Road.

Arabella

Row.

My House.

Royal Mews.

The treatment would never do for my poor palpitating system.

"If I can get hold of F., I will make him take me to the Laurels to see your belongings, by way of another anticipatory return.

"I shall be very glad to hear of your improvement. You will find my wife easily. She tries to die every time I leave home for more than two nights, but in seven years has not succeeded yet. You ought to congratulate her.

"With best regards, in spite of all this chaff,

"Yours,

"B. BOLINGBROKE W.

"Dr. Ribbans, Hydro Establishment,

"Paddington Green."

In

In a few days he writes again :

XIII.

"Windsor Castle, 21st Nov., 1867.

I

"My Dear Cousin and Water,-For such, according to your own account, you are, I quite agree with you about the title of your volume. Rubricated instead of gilt-it would look much better. I have a little modified your dedication, lest whispers not intended to reach your ear might prove unpleasant when they did. think I would suggest to you a little trimming of the preface. Perhaps, considering what the preface says, a briefer one altogether would do better, and express what you feel, and provoke less comment. There is nothing, except poetry, that cannot be acquired by care and application; and, as I am not a songster nor an author now, but only a critic, you mustn't mind me whenever you find that you don't like what I say.

"I hope, with all your soakings and packings, you find yourself getting better. I like water applied externally, but then warm and in moderate quantities, and not for too long together