Apple Dumplings.

" It's all very fine to say ' No ! no ! ' but what shall we do ? " " Let ' s write a round robin , and send it to Mr . Swift , " said one . " A deal of use that would be , it would never reach him , " exclaimed another . Another debate ensued , which led to no practical decision . At last a brilliant idea suggested itself to Tom Ward : he held a hurried consultation

with others , his proposition was carried nem . con ., and full details were entered into with regard to its successful accomplishment . What this plan was we shall learn hereafter ; suffice it to say , at present , that each boy was spoken to on the matter , and promised compliance , binding himself on his honour to keep the secret . The meeting then broke up , and all adjourned to the cricket-field .

After school next day the word was passed from the captain to each boy , reminding him of what had been unanimously agreed upon . In due time the school-bell summoned them to the dining-room . They entered and each took his accustomed seat . The housekeeper presided at the head of the table , handsomely-dressed , wearing a lace cap , bravely decked with ay ribbons . At the bottom of the table sat the under-master , who was on

duty for the week . Grace was said by him . Then , by the servants , was placed before each boy a plate containing two apple dumplings . To the surprise of Mrs . Graham , one dumpling alone was eaten by each boy , and that with a wry face . She thought it strange . However , that was their affair ; if the dumplings were not eaten then , they could be warmed and served up again next day .

Suddenly a low shrill whistle was heard , when , in an instant , as by a preconcerted signal , each boy took up the dumpling remaining on . his plate , and threw it at the househeeper . So simultaneous was the attack , so welldirected the aim taken by the boys , that Mrs . Graham suddenly found herself smothered with masses of dumpling and apple—she steamed like a

boiled potato . Her dainty lace cap , with its gaudy ribbons , was no longer visible ; it was buried ' neath the superincumbent weight , nor did her face escape ; her eyes were closed up , as also her mouth , so that for a while she could neither see nor speak—she had , indeed , received enough of apple dumplings to last her for her life .

The situation was so irresistibly comic that the under-master could not help laughing heartily—not altogether sorry , for his own part , at the housekeeper ' s disaster . He had also cause for complaint ; as for the boys , they roared and shouted , delighted with the success of their achievement , and the way they had thus paid off old scores on one whom they so heartily

Apple Dumplings.

detested . As soon as order could in some measure be restored , the undermaster commanded the insurgents instantly to leave the table , telling them that their scandalous conduct should be reported without delay to the head master . As for the unhappy victim , as soon as she could free herself from her incumbrance , and recover her breath , she went off into violent hysterics , and had to be conducted to her bedroom by two of the servants , who had

great difficulty in restraining their risibility . Such outrageous proceedings could not long be concealed from Mr . Swift ; he heard of it before the undermaster made his report . He at once shook off his natural apathy , and instituted inquiries , and soon learnt the facts of the case . He then called to mind that sugar had been a very prominent item in the accounts of

expenses Mrs . Graham had from time to time rendered to him . It was evident there was something wrong ; his suspicions were aroused ; he carefully looked through passed accounts , and it was not long before he arrived at the conclusion that he had been systematically robbed for a considerable period .

Next morning he sent for Mrs . Graham ; he expressed his regret for the treatment she had received , but intimated that she must herself see , after what had happened , how impossible it was for her any longer to remain in his service . He asked for her account , settled it in full , without any demur , at the same time , in lieu of notice , paying her three months' salary , requested her to leave at once , observing her own

conscience would tell her why this was necessary . Self-convicted , she could say nothing ; she left the room and departed during the day . Mr . Swift wrote to one of his maiden sisters , who came and undertook the necessary household duties . The scholars , half frightened at what they had done , were anxious as to what course the head master intended to take . The morning after Mrs . Graham ' s departure Mr . Swift entered the

school and addressed the expectant scholars . He stated , as he considered they had just cause for complaint he granted them , one and all , free pardon for the thorough breach of discipline of which they had been guilty . At the same time , he promised them for the future that all their reasonable wants should be liberally provided . This announcement was received with

deafening plaudits , amidst which Mr . Swift retired . Under the new regime school life passed very smoothly . Years have since elapsed , but the episode of " Apple Dumplings " still holds a prominent place in the annals of the school , affording a hearty laugh to those who hear it for the first time . PROF . F . W . DRIVER , M . A . 62 , Lancaster-road , Notting Hill , W .

Loyal Berkshire Lodge Of Hope, No. 574, Newbury.

LOYAL BERKSHIRE LODGE OF HOPE , No . 574 , NEWBURY .

DUO . MAJOI ** c . c . IUCARDO .

We have the pleasure of presenting a portrait of the newly-installed Worshipful Master of this lodge , Bro . Major Gerald Craven Ricardj , J . P . for Berks , and a member of the Berkshire County Council , who resides at Donnington Elms , near Newbury ( cousin to Bro . Charles E . Keyser , P . G . D . Eng . ) . Bro . Major Ricardo , who has filled the office of Senior Warden of the lodge during the past year , and who rises to the position of VVorshipful Alaster in the ordinary course , is one of the most popular res-d ^ ntsin this district , where he has been well known and respected from boyhojd . After

Loyal Berkshire Lodge Of Hope, No. 574, Newbury.

serving With one ol our smartest Cavalry Regiments in India , he returned home , and settling down as a country squire , became Master of the Craven hounds , being a thorough all-round sportsman . He evinces a lively interest in local affairs . His efforts for the public weal are warmly supported by Mrs . Ricardo , who is an active and hearty supporter of several of the principal philanthropic institutions in the town and district . In 1900 the Lodge of Hope will celebrate its jubilee with befitting festivity . We shall give

a notice of the installation and banquet in next week ' s Freemason . Weare indebted for the portrait block to the courtesy of Bro . George J . Cosburn , publisher of the " Newbury District Illustrated Directory" and the " Berkshire Masonic Calendar and Register . " Bro . Cosburn is the oldest initiate member of the Lodge of Hope , and he is a Past Master of the Porchester Lodge of Mark Masons , in the resuscitation of which , a few years since , I 12 took an active and prominent part .