CHAPTER XII.

I have been writing of a Christmas three years ago. It is Christmas Eve to-night, and I am once more at Marling Hall. I have left a merry party in the drawing-room to whom I must soon return. Shall I describe it? It is merely a family gathering. One would not have thought once that there would ever have been much mirth in such an assemblage in the house again.

First, as to seniors: there are my father and my Uncle Ainslee: handsome, white-haired men both of them; neither of them talkative by nature, they yet enjoy each other's company, and watch with kindly interest all that goes on about them. Mr. and Mrs.Thornton, of Ash Court, are also there. This is their first visit to Marling Hall, but they seem already quite at home. Thoroughly well-educated and unpretending, they make friends wherever they go. Cousin James, who is, as usual, spending his Christmas at home, is pleasant and frank as ever-no change in him that I can see. But Marian is greatly altered. She alludes jestingly to her grey hairs, indeed, and says she is beginning to feel quite patriarchal; but to my thinking she is growing younger rather than older. At all events, if this is growing old there is nothing in it so much to be dreaded. Mrs. Thornton is delighted with her, and I don't wonder at it. She is such an excellent manager in household matters-such an admirable elder sister. Not only that: all this she was when I first knew her;-but her manner is so softened-so kind and gentle, that she wins universal love as well as respect.

May's sweet face has not got back its girlish brightness. There is a cloud there that will never, I think, quite pass away. But for all that Í doubt whether there is any one in

the house who contributes more to the general comfort-whose very presence has such a soothing influence. Flo-still delicate and fragile -is her especial charge. All hope of her being ever really strong has been given up; but Dr. Travers says that, with care, and that she is sure to have, she may live many years, peacefully and happily. There is no cause to fear for the brain now, and she has never needed a sleeping-draught since May came home. The good old doctor is one of the party to-night.

The sailor, Walter, is also here. It is the first time I have seen him

since we were children together. He is a bluff, hearty fellow; overflowing with fun, and full of affection for his home circle.

Last, not least, of the grown-up people, there is my dear husband, Frank. I may be excused for not describing him, beyond saying that neither in his success at college, nor since, has he at all come behind the expectation of his friends.

Catty's face is the only one we miss to-night, and we have been talking of her a great deal, dear child. She married and went to India last summer-just too soon to be my bridesmaid.

I must not forget the pets of the household, Herbert and Ruth, May's bright, well-trained children. They have been at such romps with their uncle Walter all the afternoon! The pattering of the little feet up and down the white staircase brought forcibly to my mind that midnight footstep three years ago. But the old dread is difficult to realize. I never hear any talk of the White Lady now; no part of the house is shunned by the servants as haunted. I doubt whether even the good landlady of the Radstone 'Stag' any longer shakes her head and looks mysterious when speaking of Marling Hall.

N.A. L.

I cannot be said that tion is over cannot be said that the meed of denied to the gallant defenders of the country. Our historians in rounded periods, and our public speakers in glib speeches, on all occasions speak of the men of our army, not only as 'men and brothers,' but as special objects of concern, worthy of all the nation's solicitude, and the gratitude of every individual who is capable of a generous impulse. Such is the lip-service performed towards our idols; but, unfortunately, flagrant facts force upon us the conviction that no class of public servants has ever been so ill-requited as our soldiers, and a single sentence will suffice to demonstrate this proposition. The British soldier is necessarily one of the best specimens of his race, whom we enlist in our service, and whom -after getting all the work we can out of him, perhaps minus an arm or a leg, or hopelessly damaged in constitution-we turn adrift to fish for himself in the troubled waters of life. Such is the upshot of every Blue Book of the Army Medical Department ever issued, and certainly of the last, detailing the formidable diseases which render the service a perpetual battle with grim Death, which the soldier escapes only with the certainty of being invalided, when he may deem himself fortunate if furnished with a scanty, insufficient pension. The annual average number of men belonging to her Majesty's service losing limbs from accident only exceeds twentyfive; and if we add to them those soldiers and sailors whose health is so affected by service as to incapacitate them for ordinary labour, the above number would be increased tenfold.

This state of things has always existed, and in former times the result was most disastrous to the community. Discharged soldiers often became highwaymen, footpads, or ruffianly beggars, and at every recurrence of peace, even to the close of the last great European war, these men augmented the criminal

VOL. X.-NO. LX.

population and the pauperism of the land, and added to the difficulties of an inefficient police.

Although this was a crying evil, nobody seems to have heard the cry until about seven years ago, when Captain Edward Walter, a retired officer of the army, humanely turned his attention to the matter and founded the Corps of Commissionaires, whose curious organization, great public utility, and, we are happy to say, perfect success, seem worthy of consideration at the present time, when the general condition of our army is under anxious consideration.

In 1859 Captain Walter collected seven discharged soldiers, drew up a set of rules for their guidance, gave them a uniform, and set them to work and try to get an honest living-virtute et industria' being the motto of the society-as public servants in any proper capacity, but chiefly as errand-men throughout the metropolis. Both the novelty and the utility of the institution recommended it to public favour, and within two years afterwards the number increased to between three and four hundred. This was at the time of the Great Exhibition, where our Commissionaires officiated as money-takers and doorkeepers, besides being of great service to the numerous foreigners then in London, who naturally patronized an institution similar in its role or function to that which exists at Paris and other large continental towns; for we need scarcely state that Captain Walter borrowed the idea from the Continent, and was obliged to retain the name for want of a better, altering it slightly, however, by dropping an n from the last syllable.

In seeing these Commissionaires, with their tasteful uniform and soldierly bearing, hurrying about the streets, or respectfully on the lookout for a job at their posts, we little imagine the discipline, the thrift, the degree of positive respectability established by their thoughtful founder among a set of men who have been at all times remarkable for the

2 P

very opposite qualities; for, as before stated, the discharged soldier had always been synonomous with lawless outcast or wretched vagrant. Indeed, without a knowledge of the rules and regulations which govern the corps, without being acquainted with the order established in Captain Walter's household, the reader may find it difficult to believe the statement of its continued success and present prosperity. Such knowledge will not only account for the success of the Commissionaires, but also constitute a sort of guarantee to the public of the thorough respectability and trustworthiness of every man who has a right to wear Captain Walter's uniform.

Every candidate for the situation of Commissionaire must have served in the army, navy, militia, or police, and be in the receipt of a pension. Those who have been severely wounded have the preference for admission into the corps, but no pensioner is permitted to join it unless his character bears the strictest investigation, and in all cases where six months have elapsed since his discharge from her Majesty's service he must (in addition to his regimental discharge) produce a certificate of good conduct, and evidence of the manner in which he has passed his time during the period. In the case of soldiers of good character, but impaired health, whose temporary pensions have expired, a deposit of 251. must be made in the savings bank of the corps, and this sum will be liable to forfeiture in any instance of dishonesty proved in a court of justice, but will be returned to the Commissionaire on his resignation, subject, however, to deduction for any debts due to the corps.

On entering the corps every man signs, in the presence of a witness, a formal document, by which ho binds himself to conform strictly to all the rules and regulations made by the captain-commandant for the maintenance of discipline and order, and fully understands that he has no claim on the commandant for payment of any kind; that he is dependent solely on his own exertions for remuneration; and that if offered any

charitable aid from any source he will not take it without leave. Such are the characteristic clauses of the Commissionaire's preliminary engagement, and they are the salient features of the institution-strict discipline and self-support.

Each Commissionaire is furnished with a copy of these rules, and he deposits at the same time one pound as a guarantee of good conduct and obedience to the regulations of the corps, this sum to be forfeited in case of his dismissal from it, but to be returned in the event of his resignation, after the deduction of such sums as may be chargeable against it for debt due to the corps.

Each Commissionaire pays to the corps out of his earnings eight shillings and sevenpence per month (or 51. 38. per annum). This includes 6s. 6d. per month for the use of clothing (which is the property of the commandant), 28. 1d. subscription to the general fund and the sick fund (of which more in the sequel). It is evident that this is no small sum for a working man to pay monthly, and to continue to do so is itself a guarantee of that thrift which is generally the companion of honesty. Every man who obtains a permanent situation pays 10s. besides to the general fund.

Relatively large as this contribution appears, it could scarcely be less if we consider its appropriation. The portion paid to the general fund goes to the working expenses of the corps, namely, wages of the staff-sergeants, clerks, stationery, rent of offices, barrack-rent, clothing fund, &c. Such is the nature of the general fund, and the average receipts from the men to its credit amount, on the present strength of the corps, to about 500l. per annum.

If a man does not on joining the corps already belong to a sick or benefit fund, he must subscribe to the one established by Captain Walter, of which the entrance-fee is 55., with a weekly payment of 3d., which makes up a portion of the 28. 1d. before stated as the monthly contribution to both funds. This contribution to the sick fund entitles the subscriber, in the event of illness, to an allowance of 75. a week for

four months, and half that amount for the next two months, after which all payments cease. The cessation may seem a hardship, but then we must consider that all such payments must be strictly proportionate to the deposit to insure a fair prospect of meeting the demands of all the contributors continuously, in the present financial condition of the corps. Doubtless in time this prospect of illness will be on a more satisfactory footing, when the institution shall become better endowed with funds, as seems very likely.

We should state that illness resulting from drunkenness or immorality does not entitle the sufferer to relief. In case of death, 2l. 105. is paid for the funeral.

The corps is divided into first and second-class men, distinguished by separate badges: there are also corporals and sergeants, who respectively bear the chevrons of their rank, similar to those in the army. An adjutant and some orderly officers assist Captain Walter in the comImand of the corps. Promotion is made according to good conduct and ability, and fines are imposed for any remissness, breach of discipline, or disregard of smartness or tidiness.

It is the duty of every member of the corps to report to the sergeantmajor any instance of misconduct on the part of a Commissionaire, especially if committed in public, or likely to injure the interests of his comrades; and any sergeant or corporal convicted of neglect on this point will be liable to lose his rank or be otherwise punished. In any case of disobedience of orders on the part of a Commissionaire, the non-commissioned officer in charge may suspend the offender imme diately, and order all his clothing and appointments to be brought into the office.

Refusing to obey an order is punished with dismissal, and so is drunkenness, at any time, whether on duty or not.

In the case of an overcharge by a Commissionaire, the first offence is punished with a fine double the amount, which is paid to the complainant, the second with dismissal. Smoking in the streets in uniform

or on duty is 'strictly prohibited,' and fined 18.

It is a principle in the institution to look to the religious observances of the members; every man must belong to some denomination of Christians, and absence from church parade is fined 18. The Commissionaire may select his church or chapel, but he must go to church on Sundays, and the commandant stipulates for this, at least every other Sunday, when the men are engaged for permanent employment.

Absence from muster parade is fined 28.; ordinary parade, 6d.; late at parade, id.; more than five minutes late, 2d.; being untidy in appearance, such as having long hair, being unshaven, or having any part of the uniform or appointments deficient or out of repair, 3d. All Commissionaires are recommended to cultivate their beards, if they have any.

In the event of any complaint being made against a Commissionaire he will be suspended from duty till full inquiry has been made. Any case that may arise not provided for by the existing rules is dealt with according to the custom and spirit of her Majesty's service.

Thus the military spirit pervades the entire institution, and its best features are developed to the utmost. The last honours paid to a comrade are equally military in their performance. A private Commissionaire is followed to the grave by six of his late comrades; a corporal by a corporal and twelve men; a sergeant by one sergeant, two corporals, and eighteen men; a staff-sergeant by one of his own rank, four sergeants, four corporals, and twenty-four men. The Commissionaires are buried in Woking Cemetery, but men having expressed a wish to be buried elsewhere are allowed the same regulated sum for the purpose.

Such are the chief rules and regulations of the Commissionaires, and it must be admitted that the founder of the institution has proved his claim to success by his wise ordinations.

The procedure of the Commissionaires is as follows:-After being inspected in the morning at the

parade-ground, the men go to their several stations,' and wait for engagements. These stations are at the chief places of public resort in the City, the West Central District, the South Western, and the Western. It is chiefly second-class men who are so posted, equivalent to privates in the army or constables in the police. As a rule, they must remain in the vicinity of their posts until engaged, or until the time arrives for leaving; but they must occasionally look in at the neighbouring dépôts to see if any orders for them have arrived. These dépôts are shops at which messages and parcels are received for the men, much as packages are received for the London Delivery Company. If a messenger be absent from his post through illness, his place is at once filled by another man; and employers are requested, if they require a man for a whole day, or for a period exceeding three hours, to send to head-quarters, because the prolonged absence of a Commissionaire from his post injures the system.

It should be known that Captain Walter guarantees the safe delivery of all property to the value of 10l. with the ordinary men, and 2ol. in the case of men wearing chevrons. Only, the public are warned that they must make sure they engage a veritable Commissionaire, by demanding his ticket on all occasions; because some of the men who have been dismissed for misconduct continue to wear the uniform of the corps, and ply for employment. At present there is no legal remedy for the abuse, and the public must therefore look to their own interests in this matter-which are also those of the corps—and endeavour to put a stop to the malpractice by avoiding to employ such interlopers. The production of the true ticketbook, with the signature of Charles Handford, Sergt.,' is all that is required to prevent the abuse; we say true ticket-book, for the interlopers also show a ticket-book, but of course without the signature as above. The tariff, or charge for errands, is as follows:-Half a mile, or under, 2d.; one mile, or over

half, 3d. By time, 6d. per hour, or 2d. the quarter-hour. When taken by time, the Commissionaire must do two and a half miles per hour, if walking. For distances exceeding three miles employers will find it better to avail themselves of the time tariff; this, however, must be stipulated at the time of engagement.

The fashionable world has turned our Commissionaires to good account. Many of them are permanently engaged at the various West End clubs, and during the London season they may be seen delivering visiting cards, return thanks,' invitations, &c.; and these cards are even sent to the office to be directed by the elegant writers of the establishment, many of whom excel in penmanship, especially a clever Irishman who lost his right arm in the Crimea, but who has contrived to enable his left to beat all comers at pen, ink, and paper. Special men are employed in this fashionable

service.

Commissionaires

deliver

The books, printed circulars, trade-cards, newspapers, &c. (but not objectionable puffs), throughout entire districts. To facilitate this labour, London is divided into blocks, known to the Commissionaires by a name or number. In any case of emergency, such as handbills concerning robbery, &c., the delivery is guaranteed to be very speedy.

From among the Commissionaires we can engage watchmen for night duty; we can, if we are schoolmasters, have drill instruction for our boys; we can, if we are tradesmen, have confidential clerks, who will assign their savings-bank book, if required, by way of security; we can have music, too; for Captain Walter, finding that some of his men had been bandsmen in regiments, or had a sufficient knowledge of music to become so, organized a military band, which delights thousands in St. James's Park, in front of Wellington Barracks, from six o'clock till sunset in the summer evenings. The gross receipts of this band last year amounted to 5791. 78. 9d. The amount is divided among the men according to pro