Loki, his enemy, knowing this, hastened away with a branch of mistletoe to the place where Baldur was amusing himself in sports with his friends. Among the deities was one called Hod, who was blind. He stood sadly apart, and the artful Loki, seeing him, asked why he was not shooting arrows like the rest. Hod replied that he had no arrows to shoot, and if he had, he could not see to shoot them. But Loki urged that he ought to try, in honor of the great Baldur, and, putting an arrow into his hands, made of the mistletoe, directed it himself with such precision that Baldur was pierced through the heart. Eneas would never have been admitted to the infernal regions, except through the mystic agency of the mistletoe, which is known to all readers of the classics as "the golden bough." In a very ready way the mistletoe lends itself to superstition. The Austri. ans laid a branch at their bedroom doors, as a preventative against nightmare. In the mountains of Switzerland it is believed that the mistletoe is guarded by a serpent. But if the serpent can be caught, the victor will acquire great treasure, as well ae the power of rendering himself invisible. In our own day it is not regarded with the mysterious sanctity of old, but as the chief decoration of our Christmas festivities. It is desirable, of course, to have as many berries as possible, for each berry represents a kiss from some fair damsel who is caught beneath its mystic bough. A Delightful Night in 315. I'll tell my tale and I'll sing my song, I'll laud the right and denounce the wrong, And take this seat beside me, No matter who'll deride me. The night of October 12 last will always be a memorable one to the members of Div. 315. They gave a banquet to the Brothers and their wives in their rooms, and that same banquet "is the subject of my story." The room that on the commonest occasion could lay claim to beautiful adornment, on this evening was trimmed in a magnificent manner with flowers and bunting; and from the frescoed ceiling were suspended eight songbirds in their cages, which vied with the vocalists underneath them in their outbursts of melody. The first course of the banquet was served at 9:30, but the doors were open at 7. For the entertainment of all, the melodiously toned piano, costing about $700, and purchased by the ladies of Div. 315, who are not more than eighteen months organized, was kept discoursing music. Mrs. Chas. E. Miller, the President, seated the guests. Eleven courses were served. The flowers were white carnations and pink, with this quotation from St. Clair: May our Order like our chosen flower, Shed beauty and fragrance through every hour. In due time the substantial feast terminated, then came the "feast of reason and flow of soul." The President called on Brother F. M. Williams, who was a charter member of the Division when it was organized over thirty years ago. His response was prompt. His reminiscences were highly interesting, and were listened to with profound attention. Ere closing, he recited the following original lines, and resumed his seat amid enthusiastic handclapping: Tonight 'tis glorious to be here, Amid our wives and kindred dear, As proof. behold this royal cheer ! October's tints are on the trees, Declare 'tis joyful to be here. L. J. Boynton, the chief of the Division, was the next speaker. He waived aside all dignity to be the first speaker, by virtue of his office, to give the charter members the floor. His remarks occupied but five minutes or so, yet "brevity was the soul of wit" in his case as he went along, and was roundly applauded when he closed. Moore's sweetest song, "Believe Me If All Those Endearing Young_Charms," was then sweetly sung by Mrs. Wm. O'Hara, and the refrain was caught up by the assemblage and was a rare treat. That song will never grow old, so long as love lasts on this planet. A ten minutes' talk was next given by Brother Cahill. It was interesting and instructive, and at its close Bro. W. A. McCarthy was called on. said "Ladies and Gentlemen," "Justin," as he is endearingly called by his associates, in complimentary terms and willingness to give him a relation ship to his great namesake, "I am no speaker, as you all know; however, I am not altogether dead when it comes to chanting a few lines of a song, so if you keep silent and let myself and the birdsin the cage-have the floor, I'll give you a few staves flung together for tonight." He then began in a fine tenor voice: 'Tis really joyful to be here, Within this bower of beauty; Tonight released from duty! In sentimental song I raise My voice to thank our donors, If Paradise can equal this, We'll use our best endeavor To reach that home of perfect bliss, And there remain forever. The song of Brother McCarthy had the effect of getting all the other Brothers up to respond, as their names were called, which number includes Michael Welch, another charter member, and everyone of them a practical thorough locomotive man, in active service and second to none in the land. The evening's pleasures were now drawing to a close. Mrs. Miller and Mrs. Cole, the secretary, distributed cards containing the following verses, which were written by Miss Kathryn Rothrock for the occasion, to be sung by the whole assemblage, after which the memorable time came to a delightful close, with a "God send us about twelve such nights a year." Said the boys as they were going out of the room: GOOD NIGHT. Good night, good night, a kind good night, No longer can we stay Amid such scenes surpassing bright, 'Tis near the dawning day. Our other duties call us hence, And thither must we go, From where we had such joy intense, In friendship's genial glow. Good night, good night, again good night, From Orient skies, shall greet our sight, A guest, we hope, in memory's halls Good night once more, a last good night, And soon again, 'mid speech and song, We 11 chase the gleesome hours along CAROLINE MAYBERRY. A Week in the Hoosier State. It was my good fortune in the middle of October to be the guest of our genial Grand Secretary Sister St. Clair, whose home is in Logansport. From the minute she greeted me at the station until I bade her good-bye a week later we had a real genuine good time. It happened to be the week in which Div. 345 held its meeting, and true to our principles we sallied forth to pay our respects to the Sisters of this Division. They gave us a cordial welcome and with the President Sister Louderback in the chair, the ritual work was smoothly done and the meeting one which we greatly enjoyed. Refreshments were served and we bespeak for this young Division a bright future. Thursday we went over to Peru and witnessed the inspection of the Division. Sister Horning of Fort Wayne was the inspector. It was a pleasure to witness the work done by this Division, under the guidance of the bright President Sister Bickle. Sister Mead, one of our organizers and a very capable one, is a member of this Division, and it was a pleasure to greet her in her own Division. After the meeting a splendid lunch was served in the hall, after which we retraced our steps back to Logansport. Sister St. Clair informed me that a new Division was to be organized the following Saturday in Wabash, and that Sister Simms of Indianapolis was the organizer. You see St. Clair knows everything that takes place in the G. I. A., so I said, "Let's go over and surprise them." She was willing and we arrived there in time to help them eat a splendid dinner, served in the hall by the Daughters of Liberty. Sixteen Sisters came over from Elkhart, and between us all, I guess this baby Division was pretty well started. Sister Simms, the organizer, is conscientious in her work, and I never saw a Division start with better prospects. The ladies seemed so enthusiastic and the Brothers so ready to help them along. I have been hugging myself ever since because I happened to get to Wabash in time. Both Sister St. Clair and myself declared the day well spent and as we pulled into Logansport some time before midnight, we felt amply repaid for the visit and we cordially welcome Wabash Valley Div. 364 to our ranks. The following week I had the pleasure of meeting with Div. 128, Indianapolis, upon the occasion of their inspection by Sister Sursa, of Howell, Ind. As Div. 128 has always been considered a "crack Division, we expected great things of them, and we were not disappointed. Sister Sursa knows her business and dces her work in a kindly way that makes everyone her friend. Her visits must be a benefit to any Division. The president of Div. 128, Sister McKibben, is a lovable woman and one who seeems to have a personal interest in all her members, and a kindly welcome for all visitors, thus making them feel at home in the Division room. The mem bers of this Division must live" on the square," for I never saw Sisters, one and all, turn such square corners as they did. At the close of the meeting the president in behalf of the Division presented Sister Sursa and myself with a souvenir of the occasion, which was appreciated I assure you. were The next thing we knew we piloted to a restaurant where thirty-six of us sat down to a good chicken supper; from there we went to the theater and the evening was one of enjoyment. The next morning Sister Goldstein took us around the city in her carriage, and we decided that Indianapolis was indeed a fair city. Sisters Kingery and Viquesney of Terre Haute were on hand to enjoy the inspection and Sister Simms entertained us all to dinner, after which we said good-bye to Stister Sursa who left for Louisville, Ky., to resume her work there. While in the city I was the guest of Bro. John Williams and wife, who made my stay one of great pleasure. Long will I remember these visits made to the Indiana Divisions. During the month of October I also visited Chillicothe Division in company with Sisters Zinn, Lambert, Haines and Colburn of Div. 52. We were entertained at the home of Sister Walters, president of Div. 12. We all passed an enjoyable afternoon in the Division room, and my surprise nearly overcame me when the president in behalf of the Division gave me a beautiful hand-painted vase. I prize it greatly as coming from the first Division I ever organized. And thus the work goes on; a new Division here, an old one there, each one doing its duty. Our members seem to be more enthusiastic as the years roll on and this begets confidence. We have so much to live for and the upholding of the principles of the twin organizations (as Brother Everett calls the B. of L. E. and G. I. A.) is one of our most sacred duties. As the holiday season is at hand, I wish one and all a 'Merry Christmas." M. E. CASSELL. "A MERRY CHRISTMAS" is the wish I send thee from my heart, A life all full of love, in which no sorrow finds a part; Or, if some pain fall to thy lot, love-guarded though it be, May He who came at this glad time then make it bless'd to thee. Study Club Program for December. Roll Call-Christmas Quotations. Christmas Customs in Foreign Countries. Clubs How many days formerly constituted the Christ mas season? Recitation or reading. Current events for month of November. Any Magazine for November. The Maidservant in England and America. September number of "The World Today." A Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all our Club Members. May the season's pleasures with few of its perplexities be yours. It is not the money value of the gifts you bestow, but the spirit that goes with them. Remember those whose lives are darkened by poverty and affliction. "Good Will to Man" is shown by acts of tender sympathy. By consulting your encyclopedias you will find good articles upon Christmas. There is scarcely a poet of any note who has not made this season his theme. A book published by Frederick Stokes, "Saints and Festivals," is an excellent reference. Many others will suggest themselves to our students. Now may we not hear from you all? Reports come in slowly. Another club is added to our circle. We welcome Augusta, Ga., G. I. A. S. C. PROGRAM COMMITTEE. Inspections. The following inspections occurred in October : Div. 49, Concord, N. H., on the 11th; Div. 107, Hartford, Conn., on the 17th; Div. 177, New Haven, Conn., on the 18th; Div. 61, Springfield, Mass., on the 19th, and Div. 119, Rutland, Vt., on the 25th. Div. 49, the oldest New England Division, did its usual good work. President Young presided acceptably; few rituals were used and the floor work of Guide Whiting, Marshals Hall and Woods, and Buntin, as Marshal in installation, commendable. About one-third of the members were present. It has been the custom of this Division to carry flowers to the cemeteries for the graves of deceased Sisters of Div. 49 and Brothers of Div. 335. We noted in the report of the chairman that 97 bouquets had been so disposed of this summer. At the close of the meeting ice-cream and cake were served by a committee, At Hartford, Conn., I was met by the chairman of the committee, Sister Giddings, Div. 107's delegate at Los Angeles, then a resident of Pasadena, and with whom at that time I passed a few pleas. ant days. Secretary Osmond and Insurance Secretary Smith greeted me at the home of Sister Barnes where I was entertained. An all-day session was held, giving some time for practice, which I find necessary and think advisable in small Divisions where irregular attendance hinders up-todate work. Secretary of Div. 61, Springfield, Mass., was a visitor aud rendered much appreciated assistance in the exemplification. A happy party of fourteen, including Sister Sterner, of Div. 61, dined out. President Hyde and about half the members were present acquitting themselves creditably, Sister Giddings acting as marshal in installation. This Division has an excellent guide, but feels the loss of a musisian. A night was passed with Sister Sterner when a call from Mrs. Howard, a former member of Div. 107, was enjoyed, and she accompanied me to take the train for New Haven. President Ralph, Secretary Tracey and two nonresident members were there to meet me. VicePresident Sister Minor entertained. There was a large attendance and the work was finely done. Very noticeable the excellent work of Guide Bennett, so familiar in this office, and Marshal Thayer in installation. President Ralph, in behalf of Div. 177, presented a beautiful Royal Worcester vase. Twenty-one took dinner at the Davenport, where we were pleased to have Brother Minor one of the party. The majority adjourned to Sister Minor's home, where I joined them after a call upon Sister McNeil, of Div. 351, and Insurance Secretary Witherell's home. We regretted her absence from home. Sister Mailey accompanied me. Ice-cream and fancy wafers were passed and a jolly party enjoyed the hostess' hospitality. By our absence we lost a part of the entertainment which furnished so much amusement. Brother Minor and President Ralph saw me off for Springfield the following day. Secretary Smith was right there, soon joined by President Stickney. We dined together, then repaired to the hall to meet Div. 61. We have always had fine work in this Division and this was no exception. President Stickney, officers and members share alike merited congratulations on their appearance. There was real initiation. Sister Dennis always gives them the best music. Guide Harris is pleasing and graceful. Past-President Flagg is one of the few who conducts the entire form of installation without a ritual. Sister Sawyer, absent for the first time in our visits, was detained by accident. Secretary Smith took her part as marshal in installation very creditably without previous practice. The work of Star and Crescent, Sister Meade, perfect. Beautiful chrys anthemums and red carnations were given me (which were quite fresh two weeks after), and while at supper in an adjacent room President Stickney, in behalf of individual members, presented a box containing seven fine linen handkerchiefs. President Stickney's daughter kindly assisted in preparing and serving supper. We called upon Sister Nelson whose sorrow is so great, her daughter Grace being the victim of a trolley accident in September, and Sister Chapin an invalid for years, but whose interest in and devotion to the G. I. A. is as ardent as ever. She always thinks and speaks of "meeting day," and longs to be there. The night was passed with President Stickney and I left early next morning for Rutland, Vt, where President Sullivan and Vice-President McIntyre met and escorted me to the hall, when a meeting was called for practice. Treasurer Bashan entertained. Sister Sullivan, of Div. 272, Jamaica, N. Y., was present. In the evening a delightful reception was given the B. of L. E. and their families. Officers of Div. 119 assisted in receiving, Guide and Sentinel acting as ushers. Among those from out of town were Brother and Sister Brown and daughter, of Green Island, N. Y. Refreshments were served by a caterer, and excellent music was furnished for concert and dancing. The inspection was well attended, the Division only numbering eighteen, but we were pleased to meet some new ones, and glad to learn of prospective applicants, for with sufficient members the work of Div. 119 would average with the best. A very large percentage are insured, twelve members carrying seventeen policies. A beautiful venetian glass dish was presented. On Sunday C. E. of Div. 347, Brother Sullivan, and wife, President of Div. 119, Secretary Mahoney, Sister Hastings, Guide Thompson, husband and daughter, called. Rutland was the home of our late Sister Salmons and the B. of L. E. and G. I. A. expressed their sympathy to our bereaved Brother in many ways by floral tributes and accompanying the remains to Cullingsville. We called upon Mrs. Young (Mrs. Salmons' mother), but she was absent from home. Monday morning I left for home after a week's absence in this work of inspection, President Sullivan, Vice-President McIntire, Treasurer Bashan, Sisters Hastings and Starks seeing me aboard the train. And to Sister Sullivan, who provided fruit for lunch, each and all who contributed to my comfort and pleasure during the week, I would express thanks and appreciation. MARY L. COOK. On October 17. Sister Sproule, G. O., accompanied by Sisters Bouskill and Johnston, left Toronto for London to inspect Div. 131, were met by Sisters Clark and Adams, taken to Sister Clark's house for lunch. After partaking of the good things provided by Sister Clark we proceeded to the Division room, twenty-one Sisters being present. The work was gone through and duly inspected, and afterwards Sister Mains presented Sister Sproule with a souvenir spoon, and Sister Bouskill a souvenir flag. In the evening we were escorted to an excellent concert by Brother and Sister Clark. Wednesday a. m. we rose early to take the train for St. Thomas and through the kindness of Sister Lowe passes were procured over the Pere Marquette Railway to St. Thomas. Notwithstanding the pouring rain twenty-one Sisters of 131 courageously turned out to take advantage of the said passes. We were met by Sisters Miller and Nesbitt and taken to a restaurant for luncheon. After the hurry and bustle of getting away so early in the morning were in excellent humor for the appetizing things provided, and they disappeared as if by magic. The said luncheon was provided by the ladies at that time. Now, Sisters, I will say right here that they cannot be beaten for kindness and hospitality. We then sallied to the B. of L. E. hall, there meeting fifty-seven ladies waiting to be organized. With fifty-seven resident ladies twenty-one from 131 and three from 161, also a few busy Brothers greetings were numerous and hearty indeed. At 3 o'clock the meeting was called to order by the Grand Organizer. From the platform to look upon the eighty-five eager and expectant faces was a most interesting sight, especially to one who is used to seeing at the most twenty, and I did so wish for a camera to take a snapshot of them, but the time was too short. Division 362 starts out with the brightest of prospects, fifty-seven charter members and Sisters energetic enough to say before long would have one hundred, which certainly is the banner Division in Canada. As Sister Sproule said in her address it was the largest Division she had the pleasure of organizing. They also have many youthful and talented Sisters, a good hall, helpful Brothers, and I am sure will get along splendidly. In fact, can get up concerts and "at homes" of the very best right in their own Division, and may prosperity attend them. The concert in the evening was largely attended, Brother McAndrews presiding in a most genial and most courteous manner. A number of Brothers were called upon for speeches, and responded in an able manner. In fact, I think some of them had taken lessons, they were so complimentary, one in particular said he had to take his soup off the corner of the kitchen table in order to get to the concert in time (he got there), and everything passed off successfully, everybody enjoying himself, before the close of the program. Brother McAndrews gave the new Sisters some good advice and useful hints which I am sure will be helpful. Yours, etc., CELIA. On October 5th I inspected Div. 104, Los Angeles, Cal. The ladies assembled at their hall of meeting; the President, Sister Norton, was in the chair. The forenoon was devoted to ritualistic work. The ladies seemed glad to welcome the Inspector back again, this being the second appointment for that city. At 1 o'clock they all assembled at the hotel for dinner, which was a credit to the landlord, and all did justice to such a bountiful repast. At 2 o'clock we again met at the hall, it being regular meeting day. The members are very deserv. ing for their good work. I wish to thank Brother and Sister Norton for their hospitality in entertaining me in their lovely home while in the city. The following Thursday I inspected Div. 243, San Bernardino, the Sisters of Los Angeles joining me, and Sisters from Needles and Kern City Divisions, and we held an all day session, the day concluding with a reception at the home of Brother and Sister W. R. McNeil's in honor of the inspecting officer. A number of the visiting Sisters from Los Angeles also attended. The work of inspection occupied the entire day. They adjourned for lunch at noon, the luncheon being an elaborate six-course affair served at the Stewart. The guests were all seated at one table, which was beautifully decorated with pink carnations, the emblem of the order. Two new members were received, Mr. R. J. Milligus of that city, and Mrs. Thayer of Barstow. The next day the three Divisions spent the day at Harlem Spring. A fine lunch was served in the pavilion, the New York Kitchen catering. While in that city the Inspector was entertained at the home of Sister Warboy, and she certainly knows how to make a Sister feel at home. Both Divisions have done good work and lots of charity, and I hope in the future inspectors may have as much pleasure in the good work when appointed by the Grand President. Yours in F. L. & P. MRS. KATE FORD, G. I. A. Inspector. As there has been nothing said about Lorain Div. 333 being inspected must tell the Sisters how nicely they did their work, they being a new Division, and having never sent a delegate must say that they are up-to-date in their work. On the 25th of July they gave a picnic at the lake, and Sisters, if you could have seen the amount they had to eat, and the number of ladies and their husbands and families that turned out to that picnic it would surely have encouraged you to go right home and talk picnic. Mr. Howard and myself were entertained at the home of Brother and Sister Dike. Next was the inspection of Div. 2, at Grafton, W. Va.. on October 11, and to say that Brother and Sister Swisher are fine entertainers is putting it very mildly. Sister Huffman, of Div. 41, was with me and can say, as well as myself, what a nice dinner and supper Brother Swisher can get while his wife and ourselves were out sight-seeing; now if any Brothers or Sisters doubt this just go down and stop with them. Yes, really, Sisters, there are some men that can cook and entertain as nicely as the women. Then came Div. 117, at Cumberland, Md. We were met at the train by Sister Arnold, that dear good Sister, who is the soul of hospitality. There we got a good night's sleep, and as it had been planned for an all day meeting on the 13th, it seemed that all the Sisters tried to be there that day. And if you had seen the way they flew around getting a nice warm dinner, the table fairly groaned under so much to eat, everything you could think of, even ice-cream and the loveliest home-made cake, after all that dinner. My, I wish I had some of it now Then the work of the afternoon began. After it was over the President stepped forward and presented Sister Howard with a nice centerpiece of hand-made work, which she would not part with, as it is very much |