possible. Versailles, the Prussian headquarters during the siege of 1870-71, is now converted into a huge outwork of Paris, and guarded by a semicircle of forts.

Neufchâteau. In this same region we find complete investment is now probably imstations obviously prepared for the rapid debarkation of troops, with extensive storehouse accommodation for supplies, and even rooms ready for the use of the ambulance corps. Fifty or sixty miles behind the first line we find the second, or rather, the two groups of fortresses which form its left and right, the centre of the line of defence being apparently reserved for the main army of operation.

On the right the fortresses are: (1) Besançon, on the Doubs. The city stands in a deep bend of the Doubs. The citadel closes the gap between the two arms of the river, and at the other extremity of the place a strong fort forms a tête-de-pont beyond the river. An outlying circle of sixteen forts completes the defences. (2) Langres, at the head of the Marne valley, fortified by an enceinte and a circle of forts, with, to the eastward, a semicircle of forts so far thrown forward as to include within this advanced line seventeen villages, thus affording cantonments for a large army. (3) Dijon, protected by a circle of forts. Auxonne, in the valley of the Saone, is less completely fortified, and serves as a connecting link between Dijon and Besançon.

Lyons forms the great rallying-point for the south. In the north Lille has been strongly fortified for the same purpose, and surrounded by a group of minor fortresses- Maubeuge, Landrecies, Cambrai, Arras, Bouchain, and Valenciennes. Of these, Maubeuge, on the Belgian frontier, is the most important.

All the new fortresses are built on the modern polygonal system. The French engineers have at last definitely abandoned the complicated bastioned fronts, to which they clung tenaciously long after they had been given up everywhere else. The chief strength of the defence now lies in the heavy batteries of the outlying forts. These and the detached forts which link together the fortresses of the first line, are large earthworks, mounting a considerable number of heavy guns, besides machine guns for the defence of the ditches, and quick-firing Hotchkiss cannon which are destined to do the work of the old wall-pieces and annoy the enemy's The left or northern group of fortresses working parties. The heavy guns are in is composed of (1) Rheims, defended by a many of the forts protected by iron shields; circle of thirteen forts; (2) the two fort-a few are mounted in revolving turrets of resses of Laon and La Fère, which are linked together by a line of forts. Further, the strong fort of Condé protects the great junction of roads and railway lines at Soissons, to the rear of these three fortresses. To the north-east of Laon Fort Hirson guards another important railway junction, close to the Belgian frontier; and to the north of Mezières the towns of Rocroy and Givet are fortified by an enceinte, Givet is almost surrounded by Belgian territory, standing as it does at the northern extremity of the sharp salient angle in the French frontier, where the Meuse enters Belgium. These two places are hardly capable of a prolonged defence. They are really outposts of the strongly fortified group Rheims-Laon-La Fère.

These works complete the double barrier of the frontier. Behind them lie the great places d'armes of Paris, Lyons, and Lille. Since the war Paris has been surrounded with a new circle of forts placed so far in advance of the old line, that a bombardment of the city would now be impossible without the previous capture of several of the forts. Moreover, the extent of ground covered by the sixteen forts of the outer circle is so great that a

the naval type. All the forts have spacious bomb-proof quarters for the garrison, and magazines capable of holding abundant supplies of ammunition. The garrisons are not large, generally from two to four companies of infantry, and enough artillery to work the guns.

This elaborate fortification of the new frontier would seem to indicate that the French, taught by the experience of 1870, count upon standing on the defensive at the outset of the next war with Germany. Their army will concentrate in the rear of the first line of fortresses, and Colonel Köttschau is certainly right in pointing out Neufchâteau as the destined headquarters of the army of the revanche. In that case the Germans at the outset of the campaign will have before them two gateways into France, gates left open on purpose, one between Toul and Épinal, and full in front of Neufchâteau, the other north of Verdun, between it and the Belgian frontier. To advance directly against the French front, and refuse to enter these open gates would be to run full against a strong line of heavily armed forts. On the other hand, to pass between Epinal and Toul and strike at Neufchâteau, would

be to fight with a line of communications | ward, by an army based on Belgian terriand retreat menaced on either side by a tory, they could probably be taken one by considerable fortress, capable of shelter- one. In such a campaign Verdun would, ing a whole corps d'armée within the cir- perhaps, be the first point of attack in cle of its forts. Moreover, a French army order to clear the main road from Metz to defeated near Neufchâteau could fall back the westward; the work of the field army towards Paris until it had the two groups would be to beat the French as they came of the fortresses of the second line on its up to the relief of the fortresses. But flanks, or even refuse battle until it was even on this supposition, the campaign well down the Meuse valley towards Paris, would be a much less rapid one than that when the invaders would have the fort of 1870. Whatever happens, the wave of resses of the second line on the flanks of German invasion will not flow in so fast as their communications. If, however, the in that disastrous year. This much, at German commanders avoided the Toul- least, the new fortresses have secured for Epinal opening, and swept round from France. But the weakness of the plan Metz to the north of Verdun, they would lies in the possibility of a flank attack have to fight after "forming front to a across Belgian territory. Prince Bismarck flank;" ie., as they faced the French field has not such a respect for treaties as to army, their line of communications would hesitate about such an attack, if the milinot be in their own rear, but would stretch tary leaders saw any advantage in it. This away from their left along the frontier, much is certain; the Germans will hardly and this line would further be threatened be content to walk quietly into the trap by the garrison of Verdun. Moreover, prepared for them, by choosing as their their situation would so far resemble that lines of advance the ervunschte Einof the French at Sedan that there would bruckstelle pointed out by Colonel Köttbe a neutral territory in their rear. Thus, schau. The alternative is a violation of supposing the Germans began the cam- Belgian territory, with or without the conpaign by advancing across their own fron- sent of the Cabinet at Brussels; for, tier, whatever line they chose for their despite the lavish expenditure on the advance, the position of the French would Belgian army, it is not in a condition to be a strong one. offer any serious resistance to a German invasion.

A. HILLIARD ATTERIDGE.

From Chambers' Journal.

RICHARD CABLE,

THE LIGHTSHIPMAN.

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'JOHN HERRING," COURT ROYAL, ETC.

CHAPTER IX.

ON THE TERRACE.

But the condition we have indicated is a very important one. If the Germans do not begin by advancing across their own frontier, ie, the frontier of Alsace-Lorraine, the position of affairs is very much modified to the disadvantage of the French. If the Germans boldly violate neutral territory, either in Switzerland or in Belgium, they can turn the flank of the French barrier of fortresses and forts. To advance BY THE AUTHOR OF "MEHALAH,” “ through a mountain country like Switzerland, and strike at the south of France, would not be a very likely plan for the Germans to adopt; but to enter Belgium and Luxembourg from the Rhine province would place them in an excellent position for an attack upon France. Metz and Strassburg, with the Vosges and the Rhine, would cover Germany from a French counter-attack, while the German columns issued from the Belgian Ardennes; and with their line of communications stretching securely in their rear to Cologne, Coblentz, and the lower Rhine, they could await the attack of the French with confidence, while a special corps, We begin life as believers, and end it as with a strong siege-train, prepared to de- sceptics. We begin with trustfulness, stroy or reduce the northern fortresses of and go on through every stage of disillueither the first or the second line. Both sion into absolute mistrust. As children, lines are planned to meet an attack from we look up to every one; as old men, we the eastward; assailed from the north-look down on all. We expect this process

JOSEPHINE lived in a condition of feud with her father. In her heart she repented of her rebelliousness; but when present with him, the antagonism broke out again, in spite of good intentions. She had naturally a good heart, truthful character, and abhorrence of meanness, but met at every turn with evidences of her father's insincerity and self-seeking. This condition of warfare had imbittered her heart and sharpened her tongue.

to take place within us; to find out one subterfuge after another, to discover hollowness wherever we tap, and dust behind every rind; and we are pleased at the ingenuousness of the young, who believe all things to be solid and the rind to cover richness.

Josephine was brought up in an atmosphere so clear that no illusion was possible in it. Her father's conversation dispelled all faith in what is good and noble and real. His example was level with his opinion. He made no scruple to let his sister and daughter see the strings that controlled his movements, the hollowness of all his profession. Instead, therefore, of beginning life as a child with belief, she began with suspicion and distrust.

splendid balls; she is only listened to when she utters her doubts about the propriety of calling on that couple which drives a pony-chaise, and the grass-widow whose garden is too circumscribed for lawn tennis. Those who have difficulty in making both ends meet have every one picking at their frayed edges; but those whose incomes are double-breasted are panoplied as in armor. When we reckon our income by hundreds, we scarce dare express an opinion; but when by thousands, we may calculate on our platitudes being regarded as words to be treasured. We return cold shoulder to him who, when we drop in unexpectedly, gives us a cold leg of mutton at dinner. A surgeon must put his groom in livery and drive a dashShe was drawn to Richard Cable and ing turnout before he receives a fee. If his household by the contrast he and it he walks to see his patients, no one will exhibited to her father and her own home. give a fig for his opinion. I know a banker She stepped at once from the scenery of a who stopped a run and averted ruin by theatre to natural landscape, from a hot-putting his footman into red velvet house to breezy open air. And as that which is true and wholesome always exercises attraction on a nature not wholly depraved, Josephine woke to consciousness of many fibres in her soul linking her to the Cable family, and to acknowledge a fascination which she could not explain.

breeches; no one supposed that the bank was tottering, when Jeames assumed new carnation inexpressibles.

"I wish, Josephine," said Mr. Cornellis, "you would run across to the Hall and learn what has become of Mr. Gotham. I have not seen him these three days. He has not been here; and when I went to inquire, he was not visible; stupefied with opium, I suppose. Tell him that I will come over and have a game of billiards with him, if he be so inclined. Throw in a word about Aunt Judith," he added with a scornful laugh.

"Yes, and no, papa," answered Josephine. "I will go, and I will say nothing about my aunt." She took her hat and went to the Hall.

Her father did not forbid her to go to the cottage; perhaps he so completely disbelieved in her obedience, that he thought it useless to do so. Instead, he sneered and threw about insinuations which offended her, and stirred in her the spirit of opposition, which always slumbered in her heart, waiting to be aroused. His remarks about Cable were so unjust and ungenerous, that she resented them indignantly; their injustice spurred her sense of fairness into assertion. The Mr. Gotham was in his garden, on the perverse tactics of Justin Cornellis re- terrace, and the servant guided her to him. coiled on himself. Had he forbidden" I have had the geraniums bedded out,” Josephine to go to the cottage, she would he said. "I like to look on. Do you see have obeyed sullenly, and admitted in the how my roses are coming out?" end that he had ordered discreetly; but as he took the other course, she persisted in her visits against her better judgment. Aunt Judith exercised neither authority nor influence on the wayward girl. She was a lazy woman, who believed in her brother's cleverness, and thrust all responsibilities upon his shoulders. So long as she was comfortable, all was well. The profitable was always right, and success was the sanction of conduct however tortuous. She reflected, in this, the general opinion, took her tone from what prevails. We heap scorn on Mrs. Grundy when she shakes her head over the gentleman who has a good cellar, and his lady who gives

"Shall I tell papa you do not care for billiards to-day?" asked Josephine, who was impatient to be gone.

"I do not know; I will consider. Stay a while, and talk to me. That will be better than billiards. I am a little easier today, and am enjoying the sun. These are very lovely grounds, are they not, dear Josephine?"

"Very lovely."

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Hardly any one sees them. It will not do for me to allow people the run of them; they would pull off the branches, pluck the flowers, and trample the grass. Yet, I suppose, if I am going to stand for the county,, I must do this, allow a free

"I shall not be here; I shall be in my room. I shall perhaps hear them laugh, and it will divert me, especially if I am in pain at the time. But I shall not appear. My green jalousies will be down. If I appeared, I might seem to sanction the intrusion, and there is no knowing where invasion would stop. I should have all the parish coming here to pull up my bulbs, and pluck my roses, and break the statues and vases. I do not like the public; it is boisterous, and leaves traces where it romps of sandwich papers and empty ginger-beer bottles. When grounds his are thrown open to it, the public is noisy,

"What does your father think of Richard Cable?" he asked at length. "Papa! Oh, he calls him a lout and a booby."

"He does not like him?"

"No - he has taken a prejudice against him; why, I cannot tell."

"I suppose he has done something to testify to Richard Cable his gratitude for the services he rendered ?" you "He offered him a ten-pound note, and Richard refused it, I am glad to say." "You are glad. Why?"

and I cannot bear noise. I suffer acutely in my nerves. There is a long nerve extending from the temple to the footBut there; I will not speak of that. It begins to twitch and shoot the moment I allude to it. Richard Cable is a fine man, a handsome man. Look at this standard rose, Josephine. Do you know what it is? General Jacqueminot, a hybrid perennial. It is a superb rose. Do you know on what it grows? On wild-brier stock. It is budded. Below the bud, the root, the stem, are all wild, vulgar, hedge dogrose. I should think Richard Cable was a bud- Because papa should have given him ded rose; we know the stock is common, either a great deal, or nothing at all." but consider! What a man the father "Cable deserves something for his must have been, to have such a tall, stal-goodness to you, his care and his kindwart, handsome son! You do not know ness." Greek, Josephine, or you would understand what I mean when I say anax andrôna king of men."

"I dare say. It is a pity his father does not see him. Cable is a man to be proud of; he is not only a fine man, but he is a true and good man."

The children are pretty children, are they not? Like Reynolds's angels, you said."

"They are very pretty, unusually pretty children."

"They do not take after their grandmother; Mrs. Cable is dark."

"But perhaps their mother was fair." "Oh, their mother was nothing, a very common sort of creature. If they do not take after their grandmother, it must be after their grandfather. He must have been possessed of great personal beauty when he was young."

To this Josephine made no reply; she was not interested in the question as to the appearance of the unknown grandfather.

"There is, I hear, a good deal of high quality, self-respect, and sterling goodness in Richard Cable."

"He is a thorough man."

"He could not have had that from his mother, who is only a common woman.' "Why not? She is a superior person. I like her; she is so dignified."

"He has not her eyes and hair. Rely on it, he draws also his moral and mental qualities from the other side. What a man that father must have been !"

"I do not think it, or he would not have deserted him."

Mr. Gotham kicked the gravel about with his toes, first with one foot, then with the other, and worked a hole with his stick among the shingle that covered the

terrace.

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"He deserves a great deal; but he is too proud or too much of a gentleman at heart, to accept anything, offered as my father offered it."

Mr. Gotham considered a while, still working a hole in the ground with the end of his stick. He looked slyly out of the corners of his eyes at Josephine, and then down at the burrow he was making. "It is no concern of mine," said he after a while. "But for the sake of something to talk about, we will pursue the subject. I suppose Cable has his ambitions. What is he going to do now? Go on with his duties as lightshipman, or take to some other line of life?"

"Nothing else offers. The ship will be replaced; I suppose a better one than that old cut-down tub. But I fancy Richard would rather take to something which did not withdraw him so much from home. I heard him one day say that if he only had a boat of his own, he would be a fisherman."

"Why should he not have a boat?" "He cannot afford one. Boats are expensive."

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Why should not you give him one?" "I!" Josephine almost started to her feet, she was so astonished at the proposition.

"Yes, you. Why not? He saved your life. You feel indebted to him. Give him what would make him happy. Do not ask him if he will have it and give him an opportunity of declining; make it his."

"But Mr. Gotham "- her handsome face was flushed as she turned it to him

"how can I? I have no money - that is to say, of course I shall have my mother's money some day; but my father is trustee, and my guardian, and would not let me have the sum for the purpose.