Another conception of heavenly mansions, though hardly suitable for the clergy unless they are to be itinerant friars, is supplied this week by a Mrs. Helen Schwerdt and a Miss Metcalfe who have thrown up their jobs, respectively as factory supervisor and chauffeuse, to follow the life of a Romany. They have bought a real gipsy van, which is at least 50 years old, and a cart mare. Neither of them knew anything about horses before they started, but they say it is easy to learn and that nothing is so responsive as a horse when you live with and care for him always. They have been on the road since Easter and vow they will never leave it; they have no cares, no telephones and read no newspapers. Their only concession to modernity is a gas container which they use for cooking.
There unique fascination in the gipsy life. The late W. J. Locke, in one of his most charming stories, The Golden Journey of Mr. Para-dyne," showed us a great K. C. throwing up his career to wander over France in a caravan. Borrow of course has fired countless imaginations. There is still a great deal of real country for the vagrant in Eng-lend. Only this week I learnt to my surprise that one may walk the whole way from Esher to Lancing without going along (though one would cross) aread. But would the gipsy's van be quite so attractive when autumn fogs and frosts begin? The charm of vagrancy depends a good deal on being able to give it up whenever one pleases, All for Love—
The elopement of Sam Mercer and Lucy Jead, both undergraduates at Oxford, he an American, she daughter of Professor C. E. M. Jead, is the story of the week. They came to London last Tuesday, where Lucy's parents argued with her, and Sam's relatives argued with him, urging him to consider that his elopement might have a grave effect on his mother's health. The lovers merely replied by collecting all their belongings and departing for France where they hope to get married. But as they are only 19 and 20 respectively France certainly will not do that for them, nor will England, nor will the American Embassy.
They appeared a little scared by the battery of cameras awaiting their train at Paris and have hidden themselves in some out of the way hotel. Mrs. Mercer's health is so far unaffected that she has been able to cut off all supplies, as Professor Jead has done. Sam Mercer is said to have
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