2 OCTOBER 1920, Page 13

A WELL - TRAVELLED STORY.

tTo Tat ED/TOR OF THE " SPECTATOR."]

Sta,—In two books just published by Methuen there is the same story. In the delightful Verena in the Midst, by E. V. Lucas, it appears in this way: "A travelling friend tells ma that outside the gate of the Misericordia in Osaka, Japan, is the notice. the meaning of which is clear after a moment's examina- tion: "The Sisters of the Misericordia harbour every kind of disease, and have no respect for religion.'" In the Life and Letters of Lady Dorothy Nerill the story is thus related: "One of the institutions in Rome, wishing to proclaim its toleration, had the following appeal posted up at its entrance Appelo the Charitable. The Brothers, so called of Pity, solicit alms for the Hospital. They harbour all kinds of diseases, and have no respect for Religion.'" Cait any of your readers tell me if there is a common source for these stories, or if there is an

order of Brothers and Sisters of Miserieordia who all over the world have this motto over their gateways?—I am, Sir, ttc.,

GEORGe C. HARRIS.

Willowby Park Terrace, Yelverton, Devon.