FRANCES JOHNSTONE. •
IT is not entirely without a philosophic truth that the writer of fiction usually contrives to make the story end happily ; for, we feel, that if all who possess the power and therefore lie under the duty, exert themselves to do the best they can under the circumstances, most stories in real life as well as fiction would end happily. Perhaps this truth is beginning to dawn upon the world in rather a practical aspect, and we have a very pretty ex- ample in the completeness with which Sir Robert Carden has been able 10 finish the story of Frances Johnstone and her sisters. There is no necessity to recapitulate the tale. Our readers will well remember how a young girl was placed under a pressure of harsh treatment which drove her to the very verge of death. Her case came before Sir Robert Carden at the Mansion- house; he was able to discriminate between her fault and her misery. She was rescued, and now she and her sisters have by the aid of the subscription• which she originated, been placed in business as milliners and hosiers at No. 37 Bishopsgate Street Within. They are most likely made independent. But it is a cheering circumstance in what are falsely called " these hard days," that many of our contemporaries, and a still larger umber of intel- ligent and active gentlemen are exerting their influence to bring to their door that custom which will secure their fortune.
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