Punch's Cousin, Chapter 240

“Here, what do you mean that they’re safe?” Mr. Punch said, rushing over to Cecil.


“Look!” Cecil thrust the note into Mr. Punch’s hands.

“Coo, it’s from me chum.” Mr. Punch exclaimed as he began to read. A smile crossed his lips. “Honestly, what would we do without Marjani?” He folded the letter neatly. “Once again, she’s come to our rescue.”

“So, they’re safe and I know that Edward wouldn’t think to look for them in a small flat over a dress shop in the French Quarter.” Cecil sighed contentedly. “Now, we just need to find a way to reunite you with Robert and return the two of you and the boy to England.”

“We’ll figure somethin’ out, I’m sure of it.” Mr. Punch patted Cecil on the back as they headed back toward the parlor.

They paused when they heard a sound behind them. At first, they thought it was the thunder which had brought a nasty storm over their house, but they quickly realized it was a rapid pounding on the back door. Cecil and Punch turned to see Meridian scurry to open the door.

As the door groaned open, they heard a gasp and a scream. “Julian!”

Mr. Punch hurried to help Charles pick up Barbara Allen who had crumpled to a heap outside the door.

“Let’s carry her in,” Mr. Punch said quickly.

“Your Grace,” Charles stammered. “You…you’re alive.”

“Yes.” Mr. Punch smiled. “Very much. Both me and me master.”

“What about the baby?” Charles asked as he lifted Barbara.

“We’re all alive.” Mr. Punch nodded.

“Bring her into the kitchen.” Cecil grunted. “Meridian, can you make some tea?”

“Sure can, Mr. Halifax.” Meridian hurried off.

“What are the two of you doing here?” Cecil asked as Punch and Charles carried Barbara into the kitchen.

“We came to pay our respects to you, Sir.” Charles said. “To you and your missus. Barbara was insistent. She said she didn’t care if she was caught by Mr. Cage. She wanted to apologize to you and offer her condolences. We never suspected that…”

“Quite right.” Cecil muttered.

After she was settled into a wooden chair at the kitchen table, Punch patted Barbara’s face. Her eyes fluttered open and she wept. “Are you a spirit?”

“No.” Punch shook his head. “I’m quite real.”

“How?” Barbara asked.

“Not to worry ‘bout that. Just know that Robert, I and your little Colin are all safe and well.”

“I swear…” Barbara gasped. “I swear I will not squander this second chance.”

Meanwhile behind Edward Cage’s house, Ulrika and Arthur huddled under a tree to shield themselves from the rain as Gerard stood nearby, getting soaked to the bone.

“Come on, then,” Arthur grinned. “You’re glad to see me, aren’t ya?”

“I’m surprised.” Ulrika said.

“I come back to ya.” Arthur winked.

“Don’t you mean you’ve come back to Barbara Allen?”

“No.” Arthur smiled. “It’s you I want.”

“Is it?” Ulrika nodded slowly.

“Maybe it were the funny-smelling root you made me chew, maybe it were your beauty or your wit or your cunning, but you’re the one what was always on my mind,” Arthur lied. “You bewitched me.”

“Have I, really?” Ulrika cooed.

“You know you must have done.” Arthur responded. “Now, I returned to you.”

“I can’t say I’m not glad.” Ulrika laughed. “I intend to put you to good use.”



Did you miss Chapters 1-239? If so, you can read them here.

Goal for the Day: Accept What You Can’t Change

Some days, it seems that nothing goes your way. Perhaps you’ve been struggling to reach a particular goal and it’s “so-close” but, for some reason, you just can’t reach it. Evaluate the situation. Often, there are many factors that are within your power to influence. You should always try all you can to get closer to your goal. However, sometimes circumstances just get in your way.


When that happens, what can you do? You can tear yourself apart with wishes and grief, but that’s not the most productive way to react. A better route is to keep trying, all the while accepting those circumstances that are out of your control. Instead of weighing yourself down with angst and panic, try to find solutions or alternatives and, if all else fails, the old adage really does hold true—“good things come to those who wait.”

No situation is ever truly ideal. But, it’s up to us to find the happiest path on even the rockiest of roads.

Object of the Day: A Delicate Antique Silver Napkin Ring

One of the predominant styles of the mid-Victorian era was a resurgence of Rococo ideals, focusing on asymmetrical nature-inspired designs and curving lines. This antique silver napkin ring from England shows how the Rococo Revival developed into a distinctly French-inspired style which showcased florid edges against the polished surfaces of oblong silhouettes.


While we pull out the napkin rings on special occasions, they previously enjoyed a more active life of daily use in middle and upper class households where adhering to basic formalities was part of the family pride.

Using a set of napkin rings and cloth napkins is a great way to elevate even the simplest meal and make you feel special on the most mundane of days.

Masterpiece of the Week: The Codman Judy, 1860

Judy Puppet
Circa 1860
The Museum of Liverpool

She may not be as old as Mr. Punch, and she may not have always been called “Judy” (she began in Britain as a character named “Joan”), but Judy is as much a part of the history of world culture as her illustrious husband.


This long-suffering, wooden-headed lady, can’t be considered the world’s best mother. She did marry Mr. Punch, after all, and leaves her baby in the care of her irresponsible mate, but she’s fiercely protective of her offspring and becomes quite enraged when her child is made into sausage—as one does.

So, in honor of Mother’s Day and Mr. Punch’s impending birthday, we pay homage to Judy with this lovely puppet which is one of the original pieces from the Codman Family. Codman’s is a family-operated theatre which has been a part of Liverpool, England culture since the 1860’s.

Still in excellent condition, this Judy is no worse for wear after thousands of beatings. With her pinched face and slight snarl, she’s still a formidable force after over a century.

Sunday Viewing: Stella Dallas, 1937

Based on the 1923 novel by Olive Higgins Prouty, the 1937 film version of Stella Dallas is considered the quintessential story of motherly sacrifice and is often aired on Mother’s Day.


Directed by King Vidor and produced by Samuel Goldwyn for Metro, the film stars Barbara Stanwyck in the title role with John Boles and Anne Shirley, earning a Best Actress Oscar nomination for Stanwyck.

The film, set initially after the First World War, follows the life of the daughter of a Massachusetts mill-worker. Stella has a taste for fine and fast living and ambitions to lead a better, if not more exciting, life. At the mill, Stella meets executive Stephen Dallas who has troubles of his own. His father, after losing the family fortune, has committed suicide and he takes comfort in the wild Stella despite the fact that he vows to marry his fiancée after regaining his fortune.

Realizing that his fiancée has moved on and married another person, Stephen marries Stella and they have a daughter, Laurel. Stella still has a hankering for her party life, but finds she has a surprisingly maternal side as well. Soon, she’s pushing her own social-climbing ways onto Laurel. As Stephen grows more disgusted by Stella’s behavior, he finds he has a job opportunity in New York. Stella and Stephen separate and Stella retains custody of their daughter.

A long illness and embarrassing social situations make Stella wonder if she is able to give her daughter the life she feels she deserves. Soon, Stella is forced to make a difficult decision for the good of her child.

A popular favorite, the film is filled with excellent performances and is the perfect accompaniment to your Mother’s Day celebration.

Happy Birthday, Mr. Punch!

On Monday, May 9, Mr. Punch celebrates his 349^th birthday.  Let’s all wish him the very best for another 349 years of slap-sticking, sausage-grinding fun!  That’s the way to do it!

Sunday Morning Special: Morticia Addams: Spooky, Spectacular Mother

Carolyn Jones as "Morticia"

Sure, she powdered her face with baking powder. Yes, she preferred the thorns over the blossoms. And, sure, she smoked—from her armpits. But, Morticia Addams was a great mother. Her top priority was always her family. She’d fence with Gomez. She’d make sure that Wednesday’s dolls were headless and she always took the time to feed Pugsley’s spider, Aristotle.


Morticia was a modern mother. So, on this Mother’s Day, let’s pay tribute to all mothers everywhere from the kooky to the traditional!