want of a
governess, or if she knew any one who was.

"No; the children are all at school or under masters--the best masters
in Edinburgh--for Mr. Rennie is extravagant in the matter of education.
The children get on better--there is more emulation; and then there is
such a houseful of ourselves, that we would not know where to put a
governess, though it might otherwise be an economy," said Mrs. Rennie.

"I should like to have classes," said Jane--trying to speak boldly for
herself; "to teach what I have learned under the same masters whom you
are so pleased with--English philologically, with the practice of
composition, writing, arithmetic, and mathematics. I can get
certificates of my competency from the professors under whom I have
studied. I must leave the neighbourhood of Swinton, where there is no
field for me, and start in this line; my sister can assist me, I have
no doubt."

"I never heard of such a thing, Miss Melville; you had much better take
a situation. The worry and uncertainty of taking rooms and paying rent,
when there are so many masters that you cannot expect but a very few
pupils, would wear you out in a twelvemonth. If I were to send you my
two girls--and I am sure I have every reason to be satisfied with their
present teachers--what would they do for you? Oh, no, Miss Melville.
Take my advice, and get a nice quiet situation, or go into a school,
where you might take music lessons in exchange for what you can teach
now."

"I am too old to learn music," said Jane, "and I have no natural talent
for it. As for a nice quiet situation, where am I to get it?"

"Surely, Miss Melville, you must have many friends, from the position
you have held in ----shire; you must know many leading people. Consult
with them. I am sure they would never advise you to take such a risk; I
cannot conscientiously advise you to do it myself. Mr. Rennie was
telling me about the matronship of the ---- Institution. Don't you
think that would be better? The salary is not high, but there is no
risk. I know one of the house-surgeons very well, and I know he says
everything is very comfortable, and he is one of the pleasantest men I
know."

"I am reconsidering the matter," said Jane. "I suppose if I make up my
mind to it, the sooner I apply the better."

"I should say so," said Mrs. Rennie. "I am sure Mr. Rennie will give
you all his influence, for he says you appear to be such a capable
person. He told us all about your turn