this
asylum in a more contented spirit. It appears as if it were to be my
work, and with God's help I will do it well."

Jane began her next day's work by calling on her Edinburgh
acquaintances, and then went to the registry offices; but Monday's
inquiries were no more successful than Saturday's; so she dropped her
letter in the post, and felt as many people, especially women, do when
an important missive has left them for ever to go to the hands to which
it is addressed. It seems so irrevocable, they doubt the wisdom of the
step and fear the consequences.

When Jane reached home and told her sister of the application she had
sent in, Elsie was horrified at the prospect, and shook her sister's
courage still more by the pictures she conjured up of Jane's life at
such a place, and of her own without the one dearest to her heart; but
after she had said all she could in that way, it occurred to her that
if her poems succeeded, as she had no doubt they would, Jane's slavery
need but be shortlived. Her work had made great progress during the
short time of her sister's absence, and she continued to apply to it
with indefatigable industry. Scarcely would the ardent girl allow
herself to think of anything but what to write;--the tension was too
severe, but Elsie would take nothing in moderation.

Chapter V.

A Humble Friend

The last week of the Misses Melville's stay at Cross Hall had begun
before Jane heard of the result of her application for the matronship
of the ---- Institution. Mr. Rennie then wrote to her that the
directors had appointed a widow, very highly recommended, and
apparently very well qualified. Miss Melville's letter had received
careful attention, and had favourably impressed all the directors; but
her youth and her being unmarried were great objections to her, while
the kind of housekeeping she had conducted at her uncle's was not
likely to be the best school for the management of an establishment of
this kind. Mr. Rennie was very sorry for Miss Melville's
disappointment, but he could not suggest any other situation likely to
suit her.

Elsie jumped for joy when she heard of Jane's rejection, and kissed her
sister over and over again. "We shall not be parted, darling; you will
not go to slave among strangers and to be terrified by mad people. I
cannot--really, I cannot do without you--you are my muse and my critic,
as well as my best friend and adviser."

Jane was not quite so much exhilar