mously. They then went into the
allotment questions, and Jane, Elsie, and Peggy, offered their opinions
as to the fittest persons for the boon, and then began to wonder how
many years it would be before they could make the land pay. All this,
which ought to have gratified Francis--for every man should be glad
when people take an interest in his plans--struck a chill to his heart,
for it boded no good to his new visions.

"You seem to be in great spirits altogether, to-day, Jane," said he.

"How can I help it? The prospect of a situation of fifty or sixty
pounds a year is something overpoweringly delightful to me. If I had
heard of such a thing six months ago, I should have been glad, but now
that I have felt the difficulty of getting any employment whatever, and
feel quite sure that I am fit for this, my only dread is lest Mr.
Phillips may have got another person, or may not like my appearance;
but if he is satisfied to engage me I am determined to save money to
start in business. By and by we are going to join Peggy in Melbourne."

"But your sister--how do you feel about leaving her?"

"I was quite aware that I must leave her if I meant to do anything of
any value for myself."

"I am never going to stand in Jane's light any more," said Elsie. "I am
not so selfish as to regret any piece of good fortune that comes to her
alone."

"And I think of inquiring a little further as to her poems," said Jane.

"Oh, no! that is altogether useless," said Elsie.

"You promised yesterday to let Francis see them to-day, Elsie. We must
have his opinion on this subject. I certainly think I could do more
personally, than by letter, to get them published."

"And Jane always wished so much to see London," said Elsie. "I am so
glad to think she has such a prospect, and from all Peggy's accounts of
Mr. Phillips, he is everything that could be wished. How little we
thought when we listened to her long tale about her taking such care of
Emily and Harriett Phillips, the first night we came to live here, that
she was saving pupils for Jane. It seems like a fate."

"Then what are YOU going to do?" said Francis, who did not seem so much
delighted with Jane's good news as she had expected. "Are you to live
here with Peggy, as before?"

"Not just as before. I am going to Mrs. Dunn's through the day, and
Peggy is good enough to say she will be glad to keep me, though I lose
my better half in Jane. I think I really have some taste and tale