rnesses, I am quite sure; he
did not educate us for it; and I do not think he wished us to marry
either."

"He should have left you a small competence--not enough to tempt
others, but to save you from being tempted yourself," said Miss Thomson.

"I dare say he made a great mistake; but I think he fancied that the
strong necessity for effort would stimulate us to exertion. To vegetate
on a small annuity would not be so pleasant as to earn even the same
income for ourselves," said Jane.

"Well, my dear girl, I do not fear for you, though things look so very
gloomy at present. You have got the stuff in you. There is promise of
success in your step and voice--in your quick eye and honest smile. Is
your sister like yourself?--no; you said she was less fit for the life
that is before you; that is a pity."

"It is; but we love each other so dearly--we are all the world to each
other."

"Well, that is good for both of you; love is just as great a necessity
as air or food. I cannot help thinking that you should try your luck in
Edinburgh; you are more likely to find what will suit you there than in
a country side, like this of Swinton. Have you any friends there?"

"None to rely upon," said Jane.

"Your cousin that has come into such an inheritance, does he seem
friendly?"

"Very much so, but he is forbidden to give us help."

"In money, perhaps; but it would be only right if he would take some
trouble to make inquiries, and speak for you to any one he thinks could
employ you. It would be a satisfaction to his own mind, besides."

"I have a letter from him this morning, saying that he has heard of
something that he fears is not good enough for me, or either of us, and
urging me to come to Edinburgh, to see for myself, offering me or both
of us, if we are so inclined, the hospitality of his humble home, as he
calls it. I cannot afford to go to a hotel, and we have no friend to
whose house we could go uninvited, so I feel inclined to accept the
invitation."

"You had better do so, Miss Melville; and as it may be a while before
you meet with work, and as travelling about to look for it costs money,
you will be so good as to take this, with my best wishes," said Miss
Thomson, opening her desk and taking out a five-pound note and handing
it to Jane, who, though she had fancied she never could have accepted
money from a stranger, felt this to be offered so frankly and kindly,
that she thanked Miss Thomson and took it.