Jane’s joyous greeting, when he came to Peggy’s for his cousins, to take them to the Exhibition, startled him not a little; and when she eagerly told him of Mr. Brandon’s views for her future advancement; and that both he and Peggy had no doubt that she would suit the Phillipses; and that an answer was sure to be had in a few days, and demanded his congratulations on her altered prospects; then asked him to submit his plans for cottages to Peggy’s inspection, as she was by far the most competent judge as to their merits or deficiencies.  Old Thomas Lowrie was also taken into council, and his wondering admiration of the bonny slated houses was something worth seeing.  Peggy’s suggestion of the addition of a little storeroom, in which milk and meal and potatoes could be kept, was put and carried unanimously.  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.”