“My dear Miss Melville,” continued he, turning to Jane, “I assure you that your sister only wants what she has come to England to obtain—­change, cheerful society, sunshine, and generous diet—­to restore her to perfect health.”

Elsie gave one sigh at this verdict.

“Do not think me ungrateful, Dr. Phillips; I should be thankful to be restored to health; but life has been so hard for me lately, that I felt almost glad to think that, without any fault of my own, God was going to take me away, and that Jane would join me by and by, when her work was done.  She is fit for the work she has got to do, and I appear to be so unfit for it.  I suppose we ought to love life-----”

“It is a sign that one is out of health when one does not,” said Dr. Phillips.  “Your depression of spirits is more physical than mental; but then it reacts upon your health.  You used to be cheerful before you left that place—­what do you call it?—­where my old friend Hogarth brought you up.”

“Yes, quite cheerful,” said Elsie; “but things have gone very differently with me since.”

“Well, you must regain your old spirits, if possible; and in the meantime, get on your bonnet and have a little drive with me while Miss Melville is busy with her pupils.  If you won’t mind a few stoppages, we will have a pleasant round, through as pretty a part of the country as England can boast of.”

Jane asked privately for Dr. Phillips’s opinion, being sure that he gave Elsie his brightest view of her case.

“There is nothing positively wrong with her at present, Miss Melville; but she has got into such a low tone of health that she needs care.  She must never return to such a life as she has had lately; she must have a lighter employment, more open air, and better food.”

“It is so difficult,” said Jane, “to get employment.  I am sure there are a thousand chances against my finding such an excellent situation as I have with Mrs. Phillips.”

“And a thousand chances against their meeting with such an excellent governess and housekeeper.  The pleasure is mutual, I am sure.  I must see what your sister is fit for, when she is a little stronger.”

Both Elsie and Jane saw at once that Mr. Brandon was disposed to take Elsie’s rejection as a final decision, and that he would have no difficulty in transferring his attentions, if not his affections to Miss Harriett Phillips.  Elsie felt that she could not have been much admired or loved, when he could so soon attach himself to a woman so very different from herself.  Here it certainly might be love without any mixture of pity.  He made himself very agreeable, and Miss Harriett was not so much flattered as gratified.  All his homage was received by her as her due; there were no quick flushes of pleasure or surprise at any little mark of kindness or attention; no disclaiming of any compliment which was paid her as exaggerated or undeserved; the smile of perfect