“Oh, yes.  I do know Miss Thomson.  Of course we are not exactly in the same position, we being proprietors, while she is only a farmer; but she is a most excellent and estimable woman in her way, though she is a bit of a character.  She is now growing old, and not so active as she has been.”

“She is said to be a benevolent and a kind-hearted, as well as a clever woman,” said Jane.

“Oh, yes; and well she may be liberal, for she has made money, and has not the status to keep up that old country families must maintain.”

“I wonder if she would engage me as her helper, and teach me farming.  I know a good deal of theoretical agricultural chemistry.  Will you be so good as give me a letter of introduction to her; I should feel greatly obliged to you.”

Mrs. Dalzell willingly granted this small request, and felt much disposed to magnify its importance.  It would be a good thing if, without any trouble or sacrifice on her own part, she could aid her dear young friends by bringing them into contact with a person who was more able to further their views than herself.  She was sure that Miss Thomson was the very person to apply to, for of course she would take an interest in a young lady so unfortunately situated.  It was so well thought of on Miss Melville’s part; but then Miss Melville was always so quick and sensible.  The letter of introduction was written, and then Mrs. Dalzell took leave.

Next day Elsie was languidly reading the local weekly journal, when she came upon a paragraph which related to themselves.  Mr. Hogarth’s will was described and commented on.  There was congratulation for the heir and commiseration for the nieces.

“Oh, Jane,” said she, “is it not dreadful to be brought before the public in this way; everybody must be talking about us, and of course everybody has got hold of the story of William Dalzell and you too.  I am glad they did not put that in the newspapers, at any rate.  Every one will think that he gave you up, and will fancy you are so distressed about it.”

“We cannot help either what people think or what they say.  I do not wonder at the Courier making a long paragraph on the subject, for they have not had such an interesting piece of local news since Mr. Fisher committed suicide.”

“I do not like the appearance of my own name in print,” said Elsie.

“It is a very pretty name, nevertheless, and would look as well on the title-page of a book as any I know—­only in a newspaper you do not like it,” said Jane.  “I must bid you good-bye for a few hours now, for I am going to Miss Thomson’s.  I am going to ride, and will not be very long.”

Miss Thomson had just taken up the local newspaper after her morning ride over the farm, and had read the peculiarly interesting paragraph relating to Mr. Hogarth’s will, when Mrs. Dalzell’s note was put into her hands, and Miss Melville was announced.