The Lord Advocate agreed in all points with Mr. MacFarlane as to the legal chances of keeping the property; and although he thought it a very quixotic thing to give it up, Francis was determined on that subject.  The letters were written to the associations, and a day was appointed for his meeting a delegate from each of them, intrusted with powers to decide and act.  Mr. MacFarlane wished to be present, for he had no confidence in the prudence of his client, who would be sure to show his hand to the opposing party, and let them know too soon how little there was in it, and Francis rather reluctantly consented.  In the mean time he worked off some of his excitement by visiting Peggy and the Lowries to deliver Elsie’s messages.  She was busy, as usual, but laid aside her work at the sight of the unexpected visitor.

“Have you any news?” said she, “for I have had no letter from Miss Jean this month, and next mail I’ll no be here to get it.  You look as if there was good news, Mr. Hogarth.”

“Good and bad,” said Francis; “can you guess the good?”

“Miss Elsie and Mr. Brandon,” said Peggy.  “I see by your eyes I’m right.”

“You are a good guesser, Peggy.  She is only sorry she could not be married from your house; but she did not think Mr. Brandon would wait so long.”

“Oh, I dare say no.  But indeed I marvelled that he went to Australia without her, for I thought it was a thing that was to be, from the first day he spoke about her.  But there’s no much time lost after all.  There’s to be a Mrs. Brandon at Barragong at last—­and what says Miss Jean about it?”

“It is Elsie herself who writes to me that it is a settled thing, and that she hopes to be very happy, and sends you this message.  But what would you say if Miss Jane were to be married herself?”

“You don’t say so!” said Peggy, looking surprised and puzzled.  “I never thought upon her being married.  And that’s the bad, is it?  I wonder what man about Wiriwilta has got the presumption to even himself to her.  I misdoubt she’s throwing herself away, as many a sensible woman has done before her.  One marriage is quite enough for me at a time.”

“Perhaps it is premature in me to speak of it,” said Francis, “for the Saldanha will be three months, or nearly so, on the way, and she has not been rightly asked yet.”

“The Saldanha!  What in the name of wonder do you mean?”

“I mean to go with you in the Saldanha, if I finish the little matter of business I have got to do on this side of the world before she sails.  But I see I must let you read my letters, so that you may judge of the news.”

“It’s fine big writing,” said Peggy.  “I hope it’s easier made out than what you say,” and she proceeded to read Elsie’s letter and enclosure, with a running comment.