“The cottages were built and the allotments made over securely, and I think they are the better, and not the worse, for my two years’ tenure of Cross Hall.  As for the political and social reforms, I have no doubt that there are five hundred men in England as good as me.  Sinclair is as good an apostle of my crotchets as I could be, only he is not in the House.  I will not be so insincere as to say that I did not give up my parliamentary life with the greatest regret.  That really was the sacrifice.  You must be very, very kind to me on that account; but you know that I could not, as an honest man, keep property which had been bequeathed to me under such a mistake.  You would not have done it under the circumstances.  I tried to save it for you, to whom it ought to have been left; but after consulting the best authorities I found I could not do so, for your uncle’s will was so distinct in excluding you from any benefit from his estate.  So, Jane, you must say that you are glad.  Don’t look as if you were anything but my guiding-star—­the life of my life—­all the world to me.  A hindrance, a stumbling-block!  Without you I should have had no high aims, no noble ambition.  If I had done little or nothing, I have learned a great deal; so

“’Love me for the sake of what I am,
And not of what I do.’”

“You know that I will be only too happy to be your wife, Francis,” said Jane.

“And perhaps if I get on well here I may go into political life in the colony and do the work I was sent into the world for at the other end of it.  Then when are you going to give yourself to me?”

“As soon as I can possibly leave this family.  We must let Mr. Phillips know immediately.  How surprised Elsie will be!”

“Not so much as you are, I fancy.  Bless her for writing me that letter; there is not one of yours that I prize more.  But with regard to the Phillipses, Miss Marry Forrester, I think, would be very happy to take your place; and, from all I can see of her, she will do admirably.  Did you really want me to fall in love with her?”

“I wanted you to be happy, and I thought she could make you so.  You do not understand how unselfish a woman’s love can be.  Then, if Miss Forrester can take my place here, there need be no delay.”

“You make none on your part, like a good, honest girl, as you are.”

“Why should I?  We have loved each other for two years.  Our wedding will be the simplest affair possible.  Why should I pretend to wish to delay what will be my happiness as well as yours?  Oh, Francis! though I could not have wished you to make the sacrifices you have made for my poor sake, yet, now that it is done, it is not a half-heart I give you.  I will try to give you no cause to regret what I have cost you.  Oh, how glad I am to be able to tell you frankly how dear you are to me!”

Epilogue