“I am too old to learn music,” said Jane, “and I have no natural talent for it.  As for a nice quiet situation, where am I to get it?”

“Surely, Miss Melville, you must have many friends, from the position
you have held in-----shire; you must know many leading people.  Consult
with them.  I am sure they would never advise you to take such a risk; I
cannot conscientiously advise you to do it myself.  Mr. Rennie was
telling me about the matronship of the ----- Institution.  Don’t you
think that would be better?  The salary is not high, but there
is no risk.  I know one of the house-surgeons very well, and I know he
says everything is very comfortable, and he is one of the pleasantest
men I know.”

“I am reconsidering the matter,” said Jane.  “I suppose if I make up my mind to it, the sooner I apply the better.”

“I should say so,” said Mrs. Rennie.  “I am sure Mr. Rennie will give you all his influence, for he says you appear to be such a capable person.  He told us all about your turn for figures and ledgers, and that sort of thing.”

“I have naturally strong nerves, too,” said Jane.

“Oh, they say it is nothing being in such a place, when you once get used to it.”

“But what would become of my poor sister?” said Jane.  “We did so much wish to be together; and in such a situation I could see so little of her.”

“That would be the case in any situation; and what is there to prevent her from getting one for herself?”

“Just as much and more than prevents me.  Still, twenty-four and thirty pounds a year would keep her tolerably comfortable till she can get employment or meets with success otherwise,” said Jane, half thinking aloud.  “I think I will write out my application when we get home to-night.”

“Where are you staying—­in Edinburgh?” asked Mrs. Rennie.

“At my cousin’s.”

“At Mr. Hogarth’s?—­you do not mean to say so!”

“He asked me to come and stay with him while I inquired about this situation, or anything else that might appear to be better.  You know I cannot afford to take lodgings or live at a hotel, and no one else thought of offering me a home.”

“It was very kind and well-meant on his part, no doubt; but it was scarcely advisable on yours to accept it.”

“I spoke to Miss Thomson about it, and she saw no objection.”

“Miss Thomson of Allendale:  very likely she did not—­she is used to do just as she pleases, and never minds what the world thinks.”

“She was the only person who gave me either help, encouragement, or advice.  I thought all she said was right and reliable.  You do not know what it is to me, who have no relation in the world but Elsie, to find a cousin.  He seems like a brother to me, and I know he feels like one.  If it had been in his power to give me money to engage a lodging, perhaps he would have done so, but it is money assistance that is so strictly forbidden by the will.”