“Thank you, Peggy, thank you; that will suit us nicely.  But tell me, can we—­that is, Elsie and me—­can we live in Edinburgh on twenty-four pounds a-year?”

“I have known many a family brought up decently on as little, or even less,” said Peggy; “but then they were differently bred from you and could live hard.  Porridge and potatoes, and muslin kail, with a salt herring now and then.”

“Well, porridge and potatoes it shall be,” said Jane, “for three years, and then starvation, if the world pleases.”

“If God pleases, Miss Jane; the chief thing is for us to place our trust in Him,” said Peggy.

“You are right, Peggy, I suppose; but it is hard to unlearn so much old schooling and to accept of new teachings.  Did your faith support you when you were perplexed and disappointed—­when friends were unfaithful, and the world hard and cruel?”

“My trials have not been just like yours; but whatever God sent, He gave me strength to bear; and it will be the same with you, Miss Jean, if you put yourself humbly in His hands.  But the auld laird cared for none of these things; though I am sure when he left you so poorly provided for in this world, he behoved to have given you a good hold of the hope of a better;—­besides that, it makes us contented with a very humble lot here below.  I am, maybe, too free-spoken, Miss Jean, but I mean no disrespect.”

“No offence can be taken where none is meant, Peggy; and friends are too scarce with us now for us to reject any good advice.  I am very glad to know that we can subsist on our income, for I have not been accustomed to deal with such small sums.”

“You have wealth of clothes, no doubt; enough to last you for a while; so there need be no outlay for that.”

“And we have our own furniture—­too much, I suppose for your little room.  We can sell the overplus when a push comes.  I do not think anything could suit us better than your kind offer.”

“I have heard,” said Peggy, “that the folk hereabouts think you will be getting up a subscription.”

“They are very much mistaken,” said Jane; “the hardest living is preferable to that.  I wish you could say that Melbourne, or any part of Australia, would do for us.  Everybody was surprised when you returned to Swinton so suddenly.”

“Well, I could send the bairns more money from Melbourne than I can make for them here, and no doubt the folk thought me foolish to leave such a place; but what good was the money to the poor things when there was no management, for the old man is but silly, and the bairns had mostly the upper hand of him, though whiles they did catch it.  I have had my own ado with Tam for the last two years.  I think I have got the victory now; but I must try and keep it.  So, as grandfather dreads the water, I think I will stop in this country while he is to the fore, and meantime the lads and lasses must have their schooling and Tam his trade.  But I keep on clavering about my own concerns, while you are in doubt and difficulties about yours.  When do you leave Cross Hall?”