ould try my luck in a bigger place, and I hope I may not repent of it.

"That's all my story. It's no much tell; but yet, ye see that none of
my brothers have been burdened with my bairns. I have done it all
myself."

Jane sat silent a few moments after Peggy had finished her narrative,
and then thanked her gravely and earnestly for it. Elsie, too, had been
much interested in the adventures of this clever, upright woman, and
was only sorry it could not be available--neither incident nor
sentiment--for her poetry.

"Now, I have kept you up long enough, young ladies. If what I have said
gives you any heart, I will be glad. I hope you will sleep well, and
have lucky dreams; so good-night."

Chapter X.

Elsie's Literary Venture, and Its Success

Elsie Melville found the second day in ---- Street better than the
first. An early walk with Jane restored her to her equilibrium, and she
sat down to write in her own room with more rapidity than before; while
Jane went out and made inquiries at registry offices, or anywhere else
that was likely to lead to employment; but day after day passed without
success. Rather than do nothing, she assisted Peggy in the lighter
parts of her work, made clothes for the children, and helped them with
their lessons in the evening. Peggy was astonished at the progress
which they all made with such assistance, and particularly delighted
with the great influence Jane had over Tom. As she grew accustomed to
the ways of the house, she learned to endure the noise patiently, and
she found these five young Lowries really interesting and remarkably
intelligent. Tom especially was eager for knowledge, and his trade,
which he entered into with all his heart, was calling out all his
abilities and all his ambition. There were many things that he had
difficulty in getting information about, for he was but a young
apprentice, and the journeymen and older apprentices wanted him to wait
on them rather than to learn the business. But he was not to be kept
back in that way; he was determined to find things out for himself, and
in every difficulty he found help and sympathy from Jane Melville. Her
out-of-the-way knowledge made her a most useful auxiliary, and she
rejoiced that there was one person in the world that she could assist
with it. She did not forget Peggy's wish about the quick writing, and
taught those peasant children to express themselves fluently on paper.
Their manners were improved unde