can be saved for the wife
and children. In the cases where the marriage is a happy one, the
settlement is a hindrance and a nuisance; but in such cases as that of
William Dalzell and Laura Wilson, it would be prudent to evade the law
of the land, and to preserve the property of the heiress by such means.

Chapter II.

Jane's Situation

In an almost incredibly short time, Mr. Brandon called at Peggy
Walker's to say that he had had a letter from Mr. Phillips, who thought
very favourably of Miss Melville from his description, but who would
come to Edinburgh himself in a day or two and see the young lady, so as
to judge for himself.

He came accordingly, but, to Peggy's great disappointment, without
Emily or Harriett. They had both bad colds, and he could not make them
travel in the depth of winter even to see Peggy. Jane and Elsie could
not but admire the kindly greeting to gave to his old and faithful
servant, and the interest he took in her affairs and her children,
which was even more strongly expressed than Mr. Brandon's; and as for
grandfather, he could not tell which of the two Australian gentlemen
was the most polite.

The manners of the younger sister took Mr. Phillips's fancy more than
those of the elder, but he saw that Jane would suit him best; so, in a
much shorter time than she could have conceived possible, she found
herself engaged to accompany him on his return to London, as
housekeeper and governess, at a salary of 70 pounds a year.

"We mean to come to Edinburgh next summer, when we will probably take a
tour in the Highlands, so that you have a prospect of seeing your
sister then," said Mr. Phillips: "but I must have you with us as soon
as possible, so I hope you will be ready the day after to-morrow."

"Yes, I will be quite ready then," said Jane. "I have not much to do,
except to part from Elsie, and that will be hard to do at last as at
first."

While Mr. Phillips talked to Peggy about his children, and especially
of Emily, the girls both examined his countenance and drew their
conclusions as to his character. He was not so handsome as Mr. Brandon,
being smaller and more insignificant-looking, and his fair complexion
had not stood so well the constant exposure to the weather under an
Australian sun as Mr. Brandon's dark one, but his smile was remarkably
bright, and though his manner was very gentle and pleasing, he did not
seem to want for decision of character.

"I doubt Emily is