pied in visiting
and receiving visitors. Their superintendence of their father's
household was very different from what had been expected from Jane and
Elsie at Cross Hall. They had old and faithful servants, who knew their
work and did it, and rarely troubled their mistresses for orders. They
did not take the same interest or trouble about the poor which the
Misses Melville had done. If Dr. Phillips mentioned any case of
distress, the cook was directed to send broth, or wine, or they might
even give a little money; but there was no personal inconvenience
suffered or sacrifice made for the relief of want or the comforting of
sorrow. The charity was given with the smallest amount of sympathy, and
accepted with the smallest amount of gratitude.

In public matters, in social progress, in sanitary reforms, all the
gentlemen took a lively interest; but the ladies considered these
things quite out of their own line. There was this difference, however,
between the sisters, that Georgiana (the eldest) could make any
sacrifice cheerfully for any member of her own family, but Harriett was
disinclined to make any, even for them. It is not to be supposed that
the world in general saw all these traits as Jane, in her peculiar
circumstances, and with her observant powers, had so much opportunity
of doing. They were considered to be very superior and very amiable
young ladies, and Mr. Brandon had been rather surprised at himself for
not fixing his affections on Harriett, who, as the favourite sister of
his dearest friend, would be suitable in every respect, and who
appeared to have all the qualifications to make a good wife.

Chapter III.

Elsie's Situation

It was not mere fancy on Jane's part that Elsie was ill and unhappy.
She had magnanimously made up her mind to go to work with industry and
spirit, and Mrs. Dunn was perfectly satisfied with her. But she missed
Jane's society far more than her sister could miss hers. Jane was
constantly employed in occupations that demanded intelligence and
thought. She had access to books; she went to theatres and places of
public amusement even more than she cared for; she had the society of
Mr. Phillips constantly, and that of Mr. Brandon and several other
Australians, who were either retired on a competency or home on a
visit, very frequently, and she certainly thought them generally
pleasant and intelligent, and more agreeable company than the
provincial people in and about Swint