short stay in Edinburgh; his strong-minded cousins thought Walter
Brandon was more contemptible than ever, for he did not seem to have an
idea in his head; whereas it was because he had one idea very strongly
in his head and heart that he was so disinclined for argument or
discussion. Peggy, who perceived Brandon's evident admiration, again
regretted her own burst of confidence in her autobiographical sketch,
but thought that now Miss Elsie was so downcast and so miserable, that
she would never think of refusing so excellent an offer as her old
master could make. She began to praise Mr. Brandon--to whose character,
however, she never did full justice, from not understanding many of its
best points. She liked Mr. Phillips much better, who was graver. Her
Scotch phlegmatic temperament could not appreciate the fine spirit and
unvarying good humour of Brandon, and his random way of talking she
thought flighty and frivolous. But yet she could, and did, praise him
for his kindness of heart and his want of selfishness, which he had
shown on many occasions, great and small, at Barragong. These
panegyrics were bestowed with discretion, not being told to Elsie
herself, but brought out incidentally in conversation with grandfather,
who thought highly of Brandon, and never ceased to extol his politeness.

Elsie and Brandon had a railway carriage to themselves for a
considerable part of the way; and he thought he never could have a
better opportunity of declaring himself; so, with rather less
stammering and hesitation than is usual on such occasions--for he had
not the least doubt of a favourable answer--he made Elsie understand
that he loved her, and asked for her love in return.

"No, no--oh, no!" said Elsie, covering her face with her hands.

"Why 'No,' Miss Alice? 'Yes' sounds a great deal prettier. I'll take
such good care of you, and I am sure you will like Australia. Peggy has
not given you a very dismal account of Barragong, and I have had it
very much improved since her time, and I will have a great deal more
done to it; and before we go I will have your book printed----"

"My book," said Elsie; "what book?"

"Your poems--I know they are beautiful--Peggy told me about them; and
we will have them brought out in the very best style, and I will be so
proud to think what a genius I have got for my own darling."

Elsie sighed deeply; tried to speak, but could not. It was a good sign,
Mr. Brandon thought--a sigh was ten ti