positively forbid me to assist
my mother. I suppose, if he had done so, it would have raised as
vehement a desire to that course of action as I now feel to oppose all
his other prohibitions."

The expression of Francis' face was earnest--almost impassioned--as it
turned towards Jane. She felt now that there was a reason for his
apparent coolness--a reason that made her heart beat fast and her eyes
fill. She did not speak for a few moments till she felt that her voice
would not betray her, and then said:

"Since you ask my advice, I will give it, such as it is. I think I
should in your circumstances make some inquiries; and you have come to
the place where you are most likely to have them answered. I dare say
Mr. Phillips knows Mr. Talbot, for I have heard his name in
conversation; and if you have no objections to telling him about this
letter, he could write--or, better still, Mr. Brandon, who talks of
returning very soon, could make personal inquiries about this Mrs.
Peck. It is quite possible she may be an impostor; for a good deal has
been said in the newspapers about your inheriting Cross Hall, and she
evidently has not got the right account of the story. She supposes you
get it as heir-at-law, and not by will. It is an easy way of extorting
money, to give out that one is a near relation of yours, and especially
one of whom you have cause to be ashamed. Her story of a yearly
allowance does not agree with Mr. McFarlane's impression either; but
that may be policy--not positive unfounded fabrication. The orthography
of this letter is not good; but the expressions are more like vulgar
English than Scotch. Your mother's name was Scotch; and it was, at all
events, a Scotch marriage. Will you speak to Mr. Phillips on this
subject. He is kind, sensible, and discreet."

"Yes, I will. You think I ought to do so?"

"He is at home just now. Suppose I ask him to come to see you?"

Francis agreed, and was pleased with the kind reception which Jane's
employer gave to him, as her cousin. He praised Miss Melville very
highly, and said that in every point of view she was a treasure in his
house. He then gave slighter praise to Elsie; but still spoke very
feelingly of the position of both girls.

After a few such remarks, Francis asked Mr. Phillips if he knew Mr.
Talbot, a solicitor in Melbourne.

"Yes, by sight and by reputation very well; but he was not a personal
acquaintance of mine. Mr. Brandon was a client of his, and so