siderably kinder to Elsie since the death of her little girl.
This first sorrow had done her good; but now, in her husband's absence,
a good deal of the old spirit returned, particularly as she was much
offended at the little attention which Harriett paid to her. Elsie was
the real housekeeper, though Miss Phillips had the credit of it, and
she was delighted to find how well she could manage. Her old
experiences at Cross Hall had not been altogether thrown away; she had
grown more thoughtful, and she felt she must depend on herself, for
there was no Jane now to fall back upon.

Elsie was apprehensive that the coolness between the sisters-in-law
would lead to an open rupture, for Mrs. Phillips had not been
accustomed to be considered as nobody in her own house; but there
appeared hope for peace in the fact that Dr. Grant must leave
Melbourne; and then those long conversations must have an end, and at
least three-fourths of the rides and gaieties which served as an excuse
for her neglect. During the short absences from day to day which
necessarily took place, and during the few angel's visits, 'short, and
far between,' which were paid to her sister-in-law's sick room, Dr.
Grant's sayings and doings, his compliments to herself, and his
criticisms of other people, were the staple of Harriett's conversation
to the invalid. If the absence of the one and the visits to the other
were prolonged, it was just possible that Mrs. Phillips might be more
fatigued; but she could not be so much ignored as she was at present.

Chapter V.

Dr. Grant Prosecutes His Suit With Caution And Success, And Brandon
Finds His Love-Making All To Do Over Again

Harriett Phillips could not come out quite so strong in her contempt
for colonial ways and colonial people, arriving when she did, as if she
had landed ten or a dozen years before, but still there was a great
deal that was open to criticism. Mr. Phillips and Mr. Brandon thought
the colony had made rapid strides towards civilization and comfort
since the great influx of wealth consequent on the gold discoveries had
attracted to Victoria much that was unattainable before. Even during
their absence in England there had been a great deal of building going
on in Melbourne, and many other improvements had been introduced. The
houses were better, and better furnished; the shops seemed to contain
everything that enterprise could import or money procure; the ladies
were handsomely and expen