of Mrs. Peck's confession, his
curiosity was strongly aroused; he read it through first with surprise
and agitation. Elsie's own letter was not long; it ran as follows:----

"My dear Francis,--I enclose you this, because I think you ought to
know that Mrs. Peck is not your mother. I think you must have had good
parents, though you may never be able to find them out. You are still
as much entitled to Cross Hall, and all that my uncle left you, for you
know it was given to you because you deserved it, and I am sure that he
could have found no worthier heir. I had hoped very much that the
evidence would have been sufficient to prove that you are not Jane's
cousin, because you might then have done as you pleased without losing
the property, and the position and the opportunities you make such good
use of; but I fear--and Mr. Brandon fears--that it cannot be
conclusively proved. We have sent you all the information we can get
from Mrs. Peck. You will observe a few additional memoranda at the end
of the confession. I am quite convinced that what she says is true, for
I have often remarked that you were not at all like my uncle or any of
his family, and you are still more unlike Mrs. Peck. Consult your own
judgment about making inquiries; I know you will do rightly and well.

"You will be very glad to hear that I am engaged to Mr. Brandon, who
has taken all the trouble about this affair, and I think elicited all
that Mrs. Peck knows. It is most unfortunate that she is so little to
be believed, and that she wanted to get money for her information, as
well as revenge on you for not answering her letter or letters. I
believe I am going to be very happy, and I only wish I could make
everybody as happy as myself. Give my love to Peggy when you see her,
and say that I should have liked to have been married from her house
rather than from any other, but I do not think Mr. Brandon will let me
wait so long. Jane will be writing you all the Wiriwilta news, and
about Miss Phillips and Dr. Grant. Mrs. Phillips has been very kind to
me, kinder than ever she was before; and as for Mr. Phillips, you know
how good he has always been to both Jane and myself. We both like
Australia, even more than we expected, and I am going to try to make a
good bush wife to one who loves me very much. He desires me to send his
kindest regards to you; and believe me

"Always, your very affectionate friend,
"Elsie Melville."

"Well," said Francis, "h