d with it," said Francis; "and I think Jane will be the
same."

"It IS too little," said the director of the Infirmary, who had never
spoken before. "We must make it 500 pounds each; and we are very much
obliged to Mr. Hogarth; and we should not limit him so much with regard
to the personal property. Cross Hall library was valued at more than
1,000 pounds; and as they are all such reading folk, they might take
200 pounds of books alone. Let us be liberal, and say 700 pounds for
what he may like to take from Cross Hall."

"If I have any voice in the administration of the property I make over
to you, I should like to have it applied specially to paying your
officers better--particularly in those situations which are filled by
women. I know you think it right to economize your funds; and I believe
that all Scotch charities are much better managed, and much more
honestly administered than those on the other side of the Tweed. But I
think you pay your surgeons and your matrons very shabbily. You say you
get so many applications, that it shows you do not underpay them. But
it would be much better to demand better qualifications, and to pay
them more highly. Out of sixty applications for a matronship worth 30
pounds a year, there is perhaps one or two only fit for the work; and
if they are fit for it, they are well worth 70 pounds," said Francis.

"We have raised THAT salary," said the director of the ---- Institution.

"I am glad to hear it--very glad to hear it," said Francis.

"We will take what you say into consideration," said the director of
the Deaf and Dumb Institution, who was speculating on all that could be
done with a sum amounting to more than 9,000 pounds.

"I object to specify sums in making the deed of gift, or I should make
some special provision on that score; but the value of money changes so
much that what is a fair salary in one generation is not a fair one the
next, and if salaries are fixed too high they are apt to lead to
favoritism and jobbing. I dare say it would be better to trust to your
own sense of honour on the matter."

"I think you may safely do so, Mr. Hogarth. With regard to the
property, I suppose we should advertise it for sale and then divide the
proceeds. The payments to Mr. Hogarth must be made at once, however, as
I suppose he is bound for Australia," said the director of the Deaf and
Dumb Asylum.

"Yes, in the first ship, in which some friends of mine are going," said
Francis.