nd an appropriate work to do without marrying. I wish I
could do as the Merleville girls used to do, spin and weave, or keep a
school."

"But they don't spin and weave now, since the factories have been built.
And as for school-keeping--"

"It would be work, good wholesome work, in which, with God's help, I
might try to do as our father and mother did, and leave the world better
for my labour."

"But you could not part from Rose, and Arthur could never be made to see
it right that you should go away," said Will.

"Rose should go with me. And Arthur would not like it at first, nor
Fanny, but they would reconcile themselves to it in time. And as to the
school, that is only one kind of work, though there are few kinds left
for a woman to do, the more's the pity."

"There is work enough of the best kind. It is the remuneration that is
scant. And the remuneration could not be made a secondary
consideration; if you left home."

"In one sense, it ought to be secondary. But I think it must be
delightful to feel that one is `making one's living,' as Mr Snow would
say. I _should_ like to know how it feels to be quite independent,
Will, I must confess."

"But Graeme, there is no need; and it would make Arthur quite unhappy,
if he were to hear you speak in that way. Even to me, it sounds a
little like pride, or discontent."

"Does it, Will. That is dreadful. It is quite possible that these evil
elements enter into my vexed thoughts. We won't speak any more about
it, Will."

"But, why should we not speak about it? You may be quite right. At any
rate, you are not likely to set yourself right, by keeping your vexed
thoughts to yourself."

But, if Graeme had been ever so willing, there was no more time just
now. There was a knock at the door, and Sarah, the housemaid, presented
herself.

"If you please, Miss Graeme, do you think I might go out as usual. It
is Wednesday, you know."

Wednesday was the night of the weekly lecture, in Sarah's kirk. She was
a good little girl, and a worshipper in a small way of a popular young
preacher of the day.

"If Nelly thinks she can manage without you," said Graeme.

"It was Nelly proposed it. She can do very well, unless Mrs Elliott
brings home some one with her, which is unlikely so late."

"Well, go then, and don't be late. And be sure you come home with the
Shaws' Sarah," said Miss Elliott.

"They are late," said Will. "I am afraid I cannot wait for dinner