nothing but
the thousand pounds of my settlement. We have talked it over in every
light, and have quite arrived at the conclusion as to what we think the
best thing to be done if you see matters in the same light and will
consent to our plan. I had at first thought of starting a little
school."

"I would never agree to that," Mr. Renshaw said; "never. I must do
something, my dear, though I have not made up my mind in what direction.
But whatever it is, it is for me to work, and not for you."

"Well, we have already given up the idea," Mrs. Renshaw went on.
"Wilfrid was sure that you would not like it, and, as he pointed out,
the money might be spent before I could obtain sufficient pupils to pay.
Besides, he is anxious to be of use; but the difficulty struck us of
obtaining any kind of remunerative work here."

"That is what I have been thinking," Mr. Renshaw said. "I shall be
willing to work at anything in my power, but I don't see what possible
work I can get."

"Quite so, my dear. In this country it is of course terribly difficult
for anyone to get employment unless he has been trained in some
particular line, therefore Wil and I are agreed that the very best plan,
indeed the only plan we can think of, is for us to go out to a new
country. My little money will take us to New Zealand, buy a good-sized
piece of land there, and suffice to enable us to clear it and stock it
to some extent. The life will no doubt be rough for us all for a time;
but none of us will care for that, and at any rate we are sure to be
able to keep the wolf from the door."

"To New Zealand!" Mr. Renshaw repeated aghast. "That is a terrible
undertaking. Besides, I know nothing whatever about farming, and I fear
that I am quite unfit for hard work."

"I do not think it will be at all necessary for you to work yourself,
Alfred. Of course we can hire men there just as we can in England. I
believe the natives are willing to work at very low rates of pay, so we
need have no difficulty on that score. Wilfrid is growing up now, and
will soon be able to relieve you of all responsibility, and then you
will be able to devote yourself to your favourite studies; and I should
think that a book from your hand upon native manners and customs would
be sure to be a great success. Accustomed as you are to tracing things
up from small remains, and with your knowledge of primitive peoples,
your work would be very different from those written by men without a