an of emigrating, as it
would have been much more agreeable having two young fellows we knew
with us instead of strangers. Of course I told Wilfrid to tell them that
nothing whatever was settled, and that our plans were not in any way
formed, and that they had better, therefore, look out for situations
about here, and that I was sure you would give them good letters of
recommendation."

Mr. Renshaw was silent. "I really do not see that there is any occasion
to come to a decision in a hurry," he said irritably.

"Not in a hurry, Alfred," his wife said quietly. "You see, we have had a
month to think it over, and I do not see that we shall be more likely to
settle upon an advantageous scheme at the end of six months than we are
now. From the day we leave here and hand over everything to the receiver
of the bank we shall be drawing on our little capital, and every pound
is of importance. I think, therefore, Alfred, that you and I should make
up our minds before we leave here as to what course we are going to
adopt. As I have said, I myself see no scheme by which we are likely to
be able to maintain ourselves in England, even in a very humble way. A
life in the colonies would, to me, be very much more pleasant than the
struggle to make ends meet here.

"It would afford an opening for Wilfrid, and be vastly more advantageous
for him than anything we should hope to get for him here; and I think it
will be far better for Marion too. Of course, if we decided to emigrate,
we could, should you prefer it, go to Canada, Australia, or the United
States in preference to New Zealand. I only incline to New Zealand
because I have heard that there is a larger proportion of officers and
gentlemen there than in other colonies, and because I believe that the
climate is a particularly pleasant one. But, of course, this is merely a
suggestion at present, and it is for you to decide."

"If we are to emigrate at all," Mr. Renshaw replied, "I should certainly
prefer New Zealand myself. The Maoris are a most interesting people.
Their origin is a matter of doubt, their customs and religion are
peculiar, and I have no doubt that I should, after studying them, be
able to throw much new and valuable light upon the subject. Personally,
I am sure that I am in no way fitted for the life of a settler. I know
nothing of farming, and could neither drive a plough nor wield an axe;
but if I could make the native subject my own, I might probably be able
to