"By-the-by," said Jane, "do you not know Miss Thomson, Mrs. Dalzell? My
uncle always spoke of her with respect and admiration, as an instance
of the skill and success with which a woman can conduct masculine
avocations. A gentlewoman-farmer, and a thriving one. I wish we had
known her."

"Oh, yes. I do know Miss Thomson. Of course we are not exactly in the
same position, we being proprietors, while she is only a farmer; but
she is a most excellent and estimable woman in her way, though she is a
bit of a character. She is now growing old, and not so active as she
has been."

"She is said to be a benevolent and a kind-hearted, as well as a clever
woman," said Jane.

"Oh, yes; and well she may be liberal, for she has made money,
and has not the status to keep up that old country families must
maintain."

"I wonder if she would engage me as her helper, and teach me farming. I
know a good deal of theoretical agricultural chemistry. Will you be so
good as give me a letter of introduction to her; I should feel greatly
obliged to you."

Mrs. Dalzell willingly granted this small request, and felt much
disposed to magnify its importance. It would be a good thing if,
without any trouble or sacrifice on her own part, she could aid her
dear young friends by bringing them into contact with a person who was
more able to further their views than herself. She was sure that Miss