Thomson was the very person to apply to, for of course she would take
an interest in a young lady so unfortunately situated. It was so well
thought of on Miss Melville's part; but then Miss Melville was always
so quick and sensible. The letter of introduction was written, and then
Mrs. Dalzell took leave.

Next day Elsie was languidly reading the local weekly journal,
when she came upon a paragraph which related to themselves. Mr.
Hogarth's will was described and commented on. There was congratulation
for the heir and commiseration for the nieces.

"Oh, Jane," said she, "is it not dreadful to be brought before the
public in this way; everybody must be talking about us, and of course
everybody has got hold of the story of William Dalzell and you too. I
am glad they did not put that in the newspapers, at any rate. Every one
will think that he gave you up, and will fancy you are so distressed
about it."

"We cannot help either what people think or what they say. I do not
wonder at the COURIER making a long paragraph on the subject, for they
have not had such an interesting piece of local news since Mr. Fisher
committed suicide."

"I do not like the appearance of my own name in print," said Elsie.

"It is a very pretty name, nevertheless, and would look as well on the
title-page of a book as any I know--only in a newspaper you do
not like it," said Jane. "I must bid you good-bye for a few hours now,
for I am going to Miss Thomson's. I am going to ride, and will not be
very long."