when to expect me. The sooner I can go the better."




Chapter III.



Closed Doors


Francis Hogarth was waiting for Jane at the railway station, and as
they walked together to his house in the outskirts of the town, she
eagerly asked him about the situation he had heard of that he feared
would not suit.

Her cousin hesitated a little, for it seemed so far below her deserts
and her capabilities; but Mr. Rennie, the manager of the bank in which
he had so long been employed, had told him that the ----- Institution,
the principal asylum for the insane in Scotland, and an admirably
managed establishment, wanted a second matron; and that from the
accounts he had heard of Miss Melville's practical talents, it was
probable that she would be the very person to fill the situation
well. Jane eagerly asked after the duties and the salary, but Francis
could not give her all the particulars she desired. Mr. Rennie was to
see one of the Directors of the ----- Institution on that evening, and
was to make inquiries; he had some influence with one or two of the
directors, and would use it in Miss Melville's favour if she was
disposed to apply for it. It was expected that there would be at least