fifty applications for it, and a little interest was a good auxiliary
even to the greatest merits in the world. The duties, so far as Francis
knew them, were the active superintendence of a large number of female
servants, and the charge of all the stores, both of food and clothing,
required for a household of several hundreds, who could none of them
think for themselves. He did not know if she would come much in contact
with the patients; he hoped not, for he thought it would be a
sufficiently exhausting and anxious life without that. He had heard
that the institution parted with the present occupant of the
situation for incompetence--that there had been both waste and
peculation.

"I feel sure that my superintendence of my uncle's household, and my
knowledge of accounts, should enable me to fill such a situation well,
and from the number of applications, and the responsible nature of the
duties, the salary should be handsome," said Jane. "I think I should
send in an application, and I feel obliged both to Mr. Rennie and you
for the suggestion. The establishment is well managed; you know it is
one of those to which my uncle's property was to go in case you
disobeyed his injunctions. He had a high opinion of the kind and
rational treatment of the patients there. I do not see any objection to
mingling with them either. I might be very useful."

"It seems a throwing away of your talents and acquirements, to make a
mere housekeeper of you," said Francis.

"It is not such an insignificant office after all. What contributes to
the comfort and happiness of a family every day, and all day
long, is surely as valuable a thing as much book-learning; and to keep
such a large establishment going smoothly and satisfactorily requires