The other masters she had had were not likely to take nearly so much
interest in her as Mr. Bell; but she was resolved to leave no stone
unturned, and went to see several of them. They gave Miss Melville very
faint hopes of success. Edinburgh was overdone with masters and
mistresses, rents were very high, and classes the most uncertain things
possible. But she might apply at one of the institutions. Thither she
went, and found that her want of accomplishments prevented her from
getting a good situation; and her want of experience was objected
to for any situation at all. With a few more lessons, and a
little training, she might suit by-and-by.

She was glad that those long walks and many interviews occupied the
whole day till the time Francis had appointed for dinner; she had not
courage to face the empty house and the respectable woman-servant till
she was sure her cousin would be at home to receive her. Heartsick,
weary, and footsore she felt, when she reached the cottage where
Francis was standing at the door to welcome her return.

"Well, friend," said he, "what news?"

"No good news. I suppose I must advertise. Perhaps there is one person
in England or Scotland who would fancy I was worth employing, even
though I am apparently very much at a discount."

"Are you much disheartened?"

"I am very tired," said she; "Rome was not built in a day. I was a fool
to expect success at once."

"You are not too tired to go to Mrs. Rennie's with me this