certificates of my competency from the professors under whom I have
studied. I must leave the neighbourhood of Swinton, where there is no
field for me, and start in this line; my sister can assist me, I have
no doubt."

"I never heard of such a thing, Miss Melville; you had much better take
a situation. The worry and uncertainty of taking rooms and
paying rent, when there are so many masters that you cannot expect but
a very few pupils, would wear you out in a twelvemonth. If I were to
send you my two girls--and I am sure I have every reason to be
satisfied with their present teachers--what would they do for you? Oh,
no, Miss Melville. Take my advice, and get a nice quiet situation, or
go into a school, where you might take music lessons in exchange for
what you can teach now."

"I am too old to learn music," said Jane, "and I have no natural talent
for it. As for a nice quiet situation, where am I to get it?"

"Surely, Miss Melville, you must have many friends, from the position
you have held in-----shire; you must know many leading people. Consult
with them. I am sure they would never advise you to take such a risk; I
cannot conscientiously advise you to do it myself. Mr. Rennie was
telling me about the matronship of the ----- Institution. Don't you
think that would be better? The salary is not high, but there
is no risk. I know one of the house-surgeons very well, and I know he
says everything is very comfortable, and he is one of the pleasantest
men I know."

"I am reconsidering the matter," said Jane. "I suppose if I make up my
mind to it, the sooner I apply the better."