in Parliament, how refreshing to see, among such men as I have met to-day, the pure, genuine public spirit which Jane first showed me the example of in the midst of her hardest trials.  This reform does not bring personal advantage to one of these people, and yet they are as enthusiastic about it as if their lives depended on it.  It may bring fame; but, as M. ----- says, ’The laurels will be late, and we will have lost the care for them by the time they fall on our heads.’  The pleasure is in the work—­the disinterested work itself—­as Jane used to say.  There is one half the globe between us.  I cannot fancy that she is sitting over the fire thinking of me at this moment; it is morning with her; and she is up and busy.  But in my business, and in my pleasure, or my trouble, she is always in the background—­if not in the foreground—­of my thoughts.  But then she does not love me as I love her.”  And a long fit of silent musing, with the letter in his hand, followed these half-spoken regrets.

“But I must read Elsie’s letter too; it appears to be long, and the first she has written to me—­later in date than Jane’s, which is posted in the country, and I suppose asking for congratulations—­well, she shall have them.”

As he opened the envelope, and saw the curious legal-looking document enclosed, containing the certified copy of Mrs. Peck’s confession, his curiosity was strongly aroused; he read it through first with surprise and agitation.  Elsie’s own letter was not long; it ran as follows:——­

“My dear Francis,—­I enclose you this, because I think you ought to know that Mrs. Peck is not your mother.  I think you must have had good parents, though you may never be able to find them out.  You are still as much entitled to Cross Hall, and all that my uncle left you, for you know it was given to you because you deserved it, and I am sure that he could have found no worthier heir.  I had hoped very much that the evidence would have been sufficient to prove that you are not Jane’s cousin, because you might then have done as you pleased without losing the property, and the position and the opportunities you make such good use of; but I fear—­and Mr. Brandon fears—­that it cannot be conclusively proved.  We have sent you all the information we can get from Mrs. Peck.  You will observe a few additional memoranda at the end of the confession.  I am quite convinced that what she says is true, for I have often remarked that you were not at all like my uncle or any of his family, and you are still more unlike Mrs. Peck.  Consult your own judgment about making inquiries; I know you will do rightly and well.