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108 at the sudden and inexplicable change in her circumstances, she would say, "She came by it honestly, and by the honesty of some people too, who she guessed, though they did it secretly, would be rewarded openly." And when she heard Jane Elton's name mentioned, she would roll up her eyes and say, "That if every body knew as much as she did, they would think that girl was an angel upon earth." These oracular hints were, perhaps, not quite so much heeded as Polly expected; at any rate, she was never tempted to disclose the grounds of her opinion.

Jane had a difficult task in reconciling her friend Mary to her disappointment. While she felt a secret delight in the tried rectitude of her favourite, she could not deny herself the indulgence of a little repining—"If you had but waited, Jane, till Mr. Lloyd came home, he would have advanced the money with all his heart."

"Yes, but Mary, you must recollect Mr. Lloyd is not to return these six weeks; and, in the mean time, what was to become of the poor woman and her starving children? No, Mary, we must deal justly while we have it in our power. Is it not your great Mr. Wesley who says, 'It is safe to defer our pleasure, but never to delay our duties'?"

"It seems to me, Jane," replied Mary, "you pick fruit from every good tree, no matter whose vineyard it grows in. Well, I believe you have done right; but I shall tell the story to Mr. Evertson and Mrs. Harvey with a heavy heart."