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164 had never looked more dignified than she did in this interview. She would get over it as she said. She was likely to make a far better marriage in every point of view than one with him could ever be. But George felt restored to self-respect and to honourable ambition when this woman expressed such hopes of him—when she had seen through the outer crust of levity the good true soul within him, and when she urged him for the sake of the parents he had left, and of the happy home he had scarcely thought atainable, to begin life anew on a new plan and in a better spirit.

"Jessie," said he, "you put new life into me. I'll take your advice; I'll write to my father and mother this very night; I'll leave my wages in your father's hands, where I know it will be as safe as in the bank; and I'll go either to the Darling or to Gundabook just as you think best."

"I think you had better go up the Darling. After what I have said to you I think it would be beer for me if you go right away."

"Are you so sure of that? But we part friends, I hope," said he, taking her hand.

"The best of friends," said Jessie. "I'll always wish you well wherever you may be, and I know you will not think the worse of me for