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186 that Hugh Lindsay had cause to be satisfied with the place, and George Copeland to be satisfied with himself.

There had been some changes at Branxholm during his absence. Amy Staunton had sprung up into an elegant girl of fifteen Isabel Lindsay, a year older and a head taller and very much larger in the frame, had nearly given up lessons, and was beginning to be of some use in the house. Phemie was still learning something from her young governess, and Allan did not see any prospect of ever completing his education; everything he learned only showed him how much more there was to be known.

The Hammonds had gone to England with no intention of returning, leaving their home station under the care of a Scotchman named McCallum, and this overseer, was a more frequent visitor at Branxholm than any neighbour the Lindsays ever had. As George travelled towards the station, feeling more of the old home longing than he had done since he had left England, he heard from an acquaintance that Mr. McCallum was looking after Jessie Lindsay, and that her father was greatly pleased to see it. "She's the best of the whole lot of Lindsays," said his informant; "and McCallum knows what he is about when he makes up to her."