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250 The Copelands felt Mr. Lufton's visit rather an intrusion, because they wanted a quiet family conclave to discuss the invitation to return to England to help the old gentleman with the farm of Millmount, and, besides, they had a jealousy of Mr. Lufton on Allan's account Allan had heard the subject of Mr. Copeland's letter hurriedly broached on the preceding evening, and he had himself such strong ideas on the subject of a son's duty by his father that he was disposed to think George should go, though the family at Branxholm would miss him and Jessie greatly.

When Amy had her ﬁrst opportunity of speaking quietly to Jessie, she told her of Mrs. Troubridge's offer. Jessie saw how favourable such a situation at Richlands would be for Mr. Lufton's pretensions, and eagerly interrupted her by Saying.

"But you refused it, though it was very well meant, no doubt. You know they cannot spare you from Branxholm. How would the get on without you?"

"That is what I felt, and I said to Mrs. Troubridge that I could not leave you But yet, don't be angry with me, but tell me plainly if you think it wrong; I do sometimes wish to be among different people. I don't mean Mrs. Troubridge in particular, though she was very