"The chances on the Darling station are better than at Gundabook;" said George.
"I don't know that; Mr. Lindsay is very sanguine about Gundabook."
"O yes, for him no doubt, but for the manager Mr. Hammond's offer will be the best."
"Then Allan must go," said Amy. "You have been so remarkably good in contriving that Allan should have more time that I scarcely expected you would put a stop to his book-work altogether."
"Oh no fear of Allan," said George. "Set Allan anywhere now and he is sure to learn. But he, and indeed all the family, think too well of me. Any other man would suit them as well."
"I will be a great change at Branxholm," said Amy, "without Allan and without you."
"I believe it was the sight of that box of yours with the coat of arms on it that unsettled me. If I could stay more than a year at one place I think I might have stayed here, but there seems a fate against it."
Amy shook her wise little head; it seemed to her that George gave the name of fate to his own inclinations. Her fate was more definite; she was hemmed in to the life she led, and could not blame herself for having missed any opportunity
