completely to the eager delight of finding a happy home for the
little children in whom she was interested. Grace might laugh a
little at Rachel, but in the main her trust in her sister's
superiority always led her judgment, and in the absence of Colonel
Keith, Fanny was equally willing to let Rachel think for her when her
own children were not concerned.

Rachel did not give up her hopes of fixing the asylum near her till
after a considerable effort to get a house for it at Avonmouth, but
this was far from easy. The Curtises' unwillingness to part with
land for building purposes enhanced the price of houses, and in
autumn and winter the place was at its fullest, so that she could not
even rent a house but at a ruinous price. It would be the best way
to build on Homestead land, but this would be impracticable until
spring, even if means were forthcoming, as Rachel resolved they
should be, and in the meantime she was obliged to acquiesce in Mr.
Mauleverer's assurance that a small house in an overbuilt portion of
St. Norbert's would be more eligible than one in some inland parish.
Anything was better than delay. Mr. Mauleverer was to superintend
from his lodgings.

Rachel went with Grace and her mother to St. Norbert's, and inspected
the house, an ordinary cheap one, built to supply lodgings for the
more economical class of visitors. It was not altogether what Rachel
wished, but must serve till she could build, and perhaps it would be
best to form her experience before her plans. Mr. Mauleverer's own
lodgings were near at hand, and he could inspect progress. The
furniture was determined upon--neat little iron beds for the
dormitories, and all that could serve for comfort and even pleasure,
for both Mr. Mauleverer and Rachel were strong against making the