Janet McLaren | Page 8

he
looked up from Margaret to Janet, and blushed, as if he had done
something to be ashamed of. "I do believe that I had the pleasure of
towing you on shore this morning; but don't talk about it--it was no
trouble at all, and I have often wetted these old clothes through and
through before."

"Oh, but I maun talk about it," exclaimed Janet, grasping his hands, and
pouring out her thanks with all the impetuosity which her grateful
feelings prompted.
"I knew that was what you would say, Alec," exclaimed Donald. "But
we know better about the danger and trouble. You might have been
carried away by the sea, for I am very sure you would never have let go
of Maggie while you had life."
Margaret tried to say something, but she could never exactly remember
what words she uttered.
"If there was any danger, I am sure I did not think about it," said Alec.
"And I am very glad, for your sakes that we got safe to shore. But now
come in and see my mother, for I have often told her that as you would
not lot me go to pay you a visit, we must get you to come here."
Mrs Galbraith, a very amiable and gentle looking woman, received her
visitors with the greatest kindness, and tried at once to make Janet at
home. The old nurse expressed to her the gratitude she felt to her young
son for the service he had rendered.
"It is indeed a happiness to me to find that my boy has behaved rightly
and bravely," answered the lady. "It would have been a sad thing if the
life of that sweet little girl had been lost, and I can only rejoice that my
dear boy was the means of preserving it. I should like to become better
acquainted with her, and you will, I hope, allow her and her brothers to
remain here. I'll send them home at night, or perhaps you would like to
come for them."
"I'll come for them, mem, and am grateful to you for your kindness,"
said Janet, who dreaded any one visiting her humble abode, while, at
the same time her heart beat with satisfaction at the hope that at length
her dear little Margaret might obtain a friend who would give her that
assistance in her education which she herself was unable to afford.
Leaving the children with their new friends, she cheerfully went to her
solitary home to sit and spin, and think over what might be their future

fate in life; and as she span many were the schemes she drew out in her
imagination of their destiny. The boys would do well she was sure,
though they might have a hard tussle with the world. Donald would do
battle bravely with any foes he might have to encounter, and David
would not be behind hand, although he might meet them in a more
quiet manner. Maybe he will wish to follow in the steps of his father,
and become a minister of the gospel, she thought. Weel, weel, its a true
saying, that "Man proposes, and God disposes." If we trust in Him all
will be for the best.
CHAPTER THREE.
MRS. GALBRAITH PROMISES TO BEFRIEND
MARGARET.--ALEC'S FIRST VISIT TO JANET'S ATTIC.--HER
SCHEMES FOR CLOTHING AND SUPPORTING THE BOYS.--
ASSISTED BY A KIND BANKER AND OTHERS.--THE BOYS
MAKE GOOD PROGRESS AT SCHOOL.--JANET'S HUMBLE
FAITH REWARDED.
The children had a great deal to tell of all they had seen at Mistress
Galbraith's when Janet came to take them home.
"She is, indeed, a very kind lady," said Margaret. "She told me that
once she had a little daughter just like me, but God had taken her to
Himself, and asked me if I would like to come and see her very often;
but I said that I couldna leave you, Janet, all alone, when the boys were
at school, with no one to talk to you."
"I can talk to myself, Margaret, ye ken," answered Janet. "I would na
hae ye say nae to the good lady, for I like her looks and her way of
speaking, and she may be a true friend to ye. And if she asks you again
ye will just say ye will do what she pleases, and that ye are obliged to
her. And what do you think of the big house and the great people?" she
asked, turning to Donald.
"It's all very braw and fine; but I would rather hae a house of my ain,
and you in it, Janet," answered Donald.

"May be you will get that, laddie, some day."
"I hope I may; and then I'll ask Alec to come and stay with me, since
you will na let him