Janet McLaren | Page 8

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 come here," said Donald.
"I could na deny him onything--so, if he wishes to come, he must come," said Janet.
"Then I will tell him," said Donald, "and I am sure he will not carry tales to the other boys."
The next morning Alec found out the house on his road to school, and made his way up to Janet's attic. He tapped gently at the door. Donald went out to meet him.
"I told you we did not live in a