ppened yet that need make you afraid. If you
mean for Rosie, she must have her share of the small tribulations that
fall to the lot of most women, at one time or other of their lives; but
she is of a cheerful nature, and not easily daunted; and dear, _you_
have come safely over rougher bits of road than any that are like to lie
before her, and she ay will have you to guide her. And looking at you,
love, and knowing that the `great peace,' the Book speaks about, is in
your heart and in your life, I have no fear for your sister, after all
that has come and gone to you."

Graeme leaned back in her chair, silent for a moment, then she said,
gently,--

"I am not afraid. I cannot think what I have said, Janet, to make you
think I am afraid for Rosie."

"My dear, you have said nothing. It was the wistful look in your e'en
that made me speak to you about her. And besides, I have noticed Rosie
myself. She is not so light of heart as she used to be. It may be the
anxious time you have had with me, or it may be the added years, or it
may be something that it may be wiser for you and me not to seem to see.
But whatever it is, I am not afraid for Rose. I am only afraid that
you may vex yourself about her, when there is no need. There can be no
good in that, you know well."

"But I am not vexing myself, Janet, indeed. I will tell you what I know
about it. Do you mind that restless fit that was on me long ago, when
you came to see us, and how it seemed to me that I must go away? Well,
Rose has come to the same place in her life, and she would like to have
work, real work, to do in the world, and she has got impatient of her
useless life, as she calls it. It has come on her sooner than it came
on me, but that is because the circumstances are different, I suppose,
and I hope it may pass away. For, oh! Janet, I shrink from the
struggle, and the going away from them all; and I have got to that time
when one grows content with just the little things that come to one's
hand to do, seeing they are sent by God, as well as nobler work. But it
is not so with Rose, and even if this wears over, as it did with me,
there are weary days before her; and no wonder, Janet, that I follow her
with anxious eyes."

There was no more said for a moment. They were both watching Rose, who
still stood at the gate, shading her eyes, and looking down the hill.

"She doesna look like one that has much the matter with her," said Mrs
Snow. "