your father's house, while I manage all things, as I do."

But Graeme had no desire to have it otherwise.

"You can manage far best," said she.

"That's no to be denied," said Mrs Nasmyth, gravely; "but it ought not
to be so. Miss Graeme, you are no' to think that I am taking upon
myself to reprove you. But do you think that your present life is the
best to fit you for the duties and responsibilities that, sooner or
later, come to the most of folk in the world? It's a pleasant life, I
ken, with your books and your music, and your fine seam, and the
teaching o' the bairns; but it canna last; and, my dear, is it making
you ready for what may follow? It wouldna be so easy for you if I were
away, but it might be far better for you in the end!"

There was nothing Graeme could answer to this, so she leaned her head
upon her hand, and looked out on the brown leaves lying beneath the
elms.

"And if I should go," continued Janet, "and there's many an if between
me and going--but if I should go, I'll be near at hand in time of
need--"

"I know I am very useless," broke in Graeme. "I don't care for these
things as I ought--I have left you with too many cares, and I don't
wonder that you want to go away."

"Whist, lassie. I never yet had too much to do for your mother's
bairns; and if you have done little it's because you havena needed. And
if I could aye stand between you and the burdens of life, you needna
fear trouble. But I canna. Miss Graeme, my dear, you were a living
child in your mother's arms before she was far past your age, and your
brother was before you. Think of the cares she had, and how she met
them."

Graeme's head fell lower, as she repeated her tearful confession of
uselessness, and for a time there was silence.

"And, dear," said Janet, in a little, "your father tells me that Mr
Snow has offered to send for my mother and Sandy. And oh! my bairn, my
heart leaps in my bosom at the thought of seeing their faces again."
She had no power to add more.

"But, Janet, your mother thought herself too old to cross the sea when
we came, and that is seven years ago."

"My dear, she kenned she couldna come, and it was as well to put that
face on it. But she would gladly come now, if I had a home to give
her."

There was silence for a while, and then Graeme said,--

"It's selfish in me, I know, but, oh! Janet, we have been so happy
lately, and I canna bear to think of changes coming."

Mrs Nasmy