's short, sharp
speeches, spoken in answer to a declaration half vexed, half mirthful,
made by her in the days when the mild Mr Foster had aspired to be more
to her than a friend.

"My dear," she had said, "bide till your time comes. You are but a
woman like the lave, and you maun thole the brunt of what life may
bring. Love! Ay will you, and that without leave asked or given. And
if you get love for love, you'll thank God humbly for one of his best
gifts; and if you do not well, He can bring you through without it, as
He has done many a one before. But never think you can escape your
fate, and make the best of it when it comes."

"And so my fate has found me," murmured Graeme to herself. "This is
part of my life, and I must make the best of it. Well, he can bring me
through, as Janet said."

"Graeme," said Will suddenly, "what are you thinking about?"

Graeme started painfully. She had quite forgotten Will. Those bright,
wakeful eyes of his had been on her many a time when she thought he was
asleep.

"What were you thinking about? You smiled first, then you sighed."

"Did I? Well, I was not aware that I was either smiling or sighing. I
was thinking about Janet, and about something that she said to me once."

She rose and arranged the pillows, stooping down to kiss her brother as
she did so, and then she said sadly,--

"I am afraid you are not much better to-night, Will."

"Yes; I think I am better. My head is clearer. I have been watching
your face, Graeme, and thinking how weary and ill you look."

"I am tired, Will, but not ill." Graeme did not like the idea of her
face having been watched, but she spoke cheerfully.

"I have been a great trouble to you," said Will.

"Yes, indeed! a dreadful trouble. I hope you are not going to try my
patience much longer."

"I don't know. I hope not, for your sake." And then in a little Will
added, "Do you know, Graeme, I am beginning to be glad of this illness
after all."

Graeme laughed.

"Well, if you are glad of it, I will try and bear it patiently a little
longer. I daresay we are taking the very best means to prolong it
chattering at this unreasonable hour."

"I am not sleepy," said Will, "and I am not restless either. I think I
am really better, and it will do me good to have a little talk; but you
are tired."

"I am tired, but I am not sleepy. Besides, if you are really better, I
can sleep for a week, if I like. So, if it be a pleas