home. I have a certain solace in my books, it's true;
but I begin to think there is some sense in the wise man's declaration,
that `much study is a weariness to the flesh.' At any rate, it comes to
that at my time of life. So I wish you would spare that laddie of yours
to me for awhile, and I'll promise you that what will be for my good
will not be for his ill. That's what I have to say."

There was a moment's silence; and then Mrs Blair thanked him for his
proposal, and for the manner in which it had been made. It was very
kind in him, she said, to put the matter in that way, as though the
obligation would be on his side. But it would be a great interruption
to the quiet which she knew he valued so much, to have a lad like Archie
always coming and going about him, and she doubted whether it would be
right to accept his generous offer; though she feared the short days and
the distance by the road would keep Archie away from the school for a
few weeks at least. The master listened with great attention, and said:

"To your first remark, Mrs Blair, ma'am, with all due deference, I must
say, I put it in that light because it's the true light, and I see not
well how I could put it in any other. And as for his being an
interruption, if I should find him so at any time I would but to bid him
hold his peace or go to his bed, or I could send him over to the manse
to Davie yonder. He'll be no interruption to him, I'll warrant. And as
to his biding at home, it must by no means be. He has just got well
begun in more things than one, and there is no saying what might be the
effect of putting a stop to it all. He might not take to his books so
well again. Not that I think that, either; but it would be an awful
pity to hinder him. He'll do himself and me credit yet, if he has the
chance."

Lilias smiled at these praises of her brother, and Mrs Blair asked:

"Really and truly, Mr Butler, apart from your wish to help him for his
father's sake, do you wish for your own sake to have the boy to bide
with you for awhile?"

"Really and truly for my own sake. I consider the obligation on my
side. But just for the sake of argument, Mrs Blair, ma'am, we'll
suppose it to be otherwise. Do you mind the little house that once
stood in Pentlands Park, and how many of my mother's dark days your
presence brightened there? And do you not mind, when I was a reckless
laddie, well-nigh worsted in the battle of life, that first your f