iving sister's sake. That his last
days had been days of such peace and comfort, that his trust in Christ
had been so firm, and his hope of happiness so sure, was matter for
fervent thanksgiving. Nor were the humble resignation and patient faith
of his wife less a cause of rejoicing to her. She felt rebuked for her
own fears and faithlessness as the narrative went on, and she thanked
God for the love that had been so mercifully mingled in the bitter cup
that had been given them to drink.

Long after her sister was sleeping by her side did Mrs Blair lie awake,
revolving in her mind some possible plan for finding a home for the
widow and her children in the country, for that none of them could long
endure such a life as they had lately been living was only too evident.

It seemed to her that she had never felt her poverty till now. Bitterly
did she regret her inability to help them. From the abundance that had
blessed her youth and middle age a mere pittance had been saved,
scarcely enough to maintain herself, and altogether insufficient to
enable her to gratify her benevolent feelings by doing for them as she
wished. She had removed from her early home to a little hamlet among
the hills, and had taken up her abode in a cottage scarcely better than
a mountain shieling; and there the last few years had been passed. She
had opened a school for the children of the cottagers, happy in being
useful in this way to those whom she could now assist in no other.

To this home, poor as it was, she longed to take the widow and children
of her brother. Many a plan she considered for eking out her scanty
means that she might do so; and the grey dawn was beginning to break
before she closed her eyes in sleep. The future was still dark before
her. She saw no way to bring about what she so earnestly desired.
There was nothing to do but leave it all in the Hand which is strong to
help in time of need. And what better could she do than cling to the
promise which God has given?

"God of the widow! Father of the fatherless! interpose for them," she
prayed. And her prayer was heard and answered.

CHAPTER TWO.

HOW AUNT JANET'S PRAYER WAS ANSWERED.

Yes: her prayer was heard and answered; but it was in God's way, not in
hers. When Mrs Blair woke from her short and unrefreshing slumber, she
found that the morning was far advanced. Lilias had been long astir.
Breakfast was ready; and the child was now standing beside her