gravely, "I have no doubt but you
could make yourself very useful, and I dare say Mrs Graham would like
to have you there; but there are many reasons why such a thing is not to
be thought of."

"Will you tell me some of them, aunt?"

"You have no need to go, my child; and, even if you had, you are not
strong enough. You are by no means fit for the work you would have to
do there; though you could have no better place than the manse. No, no,
my lassie, you must bide here among the hills, and gather health and
strength for the struggles that life must bring to you as well as to
others. All you could gain would but ill repay you for the loss of
health; and you are not very strong, dear."

"But I am stronger than one would think to see me; and I'll be getting
stronger, living in a country place. I think I might be strong enough
for Mrs Graham."

"But, even if you were strong enough, for all our sakes, it is not to be
thought of that you should go now. Archie would pine without you. And
unless you are weary of this quiet place, and wish for a change, you
must put away all thought of leaving us, for a time at least."

"Weary! Oh, no, aunt. And I know Archie would miss me; but he could
spare me; and I could go if it was right. I can do a great many things,
and I would try to learn."

"Yes, you can do a great many things; and that is one reason why I can't
spare you, Lily. I think I have the best right to my brother's
daughter." And she drew the little girl fondly towards her as she
spoke.

"Oh, aunt," exclaimed Lilias eagerly, "if I could really help you and be
a comfort to you, I would like nothing half so well."

"You can be useful to me. You are a comfort to me. I hardly know how I
could part from you now, dear. Our way of living must be very humble;
but that will not be so bad as being parted--will it, my Lily? You have
learnt to love me a little, my child?"

Lilias answered by putting her arms round her aunt's neck, and kissing
her again and again. Then in a low voice she said:

"You mind me of my father."

"And you mind me of the brother I loved and watched over as a child, and
honoured as a man. If it is God's will, we will not be parted, my
beloved child."

And so it was settled, and Lilias's heart was set at rest about the
matter; and in the morning her face told the tidings to Archie before
her lips could speak the words.

Mrs Blair's cottage lay at the distance of several miles fro