, and 'taint for you and me to fret about it."

Grannie seated herself again in her old armchair.

"Fetch the Bible, Dave," she said suddenly, "and read a verse or two
aloud."

David rose to comply. He took the family Bible from its place on the
shelf. Grannie opened the old book reverently.

"He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide
under the shadow of the Almighty," read David.

Grannie looked solemnly at the boy while the words so familiar and
comforting fell from his lips. He read or to the end of the
magnificent Psalm.

"I guess there's a power of luck in that hidin' place for them as can
find it," she said, when he had finished.

Then she kissed the boy and girl and went abruptly away to her own room.

"What does she mean by going on a visit?" said David to his sister.

"I don't know," said Alison fearfully.

"It can't be----" began David.

"No, no; don't say it, Dave," interrupted Alison. "Don't say it
aloud, don't----" She clapped her hands suddenly to his lips. "I
can't bear it," she said suddenly. "I won't hear it. No, it's a
visit. It's all true; it's only a visit. Good-night, Dave."

She went away to her own room. During the darkness and misery of that
night Alison scarcely slept; but old Grannie slept. God had given his
angels charge of her, and no one ever had more peaceful slumber.

CHAPTER XIII.

Monday came all too quickly. Grannie was very masterful during the few
days which went before. She insisted on all the grandchildren doing
exactly what she told them. There were moments when she was almost
stern; she had always been authoritative, and had a certain commanding
way about her. This week, even Alison did not dare to cross her in the
smallest matter. There was not a single hitch in the arrangements
which Mr. Williams had sketched out. Mrs. Faulkner took a great fancy
to Alison, absolutely believed in her honesty and truth, and engaged
her for a month's trial on the spot. She told her to be sure to be
with her by ten o'clock on Monday to begin her new duties. Grannie
went herself to see Mr. Watson; she had a private talk with him which
no one knew anything about. He told her that David was a boy in a
hundred, that he was certain to do well, for he was both clever and
conscientious. He said that he could easily manage to fit up a bed for
him in the back part of the shop; so he was provided for, and,
according to Grannie and Mr. Wats