that his heart had
gone from him and that he must suffer for a time.

"But he'll win through," she said, hopefully, to herself, "as other men
have won through the same trouble in all the generations of men, since
ever the world began; and may he be the wiser and the better for the
pain! He will be sorry not to see her again," added she, with a sigh.

So she wrote a letter telling him, among other things, that wee Marjorie
was to be sent away with Mrs Esselmont for the good of her health; that
she was likely to be away a year at least. She said some hopeful words
as to the benefit the child might receive, and then she added: "It is
Allison Bain who is to have the care of her." Of Allison herself she
only said that she was one to be trusted, and that the child would be
happy in her care. But to this there came no word in reply.

On the last day at home Marjorie was carried down the street by Jack,
that she might say good-bye to Mrs Beaton and the schoolmistress, and
the neighbours generally. Jack had been warned by his mother that if
there should be any signs of weariness or excitement, there must be no
lingering. The child must be brought home at once. But Marjorie took
it all very quietly.

"Yes, I'm going away. Yes, I'm sorry, and I'm glad, but I'm not afraid,
because our Allison is going with me. Oh! yes, I'm glad. I'm going to
see new things and places--me that was never ten miles away from home in
all my life! And I'm going to come home strong and well, like the other
bairns to help my mother and them all. And my mother has my sister now
to take my place. It's my father that I'm sorriest for. But I'll come
home strong and well, and then he'll be glad that he let me go."

She said the same to the bairns who lingered on their way home from the
school to speak to her as they passed. She was coming home again well
and strong, and she would be happy, having Allison all to herself; and
though she was sorry to leave them, she was not afraid.

Allison had no formal leave-takings. She had been very busy all day,
and came down-stairs after seeing Marjorie quietly asleep, doubtful
whether she should go to say good-bye to Mrs Beaton and the
schoolmistress or not. The question was decided for her.

"Allison," said Mrs Hume, as she passed the parlour-door, "I think it
would be but kind to ask Mrs Beaton if she has any message to send to
her son. You could leave it with Robin if you should not chance to see