haved rightly
and bravely," answered the lady. "It would have been a sad thing if the
life of that sweet little girl had been lost, and I can only rejoice
that my dear boy was the means of preserving it. I should like to
become better acquainted with her, and you will, I hope, allow her and
her brothers to remain here. I'll send them home at night, or perhaps
you would like to come for them."

"I'll come for them, mem, and am grateful to you for your kindness,"
said Janet, who dreaded any one visiting her humble abode, while, at the
same time her heart beat with satisfaction at the hope that at length
her dear little Margaret might obtain a friend who would give her that
assistance in her education which she herself was unable to afford.

Leaving the children with their new friends, she cheerfully went to her
solitary home to sit and spin, and think over what might be their future
fate in life; and as she span many were the schemes she drew out in her
imagination of their destiny. The boys would do well she was sure,
though they might have a hard tussle with the world. Donald would do
battle bravely with any foes he might have to encounter, and David would
not be behind hand, although he might meet them in a more quiet manner.
Maybe he will wish to follow in the steps of his father, and become a
minister of the gospel, she thought. Weel, weel, its a true saying,
that "Man proposes, and God disposes." If we trust in Him all will be
for the best.

CHAPTER THREE.

MRS. GALBRAITH PROMISES TO BEFRIEND MARGARET.--ALEC'S FIRST VISIT TO
JANET'S ATTIC.--HER SCHEMES FOR CLOTHING AND SUPPORTING THE BOYS.--
ASSISTED BY A KIND BANKER AND OTHERS.--THE BOYS MAKE GOOD PROGRESS AT
SCHOOL.--JANET'S HUMBLE FAITH REWARDED.

The children had a great deal to tell of all they had seen at Mistress
Galbraith's when Janet came to take them home.

"She is, indeed, a very kind lady," said Margaret. "She told me that
once she had a little daughter just like _me_, but God had taken her to
Himself, and asked me if I would like to come and see her very often;
but I said that I couldna leave you, Janet, all alone, when the boys
were at school, with no one to talk to you."

"I can talk to myself, Margaret, ye ken," answered Janet. "I would na
hae ye say nae to the good lady, for I like her looks and her way of
speaking, and she may be a true friend to ye. And if she asks you again
ye will just say ye will do what she pleases, and t