a few months longer, with
patching and mending, I would na' like to ha' the poor boys pointed out
by their school-mates as young gaberlunzies; and the siller I get for
the yarn will only just pay the rent and find porridge for the bairns,"
she thought to herself. "The Bible says that it is the duty of
Christians to support the fatherless and widows. I would na' beg for
mysel' while I ha' got fingers to spin wee, but I maun nay let my pride
stand in the way o' the bairns. They maun be clothed and fed, so I need
find out those who ha' got the means, and gi'e them the privilege of
helping the young orphans. The good lady, Mistress Galbraith, will look
after Margaret, I ha' little fear o' that, but I canna let her ha' the
charge of the boys."

Janet having made up her mind to act never lost time in setting about
it. As yet she was unacquainted with the names of any of the people in
the place, with the exception of Margaret's new friend. This knowledge
she had to gain; but, as she said to herself, "wi' a tongue in her
mouth, and lugs to listen wee, that was na' a difficult matter."

She first visited the few shops at which she dealt, and getting into
conversation with the masters or mistresses, quickly gleaned from them
some of the desired information. Having, with much acuteness, made up
her mind as to those most likely to respond to her appeal, she went
forth the next morning, having deposited Margaret with Mrs Galbraith,
to commence the series of visits she proposed making.

The first was to Mr McTavish, the banker, an elder in the church, and a
man much respected, she heard. He listened to her tale with his keen
eyes fixed on her countenance. "You speak the truth," he said at
length, putting his hand in his pocket and drawing out his purse.

"Na, na, sir, I dinna want the siller," said Janet. "If you ha' a mind,
sir, to gie a jacket or a pair of breeks to the minister's son, or ony
other article of dress ye think fit, I'll be grateful, but I dinna come
to beg. It must be a free gift on your part. I dinna want any man's
siller."

The banker, somewhat amused at the good woman's reply, promised to
supply Donald with a new suit; and writing an order to his clothier,
desired her to present it, and obtain what she wanted. Highly delighted
with her success she took Donald in the evening to be measured for a
suit, having first begged the master not to allow the boy to know how it
was obtained.

"Its not that