ray and
look forward to his return, when she trusted that her tender
exhortations would produce a beneficial effect upon his mind.

"When he comes I must part with dear Margaret," she said to herself.
"It will not do to have the two together. Alec may possibly attempt to
impress his opinions on her mind, and may unsettle it should he fail to
do more permanent injury; or, even should he keep them to himself, her
sweet disposition, and other attractive qualities, may win his heart,
while she may give her's in return, and I am sure that his father would
never consent to his marrying a penniless orphan, and blame me for
throwing them together."

These thoughts, however, she kept within her own breast. Once
entertained, they caused her much anxiety. While, on the one hand, she
earnestly wished to have Alec home that she might speak to him
personally; on the other, as her eyes fell on Margaret's sweet face, she
feared the effect that face might have on her son. She must let her
remain with Janet, that was settled; but Alec was sure to find his way
to Janet's humble abode, as he had been accustomed to do when a boy to
visit his schoolfellows, and he was very likely to suspect the cause of
Margaret's absence from his mother's house.

Had she been able to look into the hearts of the young people, Mrs
Galbraith would have had considerable cause for anxiety on the score of
their meeting. Alec had had for many a day what might have been
considered a boyish fancy for Margaret, while she regarded him as a
brave, generous youth, who had saved her life, and her brother's best
friend; and though she had never examined her own feelings, she would
have acknowledged that she considered him superior to any one else in
the world.

Mr Galbraith, who never having for a moment thought about the subject,
had no reason for speaking cautiously, came into the room one day while
Margaret was seated with his wife, and exclaimed--

"Alec writes word that he wishes if possible to come home and see us, as
he has had a fine offer made him which I have advised him to accept, and
which will keep him away from England for some years. He is doubtful,
however, whether he will be allowed time to come home, and if not we
must console ourselves with the thoughts of his bright prospects. I
should have been glad if you could have had a glimpse of him, but I
purpose myself going up to London to see him off."

"Oh, do try and get him to come home, if o