Finally, the old gentleman sat down and wrote her a regular discharge.
"Keep that, Mrs. Rayburn," he said, looking kindly at the anxious young face. "It may prove useful, though I hope your husband will do well. Do you take your children with you?"
"No, sir; I shall take them to Kelmersdale Castle, near Rugeley, where their grandmother is the housekeeper. If she can keep them, I am to leave them with her for a time."
"Well, good-bye, good-bye," said Mr. Gair, retreating hastily towards his private room, for his sons were wont to laugh at him for being always ready to interest himself in any one. But he took a parting glance at Janet, and something in the youth, sweetness, and determination in her face touched his heart. Muttering, "I will now; they may say what they like, just for once I will please myself," back he came.
"Are you sure you can manage all this for yourself, Mrs. Rayburn? Is there anything that I can do for you?"
Janet looked up in his face with a somewhat tremulous smile.
"I have been so afraid," she said, "but if every one is as kind as you are—but, indeed, that is not likely. I don't know how to thank you, sir; your kindness gives me such courage."
"I think you have plenty of courage," the old man answered, "and a better Friend than I can be. One who can go with you, and yet be with the children at home. Is it not so?"
"Oh, it is—it is indeed! Yes, I can say that sincerely."
"Then you serve my Master, and so you need never be afraid, for you will be cared for. God bless you, child."