"It has been my only trouble in accepting your kind offer, ma'am—my mother-in-law; she will, I fear, be so very strange without me and Maggie; but I did not know if she would be too old. She is very strong and able, ma'am, and an earnest Christian woman too."
"I should be most thankful to find such an one. But when could I see her?" asked Christina, while an inward thanksgiving rose to the Father who was helping her forward step by step.
"Well, ma'am, as it happens, she has come up to town with me to-day. I had earned an extra shilling or two, and I gave her and Maggie the treat, as I thought it might be a long time before I could again."
"I am so glad," said Christina; "where is she now?"
Margaret went to the window and looked out, and Christina also glanced down the street, and in a minute the grandmother and child appeared pacing slowly on the opposite side of the way.
"There they are!" exclaimed Margaret. And hastily asking permission, she ran down, and soon touched her mother-in-law on the shoulder.
"Come in, mother," she said breathlessly, "she wants to see you."
Christina was struck with the calm face of the elder woman as she turned to cross the road; her white plaited cap-border setting off the peaceful face and neat hair; and again she thanked God and took courage.
"So here is Maggie," said the ringing voice, while the beautiful face bent down and kissed the little one. "Maggie is to be my first little niece; eh, Maggie?"
The child drew back a little shyly, and her mother spoke. "Maggie dear, this is the lady that is going to give us all such a nice home! You will like to speak to her."