If Mrs Smith had changed her mind, it was all for good. Janet was no more to think of her mother as living by herself, in the lonely cot in the glen, but farther up in another cottage, within sight of the door of Saughless. And Sandy was to go to the school a while yet and there was no fear but something would be found for him to do, either on the farm, or in the garden. And so his mother was to set her heart at rest about them.
And her heart was set at rest; and Janet sang at her work again, and cheered or chid the bairns according as they needed, but never more, though she had many cares, and troubles not a few, did the giant hold her in his grasp again.
Chapter Eleven.
“Miss Graeme,” said Janet, softly opening the study-door, and looking in. Graeme was at her side in a moment.
“Never mind putting by your book, I only want to tell you, that I’m going up the brae to see Mrs Snow awhile. It’s no’ cold, and I’ll take the bairns with me. So just give a look at the fire now and then, and have the kettle boiling gin tea time. I winna bide late.”
Graeme put down her book, and hastened the preparations of the little ones.
“I wish I could up with you, Janet. How mild and bright it is to-day.”
“But your papa mustna be left to the keeping of fires, and the entertainment of chance visitors. You winna think long with your book, you ken, and we’ll be home again before it’s dark.”