Each felt as if the other had been given back from the grave, and each read in the face of the other the story of the glad thankfulness which filled their hearts to overflowing.
From that day, Adam and Margaret began to realize a more perfect union than they had ever before experienced. They had worked as one with regard to earthly things. Henceforward they had the same higher hopes, aims, and longings; and in looking back, each could say, "It is good for me that I have been afflicted."
Maggie was right in supposing that Adam's arm would never again be fit to wield that ponderous hammer which once swung to and fro like a toy in his powerful grasp. But her dreams became realities. It was most unlikely that no place would be found in the old works for one who had not only been injured through saving the manager from death, but who was in himself so trustworthy. Again good came out of the past evil.
An old man, much respected at Rutherford's, had a legacy bequeathed to him, which, with his savings, enabled him to retire. But little scholarship was needed for the post. Honesty, trustworthiness and steadiness were indispensable. With these everybody credited Adam Livesey, and so, to his own intense surprise and gratitude, he found himself actually promoted to a position far better than the one he had filled before the accident. The most he had looked for was labouring work proportioned to his strength, and perhaps with wages also in proportion to the diminution of his bodily powers.
"Who'll say you're of no account now, Adam?" said Maggie, beyond measure proud and delighted when he brought the news.
"Dear lass, I don't feel that it's because me being of any more account that this good has come to us," was Adam's answer. "In a way, I am worth less than ever. But it shows how God cares for us, for the sake of Him that you and I look to as our Saviour now. He never forgets the poorest and the least of His children.
"I mean, Maggie," added he, after a little pause, "I mean to try and fit myself a bit for my new place. It has been given me out of thought for me—not because I'm clever, or a scholar. I know that well enough. But I'll put in honest work, and never grudge an extra hour, and the children's schooling will come in and help their father."
Adam was in earnest, and by dint of much painstaking, he became daily better fitted for his new post, and gained higher wages still.
Margaret had once grudged her children the time for school and lessons. But she found out her mistake. The youngsters were quick, and made good progress; and though she still adhered to her opinions as to their learning a trade, instead of trying for ill-paid clerkships, she saw them received in turns at Rutherford's, and in a fair way to become skilled mechanics.
Mr. and Mrs. Drummond remained the firm friends of the Liveseys, and never forgot the debt of gratitude they owed to Adam.