“You must not be persuaded, Alec, however, to stay away,” they exclaimed. “You must promise to come back as soon as your affairs are arranged. You are wanted in this country.”
Mr Skinner, while he congratulated his young friend on the brightening of his worldly prospects, cautioned him affectionately against the temptations to which he might be exposed.
“I know that I am very weak,” answered Alec, humbly. “But I go forth, not in my own strength but seeking the aid and direction of God’s Holy Spirit.”
“While that is sought, and it will never be denied, you will be strong, and I have no fear of the result,” was the answer.
The Morrisons and Mr Skinner undertook to look after Alec’s property during his absence, and he set off on his journey to England.
Chapter Ten.
A letter from Margaret.—Janet’s illness.—Anxiety about Alec’s return.—A delightful surprise.—Arrival of Alec and Margaret with Janet.—Margaret has become Alec’s wife. Conducted by the brothers to their new house.—Arrival of Mr Skinner’s sister, Mrs Ramsden and her daughters, who, as might possibly be expected, become the wives of Donald and David Janet continuing to live with Margaret, pays frequent visits to her other bairns, and is ever welcomed by them, and the numerous wee bairns who spring up in their midst.—Conclusion.
In those days, when no magnificent ocean steamers, with rapid speed, crossed weekly the Atlantic, the settlers in Canada, whose friends had returned to the old country, had often to wait three or four months before they could hear of their safe arrival.