"Oh! she said many a thing, but she made nae wark about it. I told your
father I would go, and I will. My mother doesna object."
"And Sandy?" said Graeme, softly, for there was something working in
Janet's face, which she did not like to see.
"Sandy will aye hae my mother, and she'll hae Sandy. But, lassie, it
winna bear speaking about to-night. Gang awa' to your bed."
Graeme rose; but did not go.
"But couldna Sandy go with us? It would only be one more. Surely,
Janet--"
Janet made a movement of impatience, or entreaty, Graeme did not know
which, but it stopped her.
"Na, na! Sandy couldna leave my mother, even if it would be wise for me
to take him. There's no more to be said about that." And in spite of
herself, Janet's tears gushed forth, as mortal eyes had never seen them
gush before, since she was a herd lassie on the hills. Graeme looked
on, hushed and frightened, and in a little, Janet quieted herself and
wiped her face with her apron.
"You see, dear, what with one thing and what with another, I'm weary,
and vexed to-night, and no' just myself. Matters will look more
hopeful, both to you and to me, the morn. There's one thing certain.
Both you and me hae much to do that maun be done, before we see saut
water, without losing time in grumblin' at what canna be helped. What
with the bairns' clothes and ither things, we winna need to be idle; so
let us awa' to our beds that we may be up betimes the morn."
Graeme still lingered.
"Oh, Janet! if my mother were only here! How easy it all would be."
"Ay, lass! I hae said that to myself many a time this while. But He
that took her canna do wrong. There was some need for it, or she would
hae been here to-night. You maun aye strive to fill her place to them
all."
Graeme's tears flowed forth afresh.
"Oh, Janet! I think you're mocking me when you say that. How could _I_
ever fill her place?"
"No' by your ain strength and wisdom surely my lammie. But it would be
limiting His grace to say He canna make you all you should be--all that
she was, and that is saying muckle; for she was wise far by the common.
But now gang awa' to your bed, and dinna forget your good words.
There's no fear but you will be in God's keeping wherever you go."
Janet was right; they had need of all their strength and patience during
the next two months. When Janet had confidence in herself, she did what
was to be done with a will. But she had little skill in making
purchases, and less experience, and Graeme was little better. Many
things must be got, and money could not be spent lavishly, and there was
no time to lose.
But, with the aid of Mrs Smith and other kind friends, their
preparations were got through at last. Purchases were made, mending and
making of garments were accomplished, and the labour of packing was got
through, to their entire satisfaction.
The minister said good-bye to each of his people separately, either in
the kirk, or in his own home or theirs; but he shrunk from last words,
and from the sight of all the sorrowful faces that were sure to gather
to see them go; so he went away at night, and stayed with a friend, a
few miles on their way. But it was the fairest of summer mornings--the
mist just lifting from the hills--and the sweet air filled with the
laverock's song, when Janet and the bairns looked their last upon their
home.