him, and almost stifled him with their caresses, as if to prevent his looking round to distinguish the absence of one yet more beloved.
"God help thee, my son! He can help, when worldly trust is a broken reed."—Such was the welcome of the matron to her unfortunate grandson. He looked eagerly round, holding two of his sisters by the hand, while the third hung about his neck—"I see you—I count you—My grandmother, Lilias, Jean, and Annot; but where is———" he hesitated, and then continued, as if with an effort,—"Where is Grace? Surely this is not a time to hide hersel frae me there's nae time for daffing now."
"O brother!" and "Our poor Grace!" was the only answer his questions could procure, till his grandmother rose up, and gently disengaging him from the weeping girls, led him to a seat, and, with the affecting serenity which sincere pity, like oil sprinkled on the waves, can throw over the most acute feelings, she said, "My bairn, when thy grandfather was killed in the
