Then Jenny would come gently in and out and say tenderly, "Hadna the bairns better come awa to their beds ?" and the old man would answer, "Bide a bit, Jenny, woman," for he thought every such hour was building up a counter influence against the snare of strong drink.
But there is no voice in human nature that can say authoritatively, "_Return!_" David felt all the sweet influences with which he was surrounded, but, it must be admitted, they were sometimes an irritation to him.

His business troubles, and his disagreements with his partner, were increasing rapidly; for Robert--whose hopes were set on America--was urging him to close the mill before their liabilities were any larger.

He refused to believe longer in the future making good what they had lost; and certainly it was uphill work for David to struggle against accumulating bills, and a partner whose heart was not with him.
One night at the close of the year, David did not come home to dinner, and John and the children ate it alone.

He was very anxious, and he had not much heart to talk; but he kept the two eldest with him until little Flora's head dropped, heavy with sleep, on his breast.

Then a sudden thought seemed to strike him, and he sent them, almost hurriedly, away.