CHAPTER X.
A DIFFICULT PATIENT I had a little talk with granny the next day.
Mrs.Marshall was dozing uneasily, and I was sitting by granny, nursing the baby, and waiting for Mr.Hamilton, when I felt her cold wrinkled hand laid on mine.
'What is it, Elspeth ?' I asked, thinking she wanted something.
'What put it in your head, my bairn, to do the Lord's work?
that is what I am wanting to know.

I have been listening to you this morning singing like a bird about the house, with all the bit creatures chirping about you, and I said to myself, "What could have put it into her head to leave all her fine friends, and come and wait on the likes of us old and sick folk and young bairns ?"' I do not know what there was in this speech that made me cry, but I know I had some difficulty in answering, but I told her a little about Charlie, and how sad I was, and how I loved the work, and she patted my hand softly all the time.
'Never fret, my bairn.

You will not be lonely long: the Lord will see to that.

He would not let you work for Him and do nothing for you in return.
Nay, that is not His way.

Look at me: as doctor said the other day, I have dreed my weird; few and evil have been my days, like Jacob, but here I sit like a lady by the fire, warm and comfortable and hearty, thank God; and Andrew's wife lies on her death-bed, poor woman.' 'Yes; but, Elspeth, you sit there in the dark.' 'Eh, but it is peaceful and quiet-like, and the Lord bides with me, "and darkness and light are both alike to him,"' finished Elspeth reverently.
And then I heard the click of the gate, and rose hastily, only the baby cried as I laid her on Elspeth's lap, and I had to stay a moment to pacify her.
Mr.Hamilton came in and stood by us.
'Do not hurry yourself; I can easily wait a few minutes if you are not ready.