It's a' 'at I hae to offer ye.

Will ye bide ?" "Maybe I wad be i' yer gait," objected Annie feebly.
"Na, na; nae fear o' that.

Ye'll read a bit to me efterhin." "Ay will I." And Annie stayed all the afternoon with Tibbie, and went home with the Bruces after the evening service.

This was the beginning of her acquaintance with Tibbie Dyster.
It soon grew into a custom for Annie to take Tibbie home from the chapel--a custom which the Bruces could hardly have objected to, had they been so inclined.

But they were not so inclined, for it saved the broth--that is, each of them got a little more in consequence, and Annie's absence was therefore a Sabbath blessing.
Much as she was neglected at home, however, Annie was steadily gaining a good reputation in the town.