for her bit siller, whan he can get it frae the bank, on guid security, for four an' a half ?" "Jist mysel', Marget.

The puir orphan has naebody but you and me to luik till; an' I wad willin'ly do that muckle for her.

I'll tell ye what--I'll gie her five per cent.

for her siller; and for the bit interest, I'll tak her in wi' my ain bairns, an' she s' hae bit and sup wi' them, an' gang to the school wi' them, and syne--efter a bit--we'll see what comes neist." To Margaret this seemed a very fair offer.

It was known to all that the Bruce children were well-enough dressed for their station, and looked well-fed; and although Robert had the character of being somewhat mean, she did not regard that as the worst possible fault, or one likely to operate for the injury of the child.