The hoose-gear's a' to be roupit the morn." Then turning to Annie, she said: "Noo, Annie, lass, ye'll be a guid bairn, and do as ye're tell't.

An' min' and no pyke the things i' the chop." A smile of peculiar import glimmered over Bruce's face at the sound of this injunction.

Annie made no reply, but stared at Mr Bruce, and sat staring.
"Good-bye to ye, Annie!" said her aunt, and roused her a little from her stupor.
She then gave her a kiss--the first, as far as the child knew, that she had ever given her--and went out.

Bruce followed her out, and Dowie came in.

He took her up in his arms, and said: "Good-bye to ye, my bonnie bairn.