overhauling the belongings of the family, preparatory to landing, much
to the discomfort of all concerned. All the morning Graeme had
submitted with a passably good grace to her cross-questionings as to the
"guiding" of this and that, while she had been unable to give personal
supervision to family matters. Thankful to see her at her post again,
Graeme tried to make apparent her own good management of matters in
general, during the voyage, but she was only partially successful.
There were far more rents and stains, and soiled garments, than Janet
considered at all necessary, and besides many familiar articles of
wearing apparel were missing, after due search made. In vain Graeme
begged her never to mind just now. They were in the big blue chest, or
the little brown one, she couldna just mind where she had put them, but
of course they would be found, when all the boxes were opened.

"Maybe no," said Janet. "There are some long fingers, I doubt, in the
steerage yonder. Miss Graeme, my dear, we would need to be carefu'. If
I'm no' mistaken, I saw one o' Norman's spotted handkerchiefs about the
neck o' yon lang Johnny Heeman, and yon little Irish lassie ga'ed past
me the day, with a pinafore very like one o' Menie's. I maun ha' a look
at it again."

"Oh, Janet! never mind. I gave wee Norah the pinafore, and the old
brown frock besides. She had much need of them. And poor Johnny came
on board on the pilot boat you ken, and he hadna a change, and Norman
gave him the handkerchief and an old waistcoat of papa's,--and--"

Janet's hands were uplifted in consternation.

"Keep's and guide's lassie--that I should say such a word. Your papa
hadna an old waistcoat in his possession. What for did you do the like
o' that? The like o' Norman or Menie might be excused, but you that I
thought had some sense and discretion. Your father's waistcoat! Heard
anybody ever the like? You may be thankful that you hae somebody that
kens the value of good clothes, to take care of you and them--"

"Oh! I'm thankful as you could wish," said Graeme, laughing. "I would
rather see you sitting there, in the midst of those clothes, than to see
the Queen on her throne. I confess to the waistcoat, and some other
things, but mind, I'm responsible no longer. I resign my office of
general caretaker to you. Success to you," and Graeme made for the
cabin stairs. She turned again, however.

"Never heed, Janet, about the things. Think wh