JANET found that the next boat would sail in four days; so, if she could be set free from her engagement at Gair and Co.'s, she could well be ready in time, even if she had to take the children with her. For, of course, if Mrs. Rayburn either could not or would not keep the little ones, they must needs go with her. The first thing to be done now was to telegraph to Mrs. Rayburn. She passed an office on her way to Gair's. She sent her message, but only said, "Can you send to meet us at Rugeley to-morrow?" "I can explain much better when I am with her," she thought; "and if she cannot take the boys, the expense is not very great, after all." Having arranged for the answer to be sent to Gair's, she went thither herself, arriving five minutes late, for the first time. "Has Mr. Simmons come yet?" she asked a young man who was arranging the window. "He's in the office, Mrs. Rayburn." And to the office Janet repaired. There she told her story, with certain reservations. Her brother, she said, had sent her money to go out to Canada to her husband, who was ill. When he recovered, her brother knew of a promising opening for him, in which her help would be necessary. Her month's salary was nearly due, but she was willing to forfeit it, if she might go at once. There was no press of work, and Miss Green was a very capable cutter-out. Mr. Simmons, a slow and solemn man, rather thought that such an abrupt departure was impossible, but would speak to Mr. Gair. Luckily for Janet, it was kind old Mr. Gair who was in the office, and he came out to speak to her himself. "We're sorry to lose you, Mrs. Rayburn, but we will not stand in your way, as the matter seems of consequence. Pay Mrs. Rayburn up to the first of July, Simmons; she has been a steady and useful worker." Finally, the old gentleman sat down and wrote her a regular discharge. "Keep that, Mrs. Rayburn," he said, looking kindly at the anxious young face. "It may prove useful, though I hope your husband will do well. Do you take your children with you?" "No, sir; I shall take them to Kelmersdale Castle, near Rugeley, where their grandmother is the housekeeper. If she can keep them, I am to leave them with her for a time." "Well, good-bye, good-bye," said Mr. Gair, retreating hastily towards his private room, for his sons were wont to laugh at him for being always ready to interest himself in any one. But he took a parting glance at Janet, and something in the youth, sweetness, and determination in her face touched his heart. Muttering, "I will now; they may say what they like, just for once I will please myself," back he came. "Are you sure you can manage all this for yourself, Mrs. Rayburn? Is there anything that I can do for you?" Janet looked up in his face with a somewhat tremulous smile. "I have been so afraid," she said, "but if every one is as kind as you are—but, indeed, that is not likely. I don't know how to thank you, sir; your kindness gives me such courage."