Mary Grant was then only fourteen, but she resolved to face
her situation bravely, and to devote herself entirely
to her little brother, who was still a mere child.
By dint of close economy, combined with tact and prudence,
she managed to support and educate him, working day and night,
denying herself everything, that she might give him all he needed,
watching over him and caring for him like a mother.

The two children were living in this touching manner in Dundee,
struggling patiently and courageously with their poverty.
Mary thought only of her brother, and indulged in dreams of a
prosperous future for him. She had long given up all hope of
the BRITANNIA, and was fully persuaded that her father was dead.
What, then, was her emotion when she accidentally saw the notice
in the TIMES!

She never hesitated for an instant as to the course she
should adopt, but determined to go to Dumbartonshire immediately,
to learn the best and worst. Even if she were to be told that
her father's lifeless body had been found on a distant shore,
or in the bottom of some abandoned ship, it would be a relief
from incessant doubt and torturing suspense.

She told her brother about the advertisement, and the two children
started off together that same day for Perth, where they took the train,
and arrived in the evening at Malcolm Castle.

Such was Mary Grant's sorrowful story, and she recounted it in so simple
and unaffected a manner, that it was evident she never thought her