Page:Martha Spreull by Zachary Fleming.pdf/97

Rh covered but for the suspicion o’ Mrs. Spale, wha bein’ sae intimate wi’ my mither, could describe and identify the articles that had been taken away.

I never saw my faither in sic a rage as he wis in when he fand oot that this wumman wi’ her ostentashious grief had been robbin’ us right and left, under the guise o’ friendship, and that, at a time when we were surrounded wi’ sae much mental and material afflichin. It wis a bonny turn up, and but for the near relationship which her guidman stood in to her that wis awa’, I solemnly believe my faither wud have handed her ower to the tender mercies o’ justice.

Truly this wis a year o’ great hardship and trial, but at the end o’t I wis a guid wheen years aulder than at the beginnin’. What wi’ bad trade, a puir harvest, and the epidemic among oor ain chickens, I had learned that life, so to speak, wis fu’ o mysterious uncertainties. I had learned, besides, anither thing, and that wis the deceitfulness o’ tears!