Page:Scott - Tales of my Landlord - 3rd series, vol. 1 - 1819.djvu/321

Rh to answer a' your questions, and I hae hardly a minute. Whare's the gude-man?"

"Awa' to fetch the minister," said Mrs Girder, "precious Mr Peter Bide-the-bent frae the Mosshead—the honest man has the rheumatism wi' lying in the hills in the persecution."

"Aye!—a whig and a mountain-man—nae less," said Caleb, with a peevishness he could not suppress; "I hae seen the day, Luckie, when worthy Mr Cuffcushion and the service-book would hae served your turn (to the elder dame,) or ony honest woman in like circumstances."

"And that's true too," said Mrs Lightbody, "but what can a body do?—Jean maun baith sing her psalms and busk her cockernony the gate the gudeman likes, and nae ither gate, for he's maister and mair at hame, I can tell ye, Mr Balderstone."

"Aye, and does he guide the gear too?" said Caleb, to whose projects masculine rule boded little good.

"Ilka penny on't—but he'll dress her as