Page:The Cottagers of Glenburnie - Hamilton (1808).djvu/133

 In the course of their conversation. Miss Mary expressed her surprise, that so good a couple as the Earl and Countess of Longlands should not have thought it an incumbent duty, to make an ample provision for one who had rendered them such important services.

"You are mistaken," said Mr Stewart, "they were not deficient in gratitude; and to my certain knowledge, intended to settle on her a very liberal independency. But my lord was still in the prime of life, and thought he had many years to live. He therefore delayed to do, what he imagined might at any time be accomplished: and after his death, his lady, who was always indolent, gave herself up to the indulgence of grief, so as utterly to forget every duty; but of this you will have no hint from Mrs Mason: for hers is truly a good mind, and one that sees every thing in the best light. She knows not what I have endeavoured to do for her with the present lord; and she shall