Page:The Cottagers of Glenburnie - Hamilton (1808).djvu/134

 never know it, for it would only hurt her to be assured of his total want of liberality and gratitude."

Mr Stewart was here interrupted by the unexpected entrance of his eldest daughter, and her friend Mrs Finders, whose animated looks bespoke the near prospect of some new scheme of pleasure. After a few preliminary remarks on the fineness of the season, &c. &c. Mrs Flinders gradually disclosed the purpose of her visit, which was no other than to obtain Mr Stewart's consent to his daughter's accompanying her to the Edinburgh races. Mr Stewart was on many accounts adverse to the proposal; nor did Mrs Flinders's assurances of the great advantages to he derived to a young lady, from being seen in public, and introduced to all the people of fashion at the races, produce the least alteration in his sentiments. But he had not firmness to resist the torrent of intreaty: and after he had permitted a reluctant consent to be extorted from him,