Page:The Cottagers of Glenburnie - Hamilton (1808).djvu/139

 joy which the dogs began to send forth, Mr Stewart perceived that his sons were near at hand, and eagerly flew out to meet them. They were already folded in Mary's arms, and sprung to their father with all the alacrity of confiding love. Every care was now forgotten; without doors and within, above stairs and below, all was holiday at Gowan-brae. Mrs Mason, to whom the sight of a happy family afforded one of the highest gratifications, was no unmoved spectator of the joyful scene. She readily consented to postpone her departure till the following day, and promoted, by her cheerfulness, all the amusements of the evening.

In order to gratify the boys, it was proposed, that the whole party should accompany Mrs Mason to Glenburnie, on an Irish car, a vehicle well adapted to such excursions, and which was consequently a great favourite with the younger part of the family. Just as they finished an early dinner, the car was brought to