Page:The Cottagers of Glenburnie - Hamilton (1808).djvu/20

 pleasant countenance." Mr Stewart, without further inquiry, hastened to the door, while the young ladies continued the interrogations.

"Did she come in her own carriage, or in a hack?" asked Miss Stewart. "She came riding on a double horse," replied the lad. "Riding double!" cried Miss Stewart, resuming her seat, "I thought she had been a lady.—Come, Mary, let us have our breakfast.—My goodness! I hope papa is not bringing the woman here."

As she spoke, the door opened, and Mr Stewart entered with the stranger leaning on his arm. Her respectful salute was returned by Miss Stewart with that sort of reserve which young ladies, who are anywise doubtful of being intitled to all that they assume, are apt to put on when addressing themselves to strangers, of whose rank they are uncertain; but, by her sister Mary, it was returned with a frankness natural to those who do not fear being demeaned by an act of courtesy.