Page:The Cottagers of Glenburnie - Hamilton (1808).djvu/225

 doubt of his co-operating with her in the work of reformation.

While musing on this subject, as she sat by her window in the twilight, she saw the two younger lads run hastily past; and soon heard from their mother such an exclamation of sorrow, as convinced her they had been the messengers of bad news. She therefore speedily proceeded but, and there she found the poor woman wringing her hands, and lamenting herself bitterly. The farmer entered at the same moment; and on seeing him, she redoubled her lamentations, still calling out, "O Sandy! Sandy! O that I should ha' lived to see this day! O Sandy! Sandy!"

"Sandy!" repeated the alarmed father, "what is the matter wi' Sandy? for God's sake speak. Is my son gane? is he killed?"