Page:The Cottagers of Glenburnie - Hamilton (1808).djvu/231

 "No," says the farmer, "I canno' think o' it! I maun try. Gang, Rob, and saddle the mare. I canno' ride lang at a time for this rheumatic; but whan it comes, I'll light and walk. It is a fine night, and I may be there lang before the break of day. O Mrs Mason! little do our bairns think o' the sorrow they bring upon our hearts!"

"I hope," said Mrs Mason, "all your children now present will take warning, and learn to submit themselves betimes to the duty of obedience: and that you will both enforce that duty, as you are enjoined by God to do it. Take comfort, then, and assure yourself, that this event may turn out in the end to be a blessing."

The farmer said he trusted in God that it might be so; and, having provided himself with what money he thought necessary, he, with a heavy heart, departed.

On the following day, many of the neighbours came to enquire for Mrs