Page:The Cottagers of Glenburnie - Hamilton (1808).djvu/247

 "I have nae faith in't," said Peter Macglashon; "its a' dead works; and if I warna sae sick, I wad gi' her a screed o' doctrine; but I kenna what ails me, I'm unco far frae weel."

Peter then went off, and all the rest of the people, one by one, followed his example. In a short time the pale-faced stranger returned, and, addressing himself to Mrs Mason, said, "that though he was but a stranger in Glenburnie, yet as he was the farmer's nearest neighbour, he thought it his duty to offer his services to the utmost, in the present situation of the family; and that though he was now convinced of the danger, he would willingly encounter it, to be of use. He had," he said, "lately suffered much from sickness himself, and therefore he knew how to feel for those that suffered." There was something in this man's manner that greatly pleased. Mrs Mason, and she frankly accepted his kind offer, pointing out where his assistance might be essentially useful