Page:The Cottagers of Glenburnie - Hamilton (1808).djvu/271

 the eider son should chuse to go abroad, or enter into business, the farm was to go to the second, and the elder to have only a younger child's portion. By a clause in the will, the widow was to retain possession of the farm till the Candlemas after her husband's death. So much more consideration had this humble cottager for the feelings of a wife, than is often shewn in the settlements of the rich and great!

The minister, who read the will, addressed himself in finishing it, to the friends and neighbours who were present; and proposed, that they should alternately lend their assistance, in managing the business of the harvest for the widow and her family. The proposal was readily agreed to by the men; while Mrs Mason, on her part, cheerfully undertook the superintendance of the household work and dairy, until her cousin should be so far recovered as to be able to resume the task.