Page:The Cottagers of Glenburnie - Hamilton (1808).djvu/287

 of every passing footstep. At length the approach of horses was distinctly heard. Her maid hastily ran to the door for intelligence; and the old woman, whose curiosity was no less eager, as hastily followed. The poor mother's heart grew faint. Her head drooped upon her hands, and a sort of stupor came over her senses. She sat motionless and silent; nor did the entrance of the minister and Mrs Mason seem to be observed. Mrs Mason, who at a glance perceived that the sickness was the sickness of the mind, kindly took her hand, and bid her be of good cheer, for that if she would recover, all her family would do well.

"Is he to live?" said Mrs MacClarty, in a low and hollow voice, fixing her eyes on Mrs Mason's, as if expecting to read in them the doom of her son.

"Give thanks to God," returned the minister, "your son lives; God and his judges have dealt mercifully with him and you."