Page:The Cottagers of Glenburnie - Hamilton (1808).djvu/336

 this to remain in trustees hands, for the benefit of my sister, and insists on having the whole paid down to him, on the terms of the will! This circumstance—but here comes my father, who will tell you all about it himself."

"Well, Mrs Mason, Mary has by this time given you a full account of our vextion," said Mr Stewart. "It may be explained in a few words. My daughter will be one of the many victims to the epidemical frenzy, which has of late spread through our country, the desire of shining in a sphere above our own. People who labour under this disease, mistake show for splendour, and splendour for happiness; and, while their pulses throb with the fever of vanity, think no sacrifice too great, for procuring a momentary gratification to its insatiable thirst. From the palace to the cottage, the fever rages with equal force, sweeping before it every worthy feeling, and every solid virtue. O my friend! could we but look into the