Page:The Cottagers of Glenburnie - Hamilton (1808).djvu/344

 Mr Stewart entered, saying, with a disturbed air, that his daughter's presence was necessary, and that he wished Mrs Mason and Mary to accompany her to his writing chamber. While he spoke, Mr Flinders softly came up, and laying his hand upon his shoulder, "I wish, Mr Stewart," said he, "I really wish I could persuade you to consent with cheerfulness. You cannot fail to offend Mr Mollins by betraying such a want of confidence in his honour. Has he not promised, on the word of a gentleman, to make a settlement on Mrs Mollins suitable to his fortune."

"Where is his fortune!" cried Mr Stewart, peevishly. "He may carry it all on his back, for aught I know to the contrary."

"I do assure you, you wrong my friend Mollins greatly," replied Mr Flinders. "Mr Spurton told me he had hunted over his estate in Dorsetshire many times, and that his father kept the best pack of hounds in the country. Do you think