Page:The Cottagers of Glenburnie - Hamilton (1808).djvu/348

 with regard to Mollins; but recollecting the obligations he had been under to him for introducing him to two lords and a sporting baronet at the cockpit, gratitude sealed his lips, and he took leave without any apparent diminution of regard.

"I am glad that he is gone!" cried Mary. "We may now speak freely, and I am sure we all long to know how you and Mr Mollins come to be so well acquainted. My sister wont say so, but I see she is dying to hear."

"I want to hear nothing about it," cried Mrs Mollins; "but I know you always take a pleasure in mortifying me, I know you do."

"Bell," said Mr Stewart, "if Mr Mollins has no acquaintances of whom he need be more ashamed, I congratulate you. I rejoice at least that I shall now have an opportunity of knowing who and what your husband is; for I confess that"—