Page:The Cottagers of Glenburnie - Hamilton (1808).djvu/352

 "Scoundrel! villain!" cried Mr Stewart vehemently.

"Nay, my good sir, be not so violent," said Mrs Mason. "He has been wrong, but he has been led step by step into error, and I really hope his heart is not corrupted. I think it is a proof of it, that he has permitted me to tell all I know concerning him without disguise."

Mr Stewart beckoning to her to proceed, she thus continued.

"When I first saw him, he was about ten or twelve years old, and had obtained great praise for managing the horse he rode at our village races. I did not see the race, but I saw the little fellow when he came to my lady for his reward. She liked his appearance, and engaged him for a page; for she had always two that attended in the drawing-room, dressed in coats covered with lace. Jack was a great favourite with all the house. He was indeed a very good-natured boy, but was spoiled among the servants; and as he grew