Page:The Cottagers of Glenburnie - Hamilton (1808).djvu/363

 many are the noxious weeds that over-run the soil! Let me then be thankful for the wholesome correctives that have been sent in mercy. Neither winter, nor poverty, are without their days of sunshine, their moments of enjoyment. See that group of children upon the ice! Heaven bless the merry elves! how joyously they laugh, and sport, and scamper, little caring how keen the cold wind may blow, so that it brings them the pleasure of a slide. Mrs Mason pursued the train of her reflections, till she arrived at Morison's cottage; where she was received with a cordial welcome, to the comforts of "a blazing ingle, and a clean hearth-stane." On examining her own apartment, she was delighted to find that every thing was arranged to her wish, and far beyond her expectations; nor could she persuade herself, that her room had not undergone some very material and expensive alteration. This striking improvement was, however, merely