Page:The Cottagers of Glenburnie - Hamilton (1808).djvu/366

 thing in the best way possible. All I want of them is to save themselves trouble, by getting into the habit of minding what they have to do. Any one who is willing may soon become a useful servant, by attending to three simple rules."—"To three rules!" cried Peggy, interrupting her; "that's odd, indeed. But my gudeman maun hear this. Come, William, and hear Mrs Mason tell our lassies a' the duties of a servant."

"I fear the kail will be cauld before she gets through them all," said William, smiling; "but I'm ready to listen to her, though it should."

"Your patience wont be long tried," said Mrs Mason; "for I have already told your girls, that, in order to make good servants, they have only to attend to three simple rules."—" Well, what are they?" said the husband and wife, speaking both at once.

"They are," returned Mrs Mason, "To do every thing in its proper time;