Page:The Cottagers of Glenburnie - Hamilton (1808).djvu/369

 same comfort, drew in their chairs to the fire, and said, they cou'd na be fashed.

The air of cheerfulness which was diffused around him, had a happy effect upon William's spirits; but the severity of the winter was adverse to the recovery of his health. The rheumatism, which had settled in his left arm, had now rendered it entirely useless, and thus defeated all his schemes of getting into employment. The last sale of his effects had been so productive, that his creditors were paid 17s. in the pound; but the remainder of what was due to them lay heavy on his heart; and notwithstanding his efforts at resignation, the thoughts of what his wife and children must suffer from the pressure of poverty, drew from his bosom many a deep-drawn sigh.

The more Mrs Mason saw of William, the more deeply did she become interested in his situation; and as no scheme occurred to her that was likely to improve it, she resolved to consult her good friend