Page:The Cottagers of Glenburnie - Hamilton (1808).djvu/409



had not been many months in her employment of schoolmistress, when she received a great addition to her consequence in the eyes of her neighbours, by the accession of Mr Meriton to the estate and title of Longlands, on the sudden decease of his elder brother. The amiable disposition of this young nobleman left no room to doubt of his gratitude to the preserver of his life, and the instructress of his infancy. The friendship of Mrs Mason was therefore considered of great importance by those who in any way depended on the favour or