Page:The Cottagers of Glenburnie - Hamilton (1808).djvu/50

 in her eyes. I could almost think it her, that now stood before me."

"Well, but must go on from the time you went home. Did the old lady receive you kindly?"

"She meant to do so," returned Mrs Mason; "but she had a stern manner, and exacted such minute and punctual obedience, as rendered it difficult to please her. Indeed she was never pleased except by those who flattered her grossly; and it was, as I soon saw, by flattery, that her own woman, Mrs Jackson, had made herself such a favourite. But though I could not approve the means, I must say this for Mrs Jackson, that she did not make a bad use of her favour, at least with regard to me, or to those she thought she had in her power; but she was so jealous of any one obtaining my lady's ear except herself, that it made her often guilty of endeavouring to create a prejudice against those whose influence she had any dread of. I was warned of this by my first