Page:The Cottagers of Glenburnie - Hamilton (1808).djvu/58

 me an untruth, or given me a saucy answer. And as she has been civil and discreet, I wish to put what respect on her is in my power; and if your ladyship pleases to let her be my bridemaid, I shall take it as a great favour to myself." My lady looked at Jackson, who was dressing out her toilet, and had stopped to listen to Molly's speech. "Do you think she can be spared, Jackson?" said my lady. "Indeed," replied Jackson, "if you ask me, my lady, I certainly do not think she can."

"If you please, my lady," said Molly, "the new housemaid says she will think nothing of doing all the work to give a ploy to poor Betty: the dairy-maid too will help her; there is not a servant in the house that would not, she is so obliging and so good-natured a lassie."

"O if you are to dictate to my lady, that's another thing," cried Jackson; "I supposed my lady was to do as she pleased."