Page:Modern literature (1804 Volume 1).djvu/184

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page needs to be proofread.

made her appearance. The laird inquired what was to pay, and being informed, ordered another bowl, observing that it was an established rule of the house never to pay the reckoning over an empty bowl. "And a very good rule it is," said the saint: "but as we are in haste, I think we had better have larger glasses." Mrs. Wood having joined the company, Roger inquired into the state of her religion, and finding her rather a stray sheep, undertook for her guidance, declaring that his heart warmed to so comely and handsome a woman, and that nothing in his power should be wanting for her conversion. His honour being gone on a little before, the spiritual guide saluted the dame with a holy kiss, overtook his comrade, returned to the mansion-house, and prayed with even more than usual fervour. The laird joined most sincerely; and, bating