Page:The Cottagers of Glenburnie - Hamilton (1808).djvu/299

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by having her beneath their roof; they looked at each other, and paused, as if struck by the sudden recollection of some invincible obstacle. Mrs Mason perceived their embarrassment, and asked the cause.

"What makes you hesitate?" said she, "I am afraid you think seven shillings a-week too little for my board and lodging; but you know I am to find my own wheaten bread, and my own tea, and"—"O Madam, you are o'er generous," cried Peggy, interrupting her; "you give o'er mickle by a great deal; but still I fear, that in winter we may not be able to make things comfortable to you. Were it in summer, we should do weel eneugh."

"Then why not in winter?" said Mrs Mason; "I shall advance money to buy coals if that be all."

"Don't speak of it, Peggy," said William, gently pulling his wife's sleeve; "though it be winter, we shall do weel eneugh, there's nae fear."

"Na, na, gudeman," returned Peggy,