352
the minister, whose mind she knew to be no less active than benevolent. An invitation to dine at the manse was therefore gladly accepted of; and scarcely had she taken her seat, until the subject was introduced, and William's affairs became the topic of conversation. Miss Gourlay expressed great concern; but recollecting that she had forgot to give directions for making sauce for the pudding, left the room in the middle of Mrs Mason's speech. Her uncle, though he listened with great attention, made no other reply, than by saying, that he should be better able to speak upon the subject after dinner; adding, with a smile, that "he never talked well with a hungry stomach."
The nice roast fowl and boiled beef and greens being at that moment placed upon the table, prevented all reply; but when the cloth was removed, and grace said, and the glasses filled, Mr Gourlay, looking significantly after the sturdy lass
