OLD MORTALITY.
271
CHAPTER XIII.
Then out and spak the auld mother,
And fast her tears did fa'—
"Ye wadna be warn'd, my son Johnie,
Frae the hunting to bide awa!"
Old Ballad
When he entered the cottage, Morton perceived that the old hostess had spoken truth. The inside of the hut belied its outward appearance, and was neat, and even comfortable, especially the inner apartment, in which the hostess informed her guest that he was to sup and sleep. Refreshments were placed before him, such as the little inn afforded, and, though he had small occasion for them, he accepted the offer, as the means of maintaining some discourse with the landlady. Notwithstanding her blindness, she was assidu-
