Scotland/Scots > Wilson's tales of the Borders and of Scotland > Volume 3

DUNCAN SCHULEUEED’ri VISION OF JUDGMENT. 183
“ I think I cotsld find use for it,” said Mrs. Gavin. “ It
has one good end, but you will come to an ill one when
you” “ roll it down,” she would have said, but Duncan
caught her:—
“ When ye cheat yer neighbour,” added he. “ Ye’re
quite right, madam; a rotten-hearted wab is just like a
rotten-hearted man—they baith come to an ill end. Oh,
hoo gratefu I am to thae glass-blawers, wha hae blawn awa
my crimes, and converted and reformed me!”
“ He is surely mad, after all,” muttered Mrs. Gavin, to
herself—“ who ever heard of glass-blowers converting sin¬
ners? I have always understood that glass-blowers are
free livers, and need repentance themselves as much as other
folk. How could they convert you, man ?”
“ There are strange mysteries i’ the warld,” said Duncan;
“ but we will better let that subject alane. We only, after
a’, see ‘ as through a glass darkly.’ Stick to the linen—
what is it worth ? ”
Mrs. Gavin stated a price, Duncan accepted her offer,
and the damaged linen was sold.
“Noo,” said Duncan, “I’ll send ye her husband.”
“ I will be obliged to you,” said Mrs. Gavin; “ and if
you can get the glass-blowers to give him a blast, your
kindness would be increased far beyond my poor powers
of recompense.
“ Ah, madam,” said Duncan, “ writers are owre well
accustomed to blasts o' the horn, to care for ordinary wind-
fa’s. I ken nae better thing for an ill husband (no sayin
that Andrew is liable to that charge) than a blast o’ a wife’s
tongue. God be praised, Janet Schulebred will hae nae
mair cause to lecture me! We will now live happily durin
the remaining portion o’ the time o’ oor pilgrimage. I hae
aye taen something hame to her. Last year I took some
whisky bottles—probably made at the glass-warks o’ Leith;
this time I intend to tak a family Bible. Guid day, madam,