that it should run along the back side of the south houses; and that
there should be steadings fued off on each side, according to a plan
that was laid down; and this being gone into, the town gradually, in
the course of years, grew up into that orderlyness which makes it
now a pattern to the country side--all which was mainly owing to the
accident that befell the Lord Eaglesham, which is a clear proof how
improvements come about, as it were, by the immediate instigation of
Providence, which should make the heart of man humble, and change
his eyes of pride and haughtiness into a lowly demeanour.

But although this making of the trust-road was surely a great thing
for the parish, and of an advantage to my people, we met, in this
year, with a loss not to be compensated--that was the death of Nanse
Banks, the schoolmistress. She had been long in a weak and frail
state; but being a methodical creature, still kept on the school,
laying the foundation for many a worthy wife and mother. However,
about the decline of the year her complaints increased, and she sent
for me to consult about her giving up the school; and I went to see
her on Saturday afternoon, when the bit lassies, her scholars, had
put the house in order, and gone home till the Monday.

She was sitting in the window-nook, reading THE WORD to herself,
when I entered; but she closed the book, and put her spectacles in
for a mark when she saw me; and, as it was expected I would come,
her easy-chair, with a clean cover, had been set out for me by the
scholars, by which I discerned that there was something more than
common to happen, and so it appeared when I had taken my seat.

"Sir," said she, "I hae sent for you on a thing troubles me sairly.
I have warsled with poortith in this shed, which it has pleased the