baptize her Sabrina, after a name mentioned by John Milton in one of
his works. Miss Sabrina began by calling our Jennies Jessies, and
our Nannies Nancies; alas! I have lived to see even these likewise
grow old-fashioned. She had also a taste in the mantua-making line,
which she had learnt in Glasgow; and I could date from the very
Sabbath of her first appearance in the kirk, a change growing in the
garb of the younger lassies, who from that day began to lay aside
the silken plaidie over the head, the which had been the pride and
bravery of their grandmothers; and instead of the snood, that was so
snod and simple, they hided their heads in round-eared bees-cap
mutches, made of gauze and catgut, and other curious contrivances of
French millendery; all which brought a deal of custom to Miss
Sabrina, over and above the incomings and Candlemas offerings of
school; insomuch that she saved money, and in the course of three
years had ten pounds to put in the bank.

At the time, these alterations and revolutions in the parish were
thought a great advantage; but now when I look back upon them, as a
traveller on the hill over the road he has passed, I have my doubts.
For with wealth come wants, like a troop of clamorous beggars at the
heels of a generous man; and it's hard to tell wherein the benefit
of improvement in a country parish consists, especially to those who
live by the sweat of their brow. But it is not for me to make
reflections; my task and duty is to note the changes of time and
habitudes.



CHAPTER X YEAR 1769