A settlement in mortmain is in Scotland termed a mortification,
and in one great borough (Aberdeen, if I remember rightly) there
is a municipal officer who takes care of these public endowments,
and is thence called the Master of Mortifications. One would
almost presume that the term had its origin in the effect which
such settlements usually produce upon the kinsmen of those by whom
they are executed. Heavy at least was the mortification which
befell the audience who, in the late Mrs. Margaret Bertram's
parlour, had listened to this unexpected destination of the lands
of Singleside. There was a profound silence after the deed had
been read over.

Mr. Pleydell was the first to speak. He begged to look at the
deed, and, having satisfied himself that it was correctly drawn
and executed, he returned it without any observation, only saying
aside to Mannering, 'Protocol is not worse than other people, I
believe; but this old lady has determined that, if he do not turn
rogue, it shall not be for want of temptation.'

'I really think,' said Mr. Mac-Casquil of Drumquag, who, having
gulped down one half of his vexation, determined to give vent to
the rest--'I really think this is an extraordinary case! I should
like now to know from Mr. Protocol, who, being sole and unlimited
trustee, must have been consulted upon this occasion--I should
like, I say, to know how Mrs. Bertram could possibly believe in
the existence of a boy that a' the world kens was murdered many a
year since?'

'Really, sir,' said Mr. Protocol, 'I do not conceive it is
possible for me to explain her motives more than she has done