Craig; for I could not
have expected you, considering ye have got, as I am told, your jo in
the house"; at which words the Doctor winked paukily to Mr. Daff,
who rubbed his hands with fainness, and gave a good-humoured sort of
keckling laugh. This facetious stroke of policy was a great relief
to the afflicted elder, for he saw by it that the Doctor did not
mean to trouble him with any inquiries respecting his deceased wife;
and, in consequence, he put on a blither face, and really affected
to have forgotten her already more than he had done in sincerity.
Thus the night passed in decent temperance and a happy decorum;
insomuch, that the elders when they went away, either by the
influence of the toddy-bowl, or the Doctor's funny stories about the
Englishers, declared that he was an excellent man, and, being none
lifted up, was worthy of his rich legacy.
At supper, the party, besides the minister and Mrs. Pringle,
consisted of the two Irvine ladies, and Mr. Snodgrass. Miss Becky
Glibbans came in when it was about half over, to express her
mother's sorrow at not being able to call that night, "Mr.
Pages:
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232