Ailie was wearing her black silk, but without the Honiton lace, so that Miss Sophia Innes need not become depressed; and she had herself taken the chair with the weak back.

Mr.
Cathro, who, though a lean man, needed a great deal of room at table, had been seated far away from the spinet, to allow Christina to pass him without climbing.

Miss Sophia and Grizel had the doctor between them, and there was also a bachelor, but an older one, for Elspeth.
Mr.McLean, as stout and humoursome as of yore, had solemnly promised his wife to be jocular but not too jocular.

Neither minister could complain, for if Mr.Dishart had been asked to say grace, Mr.Gloag knew that he was to be called on for the benediction.

Christina, obeying strict orders, glided round the table leisurely, as if she were not in the least excited, though she could be heard rushing along the passage like one who had entered for a race.