That is my interpretation o' the matter." "I never thought of that." "Young folk don't think o' everything." There was something in the tone of this last remark which seemed to fit best into silence, and David Callendar had a particular reason for not further irritating his uncle.

The two men without any other remark reached the large, handsome house in Blytheswood Square which was their home.

Its warmth and comfort had an immediate effect on the deacon.

He looked pleasantly at the blazing fire and the table on the hearthrug, with its basket of oaten cakes, its pitcher of cream, and its whiskey-bottle and toddy glasses.

The little brass kettle was simmering before the fire, his slippers were invitingly warm, his loose coat lying over the back of his soft, ample chair, and just as he had put them on, and sank down with a sigh of content, a bright old lady entered with a spicy dish of kippered salmon.
"I thought I wad bring ye a bit relish wi' your toddy, deacon.