[Original]
He often changed the subject very abruptly, and never laughed. He expressed the deepest concern for my welfare and success in life more than I had ever heard him do before, and all mixed with sorrow for my worldly misfortunes. There is little doubt that his own were then preying on his vitals." In truth Sir Walter then might well "never laugh."
He had already had a slight paralytic stroke, and he could not but realise that the end of his titanic labours was approaching.
A few miles down stream from the Gordon Arms, we come to Yarrow Kirk, and Yarrow Manse, smiling in a valley that to me in some strange way always speaks of sunshine and of peace. Perhaps it is due to thoughts of those who laboured here so long, and who gave to everyone
"That best portion of a good man's life—
His little, nameless, unremembered acts
Of kindness and of love."
I think I am not mistaken in saying that in this Parish of Yarrow there have been during a hundred and twenty-two years only three ministers.
