“When ye pass below Burnbrae on yir way to the Lodge and see the smoke curlin' up through the trees, ye 'ill ken a family's livin' there that bless yir name, and will mention it in their prayers.”
The first man Burnbrae met when he came out with the lease in his pocket was Drumsheugh, whose business that particular day had kept him wandering up and down the street for nearly an hour.
“Keep's a', Burnbrae, is that you? a' thocht ye were dune wi' that office noo. It's a puir market the day; the dealers are getting the fat cattle for naethin'.” But Drumsheugh's manner had lost its calm finish.
“A've something tae tell,” said Burnbrae, “an' ye sud be the first tae hear it. Lord Kilspindie's hame again, and hes settled me and mine in the auld place for a tack that 'ill laist ma days and descend tae ma son aifter me.
“This hes been a shairp trial, and there were times a' wes feared ma faith micht fail; but it's ower noo, and there's twa men Jean an' me 'ill remember wi' gratitude till we dee; ane is Doctor Davidson an' the ither is yersel. Ye brocht us through at ween ye.”
“Come awa this meenut tae the 'Kilspindie Airms.'” and Drumsheugh seized Burnbrae; “a' ken ye wunna taste, but a 'll dae it for ye; and ye 'ill eat, at ony rate,” and Drumsheugh, who was supposed to dine in secret places at not more than a shilling, ordered a dinner fit for Lord Kilspindie. He did his best to get full value for his money, but before and after, and between the courses, he let himself go at large.
“Ane and twenty year at a hundred and auchty pund; man, ye 'ill have eneuch tae stock a fairm for Jamie and furnish the student's manse.
“His Lordship wes lang o' comin' hame, but, ma certes, he's pit things richt when he did come. It's naethin' short o' handsome, an' worthy o' the Earl.
“Me,” resumed Drumsheugh, “a' hed nae-thin' tae dae wi't; it wes the Doctor's letter 'at did the business; here's tae his health; is yir soda water dune yet?
“The factor tried tae mak licht o' him that day, an' spak as if he wes abune a' body in Drumtochty; he threatened the minister tae his face; a' herd him, the upsettin', ill-mannered wratch.