They shook their heads ominously. It was clear this was no ordinary portent they were discussing.
"Do you think has he taken to—?"
The first citizen finished his question by a crooking of his upturned little finger, one of those many delicate symbols by which the north Briton indicates a failing not uncommon in his climate.
"It's a curious thing," replied his friend, "that I haven't heard that given as an explanation. Of course he's not a teetotaler—"
"Oh, none ever insinuated that," put in the other, with the air of one who desired to do justice even to the most erring.
"On the other hand, he's ay had the name of being one of the most respectable men in the town, just an example, they've always told me."
"I knew him fine myself, in a business way, and that's just the expression I'd have used—an Example."
"Respected by all."
"An elder, and what not."