ps, which
was drawn from keen practical knowledge--his brochure on "The Potato
Disease: Whence it Came and How it is to be Met" created much stir in
its day--and it was well known that the Doctor's view on bones or guano
as a preferable manure was decisive. On his return the servants came
in--to whom also he said a word--and then from the head of the table he
conducted worship--the ploughmen looking very uneasy and the children
never taking their eyes off his face, while the gude-wife kept a
watchful eye on all. At the prayer she was careful to be within arm's
reach of Hillocks, since on one memorable occasion that excellent man
had remained in an attitude of rapt devotion after the others had risen
from their knees, which sight profoundly affected the family, and led
the Doctor to remark that it was the only time he had seen Hillocks
play the Pharisee in public. The Doctor's favourite passages were the
eulogium on the model housewife in Proverbs, the parable of the Good
Samaritan, and the 12th chapter of Romans, from which he deduced many
very searching and practical lessons on diligence, honesty, mercy, and
hospitality. Before he left, and while all were under the spell of his
presence, the Doctor would approach the delicate subject of Hillocks'
"tout-mout" (dispute) with Gormack over a purchase at a roup, in which
it was freely asserted that Gormack had corrupted the Kildrummie
auctioneer, a gentleman removed above pecuniary bribes, but not
unaffected by liquid refreshment. So powerfully did the Doctor appeal
to Hillocks' neighbourliness that he took snuff profusely, and
authorised the Doctor to let it be understood at Gormack that the
affair was at an end, which treaty was confirmed by the two parties in
Kildrummie train, when Hillocks lent Gormack his turnip-sowing machine
and borrowed in turn Gormack's water-cart. Mr. Curlew had more than
once hinted in the Presbytery of Muirtown that Dr. Davidson was not so
evangelical as might be desired, and certainly Mr. Curlew's visitation
was of a much more exciting nature; but St. David's congregation was
never without a quarrel, while the Doctor created an atmosphere in
Drumtochty wherein peace and charity flourished exceedingly.

Whatever might be urged in praise of his visitation, surely the Doctor
could never be more stately or fatherly than on Sacrament Sabbath, as
he stood in his place to begin service. His first act was to wipe
elaborately those gold eye-glass