In the roots of the Scottish character there are knots and contortions that not only no stranger can understand, but no stranger can follow; he walks among explosives; and his best course is to throw himself upon their mercy--'Just as I am, without one plea,' a citation from one of the lady's favourite hymns.
The sound she made was unmistakable in meaning, though it was impossible to be written down; and I at once executed the manoeuvre I have recommended.
'You must remember I am a perfect stranger in your city,' said I.

'If I have done wrong, it was in mere ignorance, my dear lady; and this afternoon, if you will be so good as to take me, I shall accompany _you_.' But she was not to be pacified at the moment, and departed to her own quarters murmuring.
'Well, Rowley,' said I; 'and have you been to church ?' 'If you please, sir,' he said.
'Well, you have not been any less unlucky than I have,' I returned.

'And how did you get on with the Scottish form ?' 'Well, sir, it was pretty 'ard, the form was, and reether narrow,' he replied.

'I don't know w'y it is, but it seems to me like as if things were a good bit changed since William Wallace! That was a main queer church she took me to, Mr.Anne! I don't know as I could have sat it out, if she 'adn't 'a' give me peppermints.

She ain't a bad one at bottom, the old girl; she do pounce a bit, and she do worry, but, law bless you, Mr.Anne, it ain't nothink really--she don't _mean_ it.