It seemed to him no great thing to expect the people of Knox Church to be there before Peter.
Macfarlane was also in attendance in the vestry to help the minister off with his gown and hang it up.

Dr Drummond's gown needed neither helping nor hanging; the Doctor was deftness and neatness and impatience itself, and would have it on the hook with his own hands, and never a fold crooked.

After Mr Finlay, on the contrary, Peter would have to pick up and smooth out--ten to one the garment would be flung on a chair.

Still, he was invariably standing by to see it flung, and to hand Mr Finlay his hat and stick.

He was surprised and put about to find himself one Sunday evening too late for this attendance.