The vehemence had passed out of him; you would have hesitated to believe that such a listless, shrunken man could have been vehement that same year.

It is a hardy proof of his faith in Tommy that he did not even think it worth while to look up when, by and by, the parlour door opened and the doctor came in for his hat.

Elspeth was with him.
[Illustration: They told Aaron something.] They told Aaron something.
It lifted him off his feet and bore him out at the door.

When he made up on himself he knew he was searching everywhere for Tommy.

A terror seized him, lest he should not be the first to convey the news.
Had he been left a fortune?
neighbours asked, amazed at this unwonted sight; and he replied, as he ran, "I have, and I want to share it wi' him!" It was his only joke.