But those I knew best had lived many years in the then retired society of a country town.

Some were my own relations; and in boyish days (for they had not generally much patience with boys) were looked up to with considerable awe as very formidable personages.

Their characters and modes of expression in many respects remarkably corresponded with Lord Cockburn's idea of the race.

There was a dry Scottish humour which we fear their successors do not inherit.

One of these Montrose ladies, Miss Nelly Fullerton, had many anecdotes told of her quaint ways and sayings.