As was natural, the Bishop went forward, uttering the usual formulas of condolence and sympathy, the patient, meanwhile, continuing his rubbings and his silent but expressive contortions.

At last Janet came to the rescue; and, clapping the Bishop coaxingly on the back, said, "Noo, Bishop, jist gang ye yir waas into the hoose, an' we'll follow fan he's had time to curse a fyllie, an' I'se warran' he'll seen be weel eneuch!" The following might have been added as examples of the dry humorous manner in which our countrymen and countrywomen sometimes treat matters with which they have to deal, even when serious ones:-- An itinerant vendor of wood in Aberdeen having been asked how his wife was, replied, "Oh, she's fine; I hae taen her tae Banchory;" and on it being innocently remarked that the change of air would do her good, he looked up, and, with a half smile, said, "Hoot, she's i' the kirk-yard." The well-known aversion of the Scotch to hearing _read_ sermons has often led to amusing occurrences.

One pastor, in a country district, who was much respected by his people, but who, nevertheless, were never quite reconciled to his _paper_ in the pulpit, found himself on one occasion in an awkward predicament, from this same paper question.

One Sabbath afternoon, having exhausted both firstly and secondly, he came to the termination of his discourse; but, unfortunately, the manuscript was wanting.

In vain efforts to seek the missing paper, he repeated "thirdly and lastly" _ad nauseam_ to his hearers.