A terrible thing, Mr.McLean, is curiosity.

The Bible says that the love of money is the root of all evil, but we must ask Mr.Dishart if love of money is not a misprint for curiosity.

And you won't find men boring their way into other folk's concerns; it is a woman's failing, essentially a woman's." This was the doctor's pet topic, and he pursued it until they had to part.

He had opened his door and was about to enter when he saw Gavinia passing on her way home from the Den.
"Come here, my lass," he called to her, and then said inquisitively, "I'm told Mr.McLean is at his tea with Miss Ailie every day ?" "And it's true," replied Gavinia, in huge delight, "and what's more, she has given him some presents." "You say so, lassie! What were they now ?" "I dinna ken," Gavinia had to admit, dejectedly.

"She took them out o' the ottoman, and it has aye been kept looked." McQueen looked very knowingly at her.