There are those who look upon confessions and vows as of little importance; but even in the lower affairs of life, when a healthy man has said out what he means, he commonly means it more intensely.

When Alec Trenholme had told his brother that he still intended to be a butcher, the thing for him was practically done, and that, not because he would have been ashamed to retract, but because he had no further wish to retract.
"And the mair fules ye are baith," said Bates, having recourse to broad Scotch to express his indignation when told what had passed.
It was out of good nature that Alec had told the one invalid what had been going on in the other's room, but Bates was only very much annoyed.
"I thought," said he, "that ye'd got that bee out of yer ain bonnet, but ye're baith of ye daft now." "Come now, Bates; you wouldn't dare to say that to my 'brother, the clergyman.'" "I know more what's due than to call a minister a fule to his face, but whiles it's necessary to say it behind his back." "Now I call him a hero, after what he's said to-day." Alec was enjoying the humour of poking up the giant of conventionality.
"Hoots, man; it's yourself ye regard as a hero! Set yerself up as a Juggernaut on a car and crush him under the wheels!" "Oh, I'm going to British Columbia.

I won't take him at his word; but I'm pleased he had pluck enough to think of taking the bull by the horns." "But I'm thinking ye just will take him at his word, for it's the easiest--standing there, patting him on the back, because he's given up to you!" It was as odd a household this as well might be.

Alec spent some of his time offering rough ministrations to his lame brother and asthmatic visitor, but more often left them to the sad but conscientious care of Mrs.Martha, preferring to exercise his brother's horses; and he scoured the country, escaping from social overtures he did not feel prepared to meet.

To all three men Mrs.Martha was at this time an object of silent wonder.