The chief differences apparent were, that he had grown considerably, and that he wore a coat.

The hat, at that time a necessary portion of the college costume, he had discarded, wearing his old cap in preference.

There was likewise a certain indescribable alteration in tone and manner, a certain general crystallization and polish, which the same friends regarded as an indubitable improvement.
The day after his arrival, crossing the square of Glamerton, he spied, in a group of men talking together, his old friend, Thomas Crann.

He went up and shook hands with him, and with Andrew Constable, the clothier.
"Has na he grown a lang chield ?" said Andrew to Thomas, regarding Alec kindly.
"Humph!" returned Thomas, "he'll jist need the langer coffin." Alec laughed; but Andrew said, "Hoot! hoot!" Thomas and Alec walked away together.

But scarcely a sentence had been exchanged before the stonemason, with a delicacy of perception of which his rough manner and horny hands gave no indication, felt that a film of separation had come between the youth and himself.