He began to look down upon all his past, and, in it, upon his old companions.

Since knowing Kate, who had more delicate habits and ways than he had ever seen, he had begun to refine his own modes concerning outside things; and in his anxiety to be like her, while he became more polished, he became less genial and wide-hearted.
But none of his old friends forgot him.

I believe not a day passed in which Thomas did not pray for him in secret, naming him by his name, and lingering over it mournfully--"Alexander Forbes--the young man that I thocht wad hae been pluckit frae the burnin' afore noo.

But thy time's the best, O Lord.

It's a' thy wark; an' there's no good thing in us.