And that naturally gives me a sympathy with all that is sublime on the one hand or affecting on the other." Yet later--but I cannot separate these things accurately in time--I awoke in my cot one night and heard Miss Plinlimmon sobbing.
The sound was dreadful to me and I longed to creep across the room to her dark bedside and comfort her; though I could tell she was trying to suppress it for fear of disturbing me.

In the end her sobs ceased and, still wondering, I dropped off to sleep, nor next day did I dare to question her.
But it could not have been long after this that we boys got wind of Mr.Scougall's approaching marriage with a wealthy lady of the town.
I must speak of this ceremony, because, as the fates ordained, it gave me my first start in life..