Morning prayers in Dr.Dowbiggin's house were at 8.05, and the wrath of the Doctor was so dangerous that one probationer staying at the manse, and not quite independent of influence, did not venture to undress, but snatched a fearful doze sitting upright on a cane-bottomed chair, lest he should not be in at the psalm.

Young ministers of untidy habits regarded Dr.Dowbiggin's study with despair, and did not recover their spirits till they were out of Muirtown.

Once only did this eminent man visit the manse of Kilbogie, and in favourable moments after dinner he would give his choicer experiences.
"It is my invariable custom to examine the bed to see that everything is in order, and any one sleeping in Kilbogie Manse will find the good of such a precaution.

I trust that I am not a luxurious person--it would ill become one who came out in '43--but I have certainly become accustomed to the use of sheets.

When I saw there were none on the bed, I declined to sleep without them, and I indicated my mind very distinctly on the condition of the manse.
"Would you believe it ?" the Doctor used to go on.