Yet people do not boast of having been born there, and natives will pretend they came from Greenock.

No one can mention Paisley without a smile, and yet no one can say what amused him.

Certain names are the source of perennial laughter, in which their inhabitants join doubtfully, as persons not sure whether to be proud or angry.

They generally end in an apology, while the public, grasping vaguely at the purpose of such a place, settle on it every good tale that is going about the world unprovided for and fatherless.

So a name comes to be bathed in the ridiculous, and a mere reference to it passes for a stroke of supreme felicity.
"Paisley"-- Jamie again tasted the idea--"she 'll be an acqueesition tae the Glen." It was Sarah's first stroke of character to arrive without notice--having utterly baffled Peter at the Junction--and to be in complete possession of the manse on the return of Carmichael and his aunt from pastoral visits.
"Sarah," cried the old lady in amazement at the sight of the housekeeper in full uniform, calm and self-possessed, as one having been years in this place, "when did ye come ?" "Two hours ago, m'am, and I think I understand the house.