Twa' an' twenty years come the back end o' the year, an' it wasna thocht 'at I could live through the winter.

'Ye'll no last mair than anither month, Jess,' was what my sister Bell said, when she came to see me, and yet here I am aye sittin' at my window, an' Bell's been i' the kirkyard this dozen years.
"Leeby was saxteen month younger than Joey, an' mair quiet like.

Her heart was juist set on helpin' aboot the hoose, an' though she was but fower year auld she could kindle the fire an' red up (clean up) the room.

Leeby's been my savin' ever since she was fower year auld.

Ay, but it was Joey 'at hung aboot me maist, an' he took notice 'at I wasna gaen out as I used to do.