Between the town, which is nowadays an agricultural centre of some importance, and the outlying farms communication was cut off for a month; and I heard subsequently of one farmer who did not see a human being, unconnected with his own farm, for seven weeks.

The schoolhouse, which I managed to reach only two days behind time, was closed for a fortnight, and even in Thrums there was only a sprinkling of scholars.
On Sundays the feeling between the different denominations ran high, and the middling good folk who did not go to church counted those who did.

In the Established Church there was a sparse gathering, who waited in vain for the minister.

After a time it got abroad that a flag of distress was flying from the manse, and then they saw that the minister was storm-stayed.

An office-bearer offered to conduct service; but the others present thought they had done their duty and went home.