Summary

Portrait of Ian Maclaren Ian Maclaren A Doctor of the Old School — Volume 3

He could see the dim outlines of his house, all dark and cold; no one he loved was beneath the roof. The lighted window in Saunders' cottage told where a man hung between life and death, but love was in that home. The futility of life arose before this lonely man, and overcame his heart with an indescribable sadness. What a vanity was all human labour, what a mystery all human life.
But while he stood, subtle change came over the night, and the air trembled round him as if one had whispered. Drumsheugh lifted his head and looked eastwards.
Source: Gutenberg

Portrait of Ian Maclaren Ian Maclaren A Doctor of the Old School — Volume 3

The doctor is now distinctly visible, riding after his fashion.
There was never such a chance, if it were only Saturday; and each man reads his own regret in his neighbor's face.
The doctor is nearing them rapidly; they can imagine the shepherd's tartan.
Sabbath or no Sabbath, the Glen cannot let him pass without some tribute of their pride.
Jess had recognized friends, and the doctor is drawing rein.
Source: Gutenberg

Portrait of Ian Maclaren Ian Maclaren A Doctor of the Old School — Volume 3

Drumsheugh used to moralize, as often as he remembered that critical night, "it wes humblin' tae see hoo low sickness can bring a pooerfu' man, an' ocht tae keep us frae pride."
"A month syne there wesna a stronger man in the Glen than Saunders, an' noo he wes juist a bundle o' skin and bone, that naither saw nor heard, nor moved nor felt, that kent naethin' that was dune tae him.
Source: Gutenberg

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