 been but little intercourse
between the families. Deans was a sturdy Scotsman, with all sort of prejudices
against the southern, and the spawn of the southern. Moreover, Deans was, as we
have said, a stanch Presbyterian, of the most rigid and unbending adherence to
what he conceived to be the only possible straight line, as he was wont to
express himself, between right-hand heats and extremes and left-hand defections;
and, therefore, he held in high dread and horror all Independents, and
whomsoever he supposed allied to them.
    But, notwithstanding these national prejudices and religious professions,
Deans and the widow Butler were placed in such a situation, as naturally and at
length created some intimacy between the families. They had shared a common
danger and a mutual deliverance. They needed each other's assistance, like a
company, who, crossing a mountain stream, are compelled to cling close together,
lest the current should be too powerful for any who are not thus supported.
    On nearer acquaintance, too. Deans abated some of his prejudices. He found
old Mrs. Butler, though not thoroughly grounded in the extent and bearing of the
real testimony against the defections of the times, had no opinions in favour of
the Independent party; neither was she an Englishwoman. Therefore, it was to be
hoped, that, though she was the widow of an enthusiastic corporal of Cromwell's
dragoons, her grandson might be neither schismatic nor anti-national, two
qualities concerning which Goodman Deans had as wholesome a terror as against
papists and malignants. Above all (for Douce Davie Deans had his weak side), he
perceived that widow Butler looked up to him with reverence, listened to his
advice, and compounded for an occasional fling at the doctrines of her deceased
husband, to which, as we have seen, she was by no means warmly attached, in
consideration of the valuable counsels which the Presbyterian afforded her for
the management of her little farm. These usually concluded with »they may do
otherwise in England, neighbour Butler, for aught I ken;« or, »it may be
different in foreign parts;« or, »they wha think differently on the great
foundation of our covenanted reformation, overturning and mishguggling the
government and discipline of the kirk, and breaking down the carved work of our
Zion, might be for sawing the craft wi' aits; but I say peace, peace.« And as
his advice was shrewd and sensible, though conceitedly given, it was received
with gratitude, and followed with respect.
    The intercourse which took place betwixt the families
